Recipes Archives - Sweet Frugal Life

Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe No Cooking Required

December 5, 2024 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to make the best pizza sauce from scratch

Did you know that this homemade pizza sauce recipe is actually ridiculously easy to make at home?? Yep! It is! Not only is it easy, but it’s also super cheap! You will only need a few ingredients from your pantry and you are good to go.

My family loves our monthly tradition of Friday Night Family Pizza and Movie Night. We’ve been doing this tradition for over a decade, and the teens still look forward to it (I call this a win)! On the first Friday of every month we eat pizza and watch a movie together as a family. So simple and frugal, but also so fun!

Most months I make my no fail pizza crust recipe and top it with this easy homemade pizza sauce. Some months we might mix it up a little and try a new type of homemade pizza, or other months we order a pizza for takeout.

It doesn’t matter exactly where the pizza comes from, what matters the most is that we are spending time together and making memories.

Let’s get to the recipe!

Gather Your Ingredients

The first thing you need to do is gather all of your ingredients. For this easy pizza sauce recipe you will need:

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
6 oz. warm water
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp honey
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Small shake of red pepper flakes
Salt to taste

I honestly love this mix of ingredients! It makes such a great tasting pizza sauce!

Now, that you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to mix it all together! You won’t believe how easy this is!

All you have to do is get out a medium sized bowl, add all of the ingredients listed above and stir! It takes like 5 minutes (prob less!).

red sauce in bowl

Let the sauce sit for 30-45 minutes so the flavors will blend together.

Lastly, spread the sauce on your favorite pizza dough recipe and bake according to pizza instructions.

See?? I told you it was easy peasy!

Easy Pizza Sauce

You'll love this low prep, great tasting pizza sauce recipe!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 28

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 6 oz. can tomato paste
6 oz. warm water
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp honey
3/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Small shake of red pepper flakes To Taste
Salt to taste To Taste

Method

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
Mix well.
Let sit in bowl for 30-35 minutes.
Use with your favorite pizza dough recipe, following pizza baking instructions.

pizza sauce on pizza dough

In Conclusion

Recipes that are easy, cheap, and delicious always have my heart and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this easy homemade pizza sauce recipe with you! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe For Future Reference

Enjoy this easy homemade pizza sauce recipe.

How To Keep Strawberries Fresh

August 2, 2024 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The Best Ways To Store Strawberries To Keep Them Fresh Longer

It’s strawberry season at my house! Oh how I love picking fresh strawberries from the garden. There is just nothing better than sitting on my backyard deck eating a bowl of freshly picked strawberries. However, the one thing I do not like about strawberry season is when my beautiful, perfect strawberries start to go bad (so sad!!!). Fortunately over the years I have learned a few tricks about how to keep strawberries fresh! It takes a little extra work and prep, but it is so worth it to keep your strawberries from spoiling quickly.

These tips for keeping strawberries fresh work for both garden strawberries and store bought strawberries! I try to look for strawberry sales during the spring and buy a huge batch to eat throughout the week.

Feel free to pick and choose which method you prefer for your preventing spoiled strawberries! I’m just sharing a few of my favorites below.

Sweet Frugal Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

1. Wash Strawberries In Vinegar Solution

I’m super excited to share this first method for keeping strawberries fresh (prob because it’s my fave!) I learned it a few years ago and my life changed! Seriously! I’ve thrown so many less strawberries away, making my belly and wallet very happy!

One of the best ways I have found to keep your strawberries fresh longer is to wash them in a vinegar solution before storing them in the fridge.

I love this method because:

It’s easy
It’s quick
It’s cheap
It works!

Washing strawberries in a vinegar bath only takes a few minutes of prep time, but will make a huge difference (promise!).

To make your vinegar solution, simply combine one part vinegar to three parts water in a clean sink (I honestly just eyeball this part!). Place your strawberries in the vinegar solution and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir them around a few times so they all get evenly bathed!

After 5 minutes, rinse the strawberries thoroughly in a strainer and lay them on a paper towel to dry for 1-2 hours.

Once the strawberries are thoroughly dry (this is important!), put them back into their original container and store them in the fridge.

I personally like the containers that strawberries come in from the store, but I know a lot of people swear by these storage containers from Amazon.

2. Store Strawberries in a Mason Jar

Another way to keep your strawberries fresh longer is to store them, unwashed, in an airtight glass mason jar.

I’ve tried this strategy a few times and it does a great job at prolonging the life of your strawberries.

I love the mason jar method because:

It’s easy
It’s quick

However, I have found a couple of things that I don’t like about this method.

The first thing that I don’t like is that the bottom layer of strawberries tend to become soft and mushy fairly quickly. The weight from the strawberries stored on top of them tend to squish the bottom layers, making some of your delicious strawberries go bad faster than they should (which is what we are trying to avoid!!).

And the second thing I dislike about storing strawberries in a mason jar is that a mason jar typically doesn’t have a large storing capacity. So, you will need a few jars to store a large amount of strawberries. This isn’t a huge deal breaker, but just something I have noticed.

Related: Easy Huckleberry Muffin Recipe

3. Store Strawberries Unwashed in Fridge

Another storing method I have tried is to simply store strawberries in the fridge unwashed. I know, I know…..unwashed sounds a little absurd, but there is good reason behind this idea.

Strawberries will begin to spoil when they are wet, so if you store them pre washed you will ensure the strawberries don’t experience any excess moisture.

I love the unwashed strawberry method because:

It’s easy
It’s quick
It’s cheap

However, I have learned that this method will not keep your strawberries fresh for days and days. If you plan to eat your strawberries within the next day or two, storing them unwashed in the fridge will work just fine. But, if you want them to last longer, then I would recommend trying a different method.

A Few Tips to Remember

I have used each of these three methods in my attempts to keep my strawberries fresh.

However, I don’t believe they are all created equal, and I highly recommend you give the vinegar wash a try! Although it is a little more time consuming, it has worked the best for me!

Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:

Strawberries need to be stored dry. If you wash them, make sure to let them thoroughly dry before refrigerating. I have found that storing strawberries in the fridge, on a paper towel will help absorb any excess moisture.
Make sure to remove any moldy strawberries before storing strawberries. One moldy berry in the container will ruin the rest of the bunch.
Keeping strawberries on your counter for a day will be fine, but if you want them to last any longer than that, you will want to store them in your fridge.
Strawberries are very easy to freeze! I love buying strawberries on sale, or picking them from my garden and freezing them for long term storage. Here’s my easy tutorial for freezing strawberries!

In Conclusion

Now that we have gone over a few different ways you can keep strawberries fresh longer, it’s time for you to try out the different methods and pick the one that works best for you!

Don’t forget to read a few of my other articles to help you keep your food fresh:

Pin For Future Reference:

Now you know how to keep strawberries fresh!

Quick & Easy Muffin Recipes

February 20, 2024 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

These are the best simple muffin recipes perfect for breakfast, snacks, and everything in between!

Muffins are just the best…..there’s just no denying it. They are super easy to make, very frugal, and so delicious. We always have a stock of homemade muffins in our house. We eat them for quick breakfasts on busy mornings, my kids love putting them in their lunch boxes or grabbing one for an after school snack. You just can’t go wrong when it comes to muffins. I’ve scoured the internet and found the very best quick and easy muffin recipes for you to try.

So, look no further! Below is the ultimate list in the best simple muffin recipes. Happy baking my friends!

I am a member of Amazon affiliate program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Air Fryer Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you are looking for large, bakery style muffins that only take a few minutes to throw together, then you will love these Air Fryer Double Chocolate Chip Muffins. They are full of yummy chocolaty goodness and topped with sugar sprinkles for an added crunch.

Apple Crumb Muffins

This quick and easy apple muffin recipe takes only a few minutes to throw together and has a delicious crumb topping, giving it that little extra something special.

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

You can whip together these yummy apple oatmeal muffins in no time. They use fresh apples which gives it that extra boost of flavor.

Applesauce Muffins

Whip together these simple applesauce muffins in only 15 minutes of prep time. They have the perfect blend of spices for a great tasting muffin!

Banana Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

I love baking with bananas. They make baked goods so yummy and moist, plus it helps prevent waste if we can’t quite eat the bananas in time. These mini banana cinnamon sugar muffins are quick and easy to fix and make the perfect snack sized treat.

Banana Coconut Muffins

I have a personal goal to try anything and everything that has coconut in it. Coconut just happens to be my very favorite food/flavor. My mouth is watering just thinking about these banana coconut muffins and I can’t wait to try them!

Banana Crumb Muffins

If you are looking for another way to use up your ripe bananas, check out this Banana Crumb Muffin recipe. They only use basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and gives a big banana flavor! Yum!

Related: Simple Banana Bread Recipe

Banana Walnut Muffins

You can never have to many banana recipes! This banana walnut recipe combines the delicious flavor or walnuts with bananas for a delicious and quick muffin.

Basic Muffin Recipe

If you are looking for a basic muffin recipe that you can adapt for whatever mood or occasion, then this muffin recipe is for you. It will take you through how to make a basic muffin, and also how to add any variations to make it exactly how you want it. This is the type of muffin recipe you will use over and over again.

Blueberry Muffins

There is just nothing better than easy to follow, straight forward recipes! And that is exactly what I love about this easy blueberry muffin recipe. The ingredients are simple and the instructions are so easy! Yay!

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

I love a good streusel topping, which is exactly why these blueberry streusel muffins caught my eye. They are the perfect quick and easy muffin recipe to throw together on busy mornings.

Brown Sugar Muffins

Brown Sugar Muffins remind me so much of my childhood, they were always a staple in my moms kitchen. Brown sugar muffins are a very simple, basic muffin recipe, but taste so so good!

Chocolate Muffins

I love this easy chocolate muffins recipe! It’s quick and easy and full of chocolatey deliciousness!

Chocolate Chip Muffins

What kid doesn’t love a chocolate chip muffin? I know that my kids will ALWAYS grab anything with chocolate chips in it, before any other option. This is the perfect chocolate chip muffin recipe.

Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins

Here’s another quick and easy muffin recipe. These cinnamon applesauce muffins take less than 45 minutes to make and have a delicious cinnamon sugar topping.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins

Do you want to know what’s better than chocolate and peanut butter??? DOUBLE chocolate and peanut butter!

I can’t wait to try these double chocolate peanut butter muffins! They will make the perfect after school treat for my kiddos.

Huckleberry Muffins

Every summer my family and I travel to the mountains to pick huckleberries. The days we spend together foraging for our favorite berry is some of my favorite memories. We love snacking and laughing and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature.

Our freshly picked huckleberries are used in baked goods for the next few weeks including these delicious huckleberry muffins.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Another flavor that I just can’t live without is lemon. It’s just so so good! These lemon blueberry muffins combine the sweet & tart flavors of lemon and blueberries for a delicious tasting muffin. It is the perfect quick and easy muffin recipe!

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

These lemon poppyseed muffins are sweet and delicious and will keep you coming back for more.

Lemon Raspberry Muffins

Here’s another quick and easy muffin recipe, lemon raspberry muffins. They only have a ten minute prep time and are topped with a delicious lemon glaze. Basically all of my favorite things!

Related: Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Magdalenas (Spanish Muffins)

I just learned about Magdalenas, a Spanish muffin and now I can’t wait to try them! They have a slight lemon flavor and a sugar crusted top!

Mulberry Muffins With Brown Sugar Topping

If you happen to live in an area where you can forage for mulberries you might love trying out this quick and easy mulberry muffins recipe.

Oatmeal Muffins

My family loves when I make these oatmeal muffins for them. We always try to keep them stocked in the pantry for quick breakfasts and easy snacks.

Oatmeal and Carrot Muffins

You can whip together these oatmeal and carrot muffins in such a short time, making them the perfect quick and easy muffin recipe.

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Muffins

These peanut butter banana oat muffins are made in a mini muffin tin making them the perfect snack size. Prep time is just 5 minutes so you will be enjoying these delicious muffins in less than 30 minutes.

Pineapple Muffins

Honestly, I have never heard of pineapple muffins until I came across this easy muffin recipe. And now I can’t wait to make them! I mean…there is just nothing better than a tropical treat! The recipe is super easy to follow and budget friendly!

Pumpkin Muffins

I don’t think you could find a more quick and easy pumpkin muffin recipe than this one right here. All of the ingredients are pantry friendly, and you probably have them stocked in your cupboards. Plus, the recipe is very easy to follow, nothing fancy or out of the ordinary!

Pumpkin Cake Mix Muffins

This three ingredient pumpkin cake mix muffin recipe is just so good! It’s a great way to whip up something yummy, without needing tons of ingredients and time.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I love a recipe that sticks to very simple ingredients. That is one of the things I like about this pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipe. These quick to fix muffins are delicious and easy to throw together.

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Pumpkin AND zucchini in one muffin?!?!? Sign me up! This yummy pumpkin zucchini muffin recipe is the perfect way to use up your garden zucchini and enjoy a delicious moist muffin at the same time.

Related: Homemade Graham Cracker Recipe

Raspberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

I love my little raspberry patch in my garden and I can’t wait to use those yummy berries in this raspberry crumble muffins recipe this summer.

Sweet Potato Muffins

Looking for a way to use up leftover mashed sweet potatoes?? Look no further, this sweet potato muffins recipe is the perfect one! Prep time takes 10 minutes and you’ll be rewarded with fluffy and delicious muffins!

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

This whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin recipe has been a staple in our house for years and years. The flavor is delicious and I love that it’s made with whole wheat flour!

Zucchini Muffins

This zucchini muffin recipe is yet another easy muffin recipe perfect for using up any garden zucchini. They come out moist with the perfect hint of cinnamon!

Quick & Easy Muffin Recipes

I hope that you love these quick and easy muffin recipes! the more you can bake from scratch at home, the more money you will be able to save!

Pin For Future Reference:

I hope you love these quick and easy muffin recipes!

Easy Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe

September 23, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to make a Broccoli and Grape Salad.

Have you ever eaten a broccoli and grape salad??? Because if you haven’t, you are for real missing out big time! It’s sweet, flavorful and delicious, basically all the best things! Every time I make this easy broccoli grape salad recipe I always get so many compliments and requests for the recipe. It’s a huge crowd hit!

Today I’m sharing this recipe with each of you! I know you are going to love this easy salad recipe and wow everyone you serve it to. I am so excited for you!

This recipe was passed down from my grandma, to my mom and to me. I love sharing it with others because I get to remember my dear mom and grandmother and the hands that have perfected the recipe. It’s been loved and shared by so many! Aren’t family recipes just the best kind of recipes??? I think so!

Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe

To make this salad you will need:

4 bunches of broccoli, florets cut
2 cups of grapes, sliced in half
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Putting It All Together

First, cut broccoli florets off of 4 bunches of broccoli and put them into a large bowl. Then slice 2 cups of grapes in half. Add them to the bowl.

Next, add the honey roasted peanuts and sunflower seeds. I love watching all of the colors come together in this salad!

In a separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar and apple cider vinegar.

Once mixed, pour dressing over the salad and stir well.

All done! It’s ready to serve! This salad tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for 12-24 hours. So, don’t be afraid to make it in advance!

Broccoli Grape Salad

This easy salad recipe is a crowd favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Course: Salad

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

4 bunches broccoli cut
2 cups grapes sliced in half
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method

Mix broccoli, grapes, sunflower seeds and honey roasted peanuts together in a large bowl.
In a small separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar and apple cider vinegar to make the dressing.
Pour dressing over broccoli and grapes mixture.
Stir well until mixed throughout.

Try it! You’ll like it!

Let me know if you try this broccoli and grape salad! I would love to know what you think of the recipe! Just last week I took it to a BBQ with friends and everyone was complimenting me and going back for seconds and thirds. I love surprising crowds with this salad!

Mel’s Home Cooking

Do you want even more easy recipes? Check out my cookbook, Mel’s Home Cooking, for more quick to fix recipes.

Easy Huckleberry Muffin Recipe

Free Recipe Binder Printables

Easy Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe To Make Later:

I can’t wait for you to try this easy broccoli grape salad recipe!

Rice Krispie Monsters

September 10, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life3 Comments

Check out these easy spooky rice krispie treats!

My kids school has a fun Halloween carnival each year. It’s a great fundraiser and always a lot of fun for the kids to participate in. As part of the carnival they have a Bake Sale. All of the baked goods are donated and sold off as a way to earn money for the school. I’ve started making these easy Rice Krispie Monsters every year for the bake sale and they are always one of the first items sold! These spooky rice krispie treats are truly so fun for everyone!

Disclosure: “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Rice Krispie Monsters Directions

One of my favorite parts of this easy Halloween treat is that it is so easy to make, but makes such a cute and fun statement.

1. Make Rice Krispies

The first step is to make rice krispie treats according to the package directions. If you have never made rice krispie treats before, don’t worry, they are a so so easy and only take a few minutes to whip up.

Pour your finished rice krispie treats into a 9×13 pan and let them cool and harden.

Once your spooky rice krispies are cool, cut them into rectangles. The size and dimension really doesn’t matter. It actually would be cute to have a few different sizes and maybe a little un-uniformed! They are rice krispie monsters after all!

2. Prepare Chocolate

Next, you will want to prepare your chocolate for dipping.

I bought these candy melts from Walmart. You can order them off of Amazon, but they were cheaper at Walmart. It’s fun to experiment with different colors. I have found turquoise, purple, and orange to be our favorite monster colors.

To melt your chocolate, pour the candy melts into a glass bowl and place in microwave. Heat on 50% heat for 1 minute. Stir well and then return to microwave for another 15 seconds. Keep stirring and heating in 15 second intervals until chocolate is smooth and melted.

Related: The Ultimate Fall Frugal Bucket List for Families

3. Dip Rice Krispies in Chocolate

Now it’s time to make your monsters! My kids love helping with this part!

Dip each rice krispie rectangle half way into the melted chocolate. Be quick with this step. As the chocolate cools it is harder to dip and use.

Lay each dipped rice krispie treat on a parchment paper and add eyes before chocolate hardens.

4. Add Candy Eyes

All that’s left is to add on the candy eyes. I also bought these at Walmart, but they are available on Amazon.

This part is so easy and fun! Use your creativity to make silly faces on each monster! My kids had some fun ideas for making the eyes unique.

Let your cute rice krispie monsters cool, and the chocolate harden.

And that is it! You are done! Now, feed your monster treats to your little monster darlings. 😉

Easy Pumpkin Craft Tutorial For a Fun Fall Decoration

DIY Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial

Pin for future reference:

Enjoy these yummy Rice Krispie Monsters!

Easy After School Snack Ideas

September 5, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

Quick after school snacks for kids!

I am always looking for easy after school snack ideas. After school snack time is one of my favorite parts of the day because it is a time for my kids to sit down, refill their bellies, and talk to ME (if I’m lucky tbh)! 😉

I will admit, a big reason I make the after school snack a priority is for selfish reasons. My goal is that as they eat their snack they will tell me all the highs and lows of their day. It doesn’t always happen this way, but sometimes I see success. There have been amazing days when they have sat down and poured their hearts out to me over the snack. And those days make it all worthwhile!

I spent the past month taking a daily picture of our after school snacks. A “pinterest mom” I am not; my parenting thrives on simple and cheap. If you are looking for the healthiest, fanciest snacks…..this is NOT that type of blog.

However, if you are looking for a few easy snack ideas then keep reading, you just might find one here!

Easy After School Snack Ideas Week 1

Day 1: Peanut butter cookie, raisins

Day 2: Cinnamon sugar tortilla, grapes

Day 3: Whole wheat banana chocolate chip muffin, strawberries

Day 4: Bagel with cream cheese, strawberries

Day 5: Applesauce

Week 2

Day 1: Peanut butter cookie, dried apples

Day 2: Peanut butter crackers for running errands

Day 3: String cheese, orange

Day 4: Animal crackers, celery with peanut butter

Day 5: Fruit leather and dried apples

Week 3

Day 1: Animal crackers, grapes for running errands

Day 2: Homemade Graham Crackers, grapes

Day 3: Apple slices with peanut butter and chocolate chips (I use this mandoline slicer for the apples)

Day 4: Monster Rice Krispie Treats

Day 5: Frozen Blueberries

Week 4

Day 1: Oil popped popcorn

Day 2: Muffin Tin Snack of carrots, animal crackers, cheerios, raisins and string cheese

Day 3: Pumpkin muffin and raisins

Day 4: String cheese and carrots

Day 5: Cheerios and raisins

In Conclusion

It was actually so fun to look back and see all of the different snacks we had over the past month! I hope that you found them helpful! Feeding kids doesn’t need to take a lot of work or cost a lot of money!

Pin For Later:

How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

A Month of Kids School Lunch Ideas

What are some of your favorite easy after school snacks ideas?

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

July 19, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

How do you make ice cream in a bag? I’ve got the answer for you!

One of our very favorite summer activities is making ice cream in a bag. It’s easy (the kids can do it all by themselves!), cheap and fun! I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand. And, who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summers day???? I know we do! So, I knew I needed to blog about how to make ice cream in a bag so you can all enjoy it too!

I’ve always said that I was born in the wrong decade! I truly yearn for the simple life of the early 1900s, I think that’s partly why I love being frugal. There is just so much satisfaction from growing and making my own food; and living a simpler, less materialistic life.

When we make our own ice cream it reminds me of simpler times. It’s a way for the entire family to have fun together, no need to go to an ice cream parlor or the grocery store. We can do it on our own!

Making homemade ice cream in a bag is such a fun summer activity for kids! Try this recipe out with your kiddos, you will not regret it!

How To Make Ice Cream In A Bag

Making ice cream in a bag is so easy and fun for kids to help with!

Gather Supplies

The first thing you will need to do is gather your supplies. For this recipe you will need:

1 cup half and half
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup ice cream salt
Ice
Favorite mix ins: chocolate syrup, caramel, sprinkles, vanilla extract, fruit, chocolate chips, etc.
Gallon Ziplock Freezer Bag
Quart Ziplock Storage Bag

Ice Cream In A Bag Instructions

Now that you have gathered all of your supplies, it’s time to make the ice cream! AKA: The best part! 😉

The first step is to pour the half and half, sugar and one or more mix ins into the quart sized bag. (we chose to add cocoa for our mix ins because….I mean…it’s chocolate! ;))

Seal the bag shut tightly, taking care to get out all of the excess air. It’s very important that the bag is shut all of the way so that the salt doesn’t get into the ice cream (nobody likes salty ice cream!).

Next, take out your gallon size Ziploc freezer bag and dump in a lot of and about 1/2 cup ice cream salt (I never measure this, I just kind of guess). It doesn’t need to be exact.

Now, just place the quart size bag inside of the gallon size bag. Close the gallon size bag and seal it tight. It’s time to start shaking, this is the fun part!

You will need to shake the bags for a good 5-10 minutes. It takes a lot of hard shaking to get the ice cream to thicken and it’s important to be shaking constantly.

The kids usually get a little tired of shaking the bag so much, we like to turn it into a game. We turn on music and have a shaking dance party, throw them to each other and take turns shaking everyone’s, etc.

Keep shaking the bags until the milk mixture looks frozen, take the quart size bag out and rinse it under cold water. This helps to wash off any excess salt.

Pour your ice cream into a bowl, top with sprinkles if you’d like, and ENJOY!

I love the simplicity of this activity, and the excitement the kids get out of making their very own personal ice cream!

Ice Cream in a Bag

Make homemade ice cream and enjoy a fun activity with ice cream in a bag!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Servings: 1 person

Course: Dessert

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 Cup Half and Half
2 Tbsp Sugar optional
1/2 Cup Rock Salt
Ice

Optional Mix Ins

1 Tbsp Vanilla
1 Tbsp Cocoa
Chocolate Syrup
Fruit
Sprinkles

Method

In a quart ziplock bag mix half and half, sugar and one or more mix ins.
In a gallon ziplock bag mix ice and rock salt together.
Take the quart size bag with the ice cream ingredients and get out all the air and seal it shut. Make sure the bag is sealed tight so no salt will get inside. Place the quart size bag inside of the gallon size bag.
Now for the fun part. You shake it! This takes about 5-10 minutes of HARD shaking. It’s important to be shaking it constantly. I will usually help my little kids to make sure it gets nice and frozen.
Once the milk mixture looks frozen, take the quart size bag out and rinse it under cold water. This helps to wash off any excess salt.
Pour it into your bowl, top with sprinkles if you’d like, and ENJOY! I love the simplicity of this activity, and the excitement the kids get out of making their very own personal ice cream!

In Conclusion

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! It’s so fun to try to make different flavors and experiment! My daughter had the idea to use a little mint extract and chocolate chips in our next batch for our own chocolate mint flavor! There is really no right or wrong combo!

Let me know if you have any questions about how to make ice cream in a bag. I promise, you will love this recipe and easy summer activity!

Our Favorite Play dough Recipe

50 Free Screen Free Summer Kids Activities

Easy Nature Craft for Kids

Pin For Later:

I hope this helped you understand how to make ice cream in a bag.

30 Family Friendly Meals On A Budget

June 18, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out this list of Cheap Dinners For Families.

Looking for some family friendly meals on a budget? I have you covered in this article!

One of the best ways to save more money is to cook at home more and eat out less. The problem though is that some of us are busy, some of us have picky eaters, and some of us don’t like to cook.

I hear your frustrations and struggles! Which is exactly why I found you these 29 simple to cook, and cheap dinners for families. One (or all!) of these are sure to be a new favorite in your household.

1. Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

If you are looking for a comforting dinner, try these easy instant pot chicken enchiladas! I love meals that are freezer friendly, and this recipe is just that! Make these enchiladas and stick them in the freezer to use for later.

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Got 20 minutes, a pound of ground beef, and some broccoli on hand? You are so lucky: You have the core of this easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe all ready to go, the next time you need a quick weeknight dinner idea.

3. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Craving Chinese takeout? Try this easy sheet pan cashew chicken recipe instead! You only need a few ingredients to throw together this quick dinner.

4. Cheap and Easy Doritos Nacho Bake

I love this Doritos Nacho Bake because it it is easy to customize for all taste preferences. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, which is always a huge plus in my book!

5. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are cheap and tasty, basically all of my favorite things! I love the sweet dry rub in this recipe. It’s so easy to make and budget friendly!

6. Garlic Olive Oil Pasta

Check out this quick, meatless Garlic Olive Oil Pasta for an easy dinner. You only need three ingredients for this recipe, and they are all budget friendly. Win-Win!

7. Easy Pasta Bake

If you’re needing a quick, kid friendly meal you must try this Easy Pasta Bake. The prep is so ridiculously easy and my kids always devour it!

8. American Goulash

I love one pot recipes, they just make cooking (and clean up!) so much easier! Here is a great one pot recipe using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Check out the American Goulash recipe here!

9. Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Honestly, I want to try every single instant pot recipe that comes my way! I’m all about a quick to fix meal! Instead of buying boxed hamburger helper, just make it yourself in your instant pot with this easy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper recipe!

10. One Pot Pasta

All you need is 15 minutes to whip up this one pot pasta. This is the perfect frugal recipe for those busy days!

11. Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole

Check out this Baked Chicken and Zucchini Casserole recipe for a low carb dinner idea. It is both frugal and quick to fix! This would be the perfect meal for using up some of your garden zucchini!

Related: 9 Easiest Vegetables To Grow In First Garden

12. Oven Baked Pork Chops

All you need is 5 minutes to prep these Oven Baked Pork Chops. This is a simple, budget friendly sheet pan meal that is sure to become a new family favorite!

13. Chicken Broccoli Instant Pot Casserole

Another budget friendly instant pot recipe is this Chicken Broccoli Casserole. It has very little prep and cooks extra fast using the Instant Pot.

Related: What To Do With A Costco Rotisserie Chicken

14. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

I’m all about celebrating Taco Tuesday, and these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are the perfect meal to do that! You can fix it before work and let it cook in the slow cooker. It will be ready right on time when you get home!

15. Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Looking for a twist on the traditional pulled pork? Try this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken instead! You probably already have all of the ingredients in your kitchen, plus it will only take 5 minutes to throw it all together!

16. Easy Chili Verde

You will only need 4 ingredients to make this Easy Chili Verde recipe. You can serve this meal in tortillas, rice or chips! It’s so fun to customize it however you want!

17. Mushroom Aglio Olio

This Mushroom Aglio Olio is a quick, easy and budget friendly dinner. With just six ingredients it’s on the table in twenty minutes.

18. Easy Skillet Caprese Chicken

If you are a fan of the classic Italian Caprese salad, then you will love this Easy Skillet Caprese Chicken recipe! It has the same amazing flavors added to the top of a sautéed chicken breast. This low carb chicken dinner is a must if you need a quick week night dinner recipe.

Related: Looking for even more family friendly meals on a budget? Check out Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe ebook where easy cooking and frugal living combine!

19. Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Here is an easy way to make a Chicken Pot Pie. This recipe uses frozen vegetables, which makes the prep minimal! Feel free to make your own biscuits from scratch (I have an easy recipe in my cookbook) or use refrigerator biscuits for an even easier dinner. The choice is yours!

20. One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

Another great one dish meal is this Spanish Chicken and Rice. This meal is so quick and easy, you’ll be eating it in just 30 minutes!

21. Cream Cheese Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create an easy 10-minute recipe that will keep both your budget and mouth happy!

22. Peanut Butter Chicken

You can use your favorite peanut butter to make this peanut butter chicken recipe. This is the perfect weeknight meal when you are craving take out!

23. Skillet Lasagna

This hearty skillet lasagna recipe is easy to make with Campanelle or Bowtie pasta in a skillet on the stove top! It has all of the flavor of classic lasagna, but a fraction of the work!

24. Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bowl

Love burritos? Try this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Bowl! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is both filling and delicious!

25. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Whip up a quick beef stew in the instant pot with this recipe. It’s the perfect hearty meal for a cool autumn day! I especially love that you can cook it using frozen stew meat! You don’t even have to remember to thaw it (yay!).

26. Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup

If you’re a big fan of easy, family-friendly meals, you’ve got to try this creamy and delicious crockpot sausage and tortellini soup. With just 6 simple (and cheap!) ingredients, this is sure to become one of your favorites.

27. Easy Cola Chicken

You will love this very simple, low prep Cola Chicken recipe. All you need are 4 ingredients and 30 minutes of your time for a delicious dinner.

28. Oven Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs

I will try just about any recipe that contains the word lemon in the title! It is one of my favorite ingredients! Which is exactly the reason why I fell in love with this Oven Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs recipe. The recipe is simple to follow and produces a moist, delicious chicken!

29. Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff

Crockpot chicken stroganoff is a fun spin on the classic stroganoff recipe. It is a family favorite as well as an easy toss and go crockpot recipe.

30. Quick Waikiki Chicken Recipe

My mom use to make this Waikiki Chicken recipe and it was one of my favorites! I love making it for my own kids now. It’s the perfect budget friendly and kid friendly dinner recipe!

You Can Cook At Home!

If you are struggling cooking dinner at home try one of these easy family friendly meals on a budget. I have found that the easier recipes I find, the more likely I am to actually cook it!

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe

Pin For Later Reference:

I hope you love these family friendly meals on a budget!

What To Do With A Costco Rotisserie Chicken

April 21, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to get the most out of one Costco rotisserie chicken.

Have you been wondering what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken??? You are not alone! This is a common question, one I use to have, but I have since learned a few ways to get the most out of each chicken. I am so excited to share how I use one of their delicious chickens in three different ways!

I started shopping at Costco almost a year ago. I was a little hesitant at first….worried that I would spend to much money, but I am now obsessed with this glorious store! It has saved our family money on groceries and we love so many of their products. Basically a win-win! One of my very favorite things to buy at Costco is their rotisserie chicken. It only costs $5, but is HUGE and delicious! A seriously good deal!

I am a member of online affiliate programs. I will be compensated for purchases made from links in this post.

There are many different meals you can make with your Costco chicken, but we have a few favorites that I make every single month. I am so excited to share those two dinner recipes with you! (Plus a bonus broth recipe!)

Need a Costco membership? No worries you can grab one here: Costco Membership

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #1: Buffalo Taquitos

My husband and I are both huge buffalo chicken fans (my kids….not so much...). But, we love to try ANYTHING that includes buffalo chicken, and these taquitos are so easy (especially when made using a rotisserie chicken) and delicious. Two huge wins in my book!

Gather Ingredients For Buffalo Taquitos Recipe

To make these buffalo taquitos you will need:

Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco Rotisserie Chicken)
Buffalo Sauce (I love Franks buffalo wing sauce)
Shredded Cheese (I use cheddar, because I always have it at home)
Cream Cheese (softened)
Flour Tortillas

First thing you need to do is use a hand mixer to mix the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce together. This only takes a minute and is so easy.

Next, gently stir in the chicken and cheese.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a flour tortilla. Roll it up gently and tightly and then place on a greased baking sheet.

Bake taquitos in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and slightly crispy.

Related: The Best Deals At Costco

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

A quick dinner using a rotisserie chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

3 oz. cream cheese softened
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
flour tortillas

Method

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
With hand mixer, beat together cream cheese and buffalo sauce until well mixed.
Stir in cheddar cheese and chicken.
Place 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture on bottom of tortilla.
Starting at bottom, slowly roll tortilla into a tight roll.
Place on a greased baking sheet.
Repeat until chicken mixture is gone.
Bake in oven for 15 minutes, or until tortillas are slightly crispy and golden brown.

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #2: White Chicken Chili

My second recipe when deciding what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken is to make our favorite white chicken chili. This is another really easy recipe that can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes, but tastes delicious!

Ingredients Needed For White Chicken Chili:

Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Chicken Broth
Shredded Chicken (I use half of one Costco rotisserie chicken)
Cumin
Diced green chilis (canned)
Lime juice
White Beans (canned)

The first step to making this delicious white chicken chili is to sauté the onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in a large pot. Let it cook until they are soft and translucent.

I like to use my frozen onions because it saves me from having to dice them!

Then add the rest of the ingredients into the pot. Stir and let it simmer on stove for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve chili with tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.

White Chicken Chili

Easy chili recipe using rotisserie chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 onion diced
1 clove garlic minced
2 12 oz. cans chicken broth
1/2 rotisserie chicken shredded
1 tsp cumin
1 4 oz. can diced green chilis
3 Tbsp lime juice
2 15 oz. cans white beans

Method

Sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of oil in pot until soft and translucent.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream.

Related: Freezer Chicken Recipes and How to Freeze Bulk Chicken

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipe #3: Chicken Broth

And, here is your bonus rotisserie chicken recipe! I am calling it a bonus recipe because it’s not a recipe for a meal…and it’s not technically a recipe (I just kindof randomly throw ingredients in), but it is a GREAT way to stretch your Costco rotisserie chicken even further….which is what we all want, right? Right!

I started making my own chicken broth a few months ago and am currently obsessed! Someone suggested it to me as a way to get more use from my rotisserie chicken, rather than throwing it away, and it’s perfect! So, once you are done using the meat from your chicken, turn the leftovers into broth. It’s really so simple to make and tastes much better than store bought. Plus, if you make it using kitchen scraps it’s basically FREE! And, we all like free!

I freeze my homemade chicken broth using these freezer containers. And then when I make a recipe calling for chicken broth, I just pull one out of the freezer and I’m ready to go!

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Chicken Broth:

Rotisserie Chicken Carcass
Veggie Scraps, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, etc.
Water

Like I mentioned earlier, I really don’t use a recipe to make this broth. I just throw it all together!

First, place your rotisserie chicken carcass in a large stock pot. Make sure to include any leftover skin, meat, bones, etc. And scrap out any of the goop on the bottom. The more flavor you can get, the better.

Next, quickly cut up your veggies. You can even just use your hand to rip them into smaller pieces. They don’t need to be nice and even. I know some people save the ends of their carrots and celery for their broth, you can use those too if you want!

Add your veggies to the pot with the chicken carcass.

Fill your stock pot up with water until chicken and vegetables are covered. You can also add a bay leaf or two if you have some. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn heat down and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally.

After a few hours of simmering, use a fine mesh strainer to strain broth into a bowl.

Ladle the broth into freezer containers to freeze. Frozen broth will stay good for 3 months.

Or, you can store it in a container in your fridge. Broth will stay good in your fridge for 1 week.

There Are So Many Ways To Use a Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Well, there are my three ways I use one Rotisserie Chicken from Costco. I love the feeling of getting the most out of everything that I buy. Remember to be creative with your foods and try to not let anything go to waste! Your budget will thank you for it!

Pin For Later:

I hope this article helped you decide what to do with a Costco rotisserie chicken.

Simple Banana Bread Recipe

April 10, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

You will love this Quick Banana Bread Recipe!

The other day I had a few bananas starting to brown this morning and that mixed with the cloudy skies out my window put me in the baking mood! I decided to whip up some of my Grandmas Easy Banana Bread Recipe!

My sweet grandmother shared this Banana Bread Recipe with me years ago, and we have been loving it ever since!

There is just something so sweet and special about making a recipe that I know has been made for generations. I’m going to be keeping this recipe close to my heart and can’t wait to one day share the recipe with my own grandchildren.

It only takes a few minutes to whip up this quick banana bread…..and honestly only a few minutes to eat it till it’s gone……

This recipe is the best way to use up bananas that are turning brown or even frozen bananas! Just pull the bananas out of the fridge, let them defrost for an hour or two, smash them up and plop them into the mixer.

How To Make This Simple Banana Bread Recipe

First, in mixing bowl, mix together the following ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs

Add 3 mashed bananas and mix again.

Next, add your dry ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix these dry ingredients gently, just until the wet and dry are evenly mixed together.

Pour this mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake in 350 degree oven for 55 minutes. Insert toothpick in center to make sure it comes out clean before pulling out your bread.

Grandmas Famous Banana Bread Recipe

This Banana Bread Recipe has been loved for generations. It is quick to make and delicious to eat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings: 12 people

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

3/4 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Shortening
2 Eggs
3 large Mashed Bananas
2 1/4 cups Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda

Method

In large mixing bowl beat sugar, shortening and eggs on high for 3 minutes.
Mash bananas and add to mixer. Mix well.
Add flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Mix just until combined.
Pour in a greased loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

See how easy this simple banana bread recipe is? The easiest! And it is so delicious and moist! I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in our home, like it is in ours.

The next time you have bananas going bad, consider turning them into a loaf of this delicious bread. You will not regret it! This is the perfect after school snack, breakfast, or sweet midnight treat!

You might also enjoy these recipes:

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

Light and Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Soft French Bread Recipe

How to make the best pizza sauce from scratch

Gather Your Ingredients

Easy Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

Method

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe For Future Reference

Enjoy this easy homemade pizza sauce recipe.

The Best Ways To Store Strawberries To Keep Them Fresh Longer

1. Wash Strawberries In Vinegar Solution

2. Store Strawberries in a Mason Jar

3. Store Strawberries Unwashed in Fridge

A Few Tips to Remember

In Conclusion

Pin For Future Reference:

Now you know how to keep strawberries fresh!

These are the best simple muffin recipes perfect for breakfast, snacks, and everything in between!

Air Fryer Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

Apple Crumb Muffins

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Applesauce Muffins

Banana Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Banana Coconut Muffins

Banana Crumb Muffins

Banana Walnut Muffins

Basic Muffin Recipe

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Brown Sugar Muffins

Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins

Huckleberry Muffins

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Lemon Raspberry Muffins

Magdalenas (Spanish Muffins)

Mulberry Muffins With Brown Sugar Topping

Oatmeal Muffins

Oatmeal and Carrot Muffins

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Muffins

Pineapple Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Cake Mix Muffins

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Raspberry Muffins with Crumb Topping

Sweet Potato Muffins

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Zucchini Muffins

Quick & Easy Muffin Recipes

Pin For Future Reference:

I hope you love these quick and easy muffin recipes!

How to make a Broccoli and Grape Salad.

Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe

Putting It All Together

Broccoli Grape Salad

Ingredients

Method

Try it! You’ll like it!

Mel’s Home Cooking

Related Articles:

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe To Make Later:

I can’t wait for you to try this easy broccoli grape salad recipe!

Check out these easy spooky rice krispie treats!

Rice Krispie Monsters Directions

1. Make Rice Krispies

2. Prepare Chocolate

3. Dip Rice Krispies in Chocolate

4. Add Candy Eyes

Related Articles:

Pin for future reference:

Enjoy these yummy Rice Krispie Monsters!

Quick after school snacks for kids!

Easy After School Snack Ideas Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4