Give me ideas of things to cut out

[tink20]

Well, its been one week and I haven't bought any soda. DH even made it through Sat. without any. I have been making tea. DD isn't thrilled, but she hasn't complained any. I think the big thing with saving money, is you really need to get organized. The Budget Board is really helping me a lot.

 

[nsmith]

How long do you cook the chicken and what kind of spices do you use? I am all for anything I can cook in the crockpot. Thanks for sharing this tip this is a great one for us.

I use this recipe, for a 5-6 lb bird cook 4-5 hours on high, 8 hours on low or until the thermometer pops up. I take the skin off after it is cooked and peak under the lid after an hour or so and pull the giblet bag out of the cavity if the bird is still frozen. Much better if you skin and season thawed but sometimes I am not so organized.


--1 whole chicken, skinned
--2 tsp kosher salt (if you'd like it as salty as the ones in the store, add another 1 tsp.)
--1 tsp paprika
--1 tsp onion powder
--1/2 tsp dried thyme
--1 tsp Italian seasoning
--1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
--1/2 tsp black pepper
--pinch of chili pepper (probably not necessary)

--4 whole garlic cloves (optional)
--1 yellow onion, quartered (optional)


In a bowl, combine all of dried spices. Rub the spice mixture all over the bird, inside and out. Plop the bird breast-side down into the crockpot.

If desired, shove 4 whole garlic cloves and a quartered onion inside the bird.

Do not add water.

 

[lisalis]

If you look around the web you can find lots of Salsa recipes....play around with them until they are either close to Chili's or for us we usually find something we like better, lol. Then you'll save not only on the expensive salsa, (no $4 isn't much, but is there ever "enough" of it)....but also save on your time and gas to go get it, adds up.) I can make enough salsa for all of us to pig out and still have leftovers for that much money). Then of course also factor in that 99% of what you make at home is going to be healthier....restaurants use a LOT of salt and of course fat in it's worst form, etc.

You are so right! I'm not the biggest fan of Chili's salsa. When tomatoes are in season, I make my own salsa. My son loves eating the chips with just pico de gallo. I really buy them because I love their thin crispy tortilla chips. I have tried all brands, plus our Grocer's deli tortilla chips; but I do not like them as well. My husband laughs because he knows I really only eat at Mexican restaraunts to eat the chips and salsa

 

[DawnM]

Well, that is my problem. I didn't skin it first.

Dawn

Here's the recipe I use. Awesome results!!!

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/crockpot-rotisserie-style-chicken.html