Thrifty Tips for July 18, 2013

GREAT HEALTHY SNACK RECIPE

I am always looking for new recipes that are tasty, inexpensive and a great substitute for more fattening snacks.  Recently a friend of mine in Maine has been posting about eating roasted chickpeas for a snack.  She also puts them on salads.  I was intrigued so I looked up some recipes, played a little and made some.  They make a great substitute for the salty potato chip kind of cravings and are much better for you. Check it out:

Try this:
Ingredients
1 can (12 oz) of chickpeas/garbanzo beans drained, rinsed and dry
1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil (totally could have gone with just 1 teaspoon)
1 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Or this:
1 can (12 oz) of chickpeas/garbanzo beans drained, rinsed and dry 
1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or regular salt)

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Drain one 12 oz can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans, rinse with water and leave in bowl to dry a bit.  Add dry ingredients, olive oil and toss until coated.  Spread beans onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.  After 20 minutes stir the beans or even shake the pan.  Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes checking periodically.  Finished beans should be crunchy.  

My own tips:  Do not spend big money on the beans.  I bought Kroger canned garbanzo beans for 99 cents and a can of organic garbanzo beans for $1.29.  I tried both and there was no difference in quality or taste.  I have not tried this yet, but I read that you can dry roast the beans and add the seasoning after for an even lighter snack.  As far as seasonings go, you can really use just about anything you have in the cupboard so there is no need to run out the store to pick up extras.  

SALE ON EGGS? FREEZE A QUICK BREAKFAST

Eggs are on sale at Albertsons at 88 cents for a dozen (limit 2 dozen).  This made me think of yummy egg recipes as well as breakfast on the go.  With the kids going back to school soon, it can be a little crazy trying to get schedules back in sync.  This recipe for a do-it-yourself and freeze it Egg McMuffins from Money Saving Queen is super simple and a good money saver.  Follow this link to check it out.  You can also parlay some eggs into a nice quick quiche dinner and use the fresh broccoli crowns that are 99 cents a pound at Albertsons as well by following this recipe at All Recipes. 


FREE MAGAZINES

While supplies last you can get three issues of Ladies Home Journal.  This offer will not last long though.  Get all the details here.  You will also get opportunities for other free things but are not obligated to take any. 

While supplies last you can also get a free subscription to Country Life.  I get this one and really like it.  I can't remember how many you get in a year, I think it is four.  Sign up at this link.

American Baby magazine is available for free as well.  Sign up at this link.  

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

iTickets.com has two free downloads this week including Aaron Shust's song "Mighty Fortress."

FREE SAMPLE

Nature Made is providing free samples of their Vita Melts on their Facebook page.  Follow this link to get your sample while supplies last.


FREE KIDS ACTIVITY

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic has a fun activity coming up on July 27th and 28th.  The kids will be able to build a Toy Story RC car.  So very cute.  The spots are filling up fast.  Find your location and sign up today at this link.


FREE EBOOKS (Please remember that these books were free at the time of my posting, that can change.  Always look at the price before you commit to a download).

Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)


GROCERIES

ALBERTSONS

Fresh Boneless Tray Pack of Chicken Breasts or Thighs Assorted Varieties buy 1 get 2 free (reg $5.99 lb so roughly $1.97 lb -Everyone else has boneless chicken breasts for $1.99 so it is a smalls savings from that sale price)
Pork Back Ribs or St.  Louis Ribs Previously Frozen $2.77 lb
Albertsons Large Eggs 12 ct Grade AA 88 cents each (limit 2)
Hunt's Ketchup 24 oz $1
Jumbo Cantaloupe $1 each
Red, Green or romaine Leaf Lettuce $1 each

SAFEWAY

White Corn on the Cob 5/$1
Red Seedless Grapes 77 cents lb
Pantry Essentials Milk Gallon, Whole, 2%, 1% or Fat Free (limit 2) $1.89
Pantry Essentials Frozen Vegetables 12 oz 99 cents
Barilla Pasta 12 to 16 oz Selected Varieties 5/$5

FRY'S

Northwest Red Cherries $1.88 lb
California Yellow Peaches 99 cents
Kroger Bratwurst or Italian Sausage 18/ oz $2.99
Best Food Mayonnaise 30 oz $2.99
Capri Sun Select Varieties 10 pk 6 oz Pouches Buy 3 Get 1 Free (works out to $1.50 each when you buy 4)
Fry's Water 24 pack 16.9 oz Bottles Buy 3 Get 1 Free (works out to $1.86 each - Normally we try to stick with our filtered water, but my son cannot take refillable water bottles to school so this works out well)