Puttin' on the Ritz

If you noticed from my post yesterday, along with several (!!) boxes of Nutri-Grain bars, we also had several boxes of Ritz crackers. While they make great snacks and party food, I primarily purchased them for casseroles.

When Financial Guy and I were in college, this precious couple fed us every Sunday. One of the things she made was Poppyseed Chicken Casserole. To this day, we have it about once a month. Because it's so easy, I will often cook the chicken in the crockpot while I'm at work, then assemble the rest once we get home. Here it is & it is some slap-yo-momma good comfort food!

POPPY SEED CHICKEN CASSEROLE

• 3-4 chicken breasts (or 7-8 tenderloins) cooked & pulled apart
• 1 can cream of celery soup (I've tried them all & regular, low-fat, or FF won't change it)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 8oz carton sour cream
• 1 small can drained, sliced water chestnuts **can be omitted for nut allergies
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
• 1 melted stick margarine (honey, hush)
• 2 Tbsp poppy seeds

Mix soups, sour cream, & pulled chicken in bowl. Chop water chestnuts & add to soup mix. Spray 9x13 with non-stick spray. Pour chicken mix in sprayed pan. Crush Ritz crackers (in sleeve) & pour on chicken mix. Pour melted margarine over mix evenly & sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake on 350' for 20-25 minutes.

I have yet to find someone that doesn't like this. My BFF's child has a nut allergy, so she omits the water chestnuts & it's just as good. The water chestnuts actually take the place of a package of slivered almonds to make it a little less fattening [that should make my dietitian friends happy :)].

Old Navy reached 2 million Facebook fans (!!) and they are celebrating with $2 Tanks (and up) on Saturday! They are offering a presale on 6/24/11 with the coupon you'll find here. Limit is 10. Deal is in store only.
Thanks, Stockpiling Moms!

I'm all about getting things as inexpensive as possible. I've posted here before about how I make my own laundry detergent and baby food, not so much because I'm "green" like that, but because I'm cheap like that (can I get an 'amen'?).

photo credit

Several years ago, my friend Kay gave me the recipe for Paula Deen's House Seasoning and Greek Seasoning. You can purchase them, but there's a decent chance you already have all (or most) of the ingredients in your kitchen.

I recently started following the blog Smashed Peas and Carrots. She has a recipe for Taco Seasoning on there that is fantastic! I realize that taco seasoning is only about $0.30-0.50 per packet, but we go through about 2 packs a week at our house. Multiply that by 52 weeks a year and that's saving a pretty good chunk o'change. Try it! You might just like it-- and save some moolah in the process. :)

Happy Friday. Save on, friends! :)