Eat healthy and inexpensively!
Whenever turkeys or chicken go on sale, I try and stock up. But then I am left with the dilemma of how to serve the poultry in a variety of interesting recipes. Below are a few recipes that may help you creatively prepare your poultry. The entire meal, including dessert can cost only $1.79 per person. Happy eating!

Directions:
Place the chicken in a large (6-qt.) pan, and cover with the water. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cover and heat to boiling over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Add the noodles and simmer for 15 more minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the noodles and carrots are tender. Serves 4.

Cost per serving (1 1/2 cups): 55 cents.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories: 123; Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 37mg; Carbohydrates: 12g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 15g; Sodium: 503mg.

Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
10 small red new potatoes, 1 or 2 inches in diameter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup carrots sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, diced

Directions:
Wash each potato and cut into four pieces. Each piece should be between 1/2- and 3/4-inch wide. In a large mixing bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt and pepper. Add the vegetables, and toss to distribute the sauce evenly.

Place vegetable mixture on a rimmed cooking sheet and spread to evenly distribute on the pan. Bake at 450 degrees F for 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir the vegetables a bit. Cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Cost per serving ( 3/4 cup): 57 cents
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories: 222; Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrates: 33g; Fiber: 4g; Protein: 4 g; Sodium: 468mg.

Turkey Creole
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/4 cup flour
28-oz. can stewed tomatoes
2 cups cooked, cubed turkey
1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6-oz. can tomato paste

Directions:
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet; add the onions, celery and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the garlic is golden brown. Add the flour. Stir to make a paste. Add the tomatoes and cook, while stirring, until thick. Add the rest of the ingredients, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly.

If desired, serve over rice or pasta. For an attractive dish, serve over orzo (a rice-shaped pasta). Serves 5.

Cost per serving (1 1/2 cups): 55 cents
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories: 270; Fat: 13g; Cholesterol: 44mg; Carbohydrates: 20g; Fiber: 4g; Protein: 21g; Sodium: 408mg.

Graham Cracker Toffee
Ingredients:
12 honey graham cracker sheets (1 inner package)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (any type)

Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Break up each sheet of crackers into the 4 individual crackers. Place the graham crackers on the foil-lined pan in a single layer.

In a 2-qt. saucepan bring the butter, oil, and brown sugar to a boil over very low heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, and add the nuts. Mix well, then pour over the crackers, spreading it evenly.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling. Check on these every few minutes, as they can burn easily.

Variation: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of plain. Serves 24.

Cost per serving (2 crackers): 12 cents.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories: 154; Fat: 12g; Cholesterol: 10mg; Carbohydrates: 10g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 1g; Sodium: 86mg.

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About the author: No part of these recipes can be reprinted without permission. All recipes are used with permission from Miserly Meals by Jonni McCoy, copyrighted 2002, Bethany House Publishers. All Rights Reserved. Jonni McCoy is the author of Miserly Meals (2002 Bethany House), Miserly Moms: Living on One Income in a Two Income Economy(2001 Bethany House), and Frugal Families -- Making the Most of your Hard Earned Money (2003 Bethany House Publishing). Prior to motherhood, she spent 10 years at electronics firms such as Apple Computer and National Semiconductor. She presents seminars on living for less to women's groups and other conferences. She has been practicing her frugal ways since 1991. Jonni has appeared on several TV shows, including "The 700 Club," and radio programs such as "Family Life Today" and the "Dick Staub Show." She has also been featured in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day magazines. Jonni and her husband, Beau, make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can visit her web site at www.miserlymoms.com.