Crazy, Crazy 2009

I've still been doing my thrifty stuff, just been too busy to type it all out! I've managed to keep my grocery bill right around $200 a month and my entire household savings are at an average of 67%.

I tried two new recipes this past Friday for our first Monthly Movie Night! :) They turned out quite well! :)

Tiramisu Bowl & Creamy Chicken and Pasta Bake

Tiramisu Bowl

8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 c cold milk
2 pkg (3.4 oz each) Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding
8 oz Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed, divided
48 vanilla wafers
1/2 c brewed coffee, cooled, divided
2 squares semi sweet chocolate, grated
1 c fresh raspberries

Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk and pudding mixes. Stir in 2 cups of Cool Whip. Line 2 1/2 qt bowl with 24 wafers, drizzle with 1/4 c coffee. Top with half the pudding mixture and half of the chocolate. Repeat layers, starting with wafers. Top with remaining Cool Whip and raspberries. Refrigerate 2 hours. Makes 16 servings.

I used a parfait bowl and used strawberries instead of raspberries.


Creamy Chicken & Pasta Bake

1 1/2 cups multi-grain rotini pasta, uncooked
1 small bunch broccoli, cuit into florets (about 3 cups)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 c fat free reduced sodium chicken broth
2 oz cream cheese
1 c mozzarella cheese, divided
2 TBSP parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375*. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding broccoli for the last 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Stir in broth; simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Add cream cheese; cook and stir on low heat 1 minute or until melted. Stir in 1/2 c mozzarella.

Drain pasta and broccoli. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Spoon into 8 in square baking dish; cover.

Bake 15 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered. 3 minutes or until melted. Let stand 5 minutes.

I ended up tripling the recipe and it filled up two 9 X 14 baking dishes.