Celebrate Savings And A Healthier Diet With A Pantry Staple

(NAPSI)-A growing number of consumers are celebrating the fact that cooking and baking from scratch-instead of from a mix-can be just the recipe for saving money and adding important nutrients to their diets.

Cooking and baking from scratch can be very convenient if you stock your pantry with a few affordable staples. Whole wheat flour is one such staple that is drawing interest from consumers who are looking to boost the nutritional value of their favorite homemade foods, but they don't enjoy its taste, texture and appearance.

According to Phil Lempert, food trends expert and Supermarket Guru, "Today's consumers are looking for whole grain products that offer a balance of health benefits and taste. Ultragrain White Whole Wheat Flour from Eagle Mills is an example of a product that gives consumers the nutrition they need with the taste and texture they want."

Eagle Mills Ultragrain White Whole Wheat Flour is made from specially selected white wheat that is milled to the consistency of refined white flour so products are lighter in color with the taste, appearance and texture consumers know and love, but with higher levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants-including 30 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

It can also be purchased as a blended flour under the Eagle Mills label. Made with a blend of 70 percent premium white flour and 30 percent Ultragrain flour, Eagle Mills All-Purpose Flour made with Ultragrain is intended to give consumers a middle ground as they move from refined white flour to 100 percent whole wheat flour. The blended flour works as a cup-for-cup replacement for other all-purpose flours, and provides 9 grams of whole grains per serving and two times the fiber. Look for the flours at mainstream grocery stores nationwide.

The recipe below is a great example of how a well-stocked pantry can make affordable and tasty treats with the added benefit of whole grain nutrition:

Celebration Cupcakes

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Makes: 20 servings

Cupcakes:

2 cups Eagle Mills® All-Purpose Unbleached Flour made with Ultragrain®

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter, softened

1¼ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup milk

Frosting:

2 tablespoons Eagle Mills®

All-Purpose Unbleached Flour made with Ultragrain®

½ cup milk

½ cup butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Line twenty 2½-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups. Set aside.

2. For cupcakes: Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Place ½ cup butter in large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer 30 seconds. Add 1¼ cups sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating 1 minute after each. Gradually add flour mixture alternately with the milk, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.

3. Fill each cup half full. Bake 18 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

4. For frosting: Place 2 tablespoons flour in small saucepan; whisk in ½ cup milk until blended. Heat over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Cover and cool.

5. Beat ½ cup butter in large mixing bowl with electric mixer until fluffy. Add ½ cup sugar; beat on high speed 4 minutes. Gradually add milk mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat on low speed until combined. Beat on high speed 7 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

6. Frost cupcakes with frosting. Decorate as desired.

To learn more or for recipes, visit www.Ultragrain.com.

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Flavorful, Budget-friendly Fun Foods

(ARA) – With the economy affecting your budget, your family is staying home for more meals. So it’s more important than ever to get the most for your dollar when shopping for healthy foods at the grocery store.

Besides eating healthy, you want to provide a variety of food choices to keep mealtimes interesting and flavorful. Here are three items you can add to your grocery list:

1. Kiwifruit.
During the months when finding American-grown fresh fruit is a chore, look for California-grown kiwifruit, typically available between mid-September and June. Buying fruit grown in America supports our domestic economy and is better for the environment since shipping requires fewer resources. Plus, you know you're getting fresher fruit.

A Rutgers University study found that of the 27 most commonly consumed fruits, kiwifruit is the most nutrient-dense, containing vitamin C, potassium, folate, fiber and vitamin E, to name a few. Plus kiwifruit is very versatile. It can be eaten raw, sliced up on top of foods, blended into drinks and salsas or tossed into salads.

2. Rolled oats.
Yummy for both breakfast and in cookies, oats are full of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The grain has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol and reducing the chance of heart disease. Buying plain oats in bulk costs less per serving than buying most other cereals.

3. Wild Rice.
Wild rice not only is native to the U.S., but is also rich in protein and a good source of calcium and potassium. Plus, it's an energy food high in carbohydrates and fiber, helping to balance out your healthy meals. Wild rice can be served cold or hot and mixed with nuts, vegetables and all kinds of meat.

Saving money and eating healthy will benefit not only your family but your wallet. California Kiwifruit Commission has several recipes available for your family to try including Kiwi Mint Lemonade -- perfect for a warm afternoon on the porch, and Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous -- which compliments any lunch or dinner menu.

Kiwifruit Mint Lemonade
Serves 4

1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
3 California kiwifruit
2 to 3 lemons
Sparkling water

In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes

Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a more tart lemonade.

Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit.

Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous
Serves 4 to 6

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup couscous
salt
3 California kiwifruit
1 yellow or orange pepper
1 cup colorful cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, preferably spicy
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil

In a small saucepan, lightly salt water then bring to a boil. Add couscous, stir, cover and remove from heat. Let stand until water is absorbed, about five minutes. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into bite-size chunks. Dice pepper and slice large cherry tomatoes in half. Pit olives if needed and thinly slice green onions. Place all in a medium bowl.

Whisk vinegar with oil, garlic, oregano and generous pinches salt and pepper. When couscous has cooled, gently stir with kiwifruit mixture. Toss with as much dressing as needed to just coat. Stir in feta and basil. Salad will keep well refrigerated for one to two days.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Cost, Nutrition And Convenience: Raising The Bar On "Value" Meals

(NAPSI)-A burger and fries for under $5? This is one type of value meal featured at fast-food drive-thrus. Sure, saving money makes us feel good about the foods we purchase, but value means much more than low cost.

If you're looking to get the most value from your meal, remember three things: cost, nutrition and convenience. These are key elements that, combined, create a valuable meal you can feel good about.

So how do you prepare a meal that is budget friendly, convenient and nutritious? The secret is knowing how to get the most out of your foods and your wallet without making your taste buds and bank account suffer. And it's easier than you may think.

Following are a few low-cost ways to get the most from your meal without cutting corners on taste and nutrition:

• Turn one nutritious meal into two. Transform leftovers into flavorful lunchtime delights. Wrapped in a flour tortilla, the remaining meats and veggies from a classic stir-fry make delicious fajitas or stuffed quesadillas. Sprinkle with cheese for added calcium or top with a few more greens, such as peppers or spinach, for an extra boost of essential nutrients.

• Eat fresh. Shop local. Check out your local farmers' markets for fresh produce. Farmers' markets provide a large selection of the freshest produce and generally have low prices because farmers are able to set their own prices-allowing you to get more for your money.

• Plan ahead. Prepare a variety of pasta noodles-macaroni, fettuccine, spaghetti and rigatoni-and store in plastic containers to be used later in the week. Showcase noodles in a pasta bar format with a variety of mix-ins, such as lean ground beef or turkey, tuna fish, chicken, asparagus or zucchini. Top these with marinara, melted cheese or a dash of Parmesan and you can have a delicious meal in less than 20 minutes.

• Power up with pumpkin. Keep an extra can of pure pumpkin in the pantry for a quick and easy way to boost nutrition. Pumpkin can be added to homemade chili, pasta sauce and even mashed potatoes. The added pumpkin in this Easy Pumpkin-Pasta Bake recipe provides an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber. And at 10 servings, this family-style dish can be prepared for under $1.40 per serving-perfect for a potluck or weeknight dinner.

EASY PUMPKIN-PASTA BAKE

(Makes 10 servings)

1 box (14.5 ounces) whole wheat penne or other short-cut pasta, prepared according to package directions

Nonstick cooking spray

1 pound (about 4 links) sweet or spicy lean Italian turkey sausage, casings removed

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) marinara sauce

1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

½ cup water or dry red or white wine

4 tablespoons (0.75 ounce) shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Spray 3-quart casserole dish or 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

COOK sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce (reserve jar). Add water or wine to jar; cover and shake. Pour into skillet along with pumpkin and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Stir well. Stir in prepared pasta. Spoon into prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese; cover.

BAKE for 15 minutes. Carefully remove cover; bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Highlights Per Serving: 7g dietary fiber, 18g protein, 130% of your vitamin A DV, 6% of your vitamin C DV, 15% of your calcium DV, 15% of your iron DV.

For more budget-friendly and nutritious recipe ideas, visit Meals.com. And for more "Plus Pumpkin" tips and complete nutrition information for the recipe above, visit http://www.VeryBestBaking.com.

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Recession-Proof Recipes Hit a Download High

/PRNewswire/ -- The Unilever Consumer Kitchens report the comeback story of 2009 is the return of cooks to their home kitchens. With many people tightening their wallets and replacing dinners out with dinner at home, the challenge for cooks of every skill level is how to create budget-friendly and easy-to-prepare meals. With the surge of interest for recipe and meal ideas, the Consumer Kitchens at one of world's leading packaged goods companies, makers of Bertolli, Hellmann's, Breyers, to name a few, reveal that the search for recession-proof recipes is on the rise as evident with the increased web traffic to Unilever's recipe database www.MakingLifeBetter.com.

"During the month of January, we experienced record-high numbers of recipe downloads, as people today look to do more with less," explained Lauren Dellabella, Co-Manager, The Unilever Consumer Kitchens. "Meal solutions and recipe ideas from trusted brands can deliver a great value to help consumers get more out of life by creating delicious meals that save time and money."

With comprehensive online recipe resources like Unilever's www.MakingLifeBetter.com, it's easy to find go-to meal ideas that are fresh and simple to prepare. Here are five popular recipes that deliver convenience, great taste and tap into people's growing interest for finger foods, hearty meals and slow cooking.

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE

2 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cost per recipe: $6.22*
Cost per serving: $3.11
-- 1 Tbsp. Bertolli(R) Classico(TM) Olive Oil
-- 1 medium onion, chopped
-- 1/2 lb. ground beef
-- 1/4 cup dry red wine
-- 1 pouch Bertolli(R) Premium Champignon & Portobello Mushroom Pasta
Sauce
-- 1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
-- 4 oz. rigatoni or large tube pasta, cooked and drained

1. Heat Olive Oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high
heat and cook onion, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or
until tender.
2. Stir in ground beef and cook 4 minutes; drain. Stir in wine
and cook 30 seconds. Stir in Pasta Sauce. Reduce heat to low
and simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cream; heat through. Serve over hot rigatoni and
sprinkle, if desired, with grated Parmesan cheese.

BUFFALO-STYLE WINGS

8 appetizer servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cost per recipe: $5.76
Cost per serving: $0.72
-- 2 lbs. chicken wings (about 15)
-- 2 Tbsp. Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Calcium plus Vitamin D or
Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Spread, melted
-- 2 Tbsp. hot pepper sauce
-- 1 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
-- 1/2 tsp. salt

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with
nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Cut tips off chicken
wings. Cut wings in half at joint.
2. Arrange wings in prepared pan. Bake 50 minutes or until
wings are thoroughly cooked and crispy.
3. Meanwhile, combine melted spread, hot pepper sauce, sesame
seeds and salt in large bowl. Add cooked wings; toss to
coat.
COUNTRY-STYLE POT ROAST

8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cost per recipe: $10.00
Cost per serving: $1.25
-- 3- to 3-1/2- lb. boneless beef pot roast (rump, chuck or round)
-- 1 envelope Lipton(R) Recipe Secrets(R) Onion Soup Mix
-- 2-1/2 cups water
-- 4 medium all-purpose potatoes (about 2 lbs.), cut into 1-inch pieces
-- 4 carrots, sliced
-- 2 to 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1. Brown roast in Dutch oven or 6-quart saucepot over medium-
high heat. Add Lipton(R) Recipe Secrets(R) Onion Soup Mix
blended with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer covered, turning roast
occasionally, 2 hours.
2. Add vegetables and cook an additional 30 minutes or until
vegetables and roast are tender; remove roast and
vegetables.
3. For gravy, blend remaining 1/2 cup water with flour; stir
into Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat
to low and simmer uncovered, stirring constantly, until
thickened, about 5 minutes.

SLOW COOKER METHOD:
1. Add vegetables, then roast in slow cooker.
2. Add Soup Mix blended with 2 cups water. Cook covered on LOW
8 to 10 hours or HIGH 4 to 6 hours or until roast is tender.
3. Remove roast and vegetables to serving platter.
4. Blend remaining 1/2 cup water with flour and stir into
juices in slow cooker. Cook covered on HIGH 15 minutes or
until thickened.

NO-FRY WHITE CHICKEN PARMIGIANO

4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cost per recipe: $11.28
Cost per serving: $2.82
-- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.)
-- 1 egg, slightly beaten
-- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
-- 1/4 tsp. paprika
-- 1 jar Bertolli(R) Creamy Alfredo Sauce
-- 1 medium tomato, chopped
-- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thickly sliced
-- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Dip chicken in egg, then bread crumbs
combined with paprika, coating well. In 13 x 9-inch baking
dish, arrange chicken.
2. Bake 20 minutes. Evenly pour 1 cup Pasta Sauce over chicken,
then top chicken with tomato and cheeses. Bake an additional
10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. Garnish, if desired, with chopped fresh basil and ground
black pepper. Serve with remaining sauce, heated, and, if
desired, hot cooked pasta.
SLOW-COOKER BBQ PORK

10 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4 hours
-- 3-1/2-lb. boneless pork shoulder
-- 1 jar (1 lb. 10 oz.) Ragu(R) Old World Style(R) Pasta Sauce
-- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
-- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
-- 1 medium onion, chopped
-- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
-- 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle chile pepper
-- 2 cloves garlic, chopped

1. Season pork, if desired, with salt and ground black pepper.
Arrange pork in 4-1/2-quart slow cooker sprayed with
nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl; pour over
pork. Cook covered on LOW 8 to 10 hours or HIGH 4 to 6
hours.
3. Remove pork from sauce. Shred pork with two forks. Return
shredded pork to sauce; stir. Serve, if desired, on whole
grain rolls.
TIP: This slow cooked pork makes the perfect wrap for lunch the next day.
*All costs based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

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Budget-friendly Tips for Feeding a Family

(ARA) - Think it’s tough managing your grocery budget and making the most of family mealtime? Meet Kathryn Sansone, a St. Louis mother of 10 who, along with her husband, puts dinner on the table six nights a week. If anyone knows the value of stretching the dinner table dollar, it’s the woman who sets a table for 12 almost every night of the week.

"Cooking for my family is not just about feeding them -- it’s another way my husband and I express love to our kids," says Sansone. "We’ve always used our dinners as a special time for being together each day. The same is true even in today’s economy; we just have to get a little more creative."

While most families don’t have a table full of 10 Sansone children, ages 3 to 20, they are still faced with the same challenge at dinnertime: finding something that everyone likes while not breaking the bank. Sansone says that her recipe for success isn’t really all that complicated.

"Everywhere you look, Americans are seeking value," says Sansone. "As we dine out less and watch our pennies more, we’re becoming bargain shoppers who want our dollars to go as far as possible. But even in this new 'food economy,' it’s important that people understand they do not need to compromise on taste, quality or convenience when living on a budget."

Sansone’s tips include:

* Plan Ahead -- Between the soccer practices and piano lessons, dinner is often an afterthought. Instead, schedule your family’s dinners just as you would your kids’ after school activities. You’ll save money by making just one trip to the grocery or club store, and when you go, try buying in bulk and take advantage of the many coupons available. Even at the regular supermarket, buy in larger quantities, like when there is a 10 for $10 sale on Rice-A-Roni or Pasta-Roni.

* Turn Sides Upside Down -- Typical side dishes, such as rice and pasta, are ideal for stretching your grocery budget because you can quickly turn them into main courses. Use holiday leftovers such as chicken or turkey and combine with a pre-packaged dish and add leftover veggies. You’ll end up with a nice, well-rounded meal for a family of five that costs about an additional 64 cents per serving.

Here’s one of the Sansone family’s favorites using leftover turkey to make a delicious Wild Rice Risotto:

Turkey and Wild Rice Risotto

Ingredients:

1 package (4.3 ounces) Rice-A-Roni Long Grain & Wild Rice
3/4 pound ground turkey
1 2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon margarine, butter or spread with no trans fat
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups fresh mushroom slices
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

Preparation Steps:

1. In large skillet, brown ground turkey until thoroughly cooked; drain. In same skillet, combine 1 2/3 cups water, 1 Tbsp. margarine, rice mix, seasonings and turkey. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.

2. Cover; simmer 20 minutes. Stir in soup, mushrooms, celery and bell pepper; return to a simmer. Cover; simmer 5 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Let stand 3 minutes. Stir before serving.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Time to Table: 40 Minutes
Recipe Yield: 6 people

Rely on a good source -- Finding fun and unique dishes to prepare doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Sansone notes that a favorite Chipotle Rice and Chicken Chili recipe actually came from the Rice-A-Roni Web site. She often visits sites such as www.ricearoni.com to see what other meats and veggies can be combined to create a variety of dishes as well as find exclusive coupons.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Rice Helps Fortify Diets With Folic Acid

(NAPSI)-Research shows that people who eat rice--brown or white--tend to have healthier diets.

For optimal health, a diet should include hearty helpings of both. Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain, and enriched white rice also has a lot to offer. U.S.-grown white rice contains niacin, thiamin and iron and is fortified with folic acid, which can help everyone--from babies to boomers--protect their health.

Folic acid helps prevent birth defects and may reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and Alzheimer's disease.

Since most people don't consume enough of this important B vitamin, adding a few servings of rice can help. Just 1 cup of cooked enriched rice delivers over 80 of the daily recommended 400 micrograms.

Low in calories and fat-free, enriched white rice is also economical. It costs only 10 cents per half-cup cooked serving, with a pound of uncooked rice making more than 2 pounds of cooked rice.

To stretch the food dollar and make hamburgers, meat loaf or meatballs more nutritious and affordable, replace a quarter of the meat with cooked white rice.

Here's a tasty recipe for Rice Tabbouleh. For more rice recipes and information, visit www.usarice.com. For information on folic acid, visit www.folicacidinfo.org.

Rice Tabbouleh

Yield: Makes 6 servings

3 cups cooked enriched white rice

1 cup chopped, Italian flat-leaf parsley

¾ cup chopped cucumber

¾ cup chopped tomato

¼ cup minced mint leaves

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large bowl, combine rice, parsley, cucumber, tomato, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss well.

Nutrition Facts: 190 Calories, 10g total fat, 400mg sodium, 24g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 3g protein

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Baking Cookies: A Budget-Stretching Gift Idea

CC Note: Ho, ho, ho. Our staff just loves to bake cookies during the holiday season. Ho, ho, ho. Which cookie is your favorite? Send us an email with your recipe!

(NAPSI)-Saving money on holiday gifts can be delicious-especially if you cut costs by baking tasty homemade cookies.

It's easier and less expensive than you might imagine. Baking cookies literally costs pennies, and it's the kind of mouthwatering gift people remember.

For example, a dozen pecan chocolate chip cookies can be made for around one dollar, while refrigerated cookie dough cookies cost almost 50 cents more and a package of bakery chocolate chip cookies can cost around $5.00 per dozen, depending on where you live.

Peanut butter cookies can be baked at home for about 50 cents a dozen and cost as much as chocolate chip ones at the bakery.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it probably takes less time to bake up several batches of cookies than you might spend wandering around the mall.

It's a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit. Just turn on the holiday music, make yourself a cup of cocoa and get in the holiday mood.

Making cookies is a great seasonal activity for the whole family. Even the smallest children can press a cookie cutter or help stir cookie dough.

When the cookies are done, find a clever way to wrap them up.

• Wrap them in colorful tissue paper.

• Give them in holiday tins. You can find new tins in stores or vintage ones at tag sales.

• Arrange them in a basket.

• Decorate a gift box with a collage of images or cutout letters of the person's name.

• Fill a Mason jar and attach a ribbon.

A sweet way to get together with friends and family, create great, inexpensive gifts and have a warmly delightful time at the holidays or throughout the year is by staging a cookie swap.

At a cookie swap, you and each of your guests bake one kind of cookie in quantities sufficient to share. Each guest leaves the party with a dozen of each cookie, ready to give away, share right away or enjoy later.

For cookie recipes, visit www.Dominosugar.com or www.chsugar.com.

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Fried Chicken with Goobers

CC Note: Pass the pollo goober, ya'll.

(NAPSI)-Fried chicken may be a down-home tradition during football season, but it didn't begin in the South. Fried chicken was known as pollo fritto in Italy and Ga Xao in Vietnam before it became a culinary habit in the Southern United States.

But with food prices soaring, you can still create a delicious fried chicken dinner for friends and family on game day for less than $10. You can give your fried chicken a kick by using both ground peanuts and a special soybean and peanut frying oil blend.

To save money, your oil can be used several times as long as you don't overheat it. After cooking, cool, strain and store the oil in a cool, dark place for future use.



Peanut Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1/2 gallons LouAna Southern Frying Oil

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided

3 teaspoons salt, divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup salted, dry-roasted peanuts

2 cups buttermilk, divided

2 large eggs

1 (4-pound) whole fryer chicken, cut into 6 pieces

Preparation and Cooking:

Place oil in a large fryer, Dutch oven or another thick-walled iron cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid; heat to 350°.

Combine 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper in a shallow dish, stirring well with a whisk.

Place remaining 1/3 cup flour and nuts in a food processor; process until finely ground. Add peanut mixture to flour mixture, stirring well.

Combine buttermilk and eggs in a shallow dish, stirring well. Season chicken evenly with remaining 1 teaspoon salt; dredge in flour mixture. Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture; dredge in flour again.

Fry chicken in hot oil 15 minutes or until golden; move to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

Serves four people.

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