Recipe: Making Pie Crust!

Pie crust is easy to make. It has few ingredients, but there is some finesse involved in making a light, flaky pie crust.

There are no special tools needed, but a pastry cutter is nice (You can use a whisk instead, or your bare hands).

This is the pie crust recipe that I use. I know it by heart and I make it frequently. It’s great for sweet pies like pumpkin, or savory meat pies like chicken pot pie (that recipe is coming later this week).

This recipe makes 1 pie crust for an 8 or 9-inch pie plate, if you need two (top and bottom), double it.

Pie Crust

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon AP Flour
  • 1/3 cup shortening OR unsalted butter -It needs to be cold butter or room temp shortening. This part is SUPER IMPORTANT.
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water (You may need an extra tablespoon or so if the weather is very dry).

 

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, add flour and fat.
  2. Using a whisk, pastry cutter, or your hands, mix flour and fat until incorporated into little (pea-sized or smaller) pieces.
  3. Slowly add water and combine to form a large dough ball. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help ensure that your crust is flaky.
  4. Flour a clean, flat surface, and roll the dough out into a large circle. Do not over roll it or manhandle the dough- this will make it heavy and flat.
  5. If you are making a bottom crust, press it into a pie plate, and trim the edges.
  6. Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork a few times to keep it from bubbling.
  7. If you are making a pie that will be filled and baked again like pumpkin or quiche, bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Cool completely before filling and baking a second time.
  8. If you will be using the pie crust as a top only (no bottom crust), once the crust is rolled out, fill your baking dish with whatever you are cooking, top it with the uncooked crust, pierce it a few times (to vent the steam), and bake per the directions of the recipe.

Substitutions:

If you are vegan, use shortening. Do not use spread/oleo/margarine.  They contain water and will make your crust turn out funky. Butter flavored shortening is great.

If you are gluten free, use 1 for 1 AP flour.

Talk Back: What kind of pie do you like?

Dream Dinners: Kick Off Summer with a June Meal Bundle!

It’s that time again! Time for a Dream Dinners Bundle Sale!

This deal is only good through Friday, June 24th at 9am, so if you are interested, please your order ASAP.

This bundle is great! You will get eight medium-size meals from the June menu for just $190!

 

The June Mini Bundle includes:

  1. Texas Roadhouse Burger
  2. Backyard BBQ Chicken with Corn Medley
  3. Summer Grilled Pesto Chicken Pizzas
  4. Sonoma Grilled Steaks
  5. Al Pastor Pork Street Tacos
  6. Buffalo Ranch Chicken with Summer Grilled Vegetables
  7. Summer Shrimp Boil
  8. Peach Bourbon Chicken with Almond Green Beans

A Medium Meal feeds 2-3 adults (honestly, it’s usually 3+ in our house), so you’ll be getting 16-24 restaurant-quality meals for $190!

Our local store here in East County is La Mesa, run by Marsi and her friendly staff! Store Email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com  Store Phone Number: 619-460-6800.

6/20/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgSummer break is here! We’ve got all sorts of adventures planned, you can check out some of our adventures here.

We hit up the library last week, and we’ve got stacks of books to work through this week. In addition, I think we may try to visit night time zoo this week (we have zoo passes), and maybe the Natural History Museum (we got free passes from the summer reading program at the library). There will be pics on my Instagram feed.

I did a bunch of meal prep for the week yesterday afternoon: Roasted veggies, and chopped up fruit (including a seedless watermelon), and I did a slight reorganization of the pantry.

And the big kid decided that maybe he wants to try meat after being a vegetarian for 6-ish years. So, we are slowly trying to introduce meat back into his diet. I’ve planned meals this week that have some meat but also allow him to eat semi-vegetarian if he wants.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $28. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

With the increase in food costs, we are leaning more and more on our CSA box each week as the base of most of our meals.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time. We’ll be hitting up the free lunch sites several times a week over the summer.

Dinner: We finished our last Dream Dinner last week! I’ll be ordering more next month once the new menu comes out. I’m trying to get us to eat together as a family more often and get the kids into eating more fruits and veg, so you’ll notice that our meals are pretty simple this week.

  • Monday: Nuggets, fruit (grapes, watermelon, strawberries), chips or crackers
  • Tuesday: Baked Chicken parm, served with pasta and red sauce, roasted veggies
  • Wednesday: Bean, Rice, and veggie bowls, and cheese quesadillas
  • Thursday: Protein shakes and fruit
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Pancakes, eggs, and fruit

2 Free Donuts for Dads!

Hey dads! Do you like donuts? If you nodded your head or screamed out, “HELL YES!” This awesome deal is for you!

If you’ve read my past Birthday Freebie posts (the 2022 one can be found here), you’ve seen that I’ve posted birthday freebies from Birthday Club Hub, which works with businesses in eight states to disseminate birthday freebies and other freebies throughout the year to club members (BTW- it’s free to join).

Mary’s Donuts is part of the Birthday Club Hub, and they send out a free offer for moms.

Score 2 free regular donuts on June 19, 2022 at either their Santee or Lakeside Location. Simply show the email to the cashier/friendly donut seller- and don’t forget your kiddos!

6/17/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

We survived the first week of summer break!

We did a bunch of free/frugal activities, including stopping by our local county and city libraries to sign up for their summer reading programs, we swam, played with friends, and built a lot of Legos. If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

There are so many awesome freebies and deals this week, and the weather this weekend is supposed to be AWESOME (AND WARM) here in San Diego.

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Free Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine
Free Meal at PDQ
Free Wild Planet Wild Tuna Pasta Salad
Free Bikini Wax at Hello Sugar
Free ASPCA Pet Safety Magnet & Window Decal
Free Poise Light Leaks Pads Sample Pack
Free Hartz Disposable Dog Diapers and Male Dog Wraps
Free 19 Crimes Coasters, Hat, Tumblers & More
Possible Free $125 iPhone App Research Study
Free Ice Cream Magnet at JCPenney
Free Super HongKong Baseball Cap
Free Happy Hippo Kratom Sample
Free Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream
Free ZEISS Anti-Fog Wipes at Select Stores
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sample of Lancome La Vie Est Belle
Free $10 Every Friday with Samuel Adams
Free Azzaro The Most Wanted Fragrance
Free Mixmi Frozen Yogurt
Free MAC Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing Primer
Free Sample of Astroglide Toy ‘N Joy
Free Mars Chocolate Minis at Sam’s
Free Smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Today
Father’s Day Freebies RoundUp
Free Twix Cookie Dough Bar on June 21st
MySavings is Hiring a Work from Home Deal Expert
Free Subscription to The Red Bulletin Magazine
Free Original Family Meal Pollo Tropical Locations
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More
Free Costa Brazil Face Serum Sample
Free Supraland PC Game
Free Fishing Days 2022
Free Father’s Day e-Card
Watch It Had To Be You for Free
Free PepsiCo Coupons Mailed to You
Free Cirque du Soleil 60 Minute Specials

 

Deals:

Compact Organizers ONLY $10 (Reg $30)
Bella Essentials Griddle ONLY $14.99 (Reg $30)
Linden Street Bath Towel 6-Piece Set ONLY $29.99 (Reg $80)
Morphe 8-Piece Rose Gold Brush Set ONLY $18.40 (Reg $46)
St. Ives Face Scrub ONLY $2.26 Shipped at Amazon (Reg. $5)
Name Brand Makeup Starting at $1.18 on Amazon – Stock Up
Professional Hair Cutting Kit ONLY $8.99 (Reg $23)
Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Jacket ONLY $9.32 (Reg $25)
Bella Pro Series Rotating Waffle Maker ONLY $26.99 (Reg $50)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Kate Spade Kali Small Dome Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $239)
Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch 4 LTE ONLY $179.99 (Reg $300)
Funkoverse Marvel 100 4-Pack ONLY $15.74 (Reg $40)
Automatic Pet Feeder & Water Dispenser ONLY $21.99 (Reg $32)
60% Off adidas Toddler to Big Kids + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
75% Off Wildfox Athleisure + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
LOL Surprise OMG Present Doll ONLY $15.98 (Reg. $30)
Philosophy Beauty Sale + Exclusive Extra 10% Off
Medal Sports 7-In-1 Combo Game Table ONLY $50 (Reg. $110)
Shampoo Massager Brush Scalp 2-Pack ONLY $6.97 (Reg. $13)
60% Off Lucky Brand + Exclusive 10% Off at Checkout
Chuckit! Ultra Tug Dog Toy ONLY $5.10 (Reg. $10)
Calvin Klein Pillow Standard/Queen ONLY $7.99 (Reg $34)
Sloosh Pool Volleyball Net & Basketball Hoop ONLY $19 (Reg. $38)
Kids Preferred Disney Princess Ariel Plush Toy ONLY $5 (Reg $19)
VTech Workout Buddies Bag ONLY $13.37 (Reg. $28)
Woods 6-Foot Extension Cord White ONLY $1.99 (Reg $10)
Curiod TV Stand for TVs up to 36-In ONLY $39 (Reg $99)
HART 5-Tool Combo Kit ONLY $79 (Reg $198)
Target Deal Days Sale July 11-13
Save 40% on Select Kitchen Appliances at Target
70% Off Photo Gifts + Free Same Day Pickup = HOT DEALS
Melissa & Doug Bath Book and Tugboat Toys ONLY $6.99 (Reg. $15)
Nike Benassi Slides ONLY $15.96 (Reg $25)
Amazon 50% Off Bed Sheets Coupon – All Sizes
Save 50% on Lady Gaga Makeup on Amazon
Ryan’s World Aquaplay Playset ONLY $19 (Reg. $40)
Macy’s Father’s Day Gifts Coupon + Free Same Day Pickup
Little Tikes Super Slam ‘n Dunk ONLY $99 (Reg. $250)

Amazon Returns at Kohl’s: My #1 Tip to Score Free Stuff!

Kohl’s. The frugal folks know all about this trick, but, if you haven’t been to Kohl’s in a while, it’s time to head over to the closest store, or their website.  This tip is for those Amazon Shoppers in my life!

When you buy something on Amazon, sometimes it doesn’t work out. Then it’s time to return your purchase. That can be a hassle, however, did you know that most items can be returned to a local Kohl’s location? YUUUUP. And when you return the Amazon item, you get a confirmation code, and a $5 off Kohl’s Cash coupon, and a 35% off when you use your Kohl’s Card (but I don’t have one).

I’ve been taking those $5 off Kohl’s Cash coupons directly to the clearance sections of the store and locating items in sizes that fit the fam for $5 or less.

Earlier this week I scored a shirt (pictured above) that I’ll be tie-dying later this month and giving as a gift later this year. It was $4.80, and after my coupon, I paid nothing!

Earlier this month I picked up a pair of PJ pants, and after the $5.00 Kohl’s Cash Coupon, I paid just $1.08! Which was all change. I had cleaned out my car earlier that day, and I filled my wallet with the change from my purse.

I have a note on my phone with all of our clothing and shoe sizes, as well as color and fabric preferences (especially important for those in the family who have sensory issues). As well as birthdays for family and friends, bedding sizes, and other notes that make gift-giving a cinch.

If you aren’t a Kohl’s Shopper, or it’s been a minute, check out their website to sign up for a 15% off coupon here, and sign up for their Kohl’s Rewards Program here.

I take advantage of store sales, Kohl’s Cash offers, and coupons to really save money at Kohl’s. We purchased our living room rug at Kohl’s (it was on sale and there was a Kohl’s Cash event), and I used the Kohl’s Cash to buy Christmas gifts.

 

Talk Back: If you have any tips or tricks to save at Kohl’s, Please leave them in the comments below!

Dream Dinners: Earn Free Dinners & Special Offer for your Friends!

Dream Dinners in La Mesa has a new Meal Prep Workshop program.  This is an exciting new twist on the in-store party and it’s a great opportunity for you to introduce your friends to Dream Dinners and earn fun rewards!

Here’s how it works:
As the host, you attend the workshop for free! You also have the opportunity to earn up to $75 in host rewards!

Your friends pay $50 to attend and learn about Dream Dinners. This includes three pre-prepped medium-size meals, and everyone will get to assemble the Campfire Cobbler Trio, at this private, in-store event with your friends. They’ll enjoy delicious samples of our food. They also have some exciting perks for them if they place an order at the workshop!

Call/Text 619-460-6800 to learn more and schedule your event!
If you’ve never tried Dream Dinners, it is a great meal prep company with locations all over the US. I love Marsi and her staff at the La Mesa Location. When compared to other meal prep/meal plan programs, the prices and freshness are out of this world. For more about why Dream Dinners is tops in my book, check out this post.

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival: Aug. 13

The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival is coming up on August 13, 2022. There will be short films from around the world in several categories: animation, narrative, & documentary.

  • 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8/13/22
  • Neil Morgan Auditorium at the San Diego Central Library downtown, 330 Park Blvd.
  • Free admission
  • Filmmaker and animator appearances!
  • Film schedule at www.childrensfilmsd.org
  • Register here

Tryazon: Craft, Create, Illuminate with LetsGlow Dance Party!

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Light up your kids’ next party with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from LetsGlow. Craft your LetsGlow look with a crafting kit of retroreflective fashion accessories that kids can wear to light up their photos or videos without an app! LetsGlow Studio™ kit includes a variety of non-toxic sticker sheets, nail stickers, and reusable reflective material to create hours of play! Just attach the LetsGlow LED Clip to any phone or tablet, light up your accessories and make fun, unique videos with friends and family! Perfect for family reunions, sleepovers, and parties!

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack valued at $70+ with a variety of LetsGlow products to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

Checkout 51: SAVE on Real California Milk products!

Dairy loving peeps! Check out these sweet deals from Checkout 51! Earn Cash Back on cheese, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and ice cream—and feel good about it! When buying a product with the Real California Milk seal, you’re supporting Golden State farms and the farm families that run them. Now go dig into some dairy!

Checkout 51 is one of my favorite cash-back shopping apps! Most of the deals/cashback rebates are not store-specific, so I can save at stores that don’t accept coupons, like Grocery Outlet and 99 Cents Only.  You can also stack with store sales and other discounts!

  • Real California Milk Chunk/Block Cheese & Specialty Cheese $1.00 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk $0.50 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk Drinkable Yogurt $0.50 Cash Back
  • Buy 2: Real California Milk Yogurt $0.50 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk Cream Cheese $0.75 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk Sour Cream $0.50 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk Cottage Cheese $0.50 Cash Back
  • Real California Milk Ice Cream $1.00 Cash Back

And in addition to sweet deals on groceries, you can also save on gas at select stations. Information and specific participating stations can be found in their app.

To learn more about all of the Cashback apps I use, click here.