I thought I'd share a recipe this week that focused on using ingredients most of us already have in the house: frozen peas and canned tomatoes. I found this recipe for Pasta and Peas Au Gratin in a new cookbook from Better Homes and Gardens: "Super Market Shortcuts: Shop Smart! 365 Recipes to Save Time and Money." It creates what appears to be a yummy tomato cream sauce with cheese ravioli and peas. Of course, I'll be substituting milk for the half-and-half in this recipe, which you also might do if you are trying to lose weight in 2010 like I am. This meal costs $1.79 per serving.
If you would like to enter for a chance to win a copy of that cookbook, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post before noon Friday. I'll choose a winner at random and announce who won next week. Good luck!
If you need to stock up on frozen vegetables or canned tomatoes, Kroger is selling both as part of their 10 for $10 specials this week. For more ways to save money on your groceries, make sure to check out N&O retail reporter Sue Stock's blog, Taking Stock. She pairs what's on sale with coupons each Wednesday.
Pasta and Peas Au Gratin
1 9-ounce package of refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup half-and-half, light cream or milk
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions, except add peas for the last minute of cooking. Drain. Return pasta and peas to the saucepan.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan stir together flour and pepper. Gradually stir in the half and half. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Gradually add undrained tomatoes. Pour over pasta mixture. Toss to coat. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese.
Makes 4 servings.
Cost breakdown:
Ravioli, $4.15 for 9-ounce package, Cost for meal: $4.15
Peas, $1 for 12-ounce bag, Cost for meal: 67 cents
Half-and-Half, $1.79 for 16 ounces, Cost for meal: 90 cents
Tomatoes, $1 for 14-ounce can, Cost for meal: $1
Parmesan cheese, $4.29 for 10 ounces, Cost for meal: 43 cents
Cost for meal: $7.15
Cost per serving: $1.79
Comments
Cookbook giveaway
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 13:36 — sweetpotatogirlI am always in favor of saving time and money!
Cookbook
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 13:35 — sweetpotatogirlI am always in favor of saving time and money!
Cookbook
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 11:59 — schmems82Thanks for all the giveaways.
Cookbook giveaway
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 11:48 — erika483I can always use a new cookbook, particularly one that saves time and money.
I'll have to try this recipe although I would think you could save a little more money by buying a big bag of frozen ravioli and using just a portion of it instead of the refridgerated kind.
cookbook
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:50 — CaryMomof4This cookbook sound great. I'd love to win a copy.
cookbook!
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:47 — mmckinleyvaHi there, Love to cook and get new cookbooks! : )
Cookbook giveaway
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:33 — ta1varezWould love to win this.
cookbook giveaway
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 08:35 — bblackmonHi...always love new cookbooks and winning!
cookbook
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 07:50 — northraleighTo me, saving time is only second to saving money. I can use this cookbook.
another cookbook
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 01:47 — pengwenhsdis always a good thing :-D
Pasta and Peas AuGratin
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 00:34 — Eileen518I couldn't help commenting about the recipe, Pasta and Peas AuGratin. Early in my marriage, my mother-in-law served a similar dish to us. I thought it was a bit strange, as I never heard of it before that time or all of the latter years (we've been married for 37 years). I was shocked to see it today, only adding a couple of more ingredients. My husband told me that she served it because they had a large family, and it was an inexpensive dish. I can't wait to tell him that it was in this new cookbook! I would love to win this book and use this recipe, as well as some of the other recipes.
Cookbook Giveaway
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 17:51 — pcummingsEvery little bit helps and I mean every little bit. Thanks for the recipe. Hope to get more help by winning the cookbook - it would be really nice.
Desperately need frugal cooking cook book!
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 17:24 — cczahnowI'd love to win this recipe book in order to make my life easier (I DO work!) - maybe there are even some recipes my husband could handle ;-P Since my husband is underemployed and has been for 2+ years, I can use all the tips, help, suggestions available. Fortunately, we don't eat out too often (for many reasons but cash is the main reason) so we manage with less-than-fancy meals. The king crab legs will just have to wait until we see brighter days!
Cookbook Giveaway
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 16:49 — annamwThe new cookbook sounds helpful, we need more frugal feasts at our house. Thank you!
COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 16:04 — sandywagonerI WILL TRY THIS SOON! I LOVE SIMPLE AND EASY. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN!!!
COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 15:56 — puff619Good basic recipe to start with. I need a little more zing-so I may add 1 diced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp. rosemary, 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes and play with other spices from there. I may also add a few roasted pine nuts, almonds or walnuts. You may also try this recipe with other types of ravioli-chicken or artichoke, etc.
Thanks.
Cookbook Giveaway
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 15:21 — aswaggerSounds like a great recipe. I can not wait to try it. Sounds like a great cookbook as well. I can always use help with budget friendly recipes. Thanks
Cookbook
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 15:11 — northtruroThanks for this recipe - looks yummy!
Would love to have the cookbook. Pick me! Pick me! (please.)
Cookbook...
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 14:59 — arogronjomomThanks for posting this recipe - it is one I will most definitely try!!!
I am a master at making something out of nothing for supper. Not always as successful as I'd like to be (i.e. egg noodle, cream soup and hot dog fiasco!
) but, as a SAHM with four hungry little ones and being one of those families that live on one income, I have to make our food budget stretch `til it hurts sometimes 
Any cookbook with new, sure to tempt my family recipes would be well received and appreciated by all of us.
Thanks again!
quick n easy is what we
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 14:48 — newsqrlquick n easy is what we do.... but need to add variety! so this cookbook would be great to have...thanks!
Cookbook giveaway.
Wed, 01/13/2010 - 11:37 — tigejennI'd love to win! I'm always looking for ways to save money and time in the kitchen!
I"m also amused that I made a version of this dish last weekend in a sort of "throw everything together and see what sticks" sort of way. Who knew there was an actual recipe?