THRIFTY THURSDAY

Morning Everyone

Well woke up to lots of snow this morning. Going to have my coffee and then out to do the driveway when it warms up a bit. Happy that I parked my car at the bottom of the driveway. Once that is done I will get some chores done around the house.I am going to try and finish sewing my gift sacs....Going to go out and pick up some last minute stocking stuff then off to Grammas for dinner. I love liver and bacon and have not had it for years as it is not what Grumpy likes and the home where Gramma lives is having that for dinner tonight so we are going to join her for dinner. Grumpy and Gramma are going to have ham for dinner...I just finished picking up the gifts for her to give the kids so I will take them down with me and help her wrap them and then she will be done as well... Quite pleased that I am organized early this year....

Here is the Thrifty tip for today:

When you go shopping, don't ask yourself, "Do I need this?" Ask yourself, "Can I do without this?"

This unique pie tastes just like a spaghetti dish—but it's served in wedges! It holds together well and it tastes great!

Pasta Pie

Leftover cooked spaghetti (or other string pasta) you might have some in the freezer in a ziploc bag about 1 2/3 cups
Large egg, fork-beaten
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese 3 tbsp.
Olive (or cooking) oil 1 tbsp.
Creamed cottage cheese, slightly mashed with fork 1/2 cup
Lean ground beef 8 oz(or Italian sausage,with casing removed)
Chopped onion 1/3 cup
Diced green pepper 1/4 cup
Can of diced tomatoes (with juice) 14 oz.
Tomato paste 2 tbsp
Dried whole oregano 1/2 tsp.
Granulated sugar 1/2 tsp.
Dried crushed chilies (optional) 1/4 tsp.
Salt 1/4 tsp.
Garlic powder 1/8 tsp.
Grated part-skim mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup

Combine first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Turn into greased 9 inch (22 cm) pie plate. Press into bottom and up side of pie plate.Spread cottage cheese evenly over pasta mixture.Scramble-fry ground beef, onion and green pepper in large non-stick frying pan on medium for about 10 minutes until beef is no longer pink. Drain. Add next 7 ingredients. Stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes until reduced and thickened. Spread evenly over cottage cheese. Cover with foil. Place on baking sheet. Bake in 350°F oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil.Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into 6 wedges.

Serve with a salad or garlic bread.....

Enjoy

Cheers

Granny