calling all cooks! [GIVEAWAY]

As you hopefully already know, I've been working behind the scenes for the past six months to create a treasure trove of new recipes for my first cookbook! The cookbook will be filled with almost ALL new, easy, delicious, and inexpensive recipes! ...and while I'd like to think that I know what y'all like by now, I'd love to have a handful of Budget Bytes readers test some of the recipes and give me honest feedback.

So, I'm holding a contest/giveaway to choose 10 people at random to participate in the recipe testing process. The chosen testers will get to choose a chapter from the book and then will be able to choose one (or more) recipes from that chapter to test.

What's in it for you?

Wellll...

1. You'll get an exclusive sneak peak at some of the recipe offerings,
2. When the book is published you'll get a FREE copy,
3. Your name will be printed in the book's acknowledgements,
4. My undying love and thanks will be scrawled on the inside cover by yours truly.

Sound like a deal?

How to Enter:

Below you'll see the contest widget that displays the entry options, how much time is left before the drawing, and how many entries you've completed. You'll need to log into the widget to enter, which will also provide me a way to contact you if your name is drawn. Your login info will ONLY be used for this drawing. There are three ways to enter and you can enter once, twice, or all three times if you'd like.

The Details

The drawing will close at 12:00 AM (EST) Saturday, 2/2/2013. I'll select ten random winners Saturday morning and will promptly send them an email. The winners will also be displayed in the contest widget below, once they have been chosen.

I need to hear back from the ten selected testers by the end of the day Sunday, 2/3/2013. My deadline is swiftly approaching, so we'll need to work quickly :)

Let the Games Begin!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

new years resolutions 2013

Is it too late for my resolutions? Nah. Any time is good for a resolution.

When I started this blog I was really, really strapped for cash. Every penny was carefully regulated and every purchase severely scrutinized. Since starting the blog I have gone back to school, started a new career, and am now enjoying an income with a little more "wiggle room."

Give me an inch and I'll take a mile.

I maybe, maybe, have gotten a little too comfortable with that wiggle room. I have a goal of purchasing my first home in 2014, so it's time to take a step back and put a few of my old rules back into place. I want to tighten the belt on my spending habits and go back to my super penny pinching ways. I'm posting them here today in hopes that A) they'll make me feel accountable and B) maybe they'll inspire you to do the same in 2013!

New Years Resolutions 2013

1. Enjoy people, not things.
Spending time with people is relatively free (depending on how you spend that time) and so much more fulfilling than buying things to cure your boredom. I resolve to have more quality time with friends!

2. Make purchases based on needs, not wants.
I used to have a strict rule - before making a purchase I would ask myself, "was I surviving without this item before?" If the answer was yes, then I wouldn't buy it. That's how I managed to cook for ten years with just one inexpensive chef's knife. It did the job. End of story.

3. View food as nourishment, not entertainment.
This is a toughy because food is an awesome, full sensory experience. But, relying on food for entertainment can be bad for your wallet and waistline (plus it just makes me feel wasteful when I know there are so many people out there who are hungry). Eat for the energy and nutrients that you need, and not more.

4. No more shrugging off small purchases.
It's gotten really easy to justify that $2 coffee or bagel when I'm at work. "I'm so tired, I'm working so hard, I SO deserve it." WRONG. I'm strong. I don't need "treats" to get me through the day. Plan ahead. Bring snacks or coffee from home. Those small purchases add up and every dollar counts.

It's amazing how little changes can make a big difference. Stick to your goals and let your little successes fuel you towards major accomplishments. Stay positive, focus on the good in your life, and recognize that life is what you make of it. Have a happy new year, everyone! I wish you all the best in 2013!!

Also, I'd love to hear your resolutions or tips for living within your means. Share them in the comments below! Let's motivate each other!

let's keep in touch...

I love Facebook - it's still my favorite social media outlet. I like the design and the ways in which it allows users to interact.

BUT...

(there's always a but, isn't there?)

Unfortunately, since they've had to start answering to share holders, Facebook has made some changes that make it difficult for me to stay in touch with all of you. If you've noticed that my posts aren't showing up in your feed, even after adding me to your "favorites" list, you're not alone.
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captain's log: day 5

I'm still in the red.

While this map of the electrical outages looks 100% better than it did even just yesterday, I'm still waiting. I've been through this before (Hurricane Gustav, 2008, no power 8 days), so I know I can make it. It's just a matter of sweating it out... I mean waiting it out.

On Thursday I had to face the truth and admit that everything in my refrigerator and freezer would be lost. All of my homemade chicken broth, almost an entire batch of slow cooker marinara, some slow cooker black beans, and single serving portions of taco chicken bowls and taco stuffed shells all went in the garbage. But hey, the refrigerator needed a good head to toe cleaning anyway. It's important to keep a positive perspective in these situations.

I'd love to post some "no power" recipes, but honestly, I can't even be inside of my apartment without sweat rolling down my back. So, no work will be done until I'm electrified again. Plus, I really don't even want food right now. All I crave is a huge 64 ounce Big Gulp full of icy cold liquid - It's HOT y'all!

I'll continue to try to answer your questions and emails when I can, but my access to wi-fi is somewhat limited.

All in all, this storm has really been nothing more than an inconvenience for me. I've actually got it really, really good and I'm grateful for that. My thoughts go out to those who have had significant damage and hardship because of it.

People may ask why we choose to live in the path of such potential danger. It's the same reason people choose to live in Venice, Italy when it is literally sinking straight into the ocean. The culture, history, and lifestyle that are unique to New Orleans cannot be experienced anywhere else on the planet. It's a fantastic place to live and I'll gladly endure an adventuresome week without power every now and then to live in a place that is so wonderful the rest of the time. :)

If you have any movie (available in Redbox) or book suggestions to help keep me busy, please share! Hopefully we'll be back in business soon!

XOXO
Beth

Stay in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

hurricane hiatus

If you weren't already aware, I live it the wonderfully unique city of New Orleans. And if you also weren't aware, it attracts hurricanes like cat hair to a black sweater. If the hurricane is on this side of the globe, it WILL get sucked straight into New Orleans. That's just the law of the land.

ANYWAY, hurricane Isaac isn't looking so bad, but just bad enough to foil my plans for cooking on Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead I'll be watching the rain drops and sipping on a glass (or two, or three) of wine until the power comes back on and the flooded streets drain away.

Hopefully by Labor Day weekend (when I have another couple of days off) things will be back to normal, the grocery stores will be re-stocked, and I'll be able to cook and photograph some more yummies for you!

If you want to see what it's like inside of a hurricane follow me on Facebook and Twitter, I might post some photos!

xoxo
Beth

BIG NEWS

Sooo... you know how you've been asking if/when/where is there going to be a Budget Bytes book?

IT'S FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN!

Yay! As of yesterday, a book is officially going to be made. I'm partnering up with Avery (part of Penguin) to make the first Budget Bytes cookbook and I CAN'T WAIT to get started.

That's all the info I have to share for now, unfortunately, as all of the details still need to be worked out. Rest assured, I'll keep you up to date and let you know just as soon as you can get your hands on one!

ALSO

Perhaps you've noticed that the blog is looking a little "cleaner" this afternoon? I decided it was time to shape things up around here, so I've got a brand new design ...but not so different that you'll feel lost or alienated. Updated, but familiar. Ahhh... so fresh and so clean, clean, clean!

BIG THANKS to Jacquelinne at Smitten Blog Designs for helping me iron out the design details and get the coding done (I don't speak CSS). I love it!

That's all for now, peeps!

XOXO
Beth

lodge cast iron GIVEAWAY [CLOSED]

It's my 500th post and time to celebrate!!

I've gotten into the habit of giving away things that I don't have, but want, so here we go again today! Three big winners of this giveaway will receive this super cool Lodge Cast Iron dutch oven / skillet combo set! You can use the bottom as a stock pot or in the oven as a dutch oven and the lid doubles as a skillet! How cool is that?!

If you've never cooked with cast iron, it will really help you take your cooking to the next level. Because it's super thick and heavy, it heats evenly and can get really hot, which will help with browning and charring.

What else can you do with this awesome piece of cookery? You can bake no-knead bread in there to get an extra crispy crust! You could probably use the skillet part in the oven to make deep dish pizzas too. The thick iron works very similarly to a pizza stone.

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cookbook GIVEAWAY! [closed]

Another giveaway so soon? Sure! Why not? After all, I want to share one of my new favorite cookbooks with you!

So here's the back story: I've never been all that into Martha Stewart until last year when a friend of mine (hi, Jeffrey!) got me a subscription to her Everyday Food magazine. I was pleasantly surprised to find it packed full of simple, delicious, and EASY recipes. Just my style! Jump forward to last month when I got an email from one of their editors asking if I'd like to contribute some budget advice for an article... You bet I do! So, if you turn to page 26 of the March 2012 issue, you'll see my picture and quote about shopping at ethnic markets to save money on spices and other goods!

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very pinteresting!

Are y'all as crazy about Pinterest as I am? It's an endless source of inspiration and I just can't get enough of it! ...And now Budget Bytes is on Pinterest!

I've created boards for most of my main recipe label categories and pinned the recipes within each. Now you can repin old recipes with ease. For those of you who have had trouble pinning from my site, I hope this is a good fix. Also, I've discovered that pinning via the browser toolbar button works with my site! Just go to "About" on the top of the Pinterest website, choose "pin-it button" from the drop down menu, and then scroll up to the pin-it button for bookmark bars. As far as I know, it works with firefox and chrome, but it might work for other browsers too!

If you've never been on pinterest or just don't have an account, you should still be able to see my pin boards. The pin boards are a great wat to easily browse Budget Bytes recipes visually! So, check it out! :D

Happy Pinning!

P.S. A "vegetarian" board will be coming very, very soon.

facebook 10k GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the number 10,000, but there are indeed 10,000 followers on Budget Byte's Facebook page! Pretty unbelievable, but I'm happy to have each and every one of you! :D So, to say thanks, let's have a GIVEAWAY!!

I've survived the past 10+ years with just a basic chef's knife, a bread knife, a paring knife or two, and one, yes one, lonely steak knife. But that doesn't mean that you don't deserve more! I want some lucky soul out there to have a really great set of knives for their kitchen. So, I found this set from Chicago Cutlery that has amazing reviews and includes all of the pieces that I would want to have. Oh! And it's available for international shipping! So come one, come all!

Chicago Cutlery 18-Piece Insignia Steel Knife Set with Block and In-Block Sharpener

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4 WEEKS of GIVEAWAYS week #4 [CLOSED]

In the continuing celebration of Budget Bytes reaching 10,000 RSS subscribers, I bring you Week #4 of the 4 Weeks of Giveaways!

I've had so much fun reading everyone's responses to the other giveaways, I'm a little sad this will be the last one (for a little while, at least!). Deciding on the last prize was a little tough, but I had to go with my gut.

I know not everyone likes the 'ol George Foreman grill, but I've found mine to be beyond valuable. Like any appliance, it's not great for everything, but it does some things very, very well. If you live in an apartment or just otherwise don't have a real grill, this little guy can be a life saver. I've grilled vegetables on it, made panini's, and it's my go-to piece of equipment for quickly cooking chicken.

I bought my old-school, little-bitty George Foreman grill well over ten years ago and it's still going strong. The model I'm giving away today is bigger, better, and redder! Ha! I hope it goes to someone who gets as much use out of it as I do mine!

Giveaway #3 - 72 sq. inch George Foreman Grill (Red)

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4 WEEKS of GIVEAWAYS week #3 [CLOSED]

In the continuing celebration of Budget Bytes reaching 10,000 RSS subscribers, I bring you Week #3 of the 4 Weeks of Giveaways!

So, you know I'm obsessed with pizza, right? Well, I am. Pizza is like a blank canvas to which you can apply any flavor, color, or texture. It's pure magic.

But to get a really great pizza, you need a stone pizza oven... or a PIZZA STONE!

So, I'm giving one away. Actually, not just a pizza stone, but also a pizza cutter and pizza peel (the wooden paddle that is used to transfer your raw pizza onto the hot stone). I hope there are many, many delicious pizzas in your future!

Giveaway #3 - Bialetti 4-Piece Pizza Stone Set

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4 WEEKS of GIVEAWAYS week #2 [CLOSED]

In the continuing celebration of Budget Bytes reaching 10,000 RSS subscribers, I bring you Week #2 of the 4 Weeks of Giveaways!

What do I have for you this week? It's a piece of kitchen equipment that I have absolutely fallen in love with over the past two years - A SLOW COOKER!

Now, I'm not one of those people who likes to cook everything in a slow cooker. In fact, I think most things shouldn't be cooked in one, but there are a few things that it does very, very well. Anytime something requires a long, slow cooking process, the slow cooker is your pal. You can literally "set it and forget it." I love making slow cooked meats, like pulled pork or the infamous taco chicken bowls, but it's also great for beans or slow cooked sauces. Just being able to stock your freezer with freshly cooked beans instead of having to buy canned beans makes this appliance well worth it's weight in gold.

If you haven't started experimenting with a slow cooker yet, I hope this inspires you to!

Giveaway #2 - 6 Quart Crock-Pot Slow Cooker

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4 WEEKS of GIVEAWAYS week #1 [CLOSED]

Today is a big day for Budget Bytes. No, not big, monumental. Today the number of subscribers to the Budget Bytes RSS feed officially topped 10,000 people.

I never knew the blog would go this far and it probably wouldn't have without all of you. I want to thank each and everyone one of you (RSS subscriber or not) for your feedback and support. If it wasn't for you, Budget Bytes would not still be around and it certainly would not have come this far! YOU are a wonderful community of people who have enriched my life beyond belief. Thank you!

As a thank you, I'm officially kicking off 4 Weeks of Giveaways! That's right, every Tuesday for the next four weeks I'll be introducing a new giveaway! I have chosen four items that I love or have been very helpful to me in my cooking adventures. The giveaways are open to both U.S. and international readers. All prizes have been chosen from Amazon Global for international shipping availability. If for some reason there is a shipping restriction to your location, a comparable prize will be chosen at my discretion.

Giveaway #1 - Black & Decker 8-cup Food Processor

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magazine GIVEAWAY!

Because I don't have another day off to cook until Friday, I thought I'd do a little giveaway to keep everyone entertained!

I have decided to give away three (3) one year subscriptions to Bon Appetit magazine. I love this magazine because it is a great mix of simple food and adventurous, exciting cuisine. I look forward to my copy coming in the mail every month (thanks to my generous friend, Jeffrey) and I hope you will too!
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UPDATE: printer friendly!

Gather 'round kiddies, I've got some great news!

Printer Friendly is Here!

Just about every week I get one or two emails asking for printer friendly versions of the recipes and I've always had to reluctantly say that they don't exist. Unfortunately, Blogger doesn't offer a widget or some other super easy way to make printer friendly versions of blog pages and my search for an easy script had been unsuccessful.
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Contest WINNER!

Well, it's the moment that you've all been waiting for.  The winner of the first ever Budget Bytes giveaway contest is...

May Ling Wu!

Her favorite seasonings to use are:

Garlic, Sage, and Cilantro!  Congratulations May Ling!

I want to thank everyone for participating and standing by through all of the technical difficulties!  I had a great time reading all of the entries.  They were interesting, enlightening, and definitely fun! You all have a great sense of humor :D

I had so much fun holding this contest that I am going to try my best to make it happen again... and again... and again!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a great recipe that uses both garlic and clinatro ;D

party food round up, 2010

Okay, New Years Eve is just a couple of days away and if you're having a big party then you probably have your menu all planned out... BUT I thought I'd round up some appetizers, drinks and other party foods in case there are any stragglers out there who haven't yet decided!

Budget Bytes Appetizers

Hummus (four flavors): Hummus, it's a classic and people almost expect it at a party.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I'm a little bit late saying this but... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you, Budget Bytes readers. Because of you I have learned many things, have had a goals, motivation and many smiles on my face. I appreciate your participation, comments, knowledge and presence! Without your participation and input, Budget Bytes wouldn't even be a shadow of what it is today. THANK YOU!

I hope this next year proves to be as exciting, fulfilling and enjoyable as 2010.


I mainly mooched this Thanksgiving but my sister and I made some quick sauteed brussels sprouts with garlic.

I also wanted to share a little bit of a Louisiana Thanksgiving with you and hear about yours!

Leave a comment below and tell me about the best dish you ate this year.

My favorite dish this year was the two, absolutely scrumptious stuffed pork loins that my friend Jeffrey made.



He stuffed each loin with different fillings (like figs, nuts, cranberries, etc.), grilled them then slathered them with a couple of amazing glazes.



They were not only stunning but every bit as delicious!



How is that for presentation??



This is the amazing chef, Jeffrey, and myself. I keep telling him he needs to start a food blog because his food is AMAZING.



Only in Louisiana will you open up a cooler (maybe expecting to find cold beverages) and find a freshly caught alligator tail.



I had to inspect the gator tail a little closer... I had to touch it!



The look of disbelief on my sister's face says it all...

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful. I got to spend time with my sister and my adoptive brother (Jeffrey), relax and enjoy some spectacular food and wine. Big thanks once again to everyone for making Thanksgiving and the entire year very special!!

hot sauce

I'm not really sure what's happening to me... almost my whole life I feared the burn of hot sauce but, apparently, Louisiana is seeping into my bones. I am now almost a full fledged "hot sauce goes on EVERYTHING" type of person.

I posted this question on Facebook earlier this week but I'd like to know what the other 3,000 of you think.

When it comes to hot sauce, do you think:

a) Hot sauce goes on EVERYTHING...

b) Hot sauce is good but it has a time and a place...

or

c) NO THANK YOU!

If you like it, what is your favorite kind?

Also, if you're a hot sauce fiend or just want to expand your horizons, check out this article from Serious Eats: Serious Heat: 25 Things To Do With Hot Sauce.

Other news...

- More recipes are coming, I promise. School is just about done and then I have a WHOLE MONTH off to play in the kitchen and blogosphere, so watch out! I'll begin pumping out Thanksgiving recipes this weekend.

- There is a new feature in the far right hand column all the way at the bottom. It's called "I want to cook again..." because I've discovered some really scrumptious dishes over the past year and a half of blogging and I want to make sure they don't disappear into blog history. They may not be the "most visited" on the site but they are, IMHO, some of the best tasting. So check 'em out!