You know, I’m not a basketball fan, but I sure am inspired by Baker’s “March to Savings” specials this week.  In fact, looking at the sales this week, it’s time to be stocking up on some things!  My sister picked me up some strawberries and eggs at Aldi’s, so with the warmer weather for the next couple of days, I think some spring-y items might be on our menu.  Maybe some brautwurst (I got some in the freezer!) on the grill and some easy potato salad?

Main Dishes

• Brautwurst (or Italian Sausage) – Hy-Vee has these on sale.  You can grill them, but you can also try this method of broiling them in the oven. I’m intrigued!

• Baked Mac & Cheese – I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I want to!  I love the idea of a homemade Mac & Cheese (but I also confess to adoring Kraft’s Mac & Cheese shapes!). This one looks fun.  I’d add some ham to the side and I bet everyone would love it.  With cheese on sale at lots of places, this could be a good week to make this!
• Corn Dog Casserole – Got kids who love corn dogs?  This Taste of Home recipe could make you the family hero!  Stop by Bag N Save or No Frills and put those hot dogs to good use!
• Spicy Chicken Rigatoni – I LOVE, LOVE this recipe.  It uses a combination of red pasta sauce with white pasta sauce.  Toss in some noodles and chicken and it’s tasty!  You can tame it down by not using red pepper flakes.

This last week, I made chocolate chip cookies.  This is the best ever recipe.  A total classic recipe.  I received it from a former roommate of mine and it’s just so tasty.

I learned somewhere that to have “prettier” cookies, you should form the dough into balls on your cookie sheet, but then add a few chocolate chips on top of them.  Then when they bake, the chocolate chips are inside the cookie, but also on top!  Making for a more chocolate cookie, but also prettier!

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup shortening or butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips (or more!)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Combine shortening, sugar and brown sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix again.
4. Add flour, salt, baking soda. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Try not to eat the dough while you put on ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 10-11 minutes.
8. Serve warm with a glass of milk.

Jayme is a wife to 1 and, so far, a mother to two little boys. She coupons, but isn’t super extreme about it. She price matches and loves it! While she likes to cook, she’s in the stage of life where simple is usually better! She never knows how many hands she’ll have free at dinner time! You can find her at No Regrets Living.