Dining In Again…And Adding Up the Savings!

It seems that these Penny Pinching Posts of mine are catching on – last week alone I had over 500 hits just on the Money Saving Baked Chicken Dinner. Because of the economy, saving money everywhere we can is certainly a necessity…and giving up a night out at a restaurant once a week can add up to substantial savings.

From here on out, these Weekly “Stay In” meals posted on Thursdays will be called “The Change That Adds Up” – and man does it ever! Even if you only give up 2 meals out a month – just TWO – you could be saving an estimated $1100 a year! $1100!! Did you even realize?

So here is my third The Change That Adds Up Meal , and this one is soooo Company Worthy. The cool thing is that although it looks great and tastes divine, it really is super simple to make. Really!

This week we are having Pork Chops with Raspberry Sauce, served with Sugar Snap Peas and Garlic & Herb Rice. For dessert, well, try the Mint Brownies warmed up with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. If you crumble the brownies and ice cream into a parfait cup and garnish with a little chocolate syrup, you’ll have a simple yet delicious end to a great meal that looks impressive enough for guests.

I won’t bore you with the recipe for peas or rice. I feel sure you can handle those. But this Pork Chop Recipe is phenomenal and I must share!

Pork Chops with Raspberry Sauce

2 Bone In or Boneless Pork Chops
1/2 tsp. Thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp. Sage, chopped
Pinch of Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper

2 Tbsp. Butter, divided
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 cup Raspberry Jam
2 Tbsp. Orange Juice
2 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce

Combine the dry ingredients and add over the pork. Fry in skillet around 4-5 minutes on each side in 1 Tbsp. Butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
In same skillet, combine remaining ingredients and stir over med-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over each pork chop as it is served.

See? Easy! One skillet!

Now, let’s see our savings this week versus our $61 meal out:

Pork Chops – $2.50
Herbs – $.50 (if that)
Butter – $.50 (this includes what you’ll put on the peas & rice)
Olive Oil – $.30
Orange Juice – $.20
Vinegar – $.20
Soy – $.20
Jam – $.70
Peas – $1.75 (I use the frozen Green Giant)
Rice – $1.00 (even if you use Lipton or Rice-a-Roni)
Brownies & Ice Cream – $3.00 (and you’ll have lots of leftover brownies!)
Total – $10.85 (this is enough to feel 2 adults and a toddler)

Trust me folks – this is a meal you will find yourself making again and again! And doesn’t it feel good to save $50 in one week alone?

See you again next week!