strawberries | Fabulessly Frugal: A Coupon Blog sharing Amazon Deals, Printable Coupons, DIY, How to Extreme Coupon, and Make Ahead Meals

How To Make Your Strawberries Last Longer!

May 10, 2013 - 29 Comments

Make your strawberries last for weeks instead of days using this tip!

I stocked up on strawberries early last week at WinCo. They have their strawberries on sale for $1.48 for a 2lb package. I saw this tip on making your strawberries last longer (I can’t even remember where now) but I tried it and this bunch of strawberries lasted for almost two WEEKS in the fridge after using this soak on them! It is really easy, all you need are strawberries, vinegar and water! *Note* this will work on any type of berries.

Mix one part vinegar with 10 parts water. I used 5 cups water to 1/2 cup vinegar. The vinegar kills the mold spores that are already growing on the berries so it lengthens the shelf life!

I soaked them for 2 minutes and drained them.

I suppose you could rinse them with water but I didn’t. There was absolutely no hint of a vinegar taste at all!

I washed out the original container and stored them back in it because it has nice ventilation. I am sure you could use any container.

Store them in the refrigerator or a cool location.

Check out our Strawberry recipes:

Joie Stainless Steel Strawberry Huller

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By Kearna

29 Comments
Filed Under: Awesome, Frugal Living, Recipes, Tips
Tagged With: fresh berries for longer, Frugal tip, Make your strawberries last longer, strawberries, strawberry preservation, strawberry recipes, strawberry sales, using strawberries

Simple Fruit Dip Recipe {Only 3 Ingredients}

August 26, 2012 - 2 Comments

This is a quick and easy recipe to help you jazz up any fruit you may be serving. This dip is especially great for parties. I was surprised how easy it was to make and thrilled that I had all the ingredient in my pantry.

Ingredients:

7 oz Marshmallow Creme

8 oz Softened Cream Cheese

1 tsp Vanilla

Mix together all ingredients and dip…

dip…

dip.

Enjoy!

Search for coupons for these ingredients.

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By Monica

2 Comments
Filed Under: Awesome, Recipes, Uncategorized
Tagged With: Cream Cheese, dessert, fruit dip, marshmallow cream, party food, recipe, strawberries, strawberry recipes, using strawberries, vanilla

No Bake Cheesecake Recipe

July 15, 2012 - 11 Comments

Last week I shared my baked cheesecake recipe. When you are in a hurry or your house is hot this no bake cheesecake is a great alternative.

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INGREDIENTS for Cheesecake crust:

2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 22 squares)
3 Tablespoons Sugar
4 ½ Tablespoons melted Butter or Margarine

INGREDIENTS for Cheesecake filling:

24 oz Cream Cheese (3 packages)
1 Tub Whip Cream (8 oz)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
2 Tablepoon lemon juice (optional)

INGREDIENTS for Cheesecake topping:

2 ½ Quarts Strawberries
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Cup Boiling Water
1 (3 oz) package of Strawberry flavored Gelatin (Jell-o)

Crush your graham crackers. Crushing graham crackers can be really easy with this simple tip. Place graham crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. I always use my pastry pin which I love! In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 13×9 pan.Bake for 10 minutes at 350º. Let cool.

Soften cream cheese. Use a hand mixer and mix softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk until creamy. Add lemon juice (optional). Stir in whip cream and mix until fluffy. Pour mixture into prepared crust and refrigerate for 2 hours until set.

Layer strawberries on top of the cream once set. Cut berries to desired size. I cut mind in thirds length wise.

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To make the gelatin berry topping. In a saucepan, mix together sugar and corn starch, until well blended. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mix, and stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Pour gelatin mixture over strawberries until well covered and beautiful. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

This recipe could also be topped with raspberries, cherries or blueberries.

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By Monica

11 Comments
Filed Under: Recipes
Tagged With: cheese cake, cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, Cool Whip, Cream Cheese, graham crackers, no bake cheesecake, strawberries, strawberry recipes, using strawberries, whip cream

Money Saving Tips: Look for Seasonal Produce

June 1, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Are you looking for some simple ideas to save money? We have simple solutions that you can easily apply to your lifestyle to save money!

Produce that’s in season tends to have the best sales.

Buying out of season usually means paying outrageous prices for fruit or veggies that are not very good.

For example, it costs around $5 or more for a little carton of strawberries in the wintertime and they are usually green. However, during the spring and summer I have gotten ripe, delicious strawberries on sale for around $1.25 per carton. That’s 4 cartons for the price of 1. (Zaycon Foods has Strawberries on sale for the Boise area right now!)

Buying in season is not only cheaper, but it’s also healthier for you because the fresher fruit has more nutrients.

Plus, you can always freeze your bounty after a sale. That way, come fall, when you’re craving some strawberry shortcake, you can make it without paying $5 for one small carton of berries.

You can also make jam with your cheap strawberries. Once you have made a lot of jam, put the jam in freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer for later use.

Read a great way to freeze strawber ries.

Read tips on how to eat fresh for less.

Read more money saving tips. Sign up for daily money saving tips.

Find out why we are giving you a daily money saving tip and how else we are helping you save money in 2012!

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By Angela

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Filed Under: Frugal Living, Simple Money Saving Tips
Tagged With: cheap strawberries, fabulessly frugal, food preservation, freeze food, fresh produce, fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries, Frugal, frugal living, fruit that's in season, great ideas, grocery store deals, money saving ideas, money saving tips, produce sales, save money, seasonal produce, seasonal strawberries, simple ideas, simple ways to save money, strawberries

Someone Has Been Eating My Strawberrries!

June 1, 2012 - 4 Comments

I went out to the strawberry patch this morning only to see some critter had eaten half of every strawberry in the patch that was even close to ripe! Seriously?!?! At least eat the whole thing! So, I figured it was time for reinforcements! This is how we keep the critters (birds, raccoons, mice, etc) out of our strawberries…and it works like a charm!

We have our strawberries in boxes so this is a real easy fix. My husband used some 1″ PVC Pipe and hooped it from one side of the bed to the other. He made three hoops and secured the ends to the lumber on the boxes with the brackets you see above from Lowes.

We purchased some bird netting and draped it over the hoops. You will want to make sure to cover the ends to the ground + a few inches extra on each side. We pulled it tight and secured it at the top center of each pvc hoop with a zip tie.

Then to keep the netting from blowing around it needs to be weighted down on the sides. We used 1″ PVC again. We wrapped the bird netting around the pvc and secured it every few inches with zip ties. Then, when you want to pick the strawberries you just lift the PVC pipe up and place it on the opposite side. The zip ties in the center and the PVC on the end keep the netting from tangling. You can pick the berries and easily replace the bird netting. All while protecting the berries from predators!!!

If PVC pipe is not your thing, you can always follow the resourcefulness of my neighbor (Cathy’s Dad). He used scrap lumber to elevate the bird netting in the center of each bed. I am sure he secured the netting along the center with staples or zip ties. Then he used scrap lumber again to secure the ends of the netting along the sides/top/bottom of the strawberry beds. He just removes the lumber along the sides in order to pick the berries and replaces it when finished!

Bird Netting on Amazon

Cables to Go 43036 Cable Ties 4-inch – 100 Pack (Black) $2.79

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By Kearna

4 Comments
Filed Under: Frugal Living, Gardening, Uncategorized
Tagged With: Gardening, keeping animals out of your strawberry bed, Keeping birds out of your strawberries, keeping critters out of your strawberry beds, strawberries

Last Day for Zaycon Bacon, Chicken and Cod!

May 27, 2012 - 2 Comments

Zaycon Chicken tenders are so yummy! My family loves them and the price is super fab too.

Get a 20 lb case for $35.80, just $1.79/lb.

Zaycon Alaskan True Cod Fillets come in a 20/lb case for $105.80 or $5.29/lb.

This chicken and cod are available in the following cities:

Bremerton, WA
Burien, WA
Elma, WA
Federal Way, WA
Gig Harbor, WA
Maple Valley, WA
Olympia, WA
Puyallup, WA
Renton, WA
Rochester, WA

Hurry orders must be placed by tomorrow {5/27}

Zaycon bacon is so delicious. It is hickory smoked and medium sliced.

Get a 30 lb box for $89.70 at $2.99/lb

Bacon is available in the following cites:

Blackfoot, ID
Boise, ID
Caldwell, ID
Eagle, ID
Emmett, ID
Fruitland, ID
Idaho Falls, ID
Jerome, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Nampa, ID
Parma, ID
Pocatello, ID
Rexburg, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Weiser, ID
Wilder, ID

Hurry orders must be placed by tomorrow {5/27}

Idaho do not forget about the Strawberries for only $1.38/lb!

Meat and Produce deals delivered to your town:

If you did not see your city listed go and register with Zaycon now to see when they will be bringing fabulous meat or produce to your town.

By Monica

2 Comments
Filed Under: Store Deals, Zaycon Foods
Tagged With: alaskan cod, bacon, chicken tenders, idaho, Meat, Produce, strawberries, Washington, Zaycon

Red, White and Blue Stuffed Strawberries

May 27, 2012 - 3 Comments

Red White & Blue Stuffed Strawberries

Strawberries season is here, so I’m making a lot of strawberry themed side dishes and treats this weekend! (Need strawberries? Zaycon is selling freshly picked strawberries in bulk. Head HERE for more details!)

20-25 fresh strawberries

20-25 fresh blueberries

80z. mascarpone cheese

4 T. confectioners sugar

1 t. vanilla

1. Wash and dry strawberries and blueberries. Set blueberries aside. Using a small paring knife, cut the bottom off of each berry so that they stand up on a plate or tray. Using a melon baller, scoop out the top and stem of the strawberry.

2. In a mixer beat together cheese, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Place this mixture in a ziploc bag and snip off a tiny corner of one bag to make an opening like a pastry bag. Alternatively, use a pastry bag if you have one available.

3. Gently squeeze the cheese mixture into each berry and top it with a fresh blueberry. Serve.

Variation Ideas: If you want to take this dessert over the top simply dip the finished strawberries in chocolate, or add cocoa powder to the mascarpone cheese to make the stuffing chocolate flavored.

Recipe and photo credit.

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By Amber

3 Comments
Filed Under: Frugal Cooking, Recipes
Tagged With: blueberries, cooking from your pantry, Cooking from your stockpile, Frugal Cooking, memorial day recipes, Memorial Weekend, Recipes, strawberries, strawberry recipes, using strawberries

Rosauers Deals 5/9-5/15 {CHEAP Strawberries, Fritos, Cheetos, Reser’s Salad, Chicken Sausage and MORE!}

May 16, 2012 - 2 Comments

If you’re a new couponer, it may help you if you understand couponing LINGO!
Remember to PACE YOURSELF when building a stockpile!
Here are Rosauers Coupon Policies

Need coupons? You can print some, get a newspaper subscription, or use a coupon clipping service!

Learn all the secrets to successful couponing

in our 90 minute DVD!

Thanks for supporting Fabulessly Frugal by printing your coupons HERE! It’s just one way to keep the deals coming!

_________________________________________

KEY:

★- means prices are better than generic/wholesale/mass store prices, buy a few if you need it!
★– means this is when we stock up!!! {aka Extreme Couponing… done right}
No star: If we don’t star an item but it is listed here, that means it is still a decent price. It’s not necessarily better than any competitor’s price, but it will save you a trip across town.

Produce Deals

Raspberries, Blueberries, or Blackberries $1.89
★ Washington Fuji Apples $.64/lb
★ Fresh Express Iceberg Garden Salad $.74 each
★ Strawberries 2 lb $2.89
★ Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag $.89 {First 2}
Earthbound Farm Organic Salad Blends $1.99 each

Meat Deals

★ Draper Valley Farms Grill Pack Split Fryer Breast and Hindquarters $1.19/lb

Beef Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $3.59/lb

★ Al Fresco Chicken Sausage 2.49
Use $1/1 Al Fresco All Natural Product printable coupon
or $1/1 Al Fresco All Natural Chicken Sausage 5/6 SS (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: $1.49

Ball Park Franks $1.89
Use $1/2 Ball Park Franks 5/6 RP (Not in Idaho)
or $0.75/2 Ball Park Franks 5/6 RP (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: as low as $1.39

★ Johnsonville Chicken Sausage $1.99
Use $1/1 Johnsonville Chicken Sausage 4/29 SS
or $0.55/1 Johnsonville Pork & Chicken Sausage or Chicken Sausage printable coupon
Final Price: $.99

Fab Deals

★ Reser’s Salad $1.09
Use $0.55/1 Reser’s Deli Salad printable copuon
Final Price: $.54

★ Pagoda Express Entrees $1.89
Use $1/1 Pagoda Express Egg Rolls or Appetizer 4/15 SS
Final Price: $.89

★ Fritos $1.74
Buy 3
Use $1.50/3 Fritos Bag printable
Final Price: $1.24

★ Cheetos $1.74
Buy 2
Use $1/2 Cheetos Cheese Flavored Snacks Pepsi Moments to Save 04/29 (EXPIRES 5/19/12)
Final Price: $.74

★ Earth Wise Juice Blends $1.49
Buy 2
Use $1/2 Earth Wise Carton 4/1 SS (EXPIRES 5/19/12) (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: $.99

By Joey

2 Comments
Filed Under: Coupons, Rosauers, Store Deals
Tagged With: cheetos, Chicken Sausage, Fritos, reser's, rosauers, strawberries

Rosauers Deals 5/9-5/15 {CHEAP Strawberries, Pepsi, Kettle Chips and MORE!}

May 9, 2012 - Leave a Comment

If you’re a new couponer, it may help you if you understand couponing LINGO!
Remember to PACE YOURSELF when building a stockpile!
Here are Rosauers Coupon Policies

Need coupons? You can print some, get a newspaper subscription, or use a coupon clipping service!

Learn all the secrets to successful couponing

in our 90 minute DVD!

Thanks for supporting Fabulessly Frugal by printing your coupons HERE! It’s just one way to keep the deals coming!

_________________________________________

KEY:

Produce Deals

★ Strawberries 1 lb $1.39
Corn $.44 each
On-The-Vine Tomatoes $1.29/lb
Green Bell Peppers $.50 each
Cucumbers $.50 each
Mini Watermelon $2.99 each

Meat Deals

Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops $1.99.lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast $3.49/lb
Pork Bottom Round Roast $2.69/lb

Coupon Match-Ups

★ Pepsi 12 ct $3.33 {First 3 Only}
Use $1/1 Pepsi Max, 12 oz 12 pk printable coupon
or $1/1 Diet Pepsi, 12 oz 12pk printable coupon
or $0.75/1 Diet Pepsi, 12 oz. Can 12-Pack 03/18 SS (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: as low as $2.33

Tide Laundry Detergent $5.99
Use $1/1 Tide 05/13 P&G
Final Price: $4.99

★ Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst or Rope Sausage $3.00
Use $0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Rope Smoked Sausage 03/25 RP (exp 05/15/2012) (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: $2.45

Pepsi 2 ltr $1.59
Use $0.55/1 Pepsi Next, 2 liter 04/29 Pepsi Moments to Save
Final Price: $1.04

Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts $1.99
Buy 3
Use $1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts or Pop-Tart Mini Crisps, 6 ct+ 05/13 RP
or $1/3 Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Toaster Pastries printable coupon
Final Price: $1.66

Mrs. Smith’s or Edwards Pies $4.99
Use $1/1 Mrs. Smith’s or Edwards Whole Pie Product, 23 oz+ printable coupon
Final Price: $3.99

Cascade Action Paks $4.49
Use $0.50/1 Cascade Action Pacs 05/13 P&G
Final Price: $3.99

Brawny Paper Towels $6.99
Use $1/1 Brawny Paper Towels printable coupon
Final Price: $5.99

Nivea Body Lotion $3.79
Use $2/1 Nivea lotion 04/29 RP (Not in Idaho)
$1/1 Nivea Hand or Body lotion, 1.7oz-13.5oz 05/06 RP (Not in Idaho)
Final Price: as low as $1.79

★ Kettle Brand Potato Chips $2.00
Use $1/1 Kettle Potato Chips, 4 oz 03/18 RP (exp 05/12/2012)
Final Price: $1.00

By Joey

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Coupons, Rosauers, Store Deals
Tagged With: kettle chips, pepsi, rosauers, strawberries

Rosauers Deals 4/4-4/10 {CHEAP Strawberries, Potatoes, Jell-O, Cheese, Cool Whip and MORE!}

April 4, 2012 - 4 Comments

If you’re a new couponer, it may help you if you understand couponing LINGO!
Remember to PACE YOURSELF when building a stockpile!
Here are Rosauers Coupon Policies

Need coupons? You can print some, get a newspaper subscription, or use a coupon clipping service!

Learn all the secrets to successful couponing

in our 90 minute DVD!

Thanks for supporting Fabulessly Frugal by printing your coupons HERE! It’s just one way to keep the deals coming!

_________________________________________

KEY:

Produce Deals

★ Strawberries 1 lb $1.50 {First 2}
Asparagus $1.29/lb
★ Idaho Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag $.89 {Limit 2}
Pineapple $.79/lb
★ Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower $.89/lb
Celery $.49/lb
Bunch Radishes or Green Onions $.44 each

Meat Deals

Shank Portion Ham $1.29/lb
Jennie-O Fresh Whole Turkey $1.39/lb
Whole Fryer Chicken $.89/lb
★ Boneless Sirloin Pork Chops, Roast or Country Style Ribs $1.89/lb
Beef Rib Eye Roast $4.99