Last week’s trip to the Farmer’s Market netted this veritable cornucopia of produce. I paid $8.00. At Walmart, the four bell peppers alone would have set me back  $7.44! Thank you  to Johnson’s Produce for their discount box.

This week’s overflowing pile of vegetables was a whopping $9.70. That’s a lot of money to me, but not really too bad for 29 items. And the cost of 11 bell peppers at Walmart would be $24.80! I’d much rather pay 33c each.

Stuffed pepper party at my house!

This cheesy, garlicky dish is a grown up version of mac and cheese that’s very easy, but looks and tastes extravagant.

8 ounces spaghetti noodles

1 teaspoon butter

3 large button mushrooms, chopped

1/4 cup onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 eggs

4 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan, for serving

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, saute onion and mushroom in butter until softened, add garlic and cook a few more minutes.  Place bacon, onion, mushroom and garlic in a large bowl.

Scramble eggs in a medium bowl. Stir in cheese.

When pasta is cooked, drain well and add to bowl with bacon. Pour egg and cheese mixture over pasta and quickly stir. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to distribute the ingredients.

Serve topped with Parmesan.

Serves: 2

Tips: Traditionally made with Parmesan, I use Italian blend cheese that is a mix of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Romano, Fontina and Asiago. Substitute your favorite cheese or cheese blend.

You can use pork, beef, turkey or vegetarian bacon in this recipe. I’ve also added cooked, crumbled sausage.

You can add or substitute vegetables, as desired.

Impress your family and friends by whipping up pudding from scratch in just a few minutes. Quick and easy, but does require a little patience.

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

3 – 5 tablespoons sugar (or equivalent amount of sugar substitute)

2 1/2 cups milk

Combine cornstarch, baking cocoa, sugar and 1 cup milk in a small saucepan. Whisk until well blended. Place saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly for several minutes, adding the rest of the milk gradually. When mixture comes to a boil, whisk briskly for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Pour into four to six individual ramekins or small bowls. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Tips: Using the smaller amount of sugar will result in a dark chocolate flavor. The higher amount of sugar will give you a milk chocolate flavor.

This is a great way to use up milk that’s getting close to its expiration date.

I braved the snow covered sidewalks and the bitter cold to walk to the Farmer’s Market. I wore my warmest hat…

A ten minute walk takes twice as long when the sidewalks are covered in two feet of snow. I had to walk in the road half of the time. I was so freaked out by the time I got there, I had to sit and remind myself to breathe.

Johnson’s Produce had an overflowing discount bin. I got 16 items for $3.00!

Organic eggs, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, chicken soup base and olives completed my shopping. All together, I spent $12.95. My bag was so heavy I almost couldn’t carry it home!

If you have never been to the South Bend Farmer’s Market, or haven’t been in years, take the time to visit this treasure right in the heart of the city.

These are my two best scores recently.

My total should have been $17.80. After coupons and discount, I paid just $5.93! That’s almost the cost of just the milk and bread (value $5.76) or approximately 66% savings.

If you’re wondering, this is at least a year’s supply of pasta. My total should have been $28.38. After coupons and price matching, I  paid $12.79. That’s like paying for the pasta (value $12.96) and getting everything else for free! This is approximately a savings of 55%.

Hopefully, soon I can find the time to share my couponing tips and strategies for all of you who are new to the game.