Hope you are not tired of all the soup recipes I have been posting the past month. I just LOVE soup, especially at this time of year!

This is another great recipe from my sister-in-law. Enjoy!

BACON POTATO SOUP

1/2 cup bacon bits (I like to use precooked real bacon bits from Costco)
2/3 cup margarine
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk
4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed (you can add more depends on the size)
4 green onions, chopped
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup bacon bits, 2 tablespoons green onions and most of the cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sour cream and heat through. Serve topped with remaining bacon, onions and cheese. And if you don’t have any sour cream, you can leave it out and it still tastes great!

I learned this trick last year. You can microwave popcorn in a brown paper bag! East, quick, and all natural. Here is how you do it.

You will need:
A brown paper lunch sack
1/4 c. popcorn kernals
some tape

Pour the popcorn kernals into the brown paper bag, fold over once and tape closed. Put into the microwave. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Remember all microwaves are different, so this is just an approximate time. You don’t want to burn your popcorn so watch it closely.

Now the popcorn is all done! The bag should be nice and full.

Now you can enjoy some popcorn, how you like it! This is the best part. Here are some things you can add to customize your popcorn:

spray butter
Parmesan cheese
chili powder
cinnamon & sugar

Have you tried this before? How do you like your popcorn?

Our friends at Shelf Reliance are helping us give away Island Fruit 6-Pack (Retail value $169.49) to ONE LUCKY PYP member.

[gravityform id=7 name=WinThe Island Fruit 6-Pack from PYP and Shelf Reliance!]

A winner will be selected on Sunday, December 4th, 2011. The winner’s entry will be verified and then the winner will be contacted at the email provided.
Winner will also be posted on our Facebook page. Be sure to follow PYP on Facebook and Shelf Reliance on Facebook so you don’t miss the winner announcement!
The winner will have 7 calendar days to claim the prize. If the winner does not claim the prize a new winner will be selected.

The Fine Print:
By entering the contest you are agreeing to be added to the PYP Screaming Penny email newsletter and the Shelf Reliance email newsletter.
This contest is open to residents of the US who are at least 18 years of age.
In exchange for the right to participate, each contestant agrees to release and indemnify PYP from and against any and all claims, demands and/or causes of action of any nature or kind whatsoever, whether presently known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, that arise out of the contestant’s participation in the contest and, if the contestant is a winner, the receipt and/or use of their prize.
PYP is not responsible for any technical, hardware, software or telephone or other transmission failures of any network, connections or computer, regardless of cause.

Print this Libbys Canned Vegetables $1/4 coupon quickly, before it disappears!  Canned vegetables go on sale right around the holidays, so this coupon will make them FREE or cheap!  Remember, you can print each coupon twice.

We have a new winner in the contest for the Reserve 72″ (Retail value $269.99) from PYP and Shelf Reliance. Congrats to Emily Bishop, email address emmylou@(domainhidden).net. Emily, contact us at admin@pinchingyourpennies.com from the winning email address within 7 days to claim your prize.

If you didn’t win this time but can’t wait any longer for your Shelf Reliance shelf, click here to buy one today!

We have a winner in the contest for the Car Seat Canopy (Retail value $49.95) from PYP and KiddieCovers.com. Congrats to Terra Hawkes, email address terrajohawkes@(domainhidden).com. Terra, contact us at admin@pinchingyourpennies.com from the winning email address within 7 days to claim your prize.

If you want to purchase a Car Seat Canopy, use coupon code PYPSALE for 40% off and also FREE shipping and NO taxes!

• You get to wear whatever you want. I can shop from home for pajamas in my pajamas! I don’t have to wear any makeup, no one cares if my hair is done.  And I get pretty much everything on my list!
• I don’t have to deal with crowds. I seriously don’t need any extra stress in my life.  Fighting for parking spots and the last Fidjit on shelf just isn’t much fun for me.  My husband works a crazy firefighter shift and I don’t want to have to take my kids out shopping with me. Crowds + Kids = One Crazy Momma!
• You save time. You don’t have to waste precious time driving from store to store, looking for the best deal. Just hang out with us on Facebook or the Screaming Deals Online Forum
• Things get delivered to you. Many stores offer Free Shipping or and some offer Free In-Store Pickup or Free Ship to Store.  You can go to the store at your convenience to pick your items up, without having to worry whether or not the shelves are stocked.  I love getting my items shipped to me, because they come securely boxed and easy to store out of site until it’s safe to wrap!
• Online Shopping Codes. There are lots of codes that you can use online to get WAY BETTER deals than you can get in-store.  Make sure you checkout our Online Coupons & Codes page.  If you select “Search by Deal Type” you will see a drop down list with Free Shipping, Black Friday & More!
• Online shopping is available anytime. 24 hours 7-days a week! Shop from home or your office. Shop when your kids are in bed, playing, or at school. Shop when it’s convenient for you!
• Get a little help from your friends. Is there something specific that you are looking for? Search HERE or Ask HERE