RECIPES for lean times

We have all had those times when money was low and so were groceries!  Here are a few recipes that will help you stretch your dollars and supplies.
Hope these help - feel free to copy and keep.

MAPLE FLAVORED SYRUP
2 C sugar
1 C water
1 tsp. maple extract (or whatever flavor you have or want)
Bring water and sugar to a slow boil over low heat, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat before it comes to a rolling boiling (boil that won't break when stirring).  Add flavoring as it is cooling.  Store in the frig.
This will cost about 1/10 the price of buying syrup.
For thicker syrup replace half the water with corn syrup.  
**  Always remember that you can heat jelly and pour over pancakes or waffles as well.

INSTANT CREAM SOUP MIX
2 C nonfat dry milk
3/4 C cornstarch
1/4 C instant chicken bouillon
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. pepper
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.  To use for soup - combine 1/3 cup of mix to  1 1/2 cups of water.
Add a veggie for more flavor, diced celery (cream of celery), diced mushrooms (cream of mushroom), diced broccoli (cream of broccoli).
**To use in a recipe calling for a can of cream of soup mix 1/3 cup of mix to 1 3/4 cups of water.  Boil for a few minutes, stirring often.
GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND - JUST IN CASE!!!!

QUICK POTATO-CHEESE SOUP
1 Tbsp. butter
1 onion - chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 C. water
2 C milk
1 C leftover mashed potatoes
1/2 C grated (shredded) cheese

In a saucepan melt butter and sauté onion until light brown.  Stir in flour and salt and pepper.  Stir forming a roux paste.  Add water, stirring constantly.  When mixed, add the rest of the ingredients.  Stir until thickened and cheese melts.
Great use of leftovers for something new.

POOR MAN'S SWISS STEAK
1/2 to 1 lb. of ground beef (depending on people feeding)
1 large can of vegetable beef soup
1/2 tsp. thyme (optional) - I like the flavor
Make you burgers and fry until almost done.  Drain grease from pan.  Add the soup (and about 1/4 can water) and thyme, and continue to heat.
Vegetable BEEF if the way to go - it tastes so much better than using vegetarian soup.

Serve with mash potatoes.  Place a burger on each plate with potatoes, and top with the soup mixture.
Serve with a side salad.  YUM
I had this a lot growing up, as it was cheaper than round steak.  I loved it then, and still do.  I make it about once a month during the winter.

It's always nice to have a variety of ideas for food when times get tough.  I will try to regularly list cost saving recipes.
ENJOY