Kitchen Saving - Part 2

 This is something that will be ongoing for a while - as there are just so many ways to save in the kitchen.  I will also interject ideas for cleaning and laundry and health & beauty along the way.  Different ways to save around the house.  There is just no end to the ideas.

Those who are just starting on this journey, will be amazed at all the simple ways to save a little here and there.  Again, it may not be overwhelming for each idea, but it all adds up.

Today a few more unconventional ideas for using food items in a different way!

Biscuit bowls!  A great way to add your sausage gravy to a breakfast meal or any meal.  Fill with gravy, maybe some creamed veggies, meat topped with gravy, thick and creamy potato or broccoli soup - oh goodness, there are tons of ideas for using the biscuits bowls.  

How do you make?  As you prepare your biscuits - whether homemade or canned - lightly grease the BACKSIDE of a muffin pan - form your dough over the back.  Once baked, remove, and you have nice little bowls!

How fun is that???

Let's talk STALE bread!

Now I am not talking moldy bread, but stale.  Just because it is stale doesn't mean you throw it out!  So many uses.

Croutons, bread crumbs, cubes for dressing/stuffing

Toast and use under gravy or sauce - make great open face sandwiches

Grilled cheese

French toast

Bread pudding

Toast and use as mini pizzas - add toppings and place under broiler for a few

Any kind of 'salad' sandwich (chicken, tuna, etc.) - toast and add filling

Make Crustables for the kiddos.  Use a cutter to cut circles - fill with PB&J (or whatever you want) add second form - crimp edges and toast in oven or toaster oven or even on a griddle  (keep edges for making crumbs)

Garlic toast

Cinnamon/sugar toast - yummy treat

Toad in a hole - cut hole in bread slice, place in pan, add egg to hole and fry, grill the piece removed as well

So many uses!!!!!!  Absolutely no reason to throw away.  All it takes it getting a little creative.  Food is money!

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Yesterday we talked about not needing meat every meal (some do I guess), or how to use less and to use cheaper cuts.  ALSO don't throw away bones and scraps (like fat).  This makes excellent bone broth.  You can also throw in some scraps from veggies (carrot tops, wilted veggies, limp lettuce, trimmings, you name it).  The veggies just add to the flavor.  Cover with water and simmer long and slow.  Drain and either freeze or can.  Great FREE broth to use is soups and sauces.  You can also roast the bones if you wish until dry - crack and then make your broth - that allows all the nutritious marrow to absorb into broth.  You can do this with any type of bones.

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Here is a simple chart to use all those leftovers to make soup. No, you don't have to follow it precisely - wing it!  Have fun with it.  This is just a general guide on a great way to make a budget stretching meal (or meals) for your family using what is hanging around.  No waste.

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Here is a simple recipe chart for creating a casserole from leftovers and what you have on hand.  Pantry items, freezers items, leftovers, just use it and get creative.

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These are just guides to give you an idea of what you can do.  There is no right or wrong way to create soup or casseroles or to use leftovers for that reason! 

 

Have a bunch of veggies left from a meal - either use for another meal or mix together and top some rice for a lunch or even breakfast - add a little soy sauce or spicey siracha or whatever you have.  Just use things up.  You can make easy fried rice - veggies, rice, throw in an egg, maybe meat, seasonings and you have a great meal.  Make a tasty lo mein with veggies, meat and cooked spaghetti noodles (yep, that is what I use) - toss with your flavorings - super easy.

Stir fry - veggies, meat (if you want), seasonings and top rice or pasta.

Mix leftover veggies with some sour cream, Italian dressing or whatever you like and warm, then top a baked potato!  That is a meal!!!

As you can see, there is no end to what you can do with leftovers and there is no need to waste.

Food is money - money that doesn't need to be spent AGAIN.  Money that could be used on something else.  Being wasteful is just so wrong in so many ways to me.

Be a good steward of what you have - ALWAYS.

I hope these guides & posts help someone just starting this frugal adventure.  I think they can help us all - as we all get complacent at times and just forget!

You don't have to eat badly when you are trying to save money.  Quite the contrary - you can have wonderful and wholesome meals.  You just need to get creative and USE IT ALL!

These are wonderful ideas for everyone - not just those needing to save.

Stay warm and cozy.  It looks like we have a couple more icky days coming up this weekend and then we head into a warming trend for a bit here!  YAY!!!!

Have a great and creative day!

SMILE!

** On Sunday wrap up I will list all the re-uses and using bits and pieces from this week, that I have done!