Basic Ingredients = Good Eats

 Morning all.  Hoping this finds you all well.  It is a brisk morning here, but nothing falling from the skies!  Yesterday we actually got above freezing for the first time in almost 2 weeks!  Glorious.  We had some melting going on - the road went frozen ice to slushy.  This morning, after a cold night, I have watched all the neighbors struggling out there.  It is back to ice!

The rest of the week will be no super high temps, but nothing in the teens for highs!  Moving in the right direction.  Hope all you southern folks are doing OK and are safe.

Basic ingredients can make some really yummy foods and treats, and you most likely have everything you need right now.  I love that.  We forget that real food from home, is sometimes (always) the best!  You can make things right there in your kitchen with what you have and not spend an extra penny.

Let's get started.  

Not an item that is expensive but keeping it REAL and no chemicals is important.  Mix up and jar a bunch and always be ready with flavor.

NUM/YUM - what a fun and inexpensive treat!  I have made these before, and they are so stinking good.  I have exchanged milk for beer in years past (beer batter) and they were yummy as well.  Just throwing that out there to show you can use what you have.

Making crackers is so easy.  I know, crackers aren't super expensive, but again this is a clean recipe with no chemicals and preservatives.  Fresh and yummy.

Last week I mentioned making creamy chicken/turkey noodles soup.  Yep, I used pasta for noodles.  I used what I had and things that needed used up.  Chunks of chicken and turkey from the freezer.  Pasta - I have an abundance.  Handful of frozen peas, cut up some small sweet peppers and shredded an older carrot.  Water & bouillon for broth - and I used a can of cream of chicken soup that needed to be used. (I usually make my own cream of soup).  Actually, it was the soup that made things so creamy (used in condensed form).  I had dinner 2 days and froze some for another day.  It was a really great tasting soup, very comforting!  COST = hardly anything.

I did have crackers on hand, so I used those as well.  I plan to make some crackers very soon.  I don't get through store bought before they get stale.

Another super cheap meal I made this week.  It was great and have extra for another meal or at least a nice side.

Found this pack of veggies in the downstairs freezer - look at the clearance price I paid!  I also found a small, pre-cooked b/s pc. of chicken breast in the kitchen freezer.  Cut it up added to veggies and seasoned with my sauces on hand.  Served over pasta instead of rice.  A nice change and very filling.

COST = probably around a $1 for 2 meals!

You can eat well and cheaply if you just PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD!  I know I keep using that phrase - but it is so true.  There really is no limit to making inexpensive meals that are very filling and oh so yummy with what you have on hand.  With both of the above homemade meals - there was a grain, meat, and veggies included. Pretty healthy.

INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!  That is the magic word.  Just look at the pantry and the freezer and see what ingredients you have that can be combined into something new and unexpected.  You may the next new favorite!

Have fun!

Have a great day and be safe!!!!