Frugal Happenings 11/1

HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!!

Well, here we are with just two short months left in this year.  That sure seems crazy.
Daylight savings time has started again - YAY said no one ever!  I absolutely hate that it will be getting dark early again.  I think this is really one of the worst parts of winter.  I can handle the cold, SOME snow and ice, but the darkness is what really gets to me.

Halloween is over and we are onward to Thanksgiving.  Last night was really disappointing in our neighborhood.  We had 64 kids, but that is nothing!  That is the lowest number in 30 years.  My problem is the neighbors.  Poor kids really had to work at it, to get candy.  Hardly no one had their lights on.  It seems as the older neighbors have left - so has the neighborhood friendliness.  The younger folks just don't care.
Needless to say, I have 'bunches' of goodies left!  Many will get put back for treats this winter, and others will be added to goody baskets this Christmas.  It won't go to waste for sure.

It has been a chilly and damp week here in our area.  Today the sun is shining, which is lovely, and the temps are getting back into the 70's this coming week.  Sure can't complain about that.

The Sunday paper looked like a holiday weekend today!  It was sure fat and full of ads.  Both Meijer and Target had special holiday toy ads (books!) in the paper.  Lot's of coupons too this week - I haven't gone through them yet.  I guess we should get ready for the holiday commercial onslaught now!
Yesterday there were Christmas shows on TV, I have seen holiday commercials on TV already, the stores have had Christmas stuff out for ages, and now the paper ads begin.

This has been a pretty quiet week for me.  I have done all my usual frugal things, but not a lot out of the ordinary.

• I did fill up the Blazer with gas at 1.89/gal.!!!
• While out, I ran into Kroger to check clearance ONLY!  I got 2 bottles of Rit denim colored dye for .75 each.  The jeans are sure to need it before winter ends!
• I also got a 4 lb. box of non-fat dry milk for $7 (regular 17.99) for my stockpile.
• I also stopped at the orchard.  Not so frugal, but yummy.  I got cider and apples.  Lots of good healthy eating

Other than buying the couple of clearance items at Kroger, again I did not buy any weekly groceries.

Oh, I thought I would mention, I think today is like Post 60 since I started the blog, and I noticed the other day that I have had over 8,500 views!  I was totally amazed.  I didn't figure too many people saw the blog, but I guess a few have!!!!  Thank you too all who are following and reading.  YOU are the reason I am doing this.
Have a wonderful and blessed week.  God bless you all.

Foody Posts

I don't know if it's the weather or what, but I keep thinking about yummy eating.  I have been going through lots of old recipes.  Figured I'd share a couple frugal YUMS with you all.

I don't know about you, but I love the flavor of Big Macs!  It is definitely the sauce.  Well now you can make your own Big Macs at home.

MCDONALD'S SPECIAL SAUCE
1/2 C mayo
2 Tbsp. French dressing
4 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1 Tbsp. finely minced onion
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
Combine all and stir well.  Place in a covered container in the frig.  Let it marinate for a day or two so the flavors blend.  Stir a couple of times during that time.


YOOHOO CHOCOLATE DRINK
(I am not sure if this is regional or nation wide - but it's good)
3/4 C nonfat dry milk
3 Tbsp. Nesquick chocolate drink mix
1 1/2 C very cold water
Mix all ingredients in a jar with a lid.  Shake until everything is dissolved.  Makes a 14 oz. drink


EASY - EASY PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE
12 oz. chocolate chips
12 oz. jar peanut butter
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Melt chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (mostly melted).  Add the milk and stir till smooth.
Pour in a buttered 8 x 8 pan.  Cool before cutting.  Makes about 1 1/2 pounds

ENJOY!!!!!

Rainy day post

Good morning all.
It is a gray, rainy, chilly day here in Indiana.  Looks like it will be this way through tomorrow, and then again this weekend.  We do need the rain, which seems odd to say, after we had such a wet June and July!

What better to do today, than to think about cooking and recipes! 

Here are a couple ideas to stretch your budget and make your own.  When we make our own, it is not always easier, but we know exactly what is in our food.  It also keeps us from making an extra grocery run, and gives us an option for spur of the moment yumminess.


CHOCOLATE SYRUP
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/4 C water
1/2 C sugar
pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla extract

Mix cocoa, water and sugar in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add salt and vanilla.
Yummy over ice cream or in milk or shakes.


HOMEMADE TORTILLAS (8)
1 C masa flour
2/3 C water
1/8 tsp. salt
Combine and mix for about 2 minutes.  If it's too dry, add a little water (1 Tbsp.at a time).  Divide into 8 balls.  If you don't have a tortilla press, place ball between two pieces of plastic wrap and roll into 5" - 6" circles.  Cover with damp towel till 'cooking'.
Preheat an ungreased griddle, and cook one at a time for 50 seconds on each side.  Keep in a plastic bag in the frig. for up to a week.
These are so easy to make, and they are actually less calories than store bought.  Oh, did I mention how yummy they taste?!!!!

As you can see, the bag is almost 5 lbs. and I got this bag on clearance for 1.49.  It is normally less than $3 at regular price, and will make a lot of tortillas.  Found in the ethnic aisle of the grocery.


ONION SOUP MIX
3/4 C dried (instant) minced onion
4 tsp. onion powder
1/3 C beef bouillon
1/4 tsp. crushed celery seed
1/4 tsp. sugar
Mix together and store in an airtight container.  I keep mine in a pint jar.
2 tablespoons EQUAL one packet of soup mix.
How easy!  I like to give this as gifts as well!

Enjoy and make something homemade today!

Frugal Happenings 10/25

Happy Sunday to all.
It is hard to believe that this month is just about over and Christmas day is just 2 months from today.  Wow!  I will start giving a few homemade ideas for gifts after Halloween.  YES, I will wait!!!!

Last weekend we had our first hard freeze of the season, then this week we had the most beautiful Indiana summer weather.  It was just perfect.  Now we are back to having normal fall temps.
The trees have been gorgeous.  Many have shed their leaves, yet there are many that haven't even turned color yet.

I got the garden all cleaned out, flower beds put to bed for winter, and most of the pots cleaned out.  I will finish those up this week.  I have to figure out a way to get rid of all the plant debris.  It has to be bagged and put out weekly, and there is so much (I only have one can).  I may try to burn some on the garden patch, the potash will be good for the garden next year.  Of course the leaves will all go on the garden when I start raking.

I managed  run errands all in one day this week, maximizing my gas usage.  I ran to Meijer (sale), Big Lots (just because), and did my $30 Challenge research.
How was your frugal week?

• Bought 4 regular size boxes of Nabisco Honey Graham Crackers for .25/box on clearance at B.L.  I can get creative with those this holiday season.
• Got 6 regular size bags of Veggie Straw snacks for .19/bag clearance at B.L.
• I got a FREE sample of dry cat food in the mailbox plus a $1 coupon
• Processed in water bath the kraut that has been fermenting for past weeks
• Bought canned cat food at Meijer (sale).  $35 worth for FREE with balance of the GC we had.  Bought a total of 200 cans this week.  Sounds like a lot, but at 3 a day, it goes quickly, and I really utilized the sale.
• Got a FREE 12 pack of hamburger buns.  Cut them up and air dried to use in dressing this Thanksgiving.
• Only groceries (for people) I bought this week was a gallon of milk.  Two weeks of not buying groceries.
• I did get treats for Halloween.  Bought packs of cheese/crackers.  Really just as cheap as candy, and they are nice size packs.  We are known amongst the neighborhood kids for giving 'big stuff''!!!!!

Let us know how your week went.  Enjoy these fall temperatures, and may you be blessed with many frugal happenings in this coming week.

I hope and pray you all have a wonderful week. 
God bless

$30 Challenge

Lately I have been reading a lot about the $30 challenge.  Have you heard of it?
Basically it challenges you to live on $30 a week grocery budget for 2 people.  Many say it can not be done.  Others say it can - but oh how boring it would be.
Most challenges I see also ASSUME that you would have absolutely nothing already in your home.  REALLY?
I well imagine that everyone would have a few basics laying around.  A few spices, an additional can or two of veggies or fruit, some type of meat in the freezer, or something they have grown themselves.  I don't know anyone that has nothing - but I am sure it happens more than we would like to admit.

I decided to take the challenge (pretend).  This week when I was out running errands, I kept track of 'my pretend purchases' and I came home and made up a menu for the entire week.  Most of my 'purchases' were from Aldi and the Dollar Tree, with a couple other sale items from the grocery.  Just as a disclaimer - Indiana does NOT charge sales tax on edible items at the grocery - so I had no sales tax to add in.

ALDI PURCHASES
40 oz. box of baking mix                2.09
20 oz. loaf of bread                           .85
2 packs of sliced chipped beef          .98
Frozen leg quarters 80 oz.              4.69
Box Mac N Cheese                           .39
1 pkg. pasta                                      1.00
3 lb. bag rice                                    1.49
Tuna - 1 can                                       .65
3 bags frozen veggies (.89 ea.)        2.67
corn, peas, beans

DOLLAR TREE purchases  each item $1.00
Peanut butter
Jelly
1 lb. bag dry beans
16 oz. quick oats
24 oz. syrup
bag of frozen hash browns
10 oz. roll of sausage (frozen)
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
24 oz. can spaghetti sauce with meat

GROCERY
Apples    3lb. bag                         1.99
1 lb. bananas                                  .45
2 lb. bag whole carrots                   .99
3 lb. bag onions                            1.00
Lunch meat                                   1.00

TOTAL $29.24

BREAKFASTS -
oatmeal
I would cut up and cook one apple to add to oats on occasion, maybe add banana or a bit of syrup
Pancakes would also be made for variety
Rice topped with syrup (or butter and sugar if you have some)

LUNCHES
PBJ sandwiches or lunchmeat sandwiches.  Add a piece of fruit or carrot sticks
Maybe some leftovers from dinner

DINNERS
*Cheesy tuna casserole (mac n cheese and tuna).  Could add some frozen peas.  Green beans and biscuits (mix)
*Spaghetti and toast
*Chipped beef gravy and biscuits - hash browns
*Chicken and rice soup.  Cook chicken in water (for broth), add rice and diced carrots, peas, onions, or whatever else you have.  Hopefully get 2 meals each from this.
*Chili - using some of dry beans, sausage, and crushed tomatoes.  Hopefully have seasonings on hand.  Should get 2 meals each.
Beans and rice (seasoned with your seasonings) and fried chicken and biscuits

I might fry up some apples for a treat if any left.  I may have Jello I could add a banana to.
Mix some syrup and peanut butter together for a tasty treat.

With these supplies, I would have rice, carrots, onions, baking mix, syrup, and probably some chicken leftover for next week (no way we would eat 5 lbs. in a week).  Next week other items could be added to extend these and whatever else I have on hand.   I could hopefully add eggs or milk, or maybe some fresh salad veggies, or cheese - WATCH THE SALES.

Just watching sales and shopping at the cheapest places can enable you to eat well for minimal money.  This would give the average person a chance to save extra money for paying off debt or saving or whatever goal they have in mind.  It may just be a very lean time in your life.  This is just to prove it is VERY doable.
I know most everyone who may be reading this, would have other items at home that could be added to the meals, whether it be frozen, canned, or garden fresh.

Just a reminder that the dollar stores also sell just about any other supplies you may need.  Shampoo, conditioner, shampoo, soap, deodorant, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, dish soap,  plastic wrap, foil, tea bags (100/$1), and even small bags of sugar, flour, and all spices, etc. ALL for $1.

Hope this makes everyone think about how they spend, and how they can spend less.  We are truly blessed to have what we do have.
Maybe you can pass this info on to someone else who it truly will help. 

God bless.    

**EDIT - I keep thinking of things I could make with the above items.  Chicken pot pie, waffles and fried chicken, apple pie, onion rings, stir fry - oh, somebody stop me.   YUM      

SUBSTITUTIONS PART 2

I will be giving a few more substitutions for everyday baking/cooking today.
I hope these help you out when you are in a pinch sometime.

* CAKE FLOUR - use 1 cup ALL PURPOSE flour minus 2 Tbsp.

*SELF RISING CAKE FLOUR - 1 cup cake flour and add 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt

*  BASIC SELF RISING flour - 1 cup ALL PURPOSE flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt as above

*BAKING POWDER - 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. cream of tartar, and 1 tsp. corn starch = 1 Tbsp. baking powder

*Use 3 Tbsp. of mayo in place of 1 egg
*Use 1/2 mashed banana w 1/2 tsp. baking powder in place of 1 egg

*Mix 1/4 cup filtered water and 2 Tbsp. of flax seed in a pan on medium heat.  Heat for about 10 minutes.  Strain and the water will be gel like and is equivalent to 2 eggs

*Replace half of oil in baking with smashed applesauce (reduces fat content)

*1 clove of garlic = 1/8 tsp. garlic powder OR 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic

*CREAM CHEESE FOR BAKING - Use the amount you need of FULL FAT cottage cheese blended in a  blender till smooth.  It will not make your recipe taste like cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese is also great in place of expensive cheese in lasagna. (I don't like cottage cheese - but this is how I always make lasagna)

*CREAM CHEESE FOR DIP - place plain Greek yogurt over a cheese cloth and drain for 24 - 36 hours in or out of frig.  To refrigerate for later use, wrap it tightly in wax paper.  It will be a bit tangier than regular cream cheese.  Add herbs as you would with regular cream cheese for dips.

*CARAMEL - Place 1 can of sweetened condensed ilk (label removed and unopened) on its side in a large pot of water.  Water should be at least 1" over the can.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium boil and heat for 3 hours, adding water when needed.  Cool before opening.  It looks and tastes like caramel!!
* CARAMEL - do the same thing, except in a slow cooker on low for 8 - 10 hours.

I hope I have given you a few ideas that you can use.  I know I am always looking for a different way to do things.
Do you have any substitutions that you use - that we could all benefit from?  PLEASE let us know!

Have a great day!

SUBSTITUTIONS

Baking season is upon us.  Everyone will be making lots of scrumptious goodies.  How many times have you been in the middle of a recipe, and OOPS you are out of something?
It is so aggravating when that happens.

First of all we mentioned earlier that you should inventory all your baking goods and spices NOW, to make sure you have everything you will need.
But there is an alternative.  There are many items that you can substitute other things for.  Using what you have at home, when times get tough, or you can't get to the store, just makes sense.

Here are a few options.  You might want to copy and keep in your nearest recipe book or file.

• Buttermilk - 1 C milk mixed with 1 Tbsp. of white vinegar or lemon juice.  Let it stand for about 10 minutes to sour.  Use in baking as you would store bought buttermilk.  **Not for drinking!     You can also buy dry buttermilk powder and just mix with water.  I always keep this on hand.
• Heavy cream - 2/3 C whole milk mixed with 1/3 C melted unsalted butter
• Evaporated milk - 1/3 C nonfat dry milk with 6 Tbsp. water
• Brown sugar - LIGHT = 1 C sugar with 2 Tbsp. molasses.  DARK = 1 C sugar with 4 Tbsp. molasses
• Powdered sugar - 1 C sugar in a blender and grind till fine powder
• Colored sugar sprinkles for cookies - mix sugar with drops of food coloring and mix till evenly blended.  I have done this often.  Keep extra in a sealed container for use later.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - 3/4 C sugar, 1/2 C water, and 1 1/2 C powdered milk.   Mix in a pan and bring to a boil, then simmer and stir for about 20 minutes.  This equals 1 can.
• Corn syrup - 2 C white sugar, 3/4 C water and 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar.  Whisk together, boil, cover and simmer for about 3 minutes.  Uncover and heat to the 'soft ball' stage (a drop of mixture in cold water, sinks and forms a ball).  Cool and store in airtight container in pantry for a couple months.
• DARK corn syrup - mix 3/4 C of the above with 1/4 C molasses
• Unsweetened chocolate - 1 oz. = 3 Tbsp. of cocoa mixed with 1 Tbsp. shortening or vegetable oil
• Lemon zest 1 tsp. = 1/2 tsp. of lemon extract or 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice

This should get you thinking.  I will be listing more substitutions tomorrow.  It sure is nice to know that everything is not set in stone when it comes to baking, even though baking is science.
We can still enjoy our baked goods and stay frugal.  There is no need to make special runs to the grocery when out of something.

More tomorrow!