Quick Cooking Holiday Pantry

I'm late, I'm late ...... again!  Yesterday was absolutely nothing that I anticipated - oh my.  Today is a new day, and I have a new start.
Here we go!

During the holidays, we are all busy with visiting, visitors, buying gifts, wrapping, decorating, plays and musicals, bazaars....................  It is coming up on a busy time in all out lives.
Here is a great list to help you stay on track, and to help for those unexpected gifts and visitors.
We all love scratch food, but SOMETIMES it pays to have prepared things on hand.

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Broth - all types (homemade or canned)
Bouillon
Bread cubes, crumbs - seasoned and unseasoned (homemade or store bought) - even a few boxes of stuffing mix
Canned tuna and chicken
Tomato products of all types
Canned beans
Quick bread mixes, cake mixes, baking/biscuit mixes - these really can help out
Condiments of all types
Soups - especially 'cream of' - canned or homemade mixes
Pasta - all shapes and sizes
Peanut butter - great for making sweets
Oatmeal - good for baking
Seasonings of all types
Nuts - all types for baking
Vinegars - great for cooking (flavored)
Chocolate chips and/or other flavors
Marshmallow cream and marshmallows
Canned veggies/frozen veggies
Baking goods - sugar, eggs, flour, etc.
Cheeses of all types - for eating and cooking
Whipping cream, canned or frozen whipped toppings
Tea, coffee
Canned milks (sweetened and evaporated) and dry milk
Frozen fruit and condensed fruit juices

If you keep basics on hand (I know this sounds like a lot) - it sure can help out. 
You can make gifts - jar mixes, baked goods, candy, tea/coffee mixes, etc.  You are ready to throw a few ingredients together for an impromptu lunch or dinner, or have items on hand for an afternoon visit.  YOU WILL ALWAYS BE READY for what life throws at you.  No unexpected runs to the grocery.

Homemade goodies for gifting and eating are always at the ready and easy to do.  Wrap or tin and you are ready for about anything.  Breads wrapped in plastic wrap and a ribbon - great for a gift OR slice with tea/coffee for an afternoon visit.  Candy, cookies always great for gifting or company.


I have noticed Aldi has already started marking down baking ingredients effective this weeks ads.  Meijer is having a sale on baking goods - now until Thanksgiving.  Let the sales begin.  LET THE PANTRY STOCK-UP BEGIN.
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Here's a couple throw together quick ideas that may help.

CELERY/ONION STUFFING
1 pkg. stuffing mix
1 reg. can cream of mushroom
1 reg. can cream of chicken
1 C chopped onion
1 C chopped celery
Stir stuffing mix and soups together adding 1 1/2 cans of water, onion and celery.  Place in a greased 11 x7 casserole dish.  Bake covered with aluminum foil at 325* for 10 minutes.  Remove foil and continue to bake for 50 minutes - until top is golden.
Super easy to throw together with basic ingredients.

3-2-1 LEMON COOKIES
3 eggs
2 - 18 oz. lemon cake mixes
8 oz. container of frozen whipped topping - thawed
1 C powdered sugar
Combine eggs, cake mix and whipped topping - mix well.  Chill 1 hour.  Drop by teaspoon into powdered sugar, coat thoroughly and roll into balls.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 375* for 10-11 minutes.  Makes 8 dozen.
Any flavor cake mix would work!

Make up different jar mixes for gifting for those unexpected drop by visitors/neighbors/co-workers.  If you don't give them away - they are great to keep in your pantry.  Google "jar recipes" - and will get so many ideas or go to the library - there are many books on the subject.


Be prepared, be stocked up, and be ready to ENJOY a simpler holiday season.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT PRICES COMING UP.

Frugal Happenings 10/28

Good morning all.  Here we are - just about done with October.  The holidays will be here before you know it.  It just doesn't seem possible.

Leaves are finally starting to change color.  The horizon looks very pretty.  I drove past the park this week and there were many varieties of trees changing color.  It is getting pretty - if only for a short while.  Temps have stayed in the 50's this week.  We have had rain off and on.  Daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter and then we have daylight savings time to deal with next weekend - YAY (no one ever said)!  UGH - I just hate the fall time change more than any.  It seems it is always dark.

This past week wasn't my most frugal week ever, but a lot of things just HAD to be done.  I guess that is why we are frugal most of the time, it doesn't hurt so bad when you need to spend!

My frugal week:

• Line dried a few things and hung the heavier stuff in the basement to dry.  Only used drier to fluff
• Processed my home canned kraut
• Had to make a run to the Vet for flea meds for kitties
• Topped gas tank and got a .10/gallon discount.  Didn't spend much last month at the store - so few points.  BUT all savings add up!
• Received a $150 check from bank points we had earned.  That will go for Christmas funds
• Got a $20 refund from utility company
• Stopped at a new branch of the church thrift store (real close by).  It is small and crowded - but the ONLY thrift store in that community.
• Got FREE bread at the thrift store

                                          G has been wanting muffins for a while - so perfect

• I also found a Vera Bradley handbag unlike any I have or have seen - it was .99!!!!!!!

All clothes, shoes, and handbags are .99 each at this thrift store 

• I had to go renew driver's license.  I am still wearing older glasses (I haven't gone to eye doc yet since breaking mine) - and I aced the eye test!  I now have a picture that looks like a mug shot!!!  LOL
• I got the oil changed and the Blazer checked out
• Ran to the bank and cashed those refund checks (I did all my errands together - all in same area)
• Ran into Ollie's.  I shouldn't have done that!!!!!  LOL.  They have such cheap books and I can NOT just say NO!

The most expensive one was 3.99 - so it wasn't bad.  I will read and then probably gift a couple of these at Christmas

• I organized my gift storage tote.  I needed to see exactly what I had - so now it is all organized
• I de-cluttered some more in the basement and did some straightening  (Rainy days are good for this)
• Reorganized many of my home canned goods downstairs
• Have another box ready for donation
• Had our fall furnace check done - no cost this time (we pay once a year for maintenance)
• Made 2 pints of beautiful chicken stock for the freezer from bones left from a whole fried chicken
• Found a surprise outside even after the cold temps.  Got a sweet little bouquet that I have been enjoying and OH the smell is so sweet!

Meals this past week:
Chicken/rice/broccoli casserole & salad
Homemade fried rice and veggie lo-mein
Stew and bread/butter 2X
Ham & beans and cornbread
Fried chicken and salad
Taco Bell (my birthday choice)

Leftovers been used for lunches.  Have beans left and they will be used for a couple different meals and then go in freezer.
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I spent money, got money, and got some deals.  I guess not a bad week when you stand back and look at it. 
I have a list of things I want to accomplish this week.  I will give it the good old college try!  It seems time is slipping by so quickly.

How was your week?  Did you find any great deals?  Do anything frugal?  Let us know.
I love hearing from everyone.


Prayers for each and everyone of you.  Be sweet and kind, keep your heart pure, and help one another.  Stay frugal my friends.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Grocery Prices

I have been hearing so many people on FB pages complaining about the increase in grocery prices.
I see "prices 20% higher this week", "doubled in last month", etc.
I guess they know what they are talking about - but it sure isn't happening here.

I do believe we have maintained pricing or lowered for at least a year. Now I know this part of the country is known  for lower living costs than most of the nation.  Housing, food, gas, etc. are generally less expensive than other areas.

We have been having fantastic sales on all types of meat for at least the past 6 - 8 months.  Meat sales have given us meat for cheaper prices than we have seen in years.  Most of us know this probably won't last - thus stocking up big time when the opportunity presents itself.

Milk and other dairy and eggs have been cheap for most of the year.  I never pay over 1.39/gallon for milk.  Eggs range from .49 - .99 dozen.  I remember paying as much as 1.99 last year.  Milk was almost $3 or more last year.  Cheese has been quite inexpensive.

I see sales for canned goods 3/$1 - super cheap here.  Many items that have been close to a dollar are now .59 - .69 a can.

I have to admit that it IS SALES that offer these great prices, but they have been happening a lot!!!!!  Meat that isn't often on sale (like steaks) is still too pricey in my opinion.

Most ads are like this each week.  Prices lowered.  Those prices don't just stay low for a week in most cases - they have been staying low for WEEKS.  Sav-A-Lot and  Aldi constantly advertise "prices lowered".  Kroger constantly has BOGO and 10/$10 sales.

Now I have to admit the BOGO generally aren't all that great.  I tend to find sales that make items cheaper.  10/$10 isn't always a deal either.  Many weeks stores have specials that are cheaper.

EXAMPLE:  I noticed 6 pack bottles of pop were BOGO - reg. price 4.99/a 6 pack.  That makes them 2.50 each.  Kroger often has sales for 6 packs for 1.99.  Doesn't sound like much but .51 here and there adds up (I don't hardly every buy - just noticed prices).

Pasta is often 10/$10.  Certain times in the year I find it on sale for .69 - .89/lb.  I generally find it in the clearance aisle for .39 - .49/lb.  I stock up then.

I know that come November and December sugar, flour, all baking goods, stuffing mix, cream of soups, broth, rolls, bread, certain meats, fresh produce, etc. will be reduced.  TAKE ADVANTAGE - I know I will.

I am just hoping that the prices continues to maintain or stay low for the near future.  we have truly been enjoying the discounted prices.  Blessed for sure.


What is going on in your area?  Increasing?  Decreasing?  Same?
Do you take advantage of cheap prices when you can?
I love hearing about other areas and countries.
WHAT SAY YOU

Shop and Compare

First, I apologize this is late.  I just have no oomph today!  I have felt cold and sleepy all day.  I think my get up and go - got up and went today!!!!!

We all strive to save out dollars for important things and moments in our lives.  Those things could be money to live on in retirement, medical emergency, school dollars for kids,  living through a weather catastrophe, or just for a rainy day!  It could be you watch your pennies because you have to, to live.
We all have different reasons.

The other day I was looking through the store and doing some research.  Right off the bat I noticed - red, yellow, orange bell peppers $1 each.  Directly across the aisle (maybe 6-8 foot) was a 3 pack of peppers (red, yellow, orange) for 4.99!  WHAT?  No it wasn't organic or different.  I walked another 15' or so and there was the .99 bin.  Guess what I found?  A bag with a red, yellow, and orange pepper in it - 99 cents total for all 3!!!!!!!!
You just have to look around!

 I don't care how many peppers I have raised, I will always get them when they are this cheap.

I noticed another day at Walmart that chocolate milk was .77 a half gallon (not special sale) - and right next to it was a gallon of the same chocolate milk for 3.98.
I guarantee you many people still bought the gallon.

Just because something is bigger doesn't mean it's cheaper.  Just because it's smaller it doesn't mean it's cheaper.  The store is playing a game and hoping they win and not you. 
Well this old chick can play the game as well as they do.  I LOVE WINNING!

Produce is not all the same.  If you are buying a bag of potatoes, or apples, or oranges, or onions....... whatever, WEIGH THEM!   I have done this for years and the 5 pounds isn't always 5 pounds.  I have weighed them in all amounts.  Always get the heavier one.

 

Always check out the sales ads and see who has what.  I read them first and many times, there is nothing that I need/want.  Those weeks I go just to check mark downs.  Markdowns are your friend.  The clearance section in the store is wonderful, then I check markdowns in meat, dairy, and bakery.  I then walk the aisles, because there are often CLOSE OUT prices posted by certain items.  Those are the things the store no will be carrying - so you need to stock up.

Check different aisles in the store  We love hominy.  In the canned veggie section (by the corn) it can be purchased for ? price.  I can walk over to the Latino aisle and a can twice the size is cheaper.  Generally they even have gallon size cans much cheaper.
ALWAYS check the ethnic areas.   I can almost guarantee you 100% that the same items will be cheaper there. 
This is especially true with spices and tortillas!  I see tortillas at the deli (pre-packaged) that cost at least 3X the price as Latino aisle.

Once I was 'shopping' TP and saw name band 12 pack single rolls for 5.99.  Not a bad price - but 4 packs were $1 each (same exact thing).  That made 12 rolls for $3.  Half price. 
I told several people in the aisle that day and they looked at me like I had 3 horns and 5 eyes protruding from my head!
In my opinion if you spend 2X as much for the same thing - YOU have 3 horns and 5 eyes!!!  LOL

I noticed side by side in the baking aisle - there was brand name evaporated milk, store brand evaporated milk, and a can with ethnic words - all 3 were different in price.  THEY ARE ALL THE SAME!
Buy markdown bread (those .39 loaves) for drying bread for stuffing/dressing.
Aldi generally has sugar and flour cheaper than most stores.  True, many stores will be having specials soon on baking stuff - but for every day I will make a side track to go there and get mine.


As soon as Halloween is over, the food deals will begin.  Compare and shop smart.  Get those turkeys, hams, potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, onions, broth/stock, soups, canned veggies, etc. THEN!  Buy as much as you can.  IF you can afford it, buy enough for a year.  It will last and you will have your money for other things. 
Don't forget that drastically marked down Halloween candy that can be used in your baking or for stocking stuffers.

Be smart and compare prices from store to store and from aisle to aisle.  Think of alternative stores as well, such as dollar stores, Ollie's, Big Lots, Amish, closeouts stores, etc. You have options.


Save and stock up.  WIN - WIN!!  Be prepared for anything and still use your money for things other than food.
ALWAYS COMPARE!

Frugal Happenings 10/21

My oh my - where has the time gone?  This month is flying by.
It sure has turned into fall.  We woke this morning to 28* - highs will be in the 50's all week.
Yesterday was really something.  The sun was shining most of the day - but the wind started and got worse and worse and worse.
We had 40 mph sustained winds and 50 - 63 mph gusts.  The leaves were flying all over and they are shredded!  Limbs down all over.  Luckily our area did not lose power, but many did and still don't have power (and it's cold out).
It is beautiful and sunny this morning, just down right chilly.

Amongst all the weather happening yesterday, a neighbor's (2 doors down) dog got in the yard (jumped the fence) and my kitties were again 20'-30' up a tree.  This dog has gotten in the yard many times over the past 2 weeks and each time I take it home and have a talk with the owners.  Obviously I have been talking on deaf ears.  Yesterday I had had it.
I was beating on their door at 9AM (all were in bed) - and told them this was it.  I was done being nice.  It better stop.  Came home and called our neighbor and friend (their landlord) and told him.  Supposedly this will stop.  We have known him for almost 33 years (G longer) and he knows I don't complain about his renters (and he has had some real winners!).  We'll see.
I am so worried about the babies.  They finally figured how to get down with the wind screeching all around them after 4 1/2 hours.  They are really resting today!

It is amazing to me how irresponsible people are.  Even if I didn't have pets that are scared - it shouldn't matter.  I have a fenced yard - no big dog - and don't care to have someone else's dog pooping in my yard.  She gives me an attitude each time I take the dog home.  REALLY?  You give me an attitude, when you aren't watching your animal and it's in my yard?  Just shaking my head.
OK enough venting!!!

My frugal week:

• G had a script ready and it was FREE
• Laundry in cold - and mostly line dried
• Filled 3 - 2 liter pop bottles I received with water for storage
• I got all 4 of the pork loins I bought last week cut up.  Ended up with 50 chops and 3 packages of pieces
• Made batch #1 of grape jelly - got 4 1/2 pints (for gifts)
• Fixed the kitchen faucet.  The trim plate under the faucet was loose and I got everything tightened back up
• Made grape water with all the scraps left from making jelly
• Worked in the yard several times this week.  My biggest day was yesterday - in the cold wind - hoping the kitties would feel more comfortable with me being outside.  I got the entire garden cleaned out, and many of the pots.  The big flower bed got a good cleaning as well.  Trash bin is full - and I have stuff to trash for the next many weeks!  I sure felt aches and pains all over last night from being in the cold and wind.

 

Batch one  of jelly.  Several more to make.   I forgot to add vinegar to canner water and really need to wash those jars up. - hard water.

Meals this past week:
Deconstructed cabbage rolls with smoked sausage
Chipped beef gravy over toast and scrambled eggs
Chili
Chili mac with cheese & sour cream topping
Breaded pork chops, green beans, sautéed mushrooms & tomatoes
Loaded baked potatoes
Sandwiches and chips/dip/salsa (I was tired)

All leftovers were made into different meals, frozen, or used for lunch

This next week I plan on making more jellies and process the kraut.  I have to go and get my driver license renewed - UGH - so I will run errands while in that area (an area I rarely go).  Need to do more de-cluttering as well.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Doing any canning?
Give us a shout out!

Prayers for your safely and health in this coming week.  May the Lord help us to live more simply and appreciate what we have and to be more generous with others.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Useful Information

I hope that many of you will find the following charts useful and helpful.
There are so many varieties of fruits and veggies out - there is no way for any one of to know about all of them.
Hope these help!!!

Click on picture to enlarge.  There are so many varieties available this time of the year.  I know we all have our favorites - but this may give you a new idea.

Again, it's that time of the year - so many options.
I truly don't think I have found an apple or a squash that I didn't like!

I just love this time of the year for all the goodies that we an get.  Remember that winter squash can be kept for months in a cool, dark and dry place in your home.  Get them when the prices are good, and eat well all winter.
Make sure you check your local orchards and farm markets for apples - if you d the math - it is generally cheaper to buy fresh from the orchard (fresher too).

Make like a squirrel and get these fall goodies while the getting is good!  Stock up and store for the winter.  According to the way these little critters are acting (and the birds) it may be a cold one!!!!!
I do believe that sometimes 'nature' is much smarter than we are!!!

Enjoy the bounties of the fall harvest!

Ideas to Save $$$ in the Kitchen

We are all looking for ways to save money today.  So many things just continue to raise in price, except paychecks.  They remain the same, and we all have the same bills, still need to buy groceries, and still need to live.  We need to find  ways to make those dollars stretch.

Some of these are common sense, others may be new ideas.  I understand that you won't save TONS of dollars doing these little tricks - but as Daddy always said "pennies make dollars"!!!!!

• Start your shopping trip by going to produce, meat and dairy sections FIRST!  These are the healthiest REAL foods for your diet.  The center aisles are all full of junk and processed food.
• Chop and cut your own!!!!!  Don't buy those backs/packs of pre-cut salads, fruits and veggies - they cost a small fortune per pound!  Do the work and save the money.
• Shred your own cheese!!!!!  It will be 100% cheese.  The bags of shredded cheese you buy have chemicals added to keep the cheese pieces from sticking together.  YUK  Chunk cheese is often cheaper as well.
• LOOK TO THE REAR!  Oldest items are on the shelves in the front.  If you want to extend your milk, yogurt, veggies, etc. - get your product from the back of the shelf.    ***OK I even have a habit of getting canned goods and such from the back of shelves - as they probably haven't been touched as much!  Less germs!  I know that may seem crazy, but do you have any idea how many nasty germs are on the items?  Sneezing, coughing, poo/pee from little's, who knows what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ICK
• ALWAYS check mark downs, clearance and manager's specials.
• When buying a bunch of celery - bring it home, remove from plastic and wrap tightly in foil.  It will last for ages.
• Mushrooms and plastic do not go together!  Bring them home, wipe them off (do not wash) and put them in a paper bag.  They will stay fresh for so long!
• Once you open your cottage cheese, sour cream, etc. - tightly replace the lid and store upside down in the frig.  This displaces air that cause your dairy to go bad
• Buying fresh asparagus?  Cut a bit off the bottom end - and store the asparagus in a glass with about an inch or so of water in it.  Cover the top with a plastic bag.  It stays nice and firm and fresh.

• Many stores have 2 day sales and specials using 'digital coupons'.  You don't have to have a smart phone or even print the coupon.  Separate the items from the rest of grocery items - tell the clerk UP FRONT and show the add.  You will get that special price.  I do this all the time at Kroger.  Just make sure you mention it before they ring it up!!!!!!
• DO NOT over pack your refrigerator.  That causes it to work harder, and items in the 'middle' may not get as cool as they should be.
• Keep you frig at the perfect temps to preserve your groceries.  Ideal is 35* - but between 34* - 39* will work.
• Always wrap your lettuce in a paper towel and then place back in bag or bowl.  That will help keep the moisture off the lettuce which causes it to wilt and slime
• Wrap your hard cheese in parchment paper when storing  (after opening).  It allows the cheese to breath and stay fresh.
• NEVER keep onions or potatoes in the frig.  Do NOT keep them in plastic bags either.  They need a dark, cool and dry place and need to be in something that allows them to get air.
• Never buy cards at the grocery store.  You get the best prices at dollar stores.  NO they may not be Hallmark - but they are fine.  Most people just throw them away - so why spend a fortune on them.  Same with wrapping paper.  I know this isn't a kitchen thing - but it saves money!
• IF you buy cleaning products - do NOT buy at the grocery unless you can get for next to nothing.  Dollar stores are almost always cheaper.  It is the same with many beauty items (shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, conditioner, etc.)
• ALWAYS get rain checks when allowable if the store is out of a sale item.  You can get it later for the same discounted price.
• Even if you do NOT need groceries on a given week - it might be wise to go and check cheaper priced items  for your stock pile.  Your deep pantry/stockpile may save you some day.
• If you find a great deal (too good to pass up price) - ALWAYS buy more than one!!!!!  ALWAYS!
• Never waste food.  Use for other meals (lunch, breakfast), use as leftovers, remake into new item, or freeze for a later date.  USE IT UP!!
• Buy clearance candy and goodies AFTER a holiday.  They last for ages on a shelf or you can freeze them.  It doesn't matter what the decoration on the wrapper is.

There are so many tricks and tips that save money.  Take care of those pennies and they will take care of you. 
Do you have any special tricks for making your groceries and  dollars last longer???
PLEASE SHARE YOUR IDEAS!