Kitchen Things to Remember

 Hello there to all this Thursday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe. It is another very brisk morning here, a few little flurries coming down.  I am sure anticipating next week, if the weather predictions are right.  There will be a lot of melting, if it true!

Seems we are now getting the cloudy days we should have had in January.  We are moving closer and closer to Spring, so that is a good thing.

Color is our friend!  Fruits and veggies have so many beneficial vitamins and minerals.  They help us stay healthy and strong, and they are just so tasty.  I am a fan of all the colors, and I sure try to get some of at least one color every day.  EAT your colors!!!!!

Don't throw these items away - they last and last.  If you keep things dry and sealed, you can expect to keep them for ages.  I know, as dried beans get pretty old - they can take forever to cook - but they are still good.  I always presoak during a day, then rinse and soak in a pre-cook water, then let them set over night.  Cook as usual.  I have never had a problem doing it that way.  Just takes a little planning.  I have also presoaked for several hours, drained and then frozen - they cook easier that way. (breakdown is quicker)

I buy soy sauce (well, liquid Aminos) by the gallon and just refill the small container.  It lasts and lasts with no refrigeration.  I get vinegar whenever I find a great price.  Same with sugar - I keep it in old popcorn tins until ready to fill the canister.  I have had the same box of cornstarch for years.  I probably have enough pink Himalayan salt to last the remainder of my years.  If honey crystalizes- just set the bottle in warm water to liquify again.

Just because something has a date listed doesn't always mean a thing.  Do your own investigation - so many things last for years.

Salt has been under the earth for forever, and suddenly it is supposed to be used by a certain date!!!!  LOL

Keep things dry and sealed and you are good to go.

Measurements you might need to know.  Maybe you are without a measuring cup for some reason - here is a chart for equivalent on tablespoons and teaspoons.  This is a good thing to have inside the cabinet door!  I keep several little charts taped inside my cabinets.  They are super handy and never lost!
 

There you go - todays kitchen lesson!  LOL

I love learning new things and sharing ideas.

With things costing more in some areas, and us all needing to be good stewards and truly use up what we have (and not waste), little tips like these are good to know.

Have a fantastic day and a lovely weekend.  

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!!!!

Simpler Living can Mean Prepared as Well

 Morning to all on this first Tuesday of February.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  It is a much warmer morning here!  My thermostat says 32* - TV says 28*.  Either one is warmer than any morning in a couple weeks or more - actually warmer than daytime highs for a long while.  It was a very cloudy day yesterday, and so far today.  I actually put my trash out to the curb for p/u today - first time I believe in a month!

I know many tend to think, when someone mentions simplifying, that it means doing without.  It does not.  You can still have nice things, still eat great meals, and still do things.  It just means a calmer, less stressful life to me.  Getting creative and being resilient.  It doesn't mean going all Little House on the Prairie!!!!

The world is a complex place, and the more control you take of YOUR space, the happier you will be.  You can only control YOU and your home, that it is really it. 

It will help with your mental health, to just living and loving your life, so much less stress.  It helps you be more self-sufficient - learning new ways and things - doing things differently.  Just calmer.

Some things to think about:

1.  RESOURCES - prepare for period of time. Whether it be a month, a couple months, a year....  Just the past couple weeks of bad weather has shown it pays to be prepared.  When IT hits the fan, people panic.  They act out in a way the just makes no common sense.  YOU need to prepare because of the chaos that can happen.  There are many reasons to have resources for your family, job loss, medical emergencies, weather events, economy, etc.

Keep the basics on hand to take care of your family (even cash)- it is very important.

2. LEARNING TO MAKE DO

Make do with less - enjoy a life with less clutter and stuff.  Know what you have - keep track and inventory.  Whether it is a smaller home (less to heat and care for), less choices of store-bought items (learn to make things), less stuff overall.  Live to survive (it can still be a great life).  You don't have to do without, just look at doing it all different.

3.  DIVERSE ECONOMY - learn new ways to make some kind of income in a different way.  Do not keep all your eggs in one basket, as the saying goes.  Diversify your portfolio if you have one.  Have skills that can make you money or can be traded for other things needed.  Look for new ways.

4.  LEARN TO DO

Learn how to do things yourself.  Repair, mend, cook, bake, garden, can, etc.  Be something other than just a consumer!!!!!  Be a producer!!!  It doesn't have to be complicated - we will still probably all need others to do certain things for us (especially as we age).  But having basic knowledge of a lot of things and being able to put that knowledge in practice is HUGE!  We learn by doing!

5.  COMMUNITY - good neighbors and family and friends is essential.  Help one another.  Can be anything - maybe a mow job, snow removal, planting a garden (sharing), fixing equipment, sewing and mending, baking, deliver a meal, etc........  

3, 4 and 5 all kind of go together in my mind.

Simplifying and living with less builds character - it makes for a sturdy lifestyle; it brings dignity and joy.  There will be no self-pity if something bad happens - you can take care of yours.

Money is not the all end - how we choose to handle trials says much about us.

Learning and doing helps us stretch ourselves and our resources when necessary and we can easily get inventive.

Start to look at things in a different way.  Do I need all this stuff?  Do I need to purchase this or do I have something else that can work?  Can't I bake that or make that snack at home?  Take time to think about major purchases and weigh the need.

Extravagance isn't necessary.

Learn to be happy in your own environment and with yourself.

Now I am not saying you can't buy that treat or special item when you want.  Because many will.  I just think it makes sense to know an alternative way - IN CASE!  You never know what can happen in this life.  A few minutes can change everything!

Find ways to feel blessed!!!!!!!

A simpler life can be such a good life, and you don't really sacrifice a thing.  I think you GAIN more than you lose.

Think about this and maybe start making some little changes each week.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.  Hope all are safe!

Weekly Wrap Up 2/1

 Happy Sunday, happy February to all.  It sure seems like January took forever to go away!  LOL

We started today with 1*F and a full moon.  We had snow flurries all day yesterday - but nothing needing shoveled.  Today will get into the 20's and then maybe low 30's later in the week.  WOOHOO!  That seems warm.  I am hoping we are now past the subzero actual temps, at least for the for a while.

We gain just over an hour of daylight hours this month!  Slowly we are getting there.  The snow has been pretty, but I am done looking at white.  I really need color.

I hope each of you say this little prayer and say it often.

This week my list will be shorter than normal, I believe.  Just such a tiring week.

My frugal week:

• Moving snow!!!  Lots of snow.  I have moved snow every single day this past week - just to make paths and walks safe.  Had to then dig out the end of drive after plows came through, so as to be able to get out safely.  Doing this every day has been good FREE exercise - but it sure has exhausted this gal's body.  I go in spurts, so as not to overdo it.
• Did pay a guy from down the road to move the deepest on Monday (in drive).  So worth every penny. (one reason to always have cash on hand)
• I paid all bills due by phone or online!  (Yes, I did pay some online finally)
• I caught up on laundry
• I worked on deep pantry a little more - still not done
• I did finally get out on Friday and made a run to the feed store. 
• I got gas while out - $13.45 total fill-up for January, at 2.14/gal.  Used my points, as they were about to expire
• Froze leftover cooked ham and some soup I made this week

Meals this past week:

Cabbage/ham and fried potatoes

l/o chili with sour cream added and grilled cheese sandwich

Chicken tenders, fries and salad

Creamy chicken/turkey noodle soup and crackers - 2X (so yummy)

Soft tacos

Loaded baked potato - l/o taco meat, jalapenos, cheese, sour cream

SNACKS - banana milkshake, l/o salad, pc. of chicken, ham slices, fruit and nuts

That's it.  Like I said, it has been a tiring week - even though the list is short.  My body is tired.  The extreme cold hasn't helped.  I am outside a few times every day feeding and leaving water for the animals.

I am so ready for at least a little warm up.

I hope you all check in and let us know how things are going.

I sure hope you are all doing well and that you are safe.  I know you Florida gals and states N of there are getting very COLD for that area right now.  I hope you are all safe and warm.

Prayers for all who need healing and prayers for good health for you all and your families.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

**********************

Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercies upon each of us.  Often times, things do not go as we expected, yet we know You are always there.  Your time and answers may not be what we expect, but it is all Your will.  Guide us each one to make the best decisions for ourselves, our families, and for others.  Again, we ask that You please lay Your healing hands upon each on in need.

Thank You for our many blessings.  AMEN

ENOUGH - Let it be

 Hello and a wonderful day to you all.  This month is almost over - just flew by, even with all the weather events.  Hey, spring is closer by the day - which means warmer temps for us in the U.S. and Canada!  Cooler days for those way south of us.  I really do look forward to seeing green!!!!

It is cold again this morning, but not AS cold.  Winds have died down it didn't get as cold overnight.  My road still looks very rough - not sure what the main roads are like, but I am sure better than a couple days ago.

I see so many people that feel such little self-worth and have been 'shamed' into thinking they are somehow less worthy than others.  It angers me.  It is so not true.  Each and every single person has a purpose on this earth, and it is NOT to be the punching bag (verbally or physically) for anyone else.

My ex was verbally abusive for many years, and yes, it took time to get past that.  Glen was my guiding light and he saved me.  He taught me to love me again, and to know that I could accomplish anything.

I want to try to help people to understand that you ARE important.  You do NOT have to accept the negativity, no matter who it is coming from!!!!

PLEASE repeat the affirmation above to yourself daily - several times a day - until you regain your control and your well-being.

I know not everyone has the same beliefs.  But most do believe in a creator, and to know that the Creator that made the skies and the stars and the earth - made you is pretty darn impressive.  That makes each of us special.  Unique.  Different.  Awesome.  Beautiful.  I could go on and on.

Today start taking your esteem back and be the best version of you that you can be.  Don't let anyone tell you different or belittle you - NO ONE!

As hard as it is, sometimes you just need to walk away (even with close family).  Hard yes, but it can be done.  I speak from experience, so I do understand.

You deserve joy and happiness in all things.  Let no one steal it.

May you each be safe and healthy, and may you have a wonderful and blessed day.

You ARE loved.

Good Things to Know

 Howdy Ho to all!!  Holy Toledo it is cold outside.  The news says it is -4*, my thermometer shows 1*.  Half a dozen of one - 6 of another!!!!!  LOL!  Cold is cold.

Most schools are still closed here - not just snow (although many roads are still bad - ours!), but the cold.  They have E learning.

It has been almost 6 days since we were above freezing and it looks like it will maybe be another week.  Well, they keep telling us January is the coldest month - sure hope they right.

I so hope you are all well and warm here in the US.  Stay cool in the southern hemisphere!

                           Sure looks cozy doesn't it?  You can almost smell the goodies - love it.

Today I will share some charts of things that just about everyone should know.  Food can be good and food can be bad.  We need to know the things that keep us healthy, as in it gives you nutrients and vitamins needed.  Things that last and things you can make yourself with no preservatives!

Color is your friend.  Eat the color as much as possible.  I love fruits and veggies.  I do try to eat color every day - it may not be fresh goods, maybe frozen or canned, but I do try to eat color as often as possible.

Here is a chart showing many popular items and what great natural vitamins you can get from them.  I am big on almonds, eggs, bananas, apples and milk.  Get some of those (if not all) every day!

Not all the pictures match the words - but you get it!  Read the words!!!

I know that beans get hard to cook - but it can be done.  I soak and soak, then pre-cook in baking soda water - then cook.  I cook without adding salt (for some reason it seems to slow cooking time for me).  I add my flavorings at the end or from the meat.  Just take your time and be patient.  No need to throw them away.

Do you have any tips on how you cook older beans?

Your own homemade cake mix!  You can mix dry ingredients together and keep on the shelf - then add wet when needed.  Bake at times and temps of cake mixes.

You can alter by adding other ingredients to change it up a bit.  No fake ingredients and things you can't pronounce.

Here is a repeat to help in a pinch.

Out of butter - no cream - use powdered milk to make a great sub for your table.

This sure may help in a pinch and keep you from making an unnecessary run to the store or maybe help those living far from a store.   (click on recipe to enlarge for easy reading)

Just a few tips from me to you.

Do you have any great tips that we need to know?  Please share!

Have a blessed day and be safe!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

 Hello this last Tuesday of January.  Good golly, it is cold and messy!  I sure hope you and yours are safe and snuggled in at home (here in the northern hemisphere).  As cold as we are, the southern hemisphere is hot.  Crazy stuff.  

We ended up having snow through Sunday late afternoon (24 hours) - and ended up with 12"+ here.  I had drifts that were close to 2' deep.  Luckily a guy from down the road came and checked on me, and he moved the worst of the worst (I paid).  I have worked on the rest over 2 days.  This body is sore!  Especially my hands, just achy.  That is ok - I survived and I am in my home safe.

There are piles chest high in my front yard, and the cold isn't leaving for a good while - so there will be snow a plenty for a while.

Now that title today could mean a lot of things - BUT I am talking produce!!!!!

I know when we shop we all look for the nicest produce.  It is appealing and lovely and we think that those visuals mean BETTER!  Not really.  It also means it costs more.

Think about looking for the oddly shaped, slightly bruised, and just different looking produce.  Just because it is bruised or ugly - doesn't mean spoiled!

With people being hungry and things costing more - I can't imagine anyone throwing things away just because they don't look pretty.  Stores DO!

Get to be friends with your local produce manager at the store and see if you can get a deal.  They make a little money, instead of paying to have it taken away.  My niece is a produce manager at a WM and she says this happens in her rural area a lot - she always works with people.

There are many things you can do with the off produce.  Fruit salads, smoothies, milkshakes, cook it, dehydrate it, ferment it, jelly and jams, cobblers, pies, roast, add to soups and pasta salads, mash, puddings, freeze for later, can it, the list goes on and on.

You can ferment all kinds of veggies - just like you do with making kraut!  They are really yummy.

VEGGIE CAKES/BITES

Veggies cakes - can be made like potato cakes - use any type of veggie you have.  You can make into patties or just make bites (like tots).  So easy to make and tasty.  Great for variety.

Add veggies to stir fry, fried rice, pasta salads, rice salad - all kinds of things.  Cut up - it doesn't have to be pretty.

FRUIT - so many options.

Fried apples, or peaches, or pineapple, or pears - oh YUM!  Great on top of pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or just as a side or a dessert.

You can mash up for youngsters (or oldsters).  Add to wonderful milkshakes, smoothies, even make homemade ice cream.  Jellies and jams.

Add to sweet breads and muffins, pie, cobbler, oh my.

Use glass jar (those you might throw away from the store) to secure partials of veggies or fruits in.  Like a half an onion - no smell and keeps it fresh.  Those jars are gold - they are super for dry goods, leftovers, and partial pieces of produce.  Make salads ahead (no dressing) and store in jars - grab and go.

I am all for anything that keeps things out of the landfills.  

The jars get re-used and you don't have to trash or recycle.  The produce that may go into landfills, gets used.  It is still good.  You can then use scraps for chickens or wildlife or compost.

There used to be companies that sold misfits or ugly produce - not sure if there still is.  I think it is just a necessary today - as so many are trying to get the best prices they can and stretch the food budgets.

Stop being so picky!

What ideas do you have on the UGLY produce?  DO you try to buy the things no one else wants?

Give us your ideas.  It helps everyone stretch the budget a little.

I pray you are all safe and have electricity and are well.  Let us know how you are faring!

STAY SAFE, STAY IN, and STAY HEALTHY.

Smile a little.  The sun is shining here - so that makes me happy.  Kitties had breakfast - that makes me happy too.

Have a joyful day.