Tips from my Kitchen

Good morning.  Today I am going to give a few tips that I use regularly in my kitchen, that may help others.  We all look for ways to stretch our budgets and to make life a little easier.


EGGS
A couple weeks ago I mentioned freezing eggs again, and some new readers didn't realize you could that.
It is really easy.  I freeze mine in muffin tins.  I lightly spray each opening with cooking spray - crack and drop in an egg into each opening.  I then use a fork to break the yoke.  Place in freezer and freeze.  Remove and place in freezer bags for storage.  I have actually had eggs that I have used after being frozen for a couple years.
These are great for baking purposes and for scrambling.  Take advantage of a great price when you find it!!!

We used to camp a lot and we had lots of people to cook breakfast for.  We found that a great way to extend our eggs was to get them ready for scrambled eggs - then add crushed crackers (or crushed cheese crackers).  Once the eggs are cooked you have no idea there are crackers involved.  It really does extend the eggs.
I have done this at home as well, when we were down to a couple eggs.

You can also add a couple scrambled eggs to leftover rice to extend a little further.  More egg and less rice than fried rice - but a great healthy extender.

I have heard that a lot of preppers dehydrate eggs as well.  I have seen them scrambled and place on racks and dehydrated.  Vacuum seal in jars.  Shelf stable.  I have not tried this - but it is on my bucket list to do.


BEANS
I also mentioned freezing soaked dry beans a week or so ago.  I generally soak dry beans overnight in water to help break them down.  Sometimes, I soak a double batch, and place the extras in freezer bags and freeze for later.  They will not take nearly as long to cook, as the moisture and freezing then thawing help to break down the fibers and they cook faster.


MISC.
*Did you know that you can cook in freezer type bags?  I often place leftovers in a good quality freezer bag and freeze, and when I am ready to cook - I simply place the bag in water and boil.  Homemade cook in bag! 
NOTE:  They do need to be decent quality bags.

*I microwave potatoes for a few minutes before frying them.  I microwave them whole - cool and peel - then slice and fry.  Cuts down on the cooking time.

*When I make homemade meat balls, I generally don't make balls!  I mix up all the ingredients and place onto a flat pan.  I mash the meat into a rectangle/square about 1" thick.  I then cut meat into 1" or so squares.  They are easier to cook, as they lay flat - and they are easier to freeze for the same reason.  You can lightly flash freeze if desired before cutting - it makes placing them in bags easier.

*Next time you are coating and frying chicken or chicken strips, try coating the pieces in mayonnaise and then cover with your coating/breading.  It sure makes for tasty moist chicken.

*USE EVERYTHING.  So many people I know do NOT use leftovers at all.  I do not understand this.  We don't mind eating the same thing a couple times - but I most often re-invent into a new dish.
Most often we think of adding leftovers into soup and casseroles.  There are other options as well!!
Soups, stews, casseroles
Omelets
Quiche
Pizza
Fried rice
Stir fry
Calzones
Burritos
Just to name a few!!!!

Going to list this site again.  It is great when groceries are getting low and you just have no idea what to cook.  Check off the ingredients you HAVE and you get ideas and recipes for meals.  It doesn't get much easier.  It is kind of fun to use even when you have plenty of food - to get a few new ideas!
*Stale pop, leftover coffee, juice from canned fruit, tea, etc.  FREEZE in ice cube trays and use to either flavor iced tea or to cool a extra hot cup of coffee.  It keeps things from getting watered down and adds flavor.

I hope these ideas help someone save a little money or save a little time. 
What are some fun tips you use?  Please share.


JUST REMEBER:  If the world doesn't fit you - make it fit.  Backup, look around, and go do things another way.  Limitations are basically just in your head.
Have a happy day!