Tuesday Tips and Throwback

 Howdy everyone!  Hope this day finds you well.  Yes, it is Valentines Day!  If you celebrate this day - I hope you have a lovely one.  I have never been much into it - just another of those made-up days to get people's money!  LOL

I know there is some history behind it - but it was never something I celebrated much, except as a kid.

Not my picture - but this looks so much like Momma kitty did.  Have a happy day!

DRU asked the other day, if I could repeat a couple ideas that had been on some very early posts.  I know one or two have been shared a couple times - but it always is nice to get a reminder.  Times can be tough for people - so any tip to help extend the budget is useful.

Casseroles are always a great way to use bits and pieces of things.  Here is a basic formula to help make up any kind of casserole your heart desires.  There are no real rules - use what you have and make a nice new meal.  Click on recipe to enlarge.

Click on pic to enlarge

Now I know I have listed citrus cleaner before.  It is easy to make, uses up scraps and it smells fresh and clean.  It also helps to keep ants away.

Remember peels can be used in different ways.  You can zest the peels and freeze for future use for flavoring.  You can place the peels in a pot of water and heat on the stove or small potpourri pot for a great smell.  They are great for refreshing your garbage disposal.  Place in it, turn it on and grind up.  The kitchen smells lovely - I did this just last night!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Oooooh egg pucky!

I have been hearing about the bird flu and the affect this will be having on eggs.  I am sure you have heard the stories as well.  My first reaction to rising prices was "horse pucky" (sort of!).
According to reports, tens of thousands of egg chickens have been destroyed.  Eggs are rising in price.
Last week at Aldi, eggs were up .80/dozen from the week before.  That's a pretty big increase in one week.  Prices are supposed to hit the peak price this fall and the high prices are supposed to last through Spring of 2016.   We have a few holidays in that time frame, and many involve baking!

The price of chicken hasn't risen yet, and they say it won't.  Egg chickens and meat chickens are raised separately.  I am not believing it!  I have been purchasing chicken and vacuum sealing and freezing whenever I find a great price. (I love my vacuum sealer).
I have also been getting eggs for the future.  HOW you ask?  I am freezing them!

I am using muffin tins to freeze eggs in.  My ice cube trays have small compartments and I always buy large eggs.  Simply use cooking spray or lightly grease tins and pop an egg in each unit.  Break the yellow for more even freezing.  Once frozen I pop them out and store in freezer bags.  I manage to get 2 dozen eggs in a gallon bag.  I put a layer of wax paper between them.  Eggs will last well upwards of a year frozen.  **Always thaw in the refrigerator and not at room temperature.
Buy now while cheap and store for later. 
Egg pucks!!!!!

I have also been using another muffin tray to make large ice cubes as well!  We go through a lot of ice in the summer and I refuse to PAY for it!  So along with the  regular ice cubes I am making giant ones!
*******************************************************************

Here is a reminder on freezing eggs.  I copied this from the post in 2015.  NOTICE the comments at the beginning of that post about the price of eggs and bird flu!!!!!!!!  Hmmmm - people think this is a new problem.  Nope - it happens every so many years!

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

***Buy whole chickens when you can.  They are generally MUCH cheaper than buying select parts.  You can get so many meals from a single whole chicken.  I have read many a post about getting a good 8 meals from one chicken.  You can have fried or bake, you can make pot pies, soup, casserole, stir fry, pieces on salad, or chicken salad.  Then you can use the bones and scrap for making stock.

I know some people only like certain parts - but when making soup or pot pie or something like that - all parts can be tasty!!!!  

**Bread, unsweet cereal, crackers of all sorts, crushed chips or even pretzels can be used for all sorts of things.  Use as a breading when frying.  They all make great extenders in things like meatloaf, salmon or tuna patties, even a quiche.  

I have mentioned before a great way to extend eggs for a crowd - add crackers (crushed) & a little water to your egg mixture.  Scramble as usual - and it all tastes like eggs and really extends them.  We used to do this all the time when camping.  I always add some extender to quiche recipes.

**Load up on veggies at your meals.  Many don't like or can't eat rice or pasta (carbs) - so veggies can extend your meal.  Frozen veggies are generally pretty cheap.  Now make sure you buy plain veggies -- not the ones with glazes and marinades (they cost more).  Canned, might be cheap - depending on what you use.  Fresh and garden veggies are wonderful.  This is a great way to extend a meal and it is healthy as well.  No need to make meat the front runner of the meal (use smaller pieces).  

I use a lot of pasta or rice - to extend my meals.  I love both and can eat them with no side effects.  I know not everyone can.  Just another option!!!!!

There you go.  The first three items are from June of 2015 posts!!!!!  That was my first month of being on blogger.  Gosh, a lot of time has passed by since then.

It is almost hard to believe I have been around here since then.  I thank you all for being on this journey with me.

I love that newer readers are going back and reading the older posts.  That makes me happy.  THANKS Dru - for the suggestion!!!!!

Wishing you all a sweet day.  Take care.