Good morning and happy February! Hoping for a bit more sunshine this month! January was sure a dreary month in my area. Sun makes so much of a difference. It is shining here at the moment! YAY
Just a couple things to think about today. We all love convenience!! Yes, we all do. BUT, it costs a lot of extra money, and truth be known, most of the convenience foods are not good for us. There are so many extra 'ingredients' in them.
I understand there will be people who say "I work", I have a big family", "I am just too busy" to cook from scratch at home - "I need those convenience foods". NOT REALLY!
Stop and think about this realistically.
You PAY for every process to get that food into your home.
Raising the food (feeding and caring for), your pay for picking or slaughter, you pay for the processing plants, the travel to get it there, you pay for packaging, turning food ino meals or chopping or cutting, you pay for travel again to the stores and you pay for the store and its employees and upkeep! Maybe you have it delivered - I bet you pay for that too! So many steps that you pay for.
Have you looked at the price of frozen lasagna at the store? Oh my goodness, it costs a fortune. Sure it is easy - take it out of the box and place in oven. It tastes nothing like homemade and it has so many preservatives in it!
These small size convenient dinners cost hefty dollars. Most all is just so easy to do yourself.
OK, for those saying no time or it will cost more. Well, take an evening or a weekend morning or afternoon, and do some batch cooking. Place meals into containers and freeze for later.
NO it doesn't have to cost more. EX; lasagna. You don't have to buy a lot of fancy ingredients - pasta not that expensive, spaghetti sauce, grnd. beef or sausage (or no meat), cheese on sale (cottage cheese works great - coming from a person who will not eat cottage cheese plain). Easy-peasy.
Buy chicken on sale - cut into pieces and bread and fry. Makes great nuggets or tenders. You get a lot more for your money. Stir fry or oriental - use up leftover veggies and meat add some seasoning sauce and serve over homemade rice.
Mac n cheese - cheap pasta and whatever cheese you have from sales! Nothing like homemade mac/cheese.
Waffles, pancakes - so super easy. make and pack into baggies for easy and quick meals. Breakfast sandwiches - make your own and bag into the freezer.
Veggies and rice or pasta maybe with cream sauce or cheese - super easy to do yourself.
Shred your own cheese - it is fresher that way and no added fillers to keep it from clumping.
Use up leftovers in some new way.
**Have a shelf in your frig. that is an "eat me first" shelf!!!! Those bits and bobs of leftovers or small pieces of fruit or veggies - anything that needs to be used up in a hurry. This way you are not wasting food (money).
I BUY ingredients!!!! That is what you should do as well. With ingredients you can make ANYTHING - and it is cheaper and healthier.
Another benefit is less packaging!!!! By the time you get those fancy meals you have tons of packaging that is just going into the trash.
Buy fresh when possible - look for markdowns at the store.
Buy or make sauces or soups.
Think about growing something this year - something!!!!!! It all helps.
In my opinion living the greenest lifestyle combines using something that already exists, in it's simplest form. It is healthier and less expensive. This goes with most things - not just food.
If we all found new uses for the things that already exist - it would stop a lot of manufacturing of new things - that leaves an industrial mess behind it.
So, start buying ingredients and making your own 'freezer' and 'fast' food! It will help you in so many ways.
Hope this advice gives some of you a new idea or two.
Have a great day!
Great post Cheryl. I couldn't agree with you more. It is so much cheaper, tastier and healthier to cook from scratch with real ingredients than it is for this convenience "food". Plus, after switching for a while your taste buds and your system will change and that stuff will make you sick. So many other cultures spend a lot of time preparing their food but many Americans say they do not have time. What you eat is one of the most important things in a day and we should all put a bit of time and effort into it because it will help with our health and savings in the long run.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, it isn't that hard to cook from ingredients (just a little getting used to). It sure is healthier and good health is very frugal!!!!
DeleteI agree many cultures do cook a lot and they cook with REAL ingredients! We all should be.
I agree that fresh is best and home cooking is better than the pre-prepared options. However, I would note that when my Dad was living on his own, the nutritionist recommended some of those "tv dinners" as an alternative for him. The key is to pay attention to the ingredients and particularly the sodium levels. He did have home care in the evening, but they weren't in the house long enough to cook him a meal, but could pop one in the microwave and plate it for him.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I would note, is not every one has access to more than a fridge freezer. We don't have one here so I'm limited as to the amount of food I can store. That's why we have leftover night once a week. If something isn't used then, it either goes into a soup or I eat it for my lunch.
I'm learning that meal planning is truly the key. When I was working, I would often make the dinner meal for the next night - it would cook while we were eating that evening's meal. Now I'll start the meal prep in the morning, and finish it off when my son gets home from work.
Convenience foods or take-out, tend to be the go-to when there is rush to get to the next activity (kids or parents). That's when planning is definitely the key. Those were the days when I used my slow cooker more than I do now. Ultimately it is about making yourself and family a priority and that includes feeding them healthy meals.
Sure there are going to be exceptions to everything - but if we can, we need to eat from scratch. I can understand your dad's situation.
DeleteIf folks buy their groceries and then cook up their meals from scratch - there should be room in the frig freezer - if one is not trying to store a lot of other things. Leftovers for lunch is great.
Planning is so important! That crockpot or InstaPot is a lifesaver.
Maebeme, I would like to know what frozen dinners your dad's nutritionist recommended because I'm always on the lookout for my mom for those hard days for rare times where there may be nothing I can give her from the freezer that I made. I need lower sodium and no corn anything, no white rice or any wheat unless a teensie bit. I have only found one at Trader Joe's that fits but now they don't have that any more of course. lol It's hard, so many traditional hospital or nurse-nutritionists think a can of ensure is good. Hubs and I have to just shut up with people most of the time and go home and do our own homework...
DeleteAnyhow, if you remember please let me know. It's a jungle out there with an elderly mom in rehab with dementia, recovering broken hip surgery and everything else... Thanks ahead of time. ~Amelia
I do think planning & commitment are the key. It's all about balance. I once cooked for a family of 5 - both parents working, kids in lots of activities. They were eating out or doing take out 3 or more times a week. Once a week, I made them muffins or a loaf, a pot of soup & a casserole dish. The cost of food was reimbursed & I was often gifted with buffalo & poultry they had raised. Win; win. I often do my meal prep in the morning when energy is at its highest. Right now, there's food to choose from in the fridge - mediterranean tuna noodle casserole, fish chowder, sliced ham for sandwiches. And now, no food prep for a few days.
ReplyDeleteThat was a cool 'job' to have. Love that - maybe that could be utilized by some younger readers. Love that you got some good protein out of it as well.
DeleteI am good to go for a couple days on already made. More in the freezer. Yours sounds yum.
Like Maebeme, I also agree fresh is best and homemade usually tastes better. That said, I keep frozen veggies in my freezer at all times. Bought on sale. Also canned veggies. I buy frozen pies, or at least premade pie crust, because there've been far too many fully homemade pies over the decades that got tossed into the trash; I'm a terrible pie baker.
ReplyDeleteI also factor in price of ingredients vs. a sale price of things like frozen lasagna. The last homemade lasagna I made cost more than $30 in ingredients, and that was at least 8 years ago. Meat and cheese have gone up in price since then. Here those frozen lasagnas (which I don't buy for just the 2 of us) regularly go on sale for about $15 for the 12 serving size.
Before my mom moved in with Sis, she bought (and ate) lots of microwavable meals. Far better than the popcorn she'd sometimes have as dinner. Grandma Griff, who was legally blind, did the same. Some are better than others in terms of additives or preservatives; some brands don't add any. For older folks, it's important to get nutrition however that can happen (as Maebeme mentioned).
For families with children, where both parents work, there can be a blend for each and every meal that saves time and money. Things like frozen veggies, canned pasta sauce, store bought bread or tortillas are things most of us do buy, with our without kids in the house. Here, our sale fliers here have chunk, sliced and shredded cheese at the same per ounce price, so you're not paying more for shredded. Not all convenience is bad for you. Everyone has to decide for themselves--according to health concerns and budget--what works best. Just thoughts.
And boy, am I nervous to post this comment. :-/
--Elise <---thinking she should have just shut up
No not all convenience is - but I do think most is. I do frozen and canned veggies as well - they are 100% veggies no flavor enhancers or sauces.
DeleteOf course there are exceptions - and YES, people need to do what is best for them.
This post is to set the mindset in a positive way for some of the folks just starting out. They can save money by cooking at home.
$30 for a homemade lasagna - what are you using? Wow, I make lasagna (full size) every now and then and have never even come close to that $30 mark! Never. I always have meat in the freezer from a sale - and cheese is regularly on sale or I go to Aldi (cheapest cheese around). A store bought family frozen lasagna here is about $20+ and taste like crap.
People need to decide what they should do - but if you are trying to learn and save - I am offering good decisions for that.
We won't always agree - and that is fine.
Cheryl, my mom's deep dish lasagna recipe--that I always used--calls for 1-2 lbs. of ground beef, browned and drained, a little Italian sausage, browned and drained, homemade sauce (tomatoes, onions, celery, olive oil, herbs), Ricotta, Provolone and shredded Mozzarella cheese (lots of it) and eggs, as well as the cooked lasagna pasta. Prep took me an hour and a half to 2 hours before it went into the oven. It's knock-your-socks-off delicious. I'm sure because it's ALL fresh.
DeleteThe last time I made it was 2008? 2009? All I know is the ground beef, bought the day of store markdown/sell by was about $4 lb. (I used 2 lbs. and skipped the sausage), cheese was high $$, eggs were--at that time--$5 dozen. And that didn't include the produce needed for the sauce, which I needed a quart of. I only bought the ingredients for that on my shopping trip, and remember it was just under $30. I remember that, because at the time, the name brand big, frozen lasagna had a shelf price of $15, NOT on sale.
ANYWAY... yes, I understand. I guess what got my attention most was listing frozen veggies as "convenience". I think I just need to take a break for awhile. Especially on this topic., but maybe in general.
God Bless you, Cheryl, for all you do! You and all your readers remain in my prayers every day.
--Elise
I used generic pictures - but I don't think I said frozen veggies were a convenience. Yes, veggies mixed with special sauces and premixed with meat and rice, etc. - but not plain old veggies. I buy them too.
DeleteI think maybe you missed my point on the lasagna as well. Your recipe sounds divine - but someone starting out probably wouldn't make it that way. Cottage cheese is a great alternative to the fancy cheeses, and sale meat, and maybe even a jar of pasta sauce or home canned pasta sauce. It doesn't have to be fancy to be good.
I am just trying to show easier and cheaper ways. I think we can spend a lot on any meal we make - but there are simpler ways that are good and wholesome too.
My whole goal to is to help those IN NEED to know there are better and cheaper alternatives. We do have choices.
Elise, there is no need for you to “shut up” or take a break. I believe everyone here is on the same wave length, but no one is going to agree about every single facet of walking the frugal path. Your opinions and kind words here are important. Just continue to be you.
DeleteLouise ( who is drinking a takeaway coffee $$$$!!!! )
Elise, no need to worry, (You ain't going nowhere!) lol I think we're all agreeing, at least that is the way I see it. : ) I think probably the thing is is that we have a lot of moms out there who do nothing but fast food and take out. I even knew a homeschool mom who drove through or did frozen casseroles from Sam's every night. She said she didn't want to "cut up" stuff. : O Her friend who also homeschooled went to taco bell all the time for supper. Now, that's what ya call a lack of horse sense or common sense rather. smh There is such an epidemic of "busyness" out there, or people just playing a major part in the 'Emporor's New Clothes' even both working instead of budgeting at the cost of their kids (my humble opinion) but look at the fruits in the country. I am so grieved by the new norms that have been bought into as I know you would probably agree...Oops got off topic there. But everyone knows what i mean! lol
DeleteThere's a small beef roast, carrots and potatoes in my crockpot for dinner. I've gone through several crockpots in 39 years of marriage--they're workhorses in my kitchen. Hubs also loves frozen pot stickers that are sautéed in a little oil with fresh or frozen veggies and a dollop of bottled sweet & sour sauce, which the way I shop, is $5 for a healthy meal for 2 that takes 10 minutes, tops. It's about balance. Our lives are as different as our tastes, and like our tastes, our lives and priorities change over the years.
DeleteThank you again, Cheryl. Thank you Louise and Amelia. This blog post/conversation was a GOOD reminder to me to be grateful. I spent time in prayer this afternoon, thanking God for every worker from the farms, truckers, factory workers, to the grocery store workers. Their jobs are as critical to society. Something most people too often take for granted. I know I do. May God bless them and keep them employed so they're able to feed their own families. He alone knows the inner stress this topic (or slant) sparks within me, and He alone knows why.
--Elise
Sounds good Elise, crockpots are our servants! : ) Do you use sesame oil on your potstickers? That always makes everything taste so good.
DeleteI know what you mean, most of us have been through things and been told things maybe in a not so nice way, and we have valid concerns and wounds because of that.
God bless our farmers. It's a shame young men are not encouraged in farming anymore.
Please say a special prayer for me, my mom is not doing well today, and we're seeing the meds they are putting her on, it would make anyone behave badly, it's horrible. The caseworker at the rehab was a bit abrasive with our youngest daughter today, speaking to her as if she were stupid. smh Not good. (She should not have done that) This is one of those rare times I wish the little lad was around. I'm not happy, they don't even have my correct phone number for the umpteenth time. She was brusque with our youngest saying my mom can *not* live on her own. Well of course! What does she think! And they can't even get our phone numbers straight. It really has my nerves reeling this evening, on the brink of tears.
DeleteThanks ladies. This blog is not here for absolutely everyone to agree with - it is here to teach a cheaper and easier way for many just starting out and struggling.
DeleteLife experiences for everyone are different - we all have our own personal challenges. I just try to put mine away and teach, and be positive, and have fun. I hope we can all agree with that.
You do what works for you.
Oh Amelia, how horrid! I guess we have to pray for the caseworker who probably had 20 cases she was supposed to oversee, which is more than anyone can handle - but to treat a family member as stupid is just Not Acceptable.
DeleteElise, you are so right, an old family recipe is different. But that's not an everyday meal, that's a special occasion. :) Yours sounds wonderful!
I do think frozen vegs are convenient, as what else can we serve when the fresh stuff looks like it belongs in the compost pile and it's February?
As for old, sick people, that's a different game altogether.
MaryB
Thank you MaryB. Today was much, much better, the good Lord showed Himself in wonderful ways where i knew it was Him. My mom was doing much, much much better even conversing with her room mate who we were able to meet, a precious woman, was an interpreter in the War, born in Spain and landed in England in War time. Thank you for prayers! The caseworker had a totally different attitude with my husband and I...so I know that was God. Thanks again for prayers.
DeleteI make my breakfast for the week: hot cereal. It's a Sunday evening job. Bring water to a boil, add the grain, return to boil, turn off & let it sit overnight, add milk powder in the morning, refrigerate for the week. Each week I choose a different grain: oats, wheat, rice, mixed-grains, barley. I can fancy it up by adding cheese, fruit, peanut butter, or brown sugar before I heat my little breakfast bowl. (Sunday is special: usually cheese omelet with toast and fruit!)
ReplyDeleteMy freezer space is severely limited with only a small fridge freezer, but there's enough room for frozen vegs, very rich stock for soup, grated cheese, and various meats in single portions. I like to cook a pot of rice and also spaghetti sauce and freeze them in single portions.
Going out to eat is maybe a twice a month affair, but usually only once a month. Buying "take-out" hardly ever happens, unless I'm at work and the boss offers. :)
You are right, the name of the game is Buy Ingredients, not finished products. :)
MaryB
Good job! It makes life easier for you and it is a healthy breakfast. You can store an amazing amount of things with organization in the frig freezer.
DeleteI am now the same - a meal out now and then (just started doing that in past few months) with friends. I still prefer my homemade better! Treats are nice and I appreciate them more when it isn't often!
I want to eat at your house!
DeleteLove the "eat me first" shelf! Too many times a dish gets hidden behind something else until it is penicillin. The Farmer and I are label readers. A long list of unpronounceable ingredients listed on a package guarantees it is put back on the shelf or in the freezer. Shop the perimeter of the store.
ReplyDeleteSunshine! I'm sure the kitties are headed for the puddles of sunshine on the floor. Headed out to Costco to pick Jacob's Rx and check out their produce room. They have had large bags of asparagus which have been very good. Wish they had turnips there as we are using those as a sub for potatoes.
It is so easy for things to get lost - so an eat me first shelf makes since. I have always heard that if food contains things grandma never heard - don't eat. Especially if I can't pronounce it - nope not eating it.
DeleteThey were both in windows earlier! They do love the sun.
There are advantages to a small fridge... not enough room to keep a whole lot of stuff, so things must get used up to make room. :) I was disgusted when I downsized to this new smaller fridge and found old stuff lurking on the back of the big fridge shelves and the back of the freezer. Oh dear, what a waste. ;)
DeleteMaryB
A coworker tried to argue with me about my view that it's cheaper and better quality to make homemade lasagna. Some people just don't want to get it, I kept my mouth shut after that. Life is choices. You can buy the $1.98 package of shredded cabbage(how many ounces 8-10?) or you can buy the head of cabbage at .78/# ($1.28 for the head that day)... and get a much bigger quantity for your dollar.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am with you - it is cheaper and tastier for me to make my own.
DeleteYES - those little packages of shredded lettuce or cabbage or cut up carrots and broccoli, etc..................always cost more than just doing it yourself.
Life choices - so true!!!
I usually take an hour or so one day a week to prep some stuff for the week. It's surprising how much I can do in just an hour. While I chop veggies, cook rice I can have meat for tacos or spaghetti cooking in the instant pot. Sometimes I'll do this prep while I'm actually cooking for a meal we're about to have. I chop extra veggies or double the rice or pasta which will then be available for another meal. If there are leftovers sometimes I just fix them up for the next meal and freeze right then instead of letting them languish in the fridge.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience most people do have an hour or two here and there to spend on food prep. Yes, it might require giving up something else. The easiest to give up is computer or tv time that's just done to "relax". Rather than looking at food prep as more work I find it energizes me by the time I'm done because I have all this stuff ready to go making meal time so much easier.
There are even small things that can save money and make life easier. Make your own trail mix or set up your coffee so you can have a fancy coffee every morning. Before the kids sit down to play video games have them spend 15 minutes doing something to prep--- making up a snack mix or slicing up carrots or apples.
It really is liberating to be able to do these things on your own.
~margaret
Thanks. No it really doesn't take that long if you just get busy. I like cooking for now and later both. Prepping ahead is just so smart. Get those veggies chopped and ready for the next day or two. Things just go quicker that way.
DeleteOh I didn't even go to coffee!! LOL. Definelty make it at home and just jazz it up.
How smart to have the kiddos do that. That is quite smart!!
I agree - very liberating.
I had a 20 minutes to completion type cookbook during my working years. I knew what we were having for dinner when I was making breakfast.
ReplyDeleteI was one of three people at that workplace who consistently brought my own lunch every day. The rest ate out. BAD for your health and your wallet. Convenient yes. Many ran through the fast food lane for breakfast as well. Argh! Some of what they ate gave me the shudders. If you've ever eaten real food, you sure wouldn't choose that stuff.
Ellie
Central Az
Oh I love that. Such a great comment. I don't think I cook many meals at all that would take longer than 20-30 minutes. I cook easy and basic.
DeleteI used to cringe when I worked watching folks go to the mini mart across the street, both breakfast and lunch and snacks. They would always be broke and wanting to borrow money. SMH.
Yep, the taste, $ and just our health is better.
So so so true. I look at other's grocery carts and know they are outspending me 2-3/1. I spent some time last week with a niece/nephew and their newborn. I was there to play and was there to help them any way I could. They asked me to make my lasagna. I did a deep dish that yielded 12 hefty servings. We ate it 2 nights. (I roasted 1/2 large bag of broccoli at the same time each night). Then I cut the remaining into 4 servings and wrapped it up for their freezer. I told them I make a double batch when I make it and freeze in single dinner for 2 portions. It's really no extra work and no extra cleanup. I use a lot of cottage cheese (protein) and a good amount of mozzarella. Use extra pasta if ya want. Ground turkey for lower fat? Mix it with Italian sausage and get great flavor/fat balance.
ReplyDeleteThey were chatting night 3 and thinking about what they like that they could do for freezer cooking. It's too easy for them $, to hit Chick-Fil-A which they love. homemade with a veg? Delish!!!
I am so glad you got to visit and your are teaching them! They are learning - that is great!!!
DeleteI use a lot of cottage cheese in mine as well - even though I wouldn't eat it by itself! It is great in lasagna. I have done ground turkey before as well. I have done veggie lasagna too - zucchini is great.
I think it is great that you got them thinking about things.
So, where were you all when I was living alone in my 20s ?!? I was working 2-3 jobs and had a long commute. I ate a Lean Cuisine, fruit, and a can of diet Coke every single day for lunch. Every morning for breakfast was an apple stuffed with peanut butter and raisins. And dinner was either a can of soup or oatmeal with toast. I was never taught anything household and just did what I knew. Heat and eat. I'm guessing that nowadays it's even worse since more moms work than ever. I was 31 when I read TTG and pretty clueless about cooking. I had to learn. I still remember the days of ruling out recipes because I didn't have the exact item needed. "Rats. I only have plain diced tomatoes, but not the Italian diced tomatoes.". And on to something else I'd go. I had a chili recipe that called for a pound of ground turkey. Never occurred to me to try ground beef. Seems so dumb now, but I was really clueless lol!!! But if no one is around to tell you??? I didn't even have a cookbook.
ReplyDeleteNow? Let's just say I experiment a lot lol. None of this? I'll throw something else in.
All that said, I never had convenience foods as a kid. My dad was meat and potatoes guy. Living with my grands was Santa Fe style from scratch. I never tasted Kraft Mac and cheese until I was 8n college. I've still never tried anything like Hamburger Helper.
We never had it as kids either. Even when mom went to work we had home cooked meals. She made dinner when she got home or I made dinner.
DeleteI had all the junk too when I was alone. Lots of macaroni with catsup on it. Crackers, peanut butter and water.
That is what I am trying to do - help those younger folks or older ones - just starting the big journey. Letting them know there are alternatives - and that you can substitute or leave out ingredients. Maybe I can have a little of the impact that Amy had. She was a great teacher for me as well.
What is TTG you mention? Don't think it's Teen Titans Go like the internet suggested nor to do with celiac disease ...
Delete@xoxo. TTG = "The Tightwad Gazette" series of books
DeleteI remember those days in my 20s, living alone, no cooking knowledge or experience. Yikes.
DeleteIt is so different after raising a family. Now cooking a dinner for *me* is no trouble at all, just snap snap snap, and there it is. Nothing fancy.
MaryB
Great post, Cheryl. I'm an ingredient buyer also. At any time I can make almost anything. I also wholeheartedly agree with Margaret about those who say they have no time probably need to give up some screen time. We have a mentoring program for young marrieds at our church and we challenged our mentees to give up social media for a week. They were so amazed at how much time they had. Techology is great, but not when it interferes with taking care of what's important --your family and yourself.
ReplyDeleteAlthough their's just the two of us at home now, I generally cook a meal that will serve at least four and put the extra two servings in the freezer for our "convenience food". Because of issues with histamine, I can't cook anything for more than an hour as it will develop histamine and all veggies and fruit need to be fresh or frozen. The extra cooked meal needs to be in the freezer almost immediately so it doesn't develop histamine. Tonights dinner is partially coming from the freezer: Cream of zucchini soup, and a fresh salad with cooked chicken and millet from the freezer. Homemade basil salad dressing, also from the freezer will top the salad. Cookie
Technology can be a thief!!!!! It sure can be for me - I think a few minutes won't hurt and an hour later there I sit.
DeleteI am alone - but try to utilize everything. I may make too much for a meal and that is stretched out or frozen.
That is just amazing on the histamine.
Mine is generally freezer and pantry combo.
Cheryl, I only shop sales or grocery outlet stores. When I found organic large cans of San marzano tomatoes for a dollars a bought a lot. I do that with everything . In these economic times it's important to shop the sales.This is where it pays to have a pantry.
ReplyDeleteI put some tomatoes in the crockpot add onions,garlic,herbs and let it simmer away.
I get out my deep Corelle baking dish
then layer ziti,sauce ,cottage cheese and grated cheese . Bake at 350 and you have a ton of food. I wouldn't spend thirty dollars on any dish,.
I don't do lasagna because my husband prefers baked ziti. Same dish different pasta.
We rarely eat out nowadays.
From a cost perspective you can buy a bag of flour some baking powder and make bread, biscuits, pancakes,cookies
And muffins. Enjoy some now and freeze the rest for busy days.
Let your kids help you bake and cleanup.
Wonderful family time together.
I regularly change out pastas that 'normal' people use in things! It is all pasta to me - just some is easier to eat.
DeleteYour are tooting my horn dear!!! I buy on sales too. I hardly ever pay full price for anything.
I hear people talk about how much a bag of flour or sugar costs - and I see a lot of goodness coming from that money. SO it isn't a problem to me.
I really like the family time idea! You are doing a great job.
I have a menu plan and for the most part follow it, so I know what I am cooking and when I am cooking it. Sure sometimes things get switched around and there are always leftovers (like tonight we are eating the leftovers from Tuesday). I opened cans of soup yesterday for our supper and both of us decided my homemade soup is much tastier. Just a couple of other cans to use up and I won't be purchasing beef or chicken noodle soup ever again.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have never been that disciplined as to menu plan. I wish I was. You have got it down. I have a few cans of soup (various) on the shelf in case of sickness or something - but prefer homemade.
DeleteGreat going.
A crockpot is a lifesaver for many, I used to use mine all the time. I have an instant pot too now, and those are very nice. Our youngest daughter and I share it. Our instant pot has a crockpot button too. You can saute in it too to brown things. I found mine in an opened box deal on amazon. If you wait and get open box you can get some very, very good deals. But nothing wrong with those old fashioned crockpots either...Love mine. I like to have lots of canned no sodium tomatoes and sauce on the shelf, lots of seasonings from Sam's and wally. Low sodium canned beans, dried beans, onions and garlic, some brown rice flour to brown and thicken and some almond flour too for bread crumbs or a desert thing. I made a good almond flour pizza crust last week and I was happy with it. I can control the sodium too and place Aldi's goat cheese etc. on it and it's delicious. I make a lot of soups here too, my lasagna, we have to have gf noodles and I use soft tofu to make my own ricotta, it's easy. Just squash it up with some basil and garlic powder with a tiny pinch of stevia if desired and it's great. I saw an Italian gal on tube last week make flat bread from cooked lentils and water mixed together and then she just put it in the pan to cook in a little oil, made it the shape of a piece of bread and she said it came out delicious.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I'm resting up today but doing chores too. Took a walk put up one little vignette of Valentines that was in a box stored conveniently in the laundry room. I sadly took down my sweet manger scene but it was ok, I told it we would meet again soon! : ) Hopefully our youngest went to visit my mom today after art class, I sent clean freshly washed clothes with her. I had to smile today when thinking of you calling that veterinarian a butt-head, (thank God he turned out very nice and totally redeemed himself and I'm actually fond of him now) but I was thinking today that her surgeon is the new and improved butt head. *giggle* ... The doctors are just not even human any longer unless you find a Godsend, I know they are out there but difficult to find.
Tonight I will be serving a frozen convenience food though, it's just easier for me on this one thing...It's the Gardein vegan 'meat' balls, i made my own sauce in the pan with them and will boil gf pasta, Eden's no sodium pasta gravy in a little saucepan on the side saving the rest for pizza another night and plain frozen broccoli I'm going to bake with olive oil with almond flour and garlic powder sprinkled on top. It's delicious like that. Thursday is a definite pasta night for us, hubs fasts and prays on Thursdays and he loves his pasta.
I hope everyone is doing well, I'm praying about whether to go visit my mom tomorrow or not since Zuzu will go over there...It's so hard to know what to do!
It's good to have our pantries stocked so we can cook from scratch most of the time. : ) Blessings to you, ~Amelia P.S. When I make a big pot of soup, I freeze the rest in smaller bags or almond milk cartons and keep those for a crazy day or to give to my mom for "fast" healthy food.
I love the crockpots - I have 3! (all different sizes). I don't have an instant pot - but have heard they are great.
DeleteWe all have those moments and things that are convenience - that is just life. We just know not to do it all the time - which is what I am hoping to show people starting out.
having a stocked pantry - makes life so easy. Ingredients!
You will know just what you should do tomorrow - sleep on it and pray. Hope all is going well.
Amelia, would you share your almond flour pizza crust recipe? Cookie
ReplyDeleteYes, Cookie. I'll be back! : )
DeleteThis is the pizza crust recipe, I think our daughter got this from Detoxinista. Even her hubs is okay with it, he's not used to healthier eating, he's trying though, lol .
ReplyDeleteI double this for two large personal pizzas.
1/2 almond flour, 1/2 c. arrowroot starch or tapioca or corn starch should work too.
1/4 c. ground flax seed or chia seeds.
1 tsp baking powder.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 dried oregano 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt.
3 T. water 2 T. olive oil (I had to quadruple this! maybe it was the almond flour?)
Preheat oven to 400. Line pan with parchment paper, combine dry igredients. Stir in water and olive oil. Put on cookie sheet, make it around 1/4 inch thick (mine was a bit thicker). 8-10 " diameter. Bake for ten minutes, top them and bake ten minutes more.
I had topped one and put one in freezer.
I had a fourth of a topped pizza left I ate for lunch the next day.
Please let me know if something doesn't make sense. If you overbake they will be a bit crumbly but still delicious!
Enjoy! ~Amelia
Thank you!
DeleteMany thanks. I use many of Detoxinistas recipes. We especially like her bean free hummus and zucchini pie recipes.
DeleteEnjoyed this post and the comments. Today my husband defrosted and cleaned the deep freezer while I inventoried and organized all the frozen food. Wow! I need a moratorium on shopping until I work through this stuff. I am highlighting what needs to go first and will plan menus around them.
ReplyDeleteElise, I think if you want to stay true to your family favorite lasagna recipe and pay big money for cheese, etc that it's worth it for you. Lasagna seems like a daunting dish for people new to cooking but once done, it seems so easy. I am from Cheryl's school of lasagna cooking. But my roots are french not Italian. Smile. 1 # ground beef, onion, garlic, 16 oz. cottage cheese, 2 eggs, can of spaghetti sauce and 9 lasagna noodles; maybe a bit of mozza or parmesan; maybe some zucchini instead of some of the noodles; maybe a white sauce ( a la Greek moussaka) instead of cottage cheese; maybe home made pasta sauce instead of canned, but layered and baked makes 6 to 8 servings. Freezes well and everyone loves it.
There is no one way to cook. We have to adapt our recipes to our budgets and our family members' tastes and needs. I have what I consider a fussy husband and we sometimes eat different meals. I had liver and onions for supper; he wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. That's okay. I want him to enjoy his food as much as I do mine. He made the french fries for both of us; nice and crispy, mmm.
Kitties looking out the window is a lovely image. Your blog is so cheery. So appreciated especially at this time of year.
Good for you on getting it all cleaned and organized. It is sometimes truly amazing what we find. Makes for a whole new menu planning!
DeleteI agree - ELISE does her lasagna her way and should - that is for everyone. I put things out there that make life a little simpler and cheaper for those trying to watch their pennies and that are learning.
We all have our ways agreed. There is no wrong way - just a cheaper or easier one sometimes. That is always my point here.
I have been thinking about fried chicken livers lately. Hmmmm.
Thank you mam. I try my darndest to keep this a fun place.
As I feared, I didn't communicate well, Rita. My apologies. I no longer make my mom's recipe, not just for the cost, but I'm just feeding Hubs and myself now, and he isn't a lasagna fan. Honestly, neither of us need the calories, either, homemade OR frozen.
DeleteWhen we were first married--39 years ago--we used to watch "The Frugal Gourmet" on PBS. Jeff Smith always said being frugal isn't about being cheap, it's about getting the most/best for your money. I think we're all in agreement on that! :-)
--Elise
I agree with Rita. The first time I made lasagna I used a recipe and was so afraid I'd do it wrong! Now I make it with whatever. Lol. There is no one way to cook! I once had a lasagna from a woman born in Italy that was simply double the usual amount of noodles layered with a very thin meat sauce.(Now that I think about it the noodles were probably homemade. ) It was yummy. I've never come across it anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteCooking is like quilting. People make it sound harder than it is!
~margaret
While visiting friends on Texas we went to a restaurant that used corn tortillas instead of lasagna noodles . It was delicious. I often make it this way now. I also make pastaless lasagnas using a layer of cooked spinach instead of the noodles or egg crepes. Do many variations.
DeleteCookie, did they use corn tortillas with traditional pasta gravy? That sounds good.
DeleteAmelia, yes they did. Other than the tortillas it was made like a traditional lasagna.
DeleteCorn tortillas sound interesting. Would never have thought of that! I have made veggie lasagna many times - no meat, and I have made with ground turkey. Not traditional - but I like different. Sounds like you do too!
DeleteCheryl and friends, Please say a special prayer for me, my mom is not doing well today, and we're seeing the meds they are putting her on, it would make anyone behave badly. The caseworker at the rehab was a bit abrasive with our youngest daughter today and it has me on the verge of tears. The nurses seem kind, a blessing but very, very poor communication at best. Yesterday at the doctors and the way they had things twisted up, it was unbelievable. Unbelievable.
ReplyDeletePrayers that they get this all figured out and adjusted for your mom. Poor thing must be so confused as to 'why'. May God lay His comforting hands upon you all.
DeletePraying for your mom and family that you get the answers you need and can chart a course of care for her. Also praying for the rehab staff that they may be a blessing for all those in their care and their loved ones.
DeleteHusband has been retaining more and more fluid at an alarming rate (congestive heart failure) recently. They will be trying a Broda wheelchair (the seat tilts to elevate his feet) and wrapping his legs. He also has a drug-resistant UTI, and they are trying a different antibiotic. Got a text from my brother a few minutes ago. My mother, who has been in the memory care facility 10 days, fell late last night and hit her head sustaining a cut on the back of her head, a CT scan showed no brain bleed. He hasn't yet heard whether she will be held for further testing or admitted. I'm staying home today after 4 straight days of driving in to visit Husband. I'm in a rough state emotionally and not fit to drive the highway. Prayers requested.
--Frances
Thank you so much for your prayers, Cheryl and Frances. Yes, my mom is just beside herself and the drugs are not helping.
DeleteFrances, I will sure be praying for you, oh my goodness, when it rains it pours and I don't say that lightly. When it gets to be too much it actually makes us weak kneed, at least for me that is what state I end up in, Theanine and Holy Basil helps quite a bit.
You have a lot on your plate, I think that is wise to stay home and rest. You can count on me to pray. ~Amelia
Frances and Amelia, Praying for both of you and your families.
DeleteContinuing to pray for you both, and your moms! --Elise
DeleteFRANCES - I sure hate to hear that about your husband and your mom. My goodness, your plate is fool. I hope they can come up with a fix for the UTI - dang those things. Hope the wrapping works on the water retention.
DeleteYour poor mom, she has sure had a rough time as of late.
I feel so bad for all of you and know you need rest just to keep up and alert.
Prayers for all of you.
Thank you, everyone. Had an update on my mom. They gave her medication to lower her too high heart rate, will be looking at her meds for side effects that could be causing her falls, and will start PT to try to improve her gait. She'll be staying in the hospital until at least Monday.
DeleteI needed to be around people today, so I drove in to see Husband, and we spent a couple of hours together. He had made me the sweetest Valentine card at crafts the other day. I'll treasure it always.
FRANCES - meds can do as much bad as good. People get such a mishmash of them - it is scary. I hope they get it all straightened out.
DeleteWhat a wonderful gift to receive. Glad you had time together with your favorite Valentine.
Frances, I will continue to pray, the card sounds like the sweetest thing....I do agree with Cheryl, those meds can cause many problems as I'm sure you know....I was so blessed by a PA today, she said if my mom's bp wasn't high don't take the medicine. So she did not treat it like an ongoing med thing to take forever. A huge blessing! You're in my prayers, you can count on me to pray. ~Amelia
DeleteCheryl, thank you for those prayers. I must say the Lord was with me in very special ways today in His mercy. My mom was doing much, much better, even conversing with her sweet room mate. The PA came in, a wonderful Nigerian woman who is sold out to the Lord. She spoke a lot of common sense as I told Frances above. The case worker turned out to be very nice at least to hubs and I. I was very nervous on that, but was ready too if you know what I mean. I'm not thrilled with the way she spoke with our daughter, apparently she didn't know what kind of people we were or something but who talks to anyone like that? But I forgive and our youngest does too but we do have both eyes wide open. God was with us in special little ways, a front parking lot space at the rehab, a front parking space at lunch and a front parking space at Sam's wholesale too...It was almost uncanny, but that is the way God moves right? We *know* it's from Him. Please continue to pray everyone. I'm an HSP highly sensitive person and that is a Gift but it can also translate to "weenie" in these times...I just can't take a whole lot especially when it comes to the medical establishment.
DeleteThank you so much, Cheryl for your prayers, they mean the world. ~Amelia
AMELIA glad you had a better day all the way around. Sounds like the you had a nice aid today. We never know what is going on in the staff's life either - they may be dealing with their own health issues or family problems. That said, they are in a position that one needs to be kind to the patients and their families.
DeletePrayers for all - God works in mysterious ways. Raise it all to Him.
For my family, I bought a chicken and cut it up. There were no nuggets! I made pie crusts from scratch until I found my mother was using bought crusts! No more making pie crusts for me. She was getting older and was worn out. I had no excuse but started buying crusts at a very young age.
ReplyDeleteI would love a frozen lasagna, but I resist. I just look at sodium in convenience food and it turns me off.
Practical Parsimony
Mom did that as well - with whole chickens and cut it herself. It isn't hard once you practice a time or two. It sure is cheaper.
DeleteYou make another good point - the sodium levels in convenience foods are outrageous most times. That can be a deterrent to many.
Hi Cheryl! I've caught up on the last few posts and I love all the tips and advice. I need to be reminded now and then, of how to be a good steward of what God's given me. Your posts always do that! So thank you :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I love hearing that.
DeleteYes, I think we all need reminders now and then - God's gifts are wonderful.
So true Cheryl, Sometimes I see people with all the convience food in their cart and I can't believe it but I think we were once like that when we were working and had young kids. Of course it catches up with you with your health. You just can't keep eating like a kid for too long. Your health is your wealth.
ReplyDelete"Your health is your wealth." Perfectly said! And so true.
DeleteOh, heck we have all done it and still buy some things we shouldn't - but got to move away from that total way of life at some point!
Feeling more like myself today. Much going on in my life. I've not been at my best this week. Unapologetically, I *do* buy some convenience (like the frozen pot stickers) and jazz it up. My point is anyone starting out can do so, too. Especially if they're new to cooking. You've got to start somewhere! Then skills are built over time.
ReplyDeleteAt 62, I'm still learning new things in the kitchen. It's why my favorite blog posts are those that share recipes and creative instructions/new-to-me ideas. As I mentioned (above) to Rita, The Frugal Gourmet always said being frugal isn't about being cheap, it's about getting the most/best for your money. --Elise
Cheryl, I always enjoy your blog and agree with your content. And I learn from the comments as well. Just a comment on prepared food (packaged and deli counter offerings). I do not enjoy making meals, and often run out of ideas. I batch cook things like stews, so we always have some choices in the freezer. There have been a few times when I buy prepared items, and then look at how much I paid for it. Yikes! I live in Ontario Canada, and we do not have sales tax on regular grocery items. However, we do have HST (combined federal and provincial tax) on items such as packs of cookies under 300 grams. As shrinkflation has made many packages smaller, what seems like a good price is not, as the item is smaller and a tax of 13% is added. I read of your grocery prices and envy some of the deals! There are times when prepared frozen food is cheaper than making it myself. Incredible!
ReplyDeleteHello IRENE - nice to have you here. I have heard how much more Canadians spend than those of us in the US. It is crazy. In my state we do not pay any tax on groceries (actual food), but do pay 7% on anything junk, cleaning, or pet - no actual food.
DeleteI think we have all bought convenience from time to time - that is normal. My point was to not make that a way of life! It isn't healthy either with all the preservatives and fillers, There is also lot of salt in that stuff.
I wish everyone had access to the better prices - as things just keep rising in price and getting smaller.
Such an important post, Cheryl! If you look at breakfast only, the cost of a toasted bagel with cream cheese + a coffee at Dunkin' will run you around $8.00 (x 5 days a week = $40/week) and at Starbucks, it may be even more. You can buy a package of 5-6 premium bagels and your favorite spread cheese for around $5.00, and it will last you for the entire week. Purchase at the store, bag them up individually, put some cream cheese in a small jar or other small container, set the timer on the coffee machine, and grab and go in the morning. Use the toaster at work if you don't get to it before you have to depart, and save a bundle of $$$. Don't have a toaster at work? Grab one at the thrift store and donate it to the company kitchen. I also kept a 2nd coffee mug at work for days when I wanted oatmeal or cereal, or for use reheating soup for lunch.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! Yes, it sure can save some dollars. I did that when I worked. I bought a second hand toaster and put in the break room. People actually started using it. You can do the same with a coffee pot or anything. It all adds up and it is just healthier food.
DeleteThat $8, $40 = $160 a month. That could pay a bill or add extra to one. HUGE.
I always had some food hidden away at work, for snacks or an extra bite at lunch. I just couldn't get people to understand it.
Oh well, people do what they want and that is all them.
You are so right, Cheryl. Frozen lasagna is so expensive and tastes NOTHING like the real thing. I'm all for cooking from scratch and saving money in the process! Great blog post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Belinda. I have even made taco lasagna, veggie lasagna, so many to jazz it up - and it still tastes sooooo much better than store bought.
DeleteThank you Cheryl & the other ladies for sharing. I do enjoy reading the recipe ideas and saving money ideas. I think it just keeps getting harder to do. I enjoyed reading all the sharing that was done during the holidays as well. It is so encouraging to come and read here Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteI have continued to pray for Fances and her husband, and Amelia's family, and Elsie because she is such a generous person, in kindness to everyone especially during the holidays. I can't imagine all those food gifts to everyone the effort to bless others! Wow! I read these posts and comments too, even though I don't comment very often.
ANNIE we are happy you are here. I like that people still read and follow along, even if they don't comment often. That makes me feel good.
DeleteThis blog is to encourage, inform and helps those that need a little boost with finances or even life in general. Love giving answers that may be a bit unconventional, they make us get creative.
We are blessed to have you here.
Thank you, Annie.
Delete--Elise
Thank you so much Annie! ~Amelia
DeleteThank you, Annie.
ReplyDelete--Frances
100% agreed. And when I have a meal plan and all the ingredients some meals take not that long to make.
ReplyDeleteSo very true! Ingredients make all the difference. Keeping meals somewhat simple helps too!
Delete