Creating and Fun - Use it up Ideas

 Good morning to all!  It is a chilly Tuesday morning here and a little gray.  The clouds are starting to part as I sit here, and I see blue and brightness!  Yesterday was just bliss!!  Oh goodness, we had a taste of spring.  The weather said 68*F - my house was 70*.  It was a little breezy, but glorious!  Got to air the house a bit.  

It looks like the weather will be a bit of a yo-yo for the next week or so.  Up one day, back down the next.  Rain coming later in the week.  I will take those lovely days gladly, but also know it is still winter!

The birds were sure something to hear yesterday.  I heard so many different ones - they were enjoying the weather too!

I actually walked the yard and saw the tips of lilies and hyacinths peeking out of the ground.  Daffodils too!  SOON

Last week we talked a bit about using our leftovers and getting creative.  It seems people have forgotten what it was like a mere 3-4 years ago.  Items were not on shelves, and we had to get creative and use things up and use things in new ways.  The egg 'thing' is getting people's panties all in a bunch now!  LOL.  

There are vegans out there that never use eggs/dairy in their baking or cooking - so it isn't something new.  Just look up some vegan recipes.

We also had ancestors - moms and grandmas - that truly knew what not having things was like.  IF they could buy things, they were limited to what they could get.  BUT that being said - I believe they were some of the most talented folks in generations!!  They could make a meal, a wonderful dessert, or any creation with a little of nothing.  I know my mom could.  Nothing went to waste, and they grew lots and lots of things.

Those ladies were awesome and so very resourceful.

Here is a basic 'recipe' for a casserole.  I got this years ago from reading the Tightwad Gazette.  It is very basic, and it covers just about any casserole you can think of!

CREATE A CASSEROLE

1 C main ingredient

1 C second ingredient

1-2 C starchy ingredient

1 1/2 C binder

1/4 C goodie

Seasoning and Toppings

Main ingredient ideas:  Cubed chicken, turkey, ham, seafood, beef - any kind of meat

Second ingredient ideas - mushrooms, celery, peas, hard cooked eggs, leftover veggies, etc.

Starchy Ingredient ideas - potatoes, pasta, noodles, rice

Binder - cream sauce, tomato sauce, cream soup, sour cream, etc.

Goodie idea - pimento, water chestnuts, olives, nuts, etc.

Topping - can be cheese, crushed chips, breadcrumbs, etc.

If the casserole seems dry - add 1/4 C milk or broth

Place in a buttered casserole pan and bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes.

This is a fantastic way to use those leftovers and things just sitting in the frig or bits and bobs from the freezer.  Mix things up, use whatever you have and enjoy.  This is just a BASIC guide.

I kind of use the same BASIC for skillet recipes as well.  Top with cheese, and turn off burner- cover - and let cheese melt.

Skillet recipes are a mainstay at my house!!!  I just love one pot meals.

OLIVE SPREAD

I had a friend post this recipe last week - and trust me this WILL be made at my house very SOON!  I love olives and tend to just go in a get 2 or 3 or more every now and then, to just eat alone.  I will probably half the recipe for myself.

It would be fantastic on snack crackers or even on bread and grilled!  Spread on top of a ham sandwich.  It would be a good add-in for a snack tray of meats and cheese and crackers.  That makes a meal for me many times.

I always have the ingredients on hand for this.  Super simple and yummy.  Full of protein as well.

I was out running many errands yesterday and happened to be in a different area than I normally shop.  There was a super Kroger right across the street from where I was.  I ran in to see if they had the 18 count eggs for 3.99.  They had tons of them!  I currently have plenty of eggs, but I got 2 boxes.  I will freeze many for the future, just in case!

Now people say - well, that is great for frying or baking, but not for things like potato salad or even egg salad.  

Again, get CREATIVE.  You can use scrambled eggs in either of those dishes.  Same thing!  You could also fry them solid and chop to use.  Want a hard boiled egg? - bake the frozen - then thawed ones in muffin tins until yolk is done.  'Poach' a little longer - until the yolk is solid instead of runny!  All it takes is a little different way of thinking!  If there is a will there is a way!!!  Momma always told me that and I find it to be so true.

Momma words stuck way before Amy D. (Tightwad Gaz.) words came into my life!  Amy had great advice too.  Having a large family, little money and desire to live a nice life can sure lead to being creative with what you have.  Funds and things!

As is stated above - be grateful for what you have.  The most ordinary things can be wonderful.

Have a fantastic day and be grateful!!