Hello to all and welcome to September!!!! Can you believe it? How can 8 months already be gone in this year? I know many love this time of the year - the 'ber' months. They can be enjoyable, but around here we are anything but brrrrrrr this week! Today should be the hottest day of the YEAR, if they predict correctly! Yeah, saying 94/95*F actual temps today. ICK. It is going to be hot all week before cooling about 10 degrees for next. Last year we had no 90's after this point - won't be the case this year!!!
It did feel nice out there this morning, but I am sure it won't last long. Glad there is plenty of shade and water for the kitties.
We can do better - it just takes a little bit of work. We can make the biggest part of our groceries! What does that mean? It means using INGREDIENTS - not premade convenience foods. It means just buying ingredients at the grocery, and looking for better places to get those groceries.
I know - because it will be said - there are those that just aren't going to do this. They like the convenience. Yes, it is nice at times, but it sure isn't as healthy. This is for those trying for a healthier lifestyle and saving a bit of change. Convenience is costly!
By saying ingredients - I mean things like sugar, flour, baking needs, beans, rice, pasta, plain meat, vinegar, cocoa, peanut butter (I know you can make as well) fruit, veggies - items that can be made into multiple things.
We can make dry mixes to have on hand for things like biscuits, bread, waffles, pancakes, pie crust, pizza crust, sweets, tortillas, cake/brownie mixes, etc. It makes it quick and easy to make things at home - just add wet. Keeps us from being tempted to go shop.
With many of these things, you can make other things. BREAD - croutons, dressing, crumbs, etc. TORTILLA - can be burritos, wraps, tacos, enchiladas, even chips.
Not good at making pretty pies? Make a galette. Super easy, tasty and rustic. You can use any fruit, One crust folded around the fruit, an egg wash w/a bit of sugar on crust and bake. YUM and so easy.
I am not saying we don't buy things at stores - just buy more basic things. Frozen veggies and fruits (plain) work great for all sorts of things. They are usually flash frozen and just plain. Canned - look at the label. You want things packed in water or fruit juice - no added ingredients.
You can use in conventional ways, or get creative.
Make your own sauces, syrups, jelly, relishes, butters, purees, etc.
Find a deal on cranberries after Thanksgiving? Make relish or juice or sauce and freeze or can for later.
Pumpkins - make puree to make pies later on.
Apples - sauces, eating, pies, baked goods, etc.
Too much zucchini - pickles, relish, dehydrate, grate for bread, etc.
You see what I mean - get creative.
These things are all so very easy to dehydrate to use for later. I have many of them on hand. You don't have to have a dehydrator or a fancy machine - you can use the oven (on low), some can air dry, and I have heard some say they use air fryers (I haven't tried that).
I have mushrooms, zucchini, celery and bananas at the moment and herbs. I have made jerky very successfully in the past. I have also done peppers and onions (they do smell - so I did those outside).
You can freeze things - you can can things.
All these things can be used quickly in soups! The most basic (an inexpensive) thing we can make!!!!
I can make any type of beans or legumes from dry ones - it just takes planning. I have rice and pastas to go with all things. I have dried potatoes (flake and cubes). Meats of all sorts - whatever type of meat you have or can afford - think of multiple ways of serving it, so you don't get bored. I mean there are probably a hundred ways to use ground meats - pork, chicken, or beef can be fixed dozens of ways.
Shoot you can even make your own laundry soap if you desire. That is one thing I have never done - because of great sales - I always have plenty. I do buy free and clear - because I can't do the perfumes.
Truly there isn't much we can't make from just basic INGREDIENTS!
COOKBOOKS is another thing we all need! Paper hard copy cookbooks. You never know when you won't have the Internet to count on - have those books. They are tried and true recipes for just about anything you can count on!
So think about these things and get ready for winter. It may keep you plenty full, on days when weather doesn't permit you getting out and it may actually save you some money. I think many of us older gals know these things (some may not) but I hope it helps someone get some ideas. These are great ideas, when feeding a family - such a savings.
Have a wonderful day and remember how blessed you truly are.
