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.
I was reading a quilter blog this morning. She showed a food label-sugar laden 'BRAN MUFFINS'. Says that most everything she buys is sugar laden. I so very rarely buy prepared foods that I don't see it. On the occasion I buy muffins, it's at Costco for a sweet treat!
ReplyDeleteWe are thankfully OUT of the hot summer mode. Even going to get rain this week. We had a few drops in the recent 45 days! Not enough to wet the patio.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
So much of what we buy is sugar laden - it is hard to find things w/o sugar. All our condiments have sugar in them, tomato sauce - things you wouldn't think of. Look at a lot of soups - sugar added.
DeleteI do like sweets like the next gal - but it is a real treat and it isn't often. I feel so much better, with not eating a lot of sugar.
I am glad you summer mode is gone - I found it - it is here!
Hope you get a nice rain.
Beef bones are being prepared, as we speak, for broth. I used to say we were the original organic farmers; if we didn't grow it, kill it or pick it, we didn't eat! I'm forever reminded of how hard my mom worked to preserve food for a family of 5. We ate so well & it's only as an adult that I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. That is how I grew up as well. Mom got her baking needs at the store and most meat - but otherwise it was from home and grown and canned/frozen.
DeleteWe were not wealthy at ALL - but we ate really well.
By the way - great minds - I spent the morning doing a small batch canning.
I agree 100% with all of this. I know a lot of people say I don't like to cook; this all takes too much time or eating like this is too expensive. I do not think eating like this is more expensive but actually cheaper even with buying local. I get not liking to cook but everyone needs to eat and I would think learning to cook would be worth it. I was used to home cooked food growing up and when I moved away, I really missed the food, so I decided to learn to cook and put to work everything my family had taught me. Good health is so important and eating unprocessed, good food is a major factor to that. The genetic heart issue that TBG has didn't cause him any issues until he turned 75. The doctor said it usually effects people as young as 45-50 and that him eating well and being active is what kept him so healthy for so long.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't cost more - I find it cheaper as well. It tastes so much better.
DeleteI know people say I don't know how to cook - no one taught me - well you can read and follow instructions - you can cook! I get not liking to, but a good simple meal takes so little time.
Health and good health is the biggest frugal thing we have! It is FRUGAL to stay healthy. Your hubby goes to show it helps.
I recently changed things up here and I feel so much better and I truly have more energy at this age, than I have had for years. Keep up the good work!
I certainly was not taught to cook - my mom disliked cooking and wanted nobody in the kitchen with her, distracting her from the job she struggled with. I don't enjoy cooking in summer because of heat, but I like what I cook and try to keep it simple. Fresh veggies and fruits are my favorites. :)
ReplyDeleteMaryB