DON'T WASTE - DEHYDRATE

Have you tried your hand at dehydrating yet?  I have dried my tomato skins for years - using the oven.  Last year I got a dehydrator and I LOVE it!  Mine is not a top of the line or super expensive one (well, I probably didn't need to say that - LOL), but it sure does work.
So, don't feel you have to spend a ton of money to practice dehydrating.  You CAN use your oven or even a toaster oven.  Herbs can be air dried.
DON'T be intimidated by dehydrating - it is so easy!

There is really nothing that can't be dried!  I have read about people dehydrating cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, noodles, cream cheese, watermelon, scrambled eggs. etc.  

Fresh fruit and veggies are pretty darn easy.  FROZEN fruit and veggies can also be done - so as to make more room in your freezers for meat and prepared meals.
Those who home can know that after a couple years - if you haven't used your home canned items, they start getting a limp or different.  DON'T throw these things out!!!  You DO have options.

I have pickles that are  getting older and are no longer crisp - well I am dehydrating them.  YES, pickles!  I will be draining, cutting into smaller pieces, and dehydrating.  Those pieces can be used for;
Tuna salad
Egg salad
Potato salad
Grind into a powder and use in sour cream as a seasoning
Dill pickles are naturally salty - grind and use as pickle salt on popcorn or zucchini chips or homemade potato chips
SWEET pickles an be dried and used the same ways or eat as pickle chips!  (Dill are really waaaaay salty for that - they don't taste great as chips - too intense).

The same thing can be done with peppers - hot or sweet- that have been home canned.  After a while they tend to get limp or mushy - don't throw them out - dehydrate.  They can be used in small bits and pieces in all kinds of recipes or you can grind them up as well.

There is no limit to things you can use veggie powders for.  Any veggies powders would be great in dips, dressings, or in soups or gravies for extra flavor.
Fruit powders would be great as extra flavor in any fruit dish, Jello, cakes, candy or in smoothies.

There are parts of things that we don't tend to use.  I used to always get rid of the stems of mushrooms.  Now I dry the stems (separately) and grind them up.  The mushrooms I slice.  I also like to dehydrate older woodier okra pieces and grind (for soup thickener).  I dry the big tougher stalks from broccoli and the leaves, as well as the big leaves from cabbage - grind and add to dishes.
You can de-seed squash that has gotten too big and dehydrate, as well as peeled and de-seeded cucumbers peels are usually bitter on big cukes).  Both can be seasoned and used as chips - or powders, or in soups.

I dehydrate zucchini and place one smaller - medium size per bag.  I then fill a gallon jar with bags.  This great for winter soups.  Tomato skins, dried and ground, is a lovely tomato powder or bouillon.

Dried mushrooms are lovely for all kinds of things.  I dry one 8 oz. package per tray - that way I can keep my containers with the appropriate amounts. I usually use 8 oz. of fresh when making soup - so now I know how many to use.

Leftover celery at the holidays can be dried, as well as celery leaves. Dry stale bread and make croutons or dressing bread.  I keep gallon jars of bread for dressing - ready at any time.
Leftover cooked veggies can be dehydrated (as well as store canned).  Place all kinds of different veggies in jars for a great soup mix!

Jerky is another favorite that I make from time to time.  That is by far  a favorite of G. 

Don't throw odds and ends away - don't throw away canned goods that are limp or a little older - don't throw away stale - USE WHAT YOU HAVE!
The more we use of what we  have - the less money we have to spend!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ITEM TO DEHYDRATE?
Experiment and have fun!!!!!!

Frugal Happenings 7/30

Howdy Ho everyone.  WOW here we are at the end of another month.  Fall will be here before we know it - then Christmas!
How has everyone been this past week?  We have had a nice week.

The weather wasn't too bad - we had some partial days of no AC - then 2 very hot and humid days.  Yesterday I turned off AC and it still hasn't come back on.  Windows are open and it is lovely.  This coming week I guess it is suppose to warm up mid week (not too bad), then next weekend be in the 70's!  What a great way to start August!

I saw a rabbit in the side yard this morning - then it went next door.  That is the first rabbit I have seen in years (since having outdoor cats).  We have all kinds of other critters, but not usually bunnies.  Of course I went to the garden this morning, and there was a huge half eaten tomato!  Coincidence?  Maybe.  I always have a couple nibbled on - but something really liked this one.  At least it ate half and not just a bite!!

My frugal week:

• Used rain water when I needed to water
• Rain barrels have been staying full - with all the rain we have been getting
• Did a bit of mower repair - then mowed, trimmed bushes, whacked weeds, pulled weeds, for a total of 8 hours one day.  It was nice weather - took advantage.  Boy was this old gal tired!
• I pulled out all the lettuce.  It had gotten stalky and bitter.  Will replant in a couple weeks.
• Planted more green onions sets
• Dehydrated 6 trays of basil
• Hard boiled eggs
• Line dried laundry
• Ran all errands on one day.  I stopped by an ethnic grocery to check out produce prices - way too expensive.  Now I know!
• Picked zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, jalapenos and many tomatoes - one tomato weighed 1 lb. 3 oz.!

One big and pretty 'mater!

• Used all leftovers and re-invented some into new meals
• Canned 14 pints salsa
• Dyed my hair.  You know it's time for a touch-up, when hubs says "so, when did you decide to let your hair go natural?"  LOL
• Stopped at Save-A -Lot (not a normal shopping place) and stocked up on coffee.  Maxwell House - almost 2 lb. cans for 4.99 each.  Got 6 - that will last a long time here with what we already have on hand.

• G's aunt stopped by and brought some family history info and pictures for him.  What a gold mine!  One branch of family was researched back 24 generations, with the oldest birth year of 1150 in Normandy!!!!

Meals this week:
Onion/Swiss burgers, steamed broccoli, and salad
Chicken strips, green beans/pots, zucchini salad
Picked up dinner at the 50's diner up the road - too tired to cook (yard day)
Taco skillet dinner
BBQ wings and salad
Mexican pizza (used leftover taco stuff)
Big mess of fried zucchini and sliced tomatoes - oh yum!


How was your week?  How are your gardens doing?  Is anyone canning yet?
I hope anyone that planted a garden - is getting produce!  Any bounty we receive is a blessing.  It has been a strange (weather) summer for sure.

May the Lord keep you in His protective and loving hands this week.  Stay safe  and productive my friends.
Blessings to all.

The Many Faces of Tuna

I love tuna.  It is a great protein and full of all kinds of good minerals and vitamins.  It is relatively cheap - it can be purchased on sales around here for .50 a tin.
Many people fish and can their own tuna - although I have heard it is a stinky process!

I know it isn't for everyone, but it sure is great to have in your SHTF stash of foods.  It can be fixed and eaten in so many ways, and the protein may be just what you need someday!

• It can be eaten from the can - or plain on crackers
• Make tuna salad
• Egg salad with a can of tuna added
• Any type of pasta salad - add a can for extra protein
• Mix a drained can of tuna, a rinsed can of white beans, chopped onion, herbs and olive oil and lemon juice.  Makes a meal by itself - this is a great salad
• I make tuna patties - like many people do with salmon.  It is cheaper, lighter in flavor, and it doesn't smell up the house when cooking!
• White beans, tuna, and kale soup
• Cheesy tuna & pasta - like a jazzed up mac n cheese
• Tuna melts - tuna or tuna salad on bread, topped with cheese, and sliced tomato - great open face sandwiches
• Stuff hollowed tomatoes with tuna salad  - can also top with cheese and stick in the broiler till cheese melts
• Stuffed zucchini/tuna melt boats
• Avocado and tuna salad
• Sliced radish,  olives, diced tomatoes, cooled boiled potatoes (chopped), tuna - topped with a mix of olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard.  This can make a yummy quick and easy meal as well.
• Drain and top any green salad
• Tuna/rice and broccoli casserole
• Stuffed mushrooms - raw or baked
• Tuna casserole - remember anything can be added to casseroles

Tuna has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It is really a healthy fish and should be added to our diets. (I just read labels to see where it is from - some waters contain bad chemicals).  You can prepare canned tuna just about any way you can prepare chicken - just substitute in recipes.
If you are lucky enough to know someone who fishes - perhaps you can get some tuna fillets and grill!  It is terribly expensive in this neck of the woods, in fillet form. 

I would imagine the coasts would have better prices - but one has to consider what is involved in tuna and salmon fishing. 
They have to pay for fuel and  labor on those big boats, then keep it cold and fillet it.  It is a pricey endeavor!
It is amazing that we can actually buy a can for .50!!!!

Watch your sales and stock up on this light flavored fish.  It is versatile and good for you.
You may be glad you have it one of these days.
HAPPY FRUGAL EATING

Do you have any tuna recipes to share?

Canning ideas

Howdy everyone.  I finally decided (needed) to stop working in the yard today and get the blog going!  Sorry it is later in the day.
I have had quite a busy day - all day!

Here is a recipe that has been requested.  It is a great use of peels/cores of apples when making applesauce.  We all like having additional uses for things - and no sense letting goodies go to waste.

APPLE PEEL/CORE JELLY

 

 Please click on the recipe to enlarge.  Both the recipe and picture are separate.

 

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EASY KRAUT

5 LBS. shredded cabbage

3 1/2 Tbsp. salt

Mix salt and cabbage together.  Let it set 30 -60 minutes.  Pack into your jars, leaving 2" head space.  Fill to 1/2 " from top with plain cold water.  Place your lids and rings on tight (might use older rings).  Place somewhere out of traffic, and place jars in a catch pan.  This is to catch any brine that might be emitted due to fermentation.  Check your kraut every 5- 6 days to see if it has lost liquid.  Have a jar of 1 1/2 Tbsp. of salt in a quart of cold water ready. (I keep a jar in the frig during fermenting time.  If the levels have dropped - remove lids and add more salt water.  Re-lid.  Let it all sit for 6 - 8 weeks for best results.

At given time - remove lids - thoroughly wipe down the tops of jars - add NEW lids and your rings.  Put in a COLD pot of water in water bath - bring to a boil and process for 30 minutes after boil.

Makes 7 pints

 

This is the best kraut I have ever had.  Once you realize how easy it is to make, and great it tastes - you'll never go back to store bought!

 

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CANNING OKRA (EASY PEASY)

**This is not an officially sanctified recipe by the powers that be.  NO rude comments**.

This is how I have done it for years, as well as many people I know. 

You have the choice as to whether you try it or not.

 

1 gallon water

6 Tbsp. white vinegar

2 Tbsp. canning salt

Bring this concoction to a boil, and add your sliced or whole okra.  Bring back to a boil for 6 minutes.

Fill your hot jars with the okra  - tamp down - but DON"T smash it.  Bring the liquid back to a boil quickly, and top off each jar - leaving an inch of head space.

Top with hot lids and rings.  Wait for ping.  That is it!  NO PROCESSING

This is shelf stable.  I am still using some I put up 2 years ago.

****There will be NO SLIME at all when you open your okra****

(There is also a video on You Tube showing how to do this)

 

When ready to add to soup or before breading and frying - simply rinse your okra and you are ready to go.  It is so good in soups in the winter (we make gumbo), and it great to batter and fry.

 

 

HAPPY CANNING!

Have you started any canning yet?

Frugal Happenings 7/23

Happy, happy day all!!!
It is a hot, dreary, wet day here in our area.  We have been hot and humid most of the week.  Looking forward to a couple cooler (80's) days coming up this coming week.  I absolutely 100% enjoy each cooler day we get!!!  I am trying to be careful what I wish for, because we know cold weather will be here before we know it! 

The skeeters are horrible this year.  I have been going out in the evening to deadhead and weed the big flower gardens (big weeds).  I sweat like I am in a sauna, plus I have to wear long sleeves to keep from getting eaten alive! 

The garden is doing well, except the cukes.  They are really looking scraggly and not producing a lot.  I guess I said I was hoping to not have to can cukes this year (still have a ton of pickles and relish), so again, I need to be careful what I wish for!

This week:

• I did use a few of the cold, used tea bags I had saved - to reduce the poison swelling around my eyes.  It worked beautifully and even seemed to dry things out.  I am now good to go!
• Hung laundry outside
• Used dehumidifier water in the washer
• Planted some cuke seeds last Sunday and the are up about 3" already.  Give it another boost of plants!
• Ran to the UPS Store and returned all the old cable equipment.  They pack and ship and it costs me nothing. (Will save me $300 to get it turned in!)
• Ollie's is right next door to UPS store - oh my!  Well guess what I bought?  You betcha - another cookbook!  Their books are so stupid cheap!  It's another Gooseberry Patch book - my love!
• I went to Wal-Mart pharmacy to get script for G.  It was 3 mos. for $0!!!!!
• Stopped at Christian thrift (across from WM).  I got a 12 pack of whole wheat hoagie buns, 3 pound cakes and 3 loaves of French bread for FREE!!  They just had a big delivery from Sam's and needed to get rid of some of it.  I came home and vacuum sealed 4 packs of buns, 2 of the cakes, and froze 2 French bread (triple wrapped in newspaper bags).  WOOHOO!

• I also got a lovely Christmas bowl and a cool picture frame for .50 each!  They were having Christmas in July sale and everything was .50!  The bowl will be filled with homemade goodies and gifted to someone this holiday and the frame will be a gift as well.
• I used the crockpot this week!  It has been a while.
• I re-invented leftovers into new meals
• Got out the spiral-izer I bought a while back at thrift and used it!  It works fantastic.  Made wonderful zoodles!  I slightly cooked in butter, garlic powder and parm!  YUM

•  I picked zukes, a couple cukes, 2 heads of broccoli, bell peppers, jalapenos, and 4 tomatoes.  Oh yeah I did!!!  We will eat out first tom today - they weren't quite done when I picked!  Lots of cherry tomatoes picked.
• Been using rain water from barrels when needed, and it keeps getting replaced with all the rain we are getting!
• Only groceries bought - milk!

Meals this week:
Oven fried zucchini sticks and a salad
Roast, potatoes, carrots, and onion
Leftover roast & juice made into a stroganoff type dish using veggies and served over rice

Cheesy tuna pasta bake and salad
Homemade French bread pizza
Enchiladas made with burritos I had in freezer
Ground beef/ravioli 'spaghetti' sauce served over zoodles

All leftovers used for breakfast or lunches.  Also had fruit covered pound cake, fruit, and ice cream sandwiches for snacks.


What did you do frugal this week?  How are the gardens doing?
Is anyone canning yet?  I may get to start some this week!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all for health, happiness and safety.
Stay frugal my friends!!!!!

The Downfall of Retail (?)

In our area it seems that more and more retail outlets that have been around for decades are closing up shop.  Many were existing before I was even a twinkle in my daddies eye!
I keep hearing that this is happening all over the country.  I don't know if this phenomenon is happening in other countries or not.

Now when I am out and about, I do see new shopping centers going up - then I drive by others that are virtually empty of stores.  What is with that?  Do these people not realize that this is such waste of resources?  Why not renovate and re-use the existing building?  It  leaves such a glut of unslightly buildings.

Retail pricing keeps going up, quality keeps going down.  It is very apparent to me why shops are closing.  More and more people I know (I bet many of you as well), ONLY buy at sales or clearance, shop cheaper dollar stores, buy from thrift stores and yard sales, and perhaps buy in bulk (so product lasts for ages).
If the retail industry were going to depend on me to survive, they would have collapsed ages ago!  I go to the mall MAYBE once a year, at Christmas.  That is so I can use my coupon for a FREE item at Bed, Bath & Body Works.  I get it and leave.
I go to Kohl's  maybe 2 - 3X each fall when using the $10/$10 coupons I get (so FREE).
I manage to go to Sam's 1 - 2X a year - that is it.

I can't begin to tell you the last time I was in a Target, Wal-Mart (other than pharmacy), or major department store.  It just doesn't happen.  If I want to buy a gift item that isn't from thrift or yard sale - I almost always go to a small area a few miles away, that is strictly small businesses.  There is so much variety and I am helping someone support their family business.
I know there are employees working at those big stores (so we are helping their income) - but I just have a problem supporting big chain stores.
Yes, there are times that we HAVE to go to them.  But when I do, I spend as little as possible, watching the sales!


More and more people are gardening, canning, bartering, and foraging.  Crafting is COOL again.  I truly believe we have come so far forward - that we are having to finally go backward a little, just to feel at peace with our lives.  It is "IN" to learn the ways of our ancestors!

If you watch so many of the new TV shows - this is becoming the way to live again.  I am loving it!  I never stopped living this way - so it warms my heart when the young-ins in the family ask "how to".

This morning in our newspaper there was a headline "SURVIVING THE RETAIL APOCALYPSE".  The headline cracked me up - and I couldn't resist reading the story.  Basically the new retail stores that are coming into our city are cheaper stores - that offer more of a value!  They are replacing the many big department stores in prime retail locations.
Every week there is another story of an expensive, fancy restaurant that is closing it's doors.  Fast food spots still dot the landscape, but nicer restaurants  are gearing themselves to more affordable family style meals.

It is amazing that it seems to have taken so long for retailers to finally understand that we just aren't as eager to throw our precious dollars at them anymore.


Do you see these trends happening in your areas?
What are the ways you avoid big retail?
Are there any ways to curb the "retail dilemma" that I am not thinking of? 

If so, please let us know.  We all need ways to keep our dollars in our pockets!

Make INSTEAD of Buy Ideas (Recipes)

There are so many items that we purchase at the store, that are so incredibly easy to make at home.  In many instances I believe they are better - as you know exactly what is in them.  I know they are cheaper!!  We all like that!
Here are a few ideas to try at home.


HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER
Many people just use plain old vinegar.  So cheap and natural.  Honest, the smell of vinegar dissipates when your laundry dries!

Another option:
12 oz. bottle of cheap hair conditioner  (Suave is cheap and many scents)
1 1/2 c white vinegar
3 C warm water
Mix and put in a pourable container.

You can also dip a sponge or old wash cloth in mix - squeeze out excess and place in the drier with clothes.


HOMEMADE DIFFUSER
In a old jar add 90% water to 10% rubbing alcohol.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Bamboo shish-kabob sticks work great!


HOMEMADE CORNSTARCH SUBSTITUTE
Pick the leaves of wild purslane and dehydrate - grind into a powder.  (It takes a lot of leaves).  This is a great thickening agent.
Okra dehydrated and ground is wonderful thickening soups and hearty dishes.
These could both be used in soups, stews, gravies, and hearty dishes.


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Fill a jar about 3/4 with peels and cores of apples
Mix 1 Tbsp. of sugar to 1 cup of water used.  Cover the apple scraps.  Leave a couple inches to top of jar.  Cover loosely with a coffee filter or piece of fabric.  Let it set in a cool, dark space for 2 weeks.
If scum develops on top, simply skim off.
After 2 weeks filter so that liquid is clear.  It will have a light apple smell - but it isn't ready yet.  Place clear liquid back (covered again) for another 2 - 4 weeks.  You can taste and smell to tell if it's ready.  IT WILL NOT go bad!
If a gelatinous blob appears - you have lucked out and made 'mother'.  Remove to another container (or leave it) - it can be used to start future batches.
Use this vinegar for the same things as store bought!!!
You can make any flavor (flavored is good in homemade dressings)

 

Another tip for salad dressings - you can dehydrate big or old cucumbers and grind and add as flavoring to homemade dressing.



HOMEMADE PEACH VODKA
2 C peach skins (or other fruit)
3 C vodka (brandy can be used too)
Let this set for a few weeks.  Strain through a coffee filter into a nice bottle.
This is very basic - like making extracts!
You could buy a large bottle of cheap vodka and make flavored liquor for gifts! (or home!!)


HOMEMADE MIRACLE GROW CONCENTRATE
1 gal. water
1 Tbsp. Epsom slat
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. powdered milk
1/2 tsp. ammonia
2 drops blue food color
Mix 1 Tbsp. of mixture to a gallon of water to hand water plants and fertilize.  Use once a month (I use every couple weeks).
Concentrate will cost about .35 for a gallon vs. $10 or more at the store.


WEED/GRASS KILLER
1 gallon white vinegar
2 C Epsom salt
1/4 C Dawn dish soap (for sticking)
Spray or apply to areas you want to kill in the mornings after dew has evaporated.
DO NOT get this on anything desirable!
Best used for killing AN AREA of grass/weeds


Ok - there you go.
Most of these are made with things that we all have around.  It makes since to use what we have and save money in the process.
You now know that if you run out of something - you can make it at home.

NATURAL IS BEST AND FRUGAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope this helps someone!