A Loaf Can Feed the Hungry

Bread can be a great filler, when it comes to having a small amount of food to stretch.  It is very filling and very versatile.
If you have ever been in a Walmart, I am sure you have seen the clearance bakery section.  In my area you can always find a loaf of Italian, French or Baguettes for about .67 on clearance (or less).  Kroger generally has the same for a $1 or so. (It's hard to make homemade for these prices)

There are so many options for these types of breads.  No joking, with a few ingredients that you may have in your pantry or frig, you can feed 1 or 2 people many filling meals and perhaps a family a hearty meal for just pennies.

Here are a few options to feed yourself or your family with a loaf of bread and few items or leftovers that you may have on hand.  No need to be hungry!

Halve lengthwise and make bread pizza (one of my favorite pizzas)
Thickly slice and make each slice into an individual type pizza (top with what you have)
Bruschetta
Garlic bread to serve with any type of food
French toast

Grind into breads crumbs that can be used for coating, in meatballs or meatloaf as an extender or in any type of ground meat to extend
Cut up and make into croutons - for salads or top off soup or a casserole
Dressing/stuffing
French dip sandwiches
Any type of hearty grilled sandwich - just cheese or meat and cheese

Any type of sturdy sandwich - filled with absolutely anything you have (think outside the box),  Tomato/cucumber sandwiches are a summer favorite here - also try a fried green tomato sandwich! - Super filling.

Open face sammies - top with leftover meat, mac n cheese, leftover soup beans, baked beans, chili, mashed potatoes/gravy, stew, leftover veggies, anything you have

Use with fondue

Dip in olive oil and herbs

Open faced broiler sammies - with anything you have - top with a bit of cheese

Mix chunks into a breakfast casserole with eggs to extend into many servings

Cut thinly and toast - cinnamon /sugar toast, pbj, jelly, etc.

Toast and serve with hummus, dip, refried beans, cheese spread

Homemade subway sandwiches

Smother slices in gravy

Cover with cream cheese and top with any fruit or favorite topping

Use in French onion soup

Make a summery bread salad - toasted chunks of bread, tomato, cukes, squash, peppers, cheese, dressing - whatever you have

Make into a Panini type sandwich

Bread pudding - hearty or sweet

A loaf of bread can extend any food - sweet, hearty, savory, soup, breakfast, casserole, you name it!  Italian, French and Baguettes are all very sturdy breads and stand up to all kinds of ingredients.  Actually any type of bread can be used - whatever you have.

You can use for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks.

  

You can extend a meal into many for just a few cents.  Get creative and always think outside the 'normal' box!

Remember - a meal doesn't HAVE to be many courses.  A meal is whatever fills you up!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 8/11

Good morning.  These weeks seem to just fly by so quickly.
It is a beautiful morning here.  We have had some lovely evenings and mornings this week, nice and cool.  No need for the AC in the early part of the day - and getting to air the house a bit.
We finally did get some rain on Thursday - it was much needed.  More storms coming in tomorrow night.  Heat is back in force later today and tomorrow!

My great niece and her little family (minus one who had football practice) got to come and visit this week.  She was in town to take her son to Riley Hospital for some tests.  I haven't seen her in many years (except on FB).  It was so nice to get to get to catch up IN PERSON.
Her middle child didn't want to leave.  He is about 10 or 11.  He said "this house is so comfortable and cozy - it is a nap kind of house".  I love that!!!    We had such a nice visit and look forward to getting together again.

This past week:

• Worked on cutting back some of the front flower bed
• Made the fruity cake bars - it was a big hit! (Made peach)
• Washing kitchen walls and worked on cleaning some knick-knacks
• Laundry in cold and line dried
• Cut my hair
• Picked a few tomatoes and bell peppers
• Used water from the rain barrels to water plants
• I ran to WM Family Market one day to maybe add to cat food stock.  Shelves were almost empty.  NOT shortages - they are remodeling.  The whole place was a mess.  I don't go there often, will be less now.  They have remodeled and now have ONLY 2 regular check-outs and everything else is self serve!!!!!!  Not for me! Pure greed in my opinion - less employees and more profit!  Bought nothing.
• Mowed the yard
• I decided to get a new garbage disposal.  Mine has been broken for 2 - 3 years and I didn't replace.  Then it got to where I couldn't even use that sink (wouldn't drain).  I planned to have it taken out and just re-pipe -- but it was easier to replace (not cheaper).  My neighbor helped me install and it only took a few minutes.  He went with me to buy it and mentioned he was a Vet and they gave me a discount.   It is so nice to be able to use both sides of the sink!!!!!  Nice to have good neighbors too!
• Made more hummingbird nectar
• All my regular things as well - making tea, eating from home, AC off when possible, etc.

Meals this past week:

Made faux crab salad from meat in the freezer. Served over lettuce

Crab roll ups

Cheese burger, tomatoes and cucumbers

Philly beef and cheese skillet dinner

Cup full of leftovers, beef and bean burrito (from freezer) and sliced tomato

Homemade pizza 2X

Philly beef and cheese skillet.  Cooked ground beef, onion and bell peppers together - drain.  Add a good splash of Italian dressing and one of Worcestershire sauce.  Cook pasta in another pot till almost done.  Add pasta to meat and add cheese.  I used Swiss and Mozzarella .  It sure was tasty!

I just kind of played it by ear - adjust to your taste.

How was your week?  Any good deals or specials?  Garden produce?  Give us a shoutout and let us know what you are up to.

I hope you all have a great week ahead.  Prayers that you are healthy and safe and that you can add to your pantries for pennies or free.
Blessings from my humble home to yours.

New Food Uses AND Monthly Motivation Check-in

I know there are others out there that have a lot of certain food items in their pantries.  I had this conversation yesterday with a friend.  Sometimes we just have to find some new uses for old items.
I will hit on a few items that I always have an abundance of in the pantries.
I hope this gives you some ideas.

JAMS/JELLY
I have so many jars of jams and jellies.  I very seldom use them.  I give what I can - but golly, there are a lot of jars.   Here are a few new ideas for all that sweetness!

Melt and pour over ice cream - makes a good sundae
Serve over yogurt
Thumb print cookies
Jelly rolls (I got to make one of these soon) - a favorite from my younger days
Blend with other ingredients for BBQ sauce or glazes
Use with cream cheese over crackers for snacks or appetizers
Topping for cheesecake
Put in smoothies or milk shakes
Cupcake centers
Mix with vinegar for salad dressing (specialty dressings are expensive)
Top oatmeal
Melt and use as syrup on pancakes, waffles
And of course PBJ and on toast!


TOMATO PRODUCTS
A super versatile item.  Tomatoes and things made with tomatoes can be used in so many ways.
Soups, stews, casseroles
Mix salsa and rice for Spanish rice
Salsa chicken
Spaghetti sauce can be used as pizza sauce
Use in cold soups
Crockpot meals
Top pizza with tomatoes or use as a base
Roast tomatoes
Add to salads
Add tomatoes or salsa to mac n cheese (one of my favorites)
Salsa and eggs
Stewed tomatoes
Anything Italian or Mexican - just add different spices
Sauce or paste can be made into juice
Salsa (or tomatoes) and cheese melted together is a yummy dip

OATS
Not just for breakfast anymore!
If you do eat a lot of oatmeal - top with jelly/jam, peanut butter, fruit, nuts, etc.
Use in cookies, muffins and breads
Make granola
Add to trail mixes
Grind  into flour
A childhood favorite - mixed oats with honey or syrup and ate on bread or crackers!


DRY BEANS/CANNED BEANS
So many options to choose from and so many uses.

Beans & ham or sausage

Make into refried beans

In soups, chili, casseroles

Huge in Mexican dishes - meat, tomatoes, corn, beans, seasoning  Burritos, enchiladas, tacos, etc.

Turn into (veggie) burgers

Dips - can mix with all kinds of things

Beans and rice

Canned beans are great in all kinds of salads (hot or cold)

Red bean (or any type) salad

Add to stir fry

Serve with breakfast food

Succotash 

This is a great protein item.  Handy to have on hand and keeps for years.  I include split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, etc. in this group.  There are just an unlimited amount of uses for an inexpensive price!!!!!  One of the cheapest foods/ingredients that you can purchase.


FRUIT
Canned, frozen or home canned can be used in a variety of ways
Over yogurt
On ice cream
In Jello
Use in muffins or sweet breads
Turn into fruit butter (I am getting ready to do this with home canned apples & applesauce)
Use in smoothies and shakes
In salads
Over pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal
Over cake
Stew or fried fruit is yummy
Puree and use instead of oil in baking
Turn in jelly, jams, syrups
Freeze and use as a frozen summer treat
Make pies, cobblers or crisps

Hopefully this gives you something to think about and maybe a few options to use up what you have.  Waste not want not!!!!!  It's nice to have options - never be hungry!!  Never waste!


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THURSDAY MOTIVATIONAL CHECK-IN
How are you doing on cleaning, lists, using what you have, projects, etc.???????  Are you making any headway?
I have cleaned  several walls (washing down) and working on cleaning lots of knick-knacks.  UGH.  SO many dust catchers around this house (but I love them)!
Let us know how you are doing - help to motivate the rest of us with your projects!!!!!
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Happy Thursday!

Happy Harvest 3

Today is the day to share a few more ideas for those fresh harvests or farm market finds.
Hope this gives someone an idea or tip they can use.

GRAPES
Grapes are getting ripe this time of the year.  Many folks have grape vines in their back yards or they know where they can find wild grapes.  I love making juice and jelly with our grapes.  Grape jelly is one of the favorites for my Christmas goody baskets.
**I often pick, clean and destem my grapes and freeze until I have the time to make juice or jelly.

JUICE is simple to do.  I will give you the EASY way to make juice.  I have done this many times and love it.  It is not heavy overly sweetened juice - it is light and flavorful and oh did I say EASY!

You will need:
Quart jars
Boiling water
1 - 1/3 C grapes per each jar
Sugar - optional (I sweeten after opening)

Place 1 - 1/3 C destemmed grapes in each jar (seeds left in for grapes with seeds).  Cover with boiling water.  You can add approx. 1/3 C sugar to each jar if you desire.  I prefer to make mine unsweetened and I sweeten at the time of opening and use.
Leave 1/2" head room.  Clean rims and attach lids and water bath for 15 minutes.
Let it set for about 4 weeks before opening and using.  Strain and drink!
THAT'S IT!  Doesn't get much easier than that.

Concord grapes in the back yard - before ready to pick.  SO sweet and yummy when ready!

GRAPE JELLY
I follow the easy directions included in the boxes of dry pectin.  It truly is one of the easiest jellies to make.  If you don't have a grape arbor or access to fresh grapes - you can use red/black grapes from the store as well.  Those are most often seedless grapes.  It really doesn't matter.
I place the appropriate amount of grapes in a large pan and add an inch or two of water.  Heat  and mash as it is heating to get all that good flavor out of the grapes.  I use a potato masher.  I then strain the grapes/liquid through a fine strainer to get the juice I use for jelly.  If a bit short of liquid - add a touch of water.  Follow directions in pectin package.
ALSO you can use unsweetened store bought grape juice to make.

Grapes for SNACKS
If you have access to seedless grapes (any type) - clean and destem and freeze.  This is one of my favorite summer snacks.  They are just so refreshing and what a healthy snack.  Kids think these are great.  ADULT IDEA - these frozen grapes are great for throwing into a glass of wine or adult beverage to keep it cool and just to make it fun!


CORN COB JELLY
Waste not want not.  I love the idea of using everything.  This has a sweet honey like taste and is quite good.

Each batch:
12 cobs from corn (after cutting corn to can or freeze)
1 box pectin
3 1/2 C sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Place cobs in a large pot and just cover with water.  Bring to a boil for an hour.  Water will reduce a lot.  You will need 3 1/2 C of liquid for jelly.
Measure and strain liquid.  Add lemon juice to liquid.
Start heating again - when very hot add 3 1/2 C sugar.  Bring to a boil.
Add pectin and return to a boil - you need a rolling hard boil for 1 minute.

Pour into hot sterilized jars - leave 1/2" head room.  Make sure rims are clean and add lids.
Water bath for 10 minutes
Yummy to the tummy!!!!!


PEACHES
Now is time for fresh juicy and yummy peaches.  I have never canned them - although I understand it is fairly easy.
I have always frozen peaches.
I slice and deseed peaches. NOTE: ( I have never peeled a peach in my life - although many do.  You do that just like you do tomatoes)
I mix the peaches with some sugar (I have always used just a little) and Fruit Fresh.  Fruit Fresh can be purchased at the grocery and it keeps your fruit from turning dark in color.
Place in freezer bags - flatten and freeze.
This was a favorite of Glens - he said it always reminded him of his grandma.  We would allow them to slightly thaw before easy.  They would always still have a bit of crunchy ice crystals.
Yum and so refreshing.

Don't forget - GRILL peaches.  Oh my, if you haven't done this - you need to try.  Cut your peaches in half  - deseed.  I spray/rub a bit of olive oil over the cut edges and place cut side down on the grill.  Once you have nice grill marks turn and grill that side as well. Heat through and through.
Serve with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.
YUM!!!!!!  Grilling just increases the sweetness.


Happy Harvesting!

Easy Fruity Cake Bars

Thought I would share a new (to me) recipe that I tried yesterday.  I made it because I am expecting company today and wanted to have a treat on hand.  I wanted something different.  Figured if it wasn't all that and more - I could make brownies this morning!!!

I had to sample a corner, and it is a very passable recipe and I will definitely make it again.

Fruity Cake Bars
1 box white or yellow cake mix
1 can pie filling (any flavor)
3 eggs
Mix it all together and spread in a greased 9 x 13 pan (or 2 - 8 x 8).  Bake the time and temperature on the box.
THAT'S IT!!!!!!!

After cooled I sprinkled with powdered sugar.  You could also drizzle with a light icing or leave plain.

I made mine with peach pie filling (I cut the peach pieces into smaller pieces).  You could use whatever type of pie filling you have.  You could also add pecans or walnuts.

I tell you, this is yummy and super easy.  It uses up some of those items we keep in our pantry and often forget about.

Hope you give it a try.  I think you will love it!

Weekly Wrap-Up 8/4

Happy August to all!
It has gotten warmer again, but not too bad.  Humidity has been down this week, so it has been rather pleasant.  Evenings and mornings have been so delightful and the AC goes off during those times.  I have just needed the AC during the heat of the day.
It won't be long until we have that cool crisp air of fall.

I have enjoyed just sitting outdoors a bit and watching and listening.  Yes, I can hear traffic - but I have gotten good at ignoring it and just hearing the birds, cicadas, and the squirrels.  I can zone in on the birds and hear so many different songs.  It is so lovely.  The squirrels are a hoot, the just play and play.  Another groundhog has shown up.  I think this is a younger one - as the neighbors' dog (2 doors down) caught and killed what I think was it's momma.  So sad.  It is hard to get mad at a young-in trying to survive, but it ticks me off when I see it in the tomato patch!!!!!
I have 6 blue jays all of a sudden.  I have always had one or two - but they have brought their friends!  Oh my they do love peanuts in the shell.  I put them out for the squirrels and the jays try to get them first!  Their call is so distinctive.

Sleep has been very elusive this week.  I just feel so tired.  I try to keep busy during the day to tire myself.  I have taken a nap here and there.  I have taken herbs to help me sleep and NOTHING!  I hate when this happens.  I had gotten back to sleeping 4 - 5 hours straight and then boom.  Hopefully this next week will be better.  It's funny I can fall asleep watching TV, then turn it off and WIDE AWAKE I AM!  I have even tried to leave it on, but that doesn't seem to help.  Once I wake - my mind goes into action.  UGH! (maybe I need to start reading again at bedtime)

My week:

• I have been working on the pantry and going through things to see what I have.
• Using up some older items.  I pulled shelf stable milk out and trying to use some up.  Found older purchased mixes to use.  
• Made Jello with canned fruit - used the fruit juice as part of the water
• I have been 'doggy sitting' the neighbors dog.  They went camping and today is day 5 of watching their baby.  He is next door and I go let him out and play with him about 4-5 times a day.  They will be home tonight - I am sure he will be happy! (I will be)
• Using rain water on my plants
• Washed down the front & side porches.  Cleaned siding, windows, doors and furniture.
• Made a big batch of hummingbird nectar and refrigerated to have on hand.  They are drinking a lot more lately.
• Ran to the feed store this week and stopped at the orchard on the way home.  Got a few peaches and apples to eat for snacks.
• Have started washing down walls and baseboards and doors
• Picked 3-4 larger tomatoes and lots of smaller ones (have to pick before done so 'Chuck' doesn't get them).
• Picked some wild flowers that are growing in the alley a couple times this week.  They look like baby black eyed Susan's.
• My friends from CO came for a visit on Monday.  Spent a nice afternoon with them.  My goodness they brought me a box of Russel Stover candy and a pretty yard flag and stand.  What a surprise.  It was good getting to see them - it's been way too long.
• Got to talk to my friend in OR this week as well.  It is always so nice to catch up.  This has been long distance week!

My meals this past week:

Leftovers and salad

Cheeseburger & salad

Loaded baked potato

Stovetop quiche and sausage patties (both from freezer) & toast

Ground beef stroganoff & sliced tomatoes

Stroganoff & sliced cukes

Grilled ham/cheese/tomato sandwich & chips and salsa (my that sandwich was yummy)

This was the stroganoff mix I found in the pantry and used.  It is a bit spicy for sure.  I used the shelf stable milk in making this and then to kill a bit of the spice I topped with some sour cream.  Tasty and pretty darn cheap and different!  

See the pretty little yellow flowers in the background?  Those are the pretties from the alley.

I had every intention on cutting my hair this week - but didn't.  That is for sure on today's agenda.  I also got some faux crab out of the freezer last night to use for todays dinner.  I think I will make crab salad today!

I have so many things that need to be used - trying to be better about using up what I have and making some different items.

How has your week been?  Any good deals or yummy garden produce?  

Are you working on those projects?  We will check in on those next Thursday - so we can all feel accountable to someone!!!!!

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I pray you all stay safe and healthy this week.  May we use the resources we have and be mindful of not wasting and be thankful for each thing we have.  We are truly so blessed in so many ways.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours!

New Month - New Start

Oh my goodness, the days are just flying by.  Here we start another new month.
I am looking at it as another new beginning!

Yes I have de-cluttered some.  I have donated some.  I have cleaned out some closets.  I have rearranged some.  BUT, many days I don't do SOME!  I just get into myself and don't do anything and then I feel guilty about wasting time and the day God gave me.
So. I have decided to kick myself in the butt and start getting busy.

There are many things  that we can all do and so many ways to save.  If you feel negligent - then today is a new start for you too!

Yes, we are in this together.  I know so many gals have said 'thanks' for the motivation they get here.  I say 'thanks' to all of you.  You all keep me motivated.  I love learning new things from you all.  Let us continue to motivate each other.

1. Start with making lists of things that need to be done.  I have a list for super important things and a list for things I want to achieve around the house and yard (that one is long!)
2. Get more fresh air!  Go outside and take it all in - yes I know it's hot - but we need to quit making excuses.  Sleep with the window open at night if possible.  Air out that house when possible.  Just drink in that freshness!
3. Eat all the leftovers!!!!!  Don't waste.  Look for ways to re-invent them.
4. Drink more water and tea - less pop.  Let's get back to a more natural way of taking care of ourselves.
5. Utilize every single thing you can from the garden or the farm markets.  My little garden patch isn't providing a lot this year (probably cause I just haven't worked at it).  I may be getting fresh goodies at the farm stand - and I will enjoy it to the fullest and preserve what I can.  Fresh is best!
6. Go through the health and beauty closet and inventory and combine and use it up!  Don't buy anything new till you have.  I bet you have more than one bottle of Tylenol open or a couple toilet bowl cleaners open!!!  LOL  I did this and found that I have enough soap, tooth paste and vitamins and herbs to last forever!!!!!
7. Learn how to clean naturally!  Use up those cleaners and supplies you have and then go natural!  You, your pets, your kids and your home will thank you!  Think vinegar, baking soda, salt and water!  It is amazing what you can do with them.  (Save those citrus peels as well for making citrus cleaner).  Maybe a little Dawn mixed in there too!
8. Start working on those homemade holiday gifts!  We are on the short side of that and probably all need to get busy.  Not only are homemade gifts special and precious - they save money.  Make this your CREATIVE year.
9. Don't eat or drink out.  Make your fancy coffee, cook from scratch, take snacks with you.
10. Use your pantry.  Go through and find what needs to be used first and get creative.  Look at the items in your various pantries as MONEY!  IT IS.  Money you earned and then spent on stuff - USE IT - DON'T WASTE IT.
11. Stay home - that saves a ton
12. Turn off the phone or the computer more often - you will be amazed at how much you can get done while not sitting and salivating over Pinterest!  Don't just look at that stuff - do that stuff.

We all have so many things that we can be doing that are productive.  We just need to do them.  If we each do one special project a day - that is 31 projects DONE just this month (minimum).

Let's do this.

I will continue to try to motivate you IF you continue to motivate me.

We can do this this together.

PROJECTS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!