I am trying to tweak recipes and come up with new ones in order to make them more affordable. I will not have nearly enough money for food this winter, even with the foodstamps, I need to change aour eating habits.
I am also trying to eat healthier, as I am losing weight. 41 pounds so far. This means that a few of my ingredients are a bit more expensive than what you may use.
For example:
* We are trying to incorporate wheat products whenever possible.
* We use a minimal amount of EVOO when we cook, instead of butter.
* We do not use shortening, unless it is absolutely necessary. We use butter instead.
* We use Canola oil when baking, instead of vegetable oil.
* Except for in baking, we use Country Crock.
Tweak these recipes as you need to for the most savings.
Warmest Wishes,
Shannon
Bulk Purchases
I purchase these items in bulk or in larger sizes because in the long run they are cheaper this way. I need to save money wherever possible.
* Pickles in gallon jars
* Peanut butter
* Powedered milk
* Cheese
* Spices that I use often
* Extracts that I use often
* Family packs of meat when cheaper
Freezing Necessities
I freeze leftovers, and I repackage meats to freeze. I repackage meats according to whom I will be feeding at each meal. For instance, the other day, I repackeged ground beef, chicken and pork into 1/2 lb, 3/4 lb, and 1 lb packages. This was done for (1/2) when me and the girls are alone, (3/4) for when one nephew is here, and (1) for when two nephews are here. This works nicely for us.
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Here are my main freezing needs:
* Plastic wrap
* Quart size freezer bags
* Gallon size freezer bags
* Freezer paper
* Permanent marker
* Masking tape
* Sticker labels, or I write on pices of masking tape
Cheaper Prices
Our stores have carts and shelves filled with foods that they want to get rid of. I do not always purchase from this, but I have been able to find some good buys here.*** If you will be eating the fresh fruits or vegetables by the next day, these would be fine. *** I also purchase fruits for breads here. I bake the breads the day I purchase the fruits, then I freeze the loaves. *** I have purchased individual bottled drinks at 4/$1.00. I do not purchase these often, but my girls love the treat. *** I purchased packages of cheese singles at 4/$1.00 as well. I throw them in the freezer until we need a new package opened. *** If you purchase rolls from these carts, you can throw them in the freezer as well. When you want them for a meal or a snack, just nuke them and add butter. *** I have also purchased small packages of sandwich meat this way, frozen them, and taken them out of the freezer the night before we needed them.
Spices
I dedicate a drawer in the refrigerator for the herbs and spices. They stay fresher this way. I also buy large containers of the herbs and spices that I use the most. You can find a lot of these at $2.50 or less. *** If I will not be using something a lot, as small container will suffice. Or, if a larger container is cheaper, I purchase it and use it in homemade pot pourri.
Frozen Soup/Stew Starter Bags
Our freezer currently holds a freezer bag with odds and ends of uncooked beef. I will also have one for cooked meats, one for vegetables, and one for broths. These will make a nice soup when we are low on food.
Flour
Even though it is not cheaper to use whole wheat flour, I use it as much as I can. It is actually good. I try to do at least 1/4 wheat flour in a recipe, but prefer 1/2 or more. The recipes still taste great, and they are healthier and are aiding in my weightloss.
Freezing
I also freeze these in their original packages:
* Pepperoni
* Boxed butter
* Cheeses
Keep on Hand
* A shaker of a cinnamon sugar mixture for french toast and other recipes.
* Breadcrumbs and croutons - can be homemade.
* Homemade mix for various recipes.
* Homemade shake 'n' bake.
Welcome!
Saturday, September 15, 2007 — slb725writer
I will post new recipes as I can come up with them.
Monday, October 1, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Good job, very useful information it will come in handy some day. THANKS!