Week 28 - Market Trip
7/29/12
English muffins 1.99
Bulgur wheat, bulk .97
Granola, bulk 2.80
Cheese, 1lb 4.89
Half & half 2.39
Milk 1.99
Yogurt, plain 2.59
Corn tortillas 1.99
Total 19.61
I am on a yogurt parfait kick, I have to have one practically every day. And right now I have blueberries and peaches which will make amazing parfaits! The corn tortillas are local and there might be 4 dozen in the package, it's a lot and lasts me a long time. Been thinking about making some tortilla chips, also. Just take about six of them, slice them into triangles and drop into my fryer. These are the best chips! I make just enough of them - and that's it, but let me tell you something they are so, so much better than anything store bought; just think, really good Mexican restaurant!
I know, I know, I need to make my own granola. But it is just too flippin' hot to turn that oven on. So that will have to wait till it cools off! Same goes with the English muffins-
And I got my bulgur wheat - to stretch those meat dollars. Seriously, you need to try mixing it with ground beef, you'll be glad you did. Just season like you would taco meat or chili. Delicious!
Feel free to kick out some ideas for money saving meals and shopping on a budget.
I would love to hear from you!
~Julie
New Home Economics Cooking 101! Real cooking is healthy, economical and...Empowering!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Week 28
Week 28
7/29/12
Food Co-op!
2 lbs. baby carrots, bagged
1 pint grape tomatoes
3 small mangoes
6 red potatoes
6 oz. blueberries
5 lg peaches
5 white plumbs
2 med red bell peppers
3 lbs red grapes
1 lg head romaine lettuce
1 lg English cucumber
1 cantaloupe
Total 15.00
fee 1.50
With all of this, plus what I have in my garden, I've got the cornucopia of plenty. In my garden I've got yellow beans, lettuce and lots and lots of peas - see my garden post soon, I'm about to post pictures!
I'm not a fan of produce prepared and bagged, like the carrots. I was quite surprised to see them, also, the cucumber is wrapped. Not that I won't eat them, I will, but if it were my choice at the market, I would not buy prepared produce. This is a food co-op, not an organic CSA, I had to remind myself. All of it will be eaten. Just to get myself started, I opened a bag of carrots and dipped a few into the peanut butter jar, and I shared a couple with Duke.
Last night I made a pasta dish with penne, onions, garlic, red bell peppers and some ground beef, with a little mozzarella melted on top for lunches. In the crockpot, right now, I have chili with no meat, not vegetarian because it does have stock. To replace the meat, I have wheat berries and brown rice. I thought I had some bulgur wheat - but, I guess I used it. An amazing trick for making chili - a meatless chili - is to put in bulgur wheat. Bulgur wheat has the same texture as ground beef and when mixed in the sauce looks just like ground beef. I learned this at a restaurant I used to work at years ago. It will fool a strict vegetarian! For the rest of us, it is an amazing meat stretcher, mix 1 pound ground beef with a 2 cups cooked bulgur and you have twice as much filling for tacos, enchiladas and soups! Just season as you would the ground beef.
Cooked grains are, also, great mixed in salads. Tossed with some oil and vinegar and chopped veggies, they are an amazing summer salad, ready to-go in your frig! The longer they marinade with other flavors the better the flavor!
I have not shopped at the market yet, tomorrow - until then, Hope you're having a cooooool summer, because it's a hot one!
~Julie
7/29/12
Food Co-op!
2 lbs. baby carrots, bagged
1 pint grape tomatoes
3 small mangoes
6 red potatoes
6 oz. blueberries
5 lg peaches
5 white plumbs
2 med red bell peppers
3 lbs red grapes
1 lg head romaine lettuce
1 lg English cucumber
1 cantaloupe
Total 15.00
fee 1.50
With all of this, plus what I have in my garden, I've got the cornucopia of plenty. In my garden I've got yellow beans, lettuce and lots and lots of peas - see my garden post soon, I'm about to post pictures!
I'm not a fan of produce prepared and bagged, like the carrots. I was quite surprised to see them, also, the cucumber is wrapped. Not that I won't eat them, I will, but if it were my choice at the market, I would not buy prepared produce. This is a food co-op, not an organic CSA, I had to remind myself. All of it will be eaten. Just to get myself started, I opened a bag of carrots and dipped a few into the peanut butter jar, and I shared a couple with Duke.
Last night I made a pasta dish with penne, onions, garlic, red bell peppers and some ground beef, with a little mozzarella melted on top for lunches. In the crockpot, right now, I have chili with no meat, not vegetarian because it does have stock. To replace the meat, I have wheat berries and brown rice. I thought I had some bulgur wheat - but, I guess I used it. An amazing trick for making chili - a meatless chili - is to put in bulgur wheat. Bulgur wheat has the same texture as ground beef and when mixed in the sauce looks just like ground beef. I learned this at a restaurant I used to work at years ago. It will fool a strict vegetarian! For the rest of us, it is an amazing meat stretcher, mix 1 pound ground beef with a 2 cups cooked bulgur and you have twice as much filling for tacos, enchiladas and soups! Just season as you would the ground beef.
Cooked grains are, also, great mixed in salads. Tossed with some oil and vinegar and chopped veggies, they are an amazing summer salad, ready to-go in your frig! The longer they marinade with other flavors the better the flavor!
I have not shopped at the market yet, tomorrow - until then, Hope you're having a cooooool summer, because it's a hot one!
~Julie
Week 27, 2nd & 3rd Trip - One Stressed Out Day!
Week 27, 2nd, 3rd Trips
This week was a highly stressful one, it took all I had not to buy a bunch of chocolate and just go for it. But, I did make a 2 trips on the same day, and I learned a lot in retrospect.
2nd trip
Demi baguette 1.59
Chocolate, dark organic 2.37 (shared, but, mostly for me)
3rd trip
Granola, bulk 3.93
Total 7.89 (tax is included)
What I really needed was a long walk; what I did was make a chocolate sandwich for lunch. Then, when I got home, I made a yogurt parfait - granola, yogurt and honey. Of course, all in all, it was not that bad, looking back. What it did was make me think about something: I've been reading a lot about positive thinking and when you are consumed with negative feelings and thoughts you are supposed to replace it with positive good thoughts. That day, at that chocolate sandwich moment, I was literally marinading in negativity. And the one thing that helped to pull me out of it was my chocolate sandwich. It was a bandaid; a quick fix. If this is not habitual, I suppose it's ok. Next time, I might opt for a soothing beverage, like tea or coffee and a walk around the block. My love for bread and chocolate should be saved for times when I can fully savor the flavor in a positive state of mind.
Food is a go-to for many people for stressful times. Being on this budget has enlightened me on my eating habits; the way I eat and the what-for's. Seeing my stress habits in connection with how I eat unfold before my eyes is letting me get to know myself and how I react to different situations, and food plays a big part in that it is sort of a coping tool to help me feel good again.
How do you deal with stress? Do reach for certain go-to stress foods? My friend Jeanine and I used to talk about our favorite stress-foods. Her favorite was chips and salsa and a margarita and mine was Ben & Jerry's Phish Food - Hmmmm, at this one certain time in our life working an extremely stressful job together. I won't go into stress-weight gain....and a lot of the eating was in front of the t.v.
Think about how you deal with stress and negative emotions. Do you reach for food? If you're conscious about your actions, then you're half-way there. Deal with the issue and your reaction to it, which is most important. And try to enjoy your food as food, not as an emotional security blanket during a bad day.
I, myself, do not plan on giving up my chocolate sandwiches, however, I know I will enjoy them more in a positive state of mind~
Julie
This week was a highly stressful one, it took all I had not to buy a bunch of chocolate and just go for it. But, I did make a 2 trips on the same day, and I learned a lot in retrospect.
2nd trip
Demi baguette 1.59
Chocolate, dark organic 2.37 (shared, but, mostly for me)
3rd trip
Granola, bulk 3.93
Total 7.89 (tax is included)
What I really needed was a long walk; what I did was make a chocolate sandwich for lunch. Then, when I got home, I made a yogurt parfait - granola, yogurt and honey. Of course, all in all, it was not that bad, looking back. What it did was make me think about something: I've been reading a lot about positive thinking and when you are consumed with negative feelings and thoughts you are supposed to replace it with positive good thoughts. That day, at that chocolate sandwich moment, I was literally marinading in negativity. And the one thing that helped to pull me out of it was my chocolate sandwich. It was a bandaid; a quick fix. If this is not habitual, I suppose it's ok. Next time, I might opt for a soothing beverage, like tea or coffee and a walk around the block. My love for bread and chocolate should be saved for times when I can fully savor the flavor in a positive state of mind.
Food is a go-to for many people for stressful times. Being on this budget has enlightened me on my eating habits; the way I eat and the what-for's. Seeing my stress habits in connection with how I eat unfold before my eyes is letting me get to know myself and how I react to different situations, and food plays a big part in that it is sort of a coping tool to help me feel good again.
How do you deal with stress? Do reach for certain go-to stress foods? My friend Jeanine and I used to talk about our favorite stress-foods. Her favorite was chips and salsa and a margarita and mine was Ben & Jerry's Phish Food - Hmmmm, at this one certain time in our life working an extremely stressful job together. I won't go into stress-weight gain....and a lot of the eating was in front of the t.v.
Think about how you deal with stress and negative emotions. Do you reach for food? If you're conscious about your actions, then you're half-way there. Deal with the issue and your reaction to it, which is most important. And try to enjoy your food as food, not as an emotional security blanket during a bad day.
I, myself, do not plan on giving up my chocolate sandwiches, however, I know I will enjoy them more in a positive state of mind~
Julie
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Week 27
Week 27
7/22/12
Bananas 1.90
Milk 1.99
Peanuts, bulk 2.02
Pinto beans, bulk 1.96
Mango 1.89
Broccoli .73
Plums 1.38
Avocados, 2 for 3.00
Eggs .99
Evaporated milk 1.29
Ground beef 3.59
Honey 4.95
Tuna, lg can 3.19
Tomato paste .69
Tomatoes, canned, diced .79
Chicken breasts, 4 boneless 7.53
Total 37.89
I could've kicked myself this week when I forgot to sign-up for the co-op. I got home late Sunday night, got very little sleep and got up to work the next day. Monday, I stayed up late again and by Tuesday, I was flat out exhausted - not thinking about food, I fell asleep too early.
The heat is so draining! I learned to open up the house at night to let in all the cool air and close it up in the morning to conserve energy - with the fans going, this is an efficient way to keep cool.
I've got the crockpot on with the chicken right now with garlic, chili powder and salt and pepper. If I had lemon or lime, I would've added it, but, this is a really tasty dry rub. I'll have some hot roasted tonight and have some cold for salad and a wrap or two with the whole wheat tortillas.
I cleaned out my freezer full of chili this week for my work lunches - so I might make chili with the ground beef. Not exactly sure yet. Or just burgers? I may do some potatoes in the crockpot, since it's so hot - baked potato salad? I've got lettuce that's ready from my garden, peas and some beans that will be ready to pick in the next few days...I know! I am so amazed!
I went out on a limb - it's quite expensive - for some honey. It's orange blossom honey, my favorite - and I still have yogurt. Yogurt, honey and cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla...mmmm. Another personal favorite is yogurt with Angostura bitters, a few dashes - with honey and cinnamon...just lovely
I've been craving a chunk monkey shake; banana, chocolate syrup and a heaping large tablespoon of peanut butter with milk and ice blended smooth - this will be my treat today! Yum!
If I can hold off and get the mango really ripe, I'll use half of it for a mango lassi. A mango lassi is simply mango, plain yogurt, milk, sugar to taste and ice, blended smooth. This is a decadent dessert. I can always tell a good Indian restaurant by their mango lassi, it has to be just plain and simple, but the key, the absolute key ingredient is over ripe mangoes. A sweet, strong mango flavor with a deep orange color...but you have to wait for the mango to get that ripe...I can almost taste it now...but no, I will wait a few days and maybe a few more till that mango is good and ripe and smells strong and sweet.
Summer smoothies and shakes are so refreshing. With fresh fruit and yogurt a smoothie can be light and low calorie - and making them at home, you have the control of what you put into it!
I hope you're all enjoying the summer! Keep coooool!
~Julie
7/22/12
Bananas 1.90
Milk 1.99
Peanuts, bulk 2.02
Pinto beans, bulk 1.96
Mango 1.89
Broccoli .73
Plums 1.38
Avocados, 2 for 3.00
Eggs .99
Evaporated milk 1.29
Ground beef 3.59
Honey 4.95
Tuna, lg can 3.19
Tomato paste .69
Tomatoes, canned, diced .79
Chicken breasts, 4 boneless 7.53
Total 37.89
I could've kicked myself this week when I forgot to sign-up for the co-op. I got home late Sunday night, got very little sleep and got up to work the next day. Monday, I stayed up late again and by Tuesday, I was flat out exhausted - not thinking about food, I fell asleep too early.
The heat is so draining! I learned to open up the house at night to let in all the cool air and close it up in the morning to conserve energy - with the fans going, this is an efficient way to keep cool.
I've got the crockpot on with the chicken right now with garlic, chili powder and salt and pepper. If I had lemon or lime, I would've added it, but, this is a really tasty dry rub. I'll have some hot roasted tonight and have some cold for salad and a wrap or two with the whole wheat tortillas.
I cleaned out my freezer full of chili this week for my work lunches - so I might make chili with the ground beef. Not exactly sure yet. Or just burgers? I may do some potatoes in the crockpot, since it's so hot - baked potato salad? I've got lettuce that's ready from my garden, peas and some beans that will be ready to pick in the next few days...I know! I am so amazed!
I went out on a limb - it's quite expensive - for some honey. It's orange blossom honey, my favorite - and I still have yogurt. Yogurt, honey and cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla...mmmm. Another personal favorite is yogurt with Angostura bitters, a few dashes - with honey and cinnamon...just lovely
I've been craving a chunk monkey shake; banana, chocolate syrup and a heaping large tablespoon of peanut butter with milk and ice blended smooth - this will be my treat today! Yum!
If I can hold off and get the mango really ripe, I'll use half of it for a mango lassi. A mango lassi is simply mango, plain yogurt, milk, sugar to taste and ice, blended smooth. This is a decadent dessert. I can always tell a good Indian restaurant by their mango lassi, it has to be just plain and simple, but the key, the absolute key ingredient is over ripe mangoes. A sweet, strong mango flavor with a deep orange color...but you have to wait for the mango to get that ripe...I can almost taste it now...but no, I will wait a few days and maybe a few more till that mango is good and ripe and smells strong and sweet.
Summer smoothies and shakes are so refreshing. With fresh fruit and yogurt a smoothie can be light and low calorie - and making them at home, you have the control of what you put into it!
I hope you're all enjoying the summer! Keep coooool!
~Julie
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Home Cooking as a Humanitarian Act
Food
Insecurity is hunger. I suppose food insecurity sounds politically correct.
But, why do we need a word like hunger to sound politically correct? Do we not
want the people who are hungry to feel bad about being hungry? I’m torn. I want
people that need help to be able to ask for resources to help them get through
troubled times without feeling bad. I certainly do not want pride to be an
issue as far as hunger is concerned. Unemployment, conflict and natural
disasters, including draught are all factors in the fight against hunger.
Nobody
could possibly want hunger in their life.
Right
here, I hope you understand what I’m talking about, because, right now, I’m
going to switch gears. Yes, there are problems with people feeding themselves
and their families. All over the world. What I want to say loud and clear here
is that I am a home cooking advocate. I believe if we all took the time to shop
well with the budgets we have, and buy whole, real-food ingredients in their
natural state and took them home to cook, it would make a huge difference in
our lives and our quality of life.
To take
something as simple as home cooking and say loud and clear that home cooking is
a humanitarian act is that going too far? And why shouldn’t it be? Cooking is a
humanitarian act, seriously. Look at the world we live in, all of it, from your
home to your community to the country we live in to the world we all live in. What
do we all have in common? Cooking food and meals with family. Yes, different in
preparation and ritual, as far as region and nationality go, but, it is the one
thing we do all over the world that we all have in common. It makes us human,
therefore, it is a humanitarian act.
I’ve
written a short, simple book, Inspired Home Cooking. While writing it, I made a
note never to use the word hunger, as if home cooking were a fight against it.
On this site, I have made a point of saying that I was pro-cooking. To end the
negative food issues, it must be a priority to cook with whole foods, as much
as we can, if not, all the time. Use our budgets wisely and cook. Simple.
I’m not
out to talk about what I don’t believe in or fighting against; I am speaking
out to promote what I do believe in: Home cooking.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Week 26
Week 26
7/15/12
Officially, the half-way mark or high water mark of summer! However you want to say it; I've been on this project for 6 months as of this week. And, I have a surprise for you: I'm not shopping this week.
Nope, I was away for 3 days and 3 nights. I have food in the frig and freezer. So, I'm going to make do with what I have. So far, for lunch I've had chili that was frozen, I have eggs, peanut butter, beans and lentils, flour for bread (if I need to I can bake in the morning), cereal and a big can of tuna and eggs. I know, I could use some produce, but, I have lettuce in my garden. I have canned apricots. This week, I will make do, and make do just fine.
Each week, it's a good idea to buy a few items that will carry over into the next or to have in the pantry for whenever they're needed. Stocking up, whether its a can here or a jar there, it just makes sense. Since I've done just that, this is my week to save a week.
~Julie
7/15/12
Officially, the half-way mark or high water mark of summer! However you want to say it; I've been on this project for 6 months as of this week. And, I have a surprise for you: I'm not shopping this week.
Nope, I was away for 3 days and 3 nights. I have food in the frig and freezer. So, I'm going to make do with what I have. So far, for lunch I've had chili that was frozen, I have eggs, peanut butter, beans and lentils, flour for bread (if I need to I can bake in the morning), cereal and a big can of tuna and eggs. I know, I could use some produce, but, I have lettuce in my garden. I have canned apricots. This week, I will make do, and make do just fine.
Each week, it's a good idea to buy a few items that will carry over into the next or to have in the pantry for whenever they're needed. Stocking up, whether its a can here or a jar there, it just makes sense. Since I've done just that, this is my week to save a week.
~Julie
My Vacation Wasn't Long Enough
And you probably feel the same way I do!
I had a great 3 day get-away to my nieces wedding reception in rockin' Caldwell, Idaho. The night I got there it had barely cooled down from 108 degrees. Thank God for air conditioning, in the car and house. It was a beautiful party with lots of people, beer and of course, food! My niece looked gorgeous and the party, held at my parents house, was a huge success.
It was pretty clear that everyone had a wonderful time and most definitely, a memorable time.
Well, I did say they sold the farm, so the next time I go visit...it won't be where I've been visiting for the past 28 years. So many memories come from a home...no matter where it is.
Hope you're all having a great summer, creating memories! I still need to catch up on sleep...
~Julie
I had a great 3 day get-away to my nieces wedding reception in rockin' Caldwell, Idaho. The night I got there it had barely cooled down from 108 degrees. Thank God for air conditioning, in the car and house. It was a beautiful party with lots of people, beer and of course, food! My niece looked gorgeous and the party, held at my parents house, was a huge success.
It was pretty clear that everyone had a wonderful time and most definitely, a memorable time.
The top of the cake...to be saved for later...
The blushing bride and her sisters.
A melancholy look at a view we won't get again because...they sold the farm.
I think he's trying to say 'Is yours as strong as mine?'
The beautiful wedding cake homemade by my-step-mom. And check out those sexy looking cupcakes:)
What's a wedding cake without a poke from a mysterious little hand?! I think I have an idea ;)
Hope you're all having a great summer, creating memories! I still need to catch up on sleep...
~Julie
Monday, July 9, 2012
Week 25
Week 25
7/8/12
Raisin English muffins 1.89
Eggs 1.69
Milk 1.99
Half and half 2.39
Tuna, lg can 3.19
Brown sugar 1 lb. 1.29
Yogurt, plain 32oz. 2.59
Evaporated milk 1.29
Pasta, penne .98
Peanut butter 2.89
Cheddar cheese 2.79
Tomatoes, canned, diced .79
Total 23.77
There's one thing for sure: We're having a heat wave.
It is hot, hot, hot!!! I've got 3 fans going now...and I wouldn't dare touch my stove! Last night I made some potato salad and hard boiled some eggs for some easy cold food for work. My lettuce is just about ready to pick...can you believe it??? - that'll be good for a few salads this week. And a healthy version of rice pudding - cold food for breakfast, too.
Almost at the 6 Month mark! It's right around the corner. This budget of mine is ingrained in me now. I'm planning to try some variations on spending, without changing the budgeted amount. For instance, buying for a month at a time, twice a month and every other week. Many people have to live paycheck to paycheck, so it's important to learn how to buy when your money comes in. I'm no stranger to economic insecurity. It's important to know it is only a temporary situation. Most importantly, learn from the experience and keep that knowledge moving forward.
This weekend is my niece's wedding reception so I'll be gone for 3 days for some good family fun and food. It'll be hotter there than it is here...but thank God for air conditioning.
Why does summer always feel so much busier than winter?
7/8/12
Raisin English muffins 1.89
Eggs 1.69
Milk 1.99
Half and half 2.39
Tuna, lg can 3.19
Brown sugar 1 lb. 1.29
Yogurt, plain 32oz. 2.59
Evaporated milk 1.29
Pasta, penne .98
Peanut butter 2.89
Cheddar cheese 2.79
Tomatoes, canned, diced .79
Total 23.77
There's one thing for sure: We're having a heat wave.
It is hot, hot, hot!!! I've got 3 fans going now...and I wouldn't dare touch my stove! Last night I made some potato salad and hard boiled some eggs for some easy cold food for work. My lettuce is just about ready to pick...can you believe it??? - that'll be good for a few salads this week. And a healthy version of rice pudding - cold food for breakfast, too.
Almost at the 6 Month mark! It's right around the corner. This budget of mine is ingrained in me now. I'm planning to try some variations on spending, without changing the budgeted amount. For instance, buying for a month at a time, twice a month and every other week. Many people have to live paycheck to paycheck, so it's important to learn how to buy when your money comes in. I'm no stranger to economic insecurity. It's important to know it is only a temporary situation. Most importantly, learn from the experience and keep that knowledge moving forward.
This weekend is my niece's wedding reception so I'll be gone for 3 days for some good family fun and food. It'll be hotter there than it is here...but thank God for air conditioning.
Why does summer always feel so much busier than winter?
Monday, July 2, 2012
Week 24
Week 24
7/1/12
Chocolate chips, bulk 2.18
Walnuts, bulk 2.52
Yeast 2.49
Chocolate almond milk 1.99
Wheat tortillas 3.99
Mozarella 1.79
Chocolate syrup 1.99
Milk 1.99
Sweetened condensed milk 2.19
Tomatoes, diced, canned .79
Tomato paste 1.29
Ground beef 4.01
Stew beef 2.85
Neufchatel, cream cheese 1.79
Total 31.86
I don't need to go to the food co-op every week - I still have bananas coming out of my ears! The ones I got were so green, I have just now been able to eat them. Plenty of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and lettuce. Also, still several nectarines and the last of the cherries. I was overwhelmed with last weeks haul! For one person, it certainly is more than enough!
I'm on a new kick with my cold brewed iced coffee. I think I drink way too much of it, and it's summer so the jolt and the creaminess are sort of a de-stressing go-to. As you can see I've got chocolate syrup and sweetened condensed milk....and oh...my...goodness....are these iced coffees goooood!
I've got my budget so ingrained now that I don't have to add it up as I go along. Today I picked everything up and went straight to the checkout and was pretty much on target. I guess, after almost six months I've gotten used to what I can buy.
A couple of weeks ago, I made a batch of chili beans and froze them. I really like this make it and freeze it concept - it's great for work lunches and quick meals (even without a mocrowave). I've been thinking about doing a project for one month - taking half of my food budget which would be $60 and buying some bulk meats and pasta and beans and just stocking my freezer. I'd like to see how many meals I can make with $60, filling up my freezer and see how long it will last. The remaining half of my budget would be for produce and dairy. It's waaaay too hot to think about cooking on a scale like that right now, although, I'd probably do most of the cooking in the crockpot. I think as fall comes around and I get a nice chilly day (did I really say that?), I will try it.
My garden has produced some beautiful lettuce!! The seedlings I thought had died grew into a lovely little lettuce patch and almost ready for salad!! Fresh lettuce - I can't wait!
It's nice to take a hike in the morning before the heats gets intolerable!
Cook in the morning and keep your kitchen coool!
Cheers to Home Cooking!
~Julie~
7/1/12
Chocolate chips, bulk 2.18
Walnuts, bulk 2.52
Yeast 2.49
Chocolate almond milk 1.99
Wheat tortillas 3.99
Mozarella 1.79
Chocolate syrup 1.99
Milk 1.99
Sweetened condensed milk 2.19
Tomatoes, diced, canned .79
Tomato paste 1.29
Ground beef 4.01
Stew beef 2.85
Neufchatel, cream cheese 1.79
Total 31.86
I don't need to go to the food co-op every week - I still have bananas coming out of my ears! The ones I got were so green, I have just now been able to eat them. Plenty of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and lettuce. Also, still several nectarines and the last of the cherries. I was overwhelmed with last weeks haul! For one person, it certainly is more than enough!
I'm on a new kick with my cold brewed iced coffee. I think I drink way too much of it, and it's summer so the jolt and the creaminess are sort of a de-stressing go-to. As you can see I've got chocolate syrup and sweetened condensed milk....and oh...my...goodness....are these iced coffees goooood!
I've got my budget so ingrained now that I don't have to add it up as I go along. Today I picked everything up and went straight to the checkout and was pretty much on target. I guess, after almost six months I've gotten used to what I can buy.
A couple of weeks ago, I made a batch of chili beans and froze them. I really like this make it and freeze it concept - it's great for work lunches and quick meals (even without a mocrowave). I've been thinking about doing a project for one month - taking half of my food budget which would be $60 and buying some bulk meats and pasta and beans and just stocking my freezer. I'd like to see how many meals I can make with $60, filling up my freezer and see how long it will last. The remaining half of my budget would be for produce and dairy. It's waaaay too hot to think about cooking on a scale like that right now, although, I'd probably do most of the cooking in the crockpot. I think as fall comes around and I get a nice chilly day (did I really say that?), I will try it.
My garden has produced some beautiful lettuce!! The seedlings I thought had died grew into a lovely little lettuce patch and almost ready for salad!! Fresh lettuce - I can't wait!
It's nice to take a hike in the morning before the heats gets intolerable!
Cook in the morning and keep your kitchen coool!
Cheers to Home Cooking!
~Julie~
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