Week 35

Week 35
9/16/12

Half and half 1.89
Milk 2.49
Crisco oil 3.99
Ground beef 3.66
Carrots .77
Tomatoes .74
Avocados (2) 2.98
Pinto beans 2.18
Granola 1.94
Cottage cheese 1.35
Peanut butter 1.98
Bananas 1.01
Peaches 2.09
Eggplant .99

Total 28.06

A while back, I bought some graham flour - I was just intrigued by it. I've used it a lot; banana bread and a plain loaf cake, pancakes and even added it to regular bread. It's not expensive; I think it was less than 3.00 for the package by Bob's Red Mill, one of my favorite companies. For pancakes this flour was amazing, sort of like whole wheat pastry flour but with more texture served hot with butter and honey, it was heaven. I just used a very basic recipe and used half all-purpose flour and half graham flour. Don't be afraid to experiment a little (I know this can be a tough subject when on a tight budget), especially with whole grains and whole grain flour.

Last week, I got 2 cookies from the bakery next door - this is going to have to stop. It cuts into my food budget and although they are really good, it's not wise. I'm going to have to make some at home. This is a real life project and I want to be able to share when real life happens to me and how I handle it on my budget. They will be posted as expenses for last week on my spreadsheet -- eek.

I've got zucchini and spaghetti squash almost ready in my garden. I have to say, my garden, was not all that helpful with my budget - although I have had beans, peas, some lettuce and will soon have zucchini and spaghetti squash - it takes some time and experience in the garden to actually do well. The idea of grouping really appeals to me. A salsa garden with tomatoes, peppers garlic and onion, cilantro - maybe all in one whiskey barrel and/or a marinara garden with tomatoes, parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme. One thing is absolutely certain: next year it is going to be about the tomatoes! Just give me fresh tomatoes of every color, shape and size!

I have a much better idea of what I want to grow next year and the steps to take and the areas of my yard to grow in. I was not at all familiar with this yard when I started the garden, so I now have that knowledge for next year.

My rosemary has grown quite a bit. Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs. I love the smell. I think pretty soon, I'll make a loaf of bread with it and some plain muffins with some chopped fresh rosemary. What's left, I will dry for the winter, but, on the other hand I've sort of been tossing around the idea of transplanting it to a large pot to keep in the house for winter. I wonder if this would work.

I think I want to make eggplant parmesan....that sounds really good right now.

~Julie