tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post3366254876039516512..comments2024-03-17T08:58:39.402-07:00Comments on creative savv: Cheap & Cheerful Suppers for Early JanuaryLilihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-82194228521847650242017-01-15T15:43:48.918-08:002017-01-15T15:43:48.918-08:00Much to our surprise, the grandkids loved the ham ...Much to our surprise, the grandkids loved the ham and collard dish alot. It was their first time trying, and the oldest said it was "awesome". <br /><br />Hamburger was very expensive, so instead I bought a plate of round steak, that was about a dollar per pound cheaper than lean hamburger, sliced it very thin and used the same taco spices to brown the meat. Instead of store bought lettuce, we saved a few dollars shredding our own garden kale. I'm glad I was able to save even when the grandkids are here, usually I turn the switch off and just let the purse strings loose. <br /><br />YHFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-17635406976062146862017-01-15T08:29:02.280-08:002017-01-15T08:29:02.280-08:00Believe me, I do know what I have. I have dreamed ...Believe me, I do know what I have. I have dreamed about this myself many times.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-34093503785579908522017-01-14T10:42:50.442-08:002017-01-14T10:42:50.442-08:00Thanks for the encouragement Lili. I think I'v...Thanks for the encouragement Lili. I think I've read somewhere that fear and excitement are both physiologically the same emotion, it's all in how we interpret it. So perhaps I just need to look at this as a particularly exciting time! :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-76026844392635964562017-01-14T06:56:58.675-08:002017-01-14T06:56:58.675-08:00Hi Cat,
I'm sorry the stress is still getting ...Hi Cat,<br />I'm sorry the stress is still getting to you. At least you're doing something productive with your stress, with the cooking. You may be spending more than a spartan budget, while you find new recipes to try. However, it's not like cooking at home, with quality ingredients is a bad thing. You're preparing good foods, at a fraction of what restaurant meals or convenience foods would cost. And you're continuing to eat healthy. Those are good things. There's a season for everything. This just isn't your season for an uber-low grocery budget.<br /><br />I read an article (in The Journal of Social and Psychological Sciences) on stress, and our mind-set, a while back. This article detailed a study of individuals who were trained to view stress as enhancing in some ways, and how these individuals had fewer stress-induced physical symptoms, than people who view stress as debilitating. Feeling stress, through physical reactions, is actually a signal in our brains to prepare for fight or flight. Stress motivates people to make changes in their lives. We can't control what other people are going to do, but we can control how we respond. There is a way to find peace, despite the world feeling like it's crumbling around us. Anyway, I'm trying to sound encouraging, and I'm not sure if I am. Sending you a hug.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-17208231712516812017-01-14T06:35:51.362-08:002017-01-14T06:35:51.362-08:00You realize that you have what many of us dream ab...You realize that you have what many of us dream about -- a live-in cook! I bet the aromas in your house are such a welcome when you come home at night. This is such a blessing for you, during this very busy time of straddling ownership of two homes.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-72745403385552263202017-01-14T04:45:14.976-08:002017-01-14T04:45:14.976-08:00My son does a combination. He reads a lot of diffe...My son does a combination. He reads a lot of different recipes for certain things and gets a sense of what spices and textures work well together. Then he sees how he can adapt them with what we have on hand. Sometimes he follows a brand new recipe and sometimes he totally wings it with what we have. And most of the time, what he makes is very good. Last night (midnight?) he put a pork shoulder in the oven for a long, slow cook. It was great waking up to such a good smell.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-80641204462455062622017-01-14T00:26:08.468-08:002017-01-14T00:26:08.468-08:00I fear I'm off to a miserable start budget-wis...I fear I'm off to a miserable start budget-wise. I've been sooo stressed out recently and I think I tend to react to stress by browsing new recipes and filling the fridge! Plus winter makes me want to hibernate and cook. Well, at least I don't have to worry about going hungry! My recipe plans for the week include potato kale soup and crock pot honey garlic chicken (those darned Facebook video recipes - they always look sooo good!)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-46693422090566648732017-01-13T16:33:02.131-08:002017-01-13T16:33:02.131-08:00Hi Saryn,
You're doing awesome with your low-s...Hi Saryn,<br />You're doing awesome with your low-spend challenge! I hope you stash away a huge amount for a great vacation! I'm working at spending less this month. I know I'll be spending a lot more than you, but if I save a little this month, that will be good.<br /><br />I gave the ingredients to the pumpkin, ham and sage cream sauce, in my comment to Ruthie, above, but will put together a recipe, soon.<br />Enjoy your meal out! Have a great weekend, Saryn.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-20511472537521185752017-01-13T16:27:46.967-08:002017-01-13T16:27:46.967-08:00Hi live and learn,
I don't offer unsolicited a...Hi live and learn,<br />I don't offer unsolicited advice, or at least I try not to. But if he were to ask me what to make, I could come up with a few easy ideas. I think it does take a lot of repetition to have a mental bank of easy meal ideas. When your son cooks, does he use recipes, or does he just wing it? I think that is a hard part for my husband. Because what he sees is me just winging it (or so it looks), he doesn't realize that basically, I've memorized a selection of recipes that I adapt to different ingredients. <br /><br />I hope you have a great weekend, live and learn!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-67025745119866749152017-01-13T16:23:16.989-08:002017-01-13T16:23:16.989-08:00Hi Melissa,
I go through phases where I make quich...Hi Melissa,<br />I go through phases where I make quiche often. You're right, it is a simple thing to put together, and then just let it bake while getting other things done. I like quiche lukewarm, so it's something that I'll often make earlier in the day.<br /><br />Have a great weekend, Melissa!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-6721265401945291412017-01-13T16:19:38.987-08:002017-01-13T16:19:38.987-08:00Hi Patti,
Now I know where the capers you mentione...Hi Patti,<br />Now I know where the capers you mentioned went -- into the piccata! Yum. That's one of my favorite dishes.<br /><br />It will be a busy weekend, for me. I hope you have a great weekend, Patti!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-38322844145461306292017-01-13T16:18:06.121-08:002017-01-13T16:18:06.121-08:00Oh no, Alice! What a week! I hope your mom recover...Oh no, Alice! What a week! I hope your mom recovers quickly. Will you be helping to care of her when she comes home from the hospital? Take good care of yourself, too! I'm sorry you've also had a cold through all of this. I hope your weekend is a restful one, Alice.Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-50870927442559052552017-01-13T16:15:28.613-08:002017-01-13T16:15:28.613-08:00Hi Ruthie,
It's pretty simple, canned pumpkin ...Hi Ruthie,<br />It's pretty simple, canned pumpkin or cooked pumpkin, mashed/pureed, onions, garlic, celery, sage, nutmeg, sausage or ham, stock and cream. I'll write it all up, better, soon. I just eyeball it all, and season to taste, so I'll make some better mental notes, for you, soon.<br /><br />Good job on saving those eggs! When I'm thawing a couple of eggs, I microwave a small container with some water in it, then set a small custard cup with the egg in it, over the warmed water, to thaw the egg, faster.<br /><br />The red pepper sauce on your pasta sounds delicious, too. Another alternative to cheese or tomato-based sauces.<br /><br />Have a great weekend, Ruthie!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-11624644355230388062017-01-13T16:08:41.399-08:002017-01-13T16:08:41.399-08:00How wonderful to have help!
We are on a low spend...How wonderful to have help!<br /><br />We are on a low spend challange for the month of January and it is going well. I have $20 budgeted for each week and managed to end week 1 with $26 left! I then used the surplus to budget for a meal out this coming Sunday (bought a groupon plus set aside cash for the tip on full amount). As of right now we have $6 left for the week which ends on Saturday! Any savings this month will be put into our vacation savings as we have no debt.<br /><br />I would also like to request the pumpkin, ham and sage sauce recipe. Your posts and meals always sound so good.<br /><br />SarynUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12353575456376737414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-9868145510900248742017-01-13T14:12:40.108-08:002017-01-13T14:12:40.108-08:00I'm glad that you're not feeling as burden...I'm glad that you're not feeling as burdened by meal prep these days. I'm sure your family is very willing to help. All you have to do is ask. Does your husband want advice on what to fix? My husband is very willing to help, but needs help figuring out what to cook.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-32354733741851123872017-01-13T14:10:35.115-08:002017-01-13T14:10:35.115-08:00Sounds like you had a hard week, Alice. I hope eve...Sounds like you had a hard week, Alice. I hope everyone is on the mend.Live and Learnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13493777474885053903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-58110461220631853952017-01-13T12:13:59.004-08:002017-01-13T12:13:59.004-08:00We serve quiche every Monday night. It's simp...We serve quiche every Monday night. It's simple to put together. My 15 yr. old son usually makes it for us. That's the night most of the family heads out for Bible study. I sometimes make that same son's waffles (for the freezer) that night as that job takes too long to tackle in the morning.<br /><br />Have a restful, weekend, Lili! (or at least try to steal a few minutes for yourself:) Melissa<br />Matt Macduff Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11043554569369923416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-15424083393368035572017-01-13T10:52:28.797-08:002017-01-13T10:52:28.797-08:00Hi Lili,
Your meals sound good. We had chicken pic...Hi Lili,<br />Your meals sound good. We had chicken piccata, Lentils and rice, Three bean chili over rice,asian chicken over rice, hamburgers with oven fries and avocado.Tonight will be something with chicken legs.<br />I hope you have a nice weekend.That is great that your family is helping with meals. :)<br />PattiPrecious People Preschoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02284398084100195331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-56135326117338494262017-01-13T10:25:48.874-08:002017-01-13T10:25:48.874-08:00It has been another wild week. We have been sick a...It has been another wild week. We have been sick and mom is in the hospital with an unrelated to her face pain resulting in having her gallbladder removed this morning. So now she is free from face pain and I hope her abdominal pain will be gone too.<br /><br />Hubby and I are both sick and no one has been hungry enough nor felt well enough to cook. Hubby made chicken noodle soup yesterday. He has strep throat and I have a terrible cough. I had a grilled cheese sandwich a couple of nights. We nibbled on meatloaf, soup, and that's about it. We need something tonight but I have little taste so I wouldn't even know where to start.<br />AliceAlicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06024364480893258511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-20761765568997027082017-01-13T10:19:05.365-08:002017-01-13T10:19:05.365-08:00Your pumpkin, ham and sage sauce sounds yummy. Ca...Your pumpkin, ham and sage sauce sounds yummy. Care to share the recipe? <br /> I've been pretty diligent about using my freezer to shop for dinners the past two weeks. I've prepared cabbage stuffed rolls, omelettes, tacos, cheese enchiladas, minestrone soup, pasta with a red pepper sauce and rice and beans. <br /><br /> Several months ago my husband served breakfast for a large group of police officers (he is a volunteer for the district). There was a large quantity of eggs left over. They are the pre-mixed, pasteurized type. I didn't want to waste them so I froze them in muffin cup size - about the measurement of one egg. I've been diligently trying to use them up. I just have to plan ahead so they have time to thaw before I can use them.ruthiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13571108822492894571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-81921825228129938532017-01-13T09:12:26.848-08:002017-01-13T09:12:26.848-08:00Thanks, Lili. P) Over the holidays, when I was alo...Thanks, Lili. P) Over the holidays, when I was alone a lot, I made a meal of a scrambled egg in a corn tortilla with some taco sauce and maybe a slice of cheese or tomato, if I had it. Since we buy all those ingredients in bulk, that seemed pretty thrifty, as well as quick and satisfying-- all important factors to me these days! :) <br /><br />SaraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-48828066905752341272017-01-13T09:04:30.101-08:002017-01-13T09:04:30.101-08:00Hi Sara,
I add fruit to a breakfast/dinner meal, t...Hi Sara,<br />I add fruit to a breakfast/dinner meal, too. It's the "produce" part of the dinner, ha ha. The guacamole and tomatoes does sound like a nice change of texture, and adds freshness, to a heavier meal.<br /><br />And as an easy meal, it's also very thrifty to make. So definitely a win in my book.<br /><br />Have a great weekend, Sara!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-49149659337156543232017-01-13T08:46:07.883-08:002017-01-13T08:46:07.883-08:00Thank you, Carol. Have a great weekend!Thank you, Carol. Have a great weekend!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-62140280360860725492017-01-13T08:45:43.706-08:002017-01-13T08:45:43.706-08:00Hi YHF,
The burrito bar sounds like it will be a h...Hi YHF,<br />The burrito bar sounds like it will be a hit with your grandkids! The act of learning to make and roll their own will be fun, and will show them how to make meals and snacks for themselves. It will be like working on the other side of the counter at a place like Chipotle.<br /><br />Oh well, I'm sure the ham stock was delicious, nonetheless. I haven't had collards in years. They were one of the quirky things that I craved when I was preg with my girls. Must've been all the folate. Your ham and collards sounds tasty.<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend with your grandkids, YHF!Lilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13292553654219380455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4055690688282230469.post-62125722388115409742017-01-13T06:04:29.583-08:002017-01-13T06:04:29.583-08:00Hi, Lili--
Sounds like the plan is going great, a...Hi, Lili--<br /><br />Sounds like the plan is going great, and so is the food! Delicious menus! Kudos!<br /><br />Breakfast for dinner is popular here, too, and I grew up with it. We do omelettes and other egg dishes, french toast, biscuits and sausage gravy, breakfast burritos, hash and eggs (or without them)... pretty much anything we'd do for breakfast. It all tastes good to us any time of day. <br /><br />Sometimes we'll also add in a fruit crisp, scalloped apples, or something like that as fruit course/dessert. I also like sliced tomatoes or guacamole with breakfast (morning, noon, or night.) <br /><br />Breakfast for dinner is usually easy prep and easy clean-up, plus it always seems satisfying. :) <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekens! Sara Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com