DAY 12 - REAL FOOD + EFFORT = SAVINGS

It's a simple equation and I think everyone gets it, but acting on it is a different thing.  

(cute little mini loaf of homemade bread)

When we dropped our grocery budget to $50/wk, I made a huge realization.  There's not much food in the grocery store!  Sure, the store is packed with items, but most of it isn't....FOOD!  Most of it is a pre-packaged array of ingredients you can't say and our great-grandparents didn't have access to.  The only way to stretch my budget was to buy said pre-packaged items at a huge discount OR cook from scratch.  For the most part, I cook from scratch.  Let's take an item and compare.

Black Beans

cost at a regular grocery store $0.79-$1.39 approx. per can

cost at a discount store $0.50-$0.99 approx. per can 

(there's a good chance the can will be damaged or very old)

cost of dried beans for $0.16-$0.25 per can (equivalent)

(there's approx. 1/4 lb. or 1/2 c. of dried beans to equal the 1 1/2 c. of beans in a can.  You can easily find black beans for $1/lb which would bring your cost per can equivalent to $0.25.  I've bought black beans in a 25 lb. bag for $16.80 which would bring your cost per can equivalent to $0.16.  The best deal I've found by far was dried pinto beans 4 lb/$1 which would make your cost per can equivalent to $0.06....awesome!)

Now you may be thinking....that savings isn't enough for me to cook beans.  Maybe not, but when you've changed how you shop and cook with many items, it has a huge impact on your budget.  (not to mention your health)  These are items that regularly make the shopping list in our home:

Eggs (5 dz. from Costco)

Milk (from whoever has the best sale that week)

Cheese (2 lb. block from Costco)

Butter (4 lb. package from Costco or Sam's Club - by far the best deal)

Tortillas (Pro's Ranch Market)

Tortilla Chips (6 lbs. [3-2lb bags pkg. together] from Costco)

Fruits & Veggies (grocery ads, Sprout's or Superstition Ranch Market)

Canned Tomatoes (best price right now at WalMart)

Oil (canola & EVOO)

Flour

Beans 

Grains

Rice

Pasta

I do buy chicken, but we go meatless many nights. 

Even when I use chicken in our meal, I've generally stretched it.  Here's my beautiful Chicken Broccoli Braid.  Homemade bread dough, steamed broccoli (I remember I spent $0.14 for the broccoli I used), shredded chicken (only one chicken breast), a little cream cheese and a few slices of cheese.  DELISH!

Once you have the real food, you need to add the effort.  I'm a big fan of Rachael Ray and love her 30 minute meals, but 30 minutes isn't entirely true.  Sure, we all watch her make a fabulous meal in 30 minutes, but that's not the TOTAL time for that meal.  She had to plan the menu, make the shopping list, get to the store, buy the groceries, bring them in the house, unload them, THEN MAKE THE 30 MINUTE MEAL, don't forget the dishes and packaging up the leftovers.  Cooking most of my meals generally isn't the most time consuming part, it's all the "behind-the-scenes" work.  My husband was recently talking with a friend about grocery budgets.  He told him about our budget and how I make it work.  He encouraged his friend that they could do it too, but warned "There are a lot of dishes!"  It's true.  No way to get around that.  Cooking uses dishes, leftovers use dishes, eating at home uses dishes and packing kids lunches uses dishes (we only use reuseable containers).  That creates LOTS of dishes! (yay for fall break!) 

Bottom Line:  The equation works!

Real Food + Effort = $AVING$!!!

My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here

DAY 11 - FAMILY FAVORITES

(in their Sunday best - Easter 2012)

I'll admit, with two teenagers, we often push our Friday night pizza to Sunday.  It just works when kids are really busy, but that doesn't mean we don't make some of our favorite family dishes this day.  Last Sunday, we had lots of extended family over for a potluck dinner - all salads and then we made homemade doughnuts.  (which are now a family favorite!)  The best part of Family Favorites night is that it can be anything! 

Roasted Turkey

Spaghetti Bake

Spicy Cashew Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

Parmesan Topped Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Pasta

Waffles, Eggs & Bacon

Texas Hash

Most of these recipes have already been posted, but our absolute favorite thing about Sunday - Tony Cookies!  Whether its a full or half batch, my husband makes cookies for the boys nearly every week.  Here's his recipe - adapted from our friend, Susie Rogers.
CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES
(we half this recipe quite often, it makes a lot of cookies)
4 sticks of real butter, softened
2 c. brown sugar
2 c. sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 c. peanut butter
2 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
2 t. salt
2 t. vanilla extract (this will make a bubbling action)
4-5 c. all-purpose flour (depending how firm you like your dough)
2 c. old-fashioned oats
12 oz. chocolate chips
1 c. coconut (optional)
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
Add the butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs and peanut butter and mix well.  Then in the middle of the mixture, pile in order (that's important) the baking soda, baking powder, salt and then vanilla.  Let it bubble up and then stir well.  Add the flour, until it's the consistency you want.  Add the old-fashioned oats.  Add the coconut and pecans, if you choose.  Add 12 ounces of chocolate chips.  Mix and scoop out onto cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as our family.....

& extended family.................

& friends.................

& neighbors!

My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here

DAY 10 - GRILL/WOK

 (our traditional Christmas day dinner - Teriyaki Chicken!)

OK....confession time, we don't always cook on Saturday.  I mean, I have great intentions.  I think without the kids in school or the hubby at work I should have all day to prepare fabulous meals.  Then I remember we have football or soccer or a church activity or a family gathering OR I'm just tired of cooking ALL WEEK and don't want to be in the kitchen. (that's the most common reason)  We generally eat leftovers and occasionally hubby treats us to something out.  Especially when we're working hard on the house or yard.  For grilling, we're simple - hot dogs for the kids and occasionally hamburgers or turkey burgers.  For the wok (or oven or stove), well I have a few recipes to share.  Years ago I took several Asian cooking classes from House of Rice, I wish they still offered them.  I also wish I was into sushi back then.  They had several sushi classes and a hands-on class is what I need.  Here are some of our favorite recipes.  Oh, and get to a Asian market for great prices on many of these ingredients.  In my area I visit House of Rice and LeeLee's Market.

CHICKEN STIR-FRY
(you can substitute fresh mushrooms for the dried, or change out the veggies for what you have on hand.  That's the best part of cooking at home, make it EXACTLY what you want!)
 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
4 dried black mushrooms, rehydrated, then sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1/2 c. bean sprouts
5 oz. slivered bamboo shoots
4 green onions, shredded
"sauce"
2 T. cornstarch
3 T. soy sauce
1 t. salt
1 c. chicken broth

2 t. sesame oil
8 oz. fried chowmein noodles

1. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water a minimum of 30 minutes.  Squeeze out excess water and slice thinly, discarding the stems.
2. Heat your wok and add 2 T. cooking oil.  Stir fry the chicken slices until the color changes to white.  Remove to a plate.
3. Heat another 2 T. oil and stir fry the dried mushrooms for a few seconds.  Add the carrots, bean sprouts, banboo shoots and green onions and stir fry together.
4. Add the cooked chicken pieces, the "sauce" and gently stir until the sauce thickens slightly.  Stir in the 2 t. sesame oil for extra flavor and serve over a bed of crispy fried chowmein noodles.  (we also make rice)

TERIYAKI CHICKEN
 (One of my family's favorite meals.  It's now our tradition to make it on Christmas day!)

8 boneless chicken thighs (thawed)
toasted sesame seeds for garnish

"A"
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. water
1 T. sugar
1 T. mirin

"B"
1/2 c. Japanese soy sauce (make sure it's this kind, the regular soy sauce in the grocery store will not taste right)
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. mirin
1/2 t. ground ginger (use fresh!)
1 clove minced garlic

"C"
1 T. cornstarch
1 1/2 T. water

Serve on top of cooked short grain rice

1. Marinate the chicken in "A" for 30 minutes.
2. Mix together the "B" Sauce in a small pan and bring to a boil.  Add "C" cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce has thickened.
3. Bake the chicken on a broiler pan (add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan) in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes on each side.  Brush some sauce on top of the chicken and continue baking for 5 minutes.  Turn, baste with sauce and cook another 5 minutes. (make sure chicken is cooked through)
4. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.  Serve on a bowl of rice (use short grain rice - that makes sticky rice) topped with more teriyaki sauce, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.


HOMEMADE TAKE OUT NOODLES
(from cheeky kitchen, but can't find the recipe on her site anymore)
3 pkg. beef ramen
3 pkg. chicken ramen

2 T. sesame oil
2 T. olive oil
1 pkg. stir-fry frozen veggies (or you could clean out your crisper drawers and use what you have)
2 t. minced garlice
1/2 t. fresh ginger, grated

In a pot of boiling water, cook all 6 packages of noodles together, set the seasoning packets aside.  In a heated skillet, add the sesame & olive oil, garlic and ginger and cook for a minute.  Then add the stir-fry veggies and ramen flavor packets (you can use all 6 or reduce it to the amount you want).  When the noodles are cooked, drain and add them to the cooked veggies in the skillet.  Toss to cover in the sauce and mix with the veggies.  So yummy and satisfies my Chinese noodle cravings!

My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here

DAY 9 - PIZZA

Potato Rosemary Pizza recipe found here.  

It was seriously so delicious!  

 

BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ sauce, thinly sliced red onion, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese

Pizza Dough (given to me by Lindy Manwaring)

I love this recipe.  It's easy to make and can be used right away.

1 c. water

1 T. yeast

1 T. oil

1/2 T. sugar

1/2 t. salt

2-3 c. flour

Mix the ingredients together and let rise for 4-10 minutes.  Add toppings and cook at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here

DAY 8 - SOUP, SALAD OR SANDWICHES

Soups, salads & sandwiches...oh my!  I love all of them.  Here are some of our favorite recipes/links right now.

(Butternut Squash Soup with a little cream.....HEAVEN!)

 

Butternut Squash Soup & Creamy Potato Soup

Basic Veggie Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

 

Black Bean Soup

 

Zuppa Toscana Soup - recipe from twopeasandtheirpod.com

(I LOVE SOUP!!!  Bonus that a big pot fills us up for dinner and a lunch or two - budget friendly!)

1 lb. Italian Sausage 

1 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (I used 1 tsp)

1 large white onion, diced

4 slices of bacon, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

8 c. chicken broth

2 c. water

1 c. heavy cream (I just used the 1% milk from the fridge - it was great!)

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped (if your potatoes are smaller, just use more)

3 c. kale, washed & roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

In a medium skillet, saute the Italian sausage with the red pepper flakes.  Drain excess fat, set aside.  In a large soup pot, saute the bacon.  When the bacon is halfway cooked, add the onions and garlic.  Saute until the onions are tender - about 5 minutes.  Add the chicken broth and water.  Bring to a boil.  Add the potatoes and cook until soft, about 30 minutes.  Add in the heavy cream (or milk) and sausage and cook until the soup is heated.  Stir in the chopped kale.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve hot.

Serves 8.  Our family enjoyed this for dinner and a couple of lunches!

 

Tassajara Warm Red Cabbage Salad

Bacon Fried Cabbage

Grilled Chicken & Berry Salad

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

BASIC COLESLAW DRESSING
(it's currently my favorite dressing)
1/2 c. mayo
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
fresh ground pepper
Whisk together the ingredients in the bowl you will serve the coleslaw in.  Then add your 4 -6 c. thinly sliced cabbage or broccoli slaw.  Toss well to coat and serve immediately or refrigerate to chill.
THE B.E.A.S.T.
Bacon (turkey bacon) - Egg-salad - Avocado - Spinach (cooked down) - Tomato
Toast your bun/bread.  Add the B.E.A.S.T. toppings and enjoy!!!!!!!  DELISH!!!!!!!

Here's my beautiful Chicken Broccoli Braid.  Homemade bread dough, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken (only one chicken breast), a little cream cheese and a few slices of cheese.

 REALLY DELICIOUS!!!!

Some nights it's just a simple grilled cheese.  Some nights we have awesome leftovers that make into a great sandwich.  This was our leftovers from pizza night.  Add a toasted bun, pizza sauce and toppings, throw it under the broiler for a delicious open face pizza sub.

 

My 31 days started here

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MENU IN REVIEW - Oct. 1 to Oct. 7

Mon. 
Waffles & Eggs 
Tues. 
Mexican Fiesta 
Wed.
Roasted Whole Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans 
Thurs.
Potato Soup - made with homemade stock
Fri. 
Pizza 
Sat.
Dinner out! 
Sun.
Salad potluck with extended family, then Homemade Doughnuts

DAY 7 - TRADITION or DOUGHNUTS, A LOVE STORY

Twice a year (after General Conference) we would gather as a family and make homemade doughnuts.  OK, my Mita and her friend would make them, we kids would just eat them.  It was one of our favorite family traditions, doughnuts and apple cider.  I think our oldest was only a few years old when the tradition died out.  Over the years my cousins and I have wanted it back.  This year we made it happen!  (we just forgot about the apple cider, we'll remember in April!)  I found Mita's recipe and made two batches.  Then my cousins rolled out the dough and cut them with Mita's doughnut cutter.

 

I fried them and then they covered them in either cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or pumpkin pie spice sugar.

 SUCCESS!!!

The kids really loved them and I am already looking forward to our next doughnut day the first Sunday in April.

 I loved seeing Dean grab doughnut after doughnut.  Don't you love the powdered sugar shirt!

 Christina enjoying her doughnut with her Barbie gloves!

 Here's the recipe.

DOUGHNUTS

2 pkg. yeast in 1/4 c. warm water

1 c. mashed potatoes

2 c. milk, warmed

1 c. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. shortening (I used oil)

Mix all then add:

3 eggs - whisk them in

about 8 c. flour

1 - 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 - 1 tsp. nutmeg

It will be a stiff dough, work until smooth and not sticky.  Let raise to double and punch down.  Let rise again, then roll out and cut. Then fill a skillet with 1 inch of oil.  I would love to tell you how hot your oil needs to be, but I didn't use a thermometer.  I've read anywhere from 325 to 360 degrees.  Once in the oil, they will rise to the top and brown within 60-90 seconds.  Then flip (carefully) and cook the second side for 30-60 seconds.  They really do cook quickly.  We transferred them to a cooling rack for a minute or two and then covered in either cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or pumpkin pie spice sugar.  To cover in sugar, we took a lunch sack and put about 1 c. of sugar in the bag.  Then put your warm doughnuts in, close the bag and shake.  (sorry, I'm not sure how many doughnuts each batch made.  They were being eaten as fast as we made them.  I'll try to pay attention next time)

My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here