(The grain moths' eggs are microscopic. They can get them into any container, sealed or not. I mean, like brand new, unopened bags of nuts will still have the air in them and the larvae. I've researched online and there isn't a container made that will keep them out.)
Stir fry veggies with rice or noodles. Add a couple eggs for protein. Omelets Pasta with sauce with a little cheese sprinkled on top Grilled cheese with fries (cut up potatoes baked in oven) Baked potatoes with cheese and veggies Vegetarian Indian curry is pretty inexpensive too.
Amie, thanks for grossing me out........... I'm glad we don't have to worry about that.......... we have so many other critters here though.
I'm with you Kris, I would love to have one... and not have to count on the only 2 shops to buy food, HEB and walmart!!
I did a reverse this month as I went shopping for a few bits and it had been a while since I had been able to shop alone and found I kept popping out - getting bits and bobs to make the meal - constantly spending more that I intended adding extras I thought I needed...etc....so this time, I decided - boom - that's it....a whole months shopping in one hit (only things to get/make daily = bread/milk) anything else can wait for the top up shop mid month like veggies etc. So, did that spent somewhere in the region of £150.00.....Gulp....I hear you cry. I am feeding 3 very healthy appetite children and a very healthy man....lol. Also I am expecting too and still feeding #3 so have to take care of myself. So - what did I do. I came home - left Mr DH to unpack (the bit I like least of the shopping trip) - I sat with the till receipt, pen and paper and drew out my grid. I decided what we were having on what day and rarely repeated....I only bought a limited amount of meat and was determined to make it stretch as we all love meat here and I add many different types of beans to what I make (kidney, canelloni, black eyed etc). I add lots of veggies so I make sure we're getting our 5 min portions a day (kids are generally very good though). After I had done this, I sat back and I've had a stress free 3 weeks so far and it was really nice during a conversation earlier today (we were out later than intended last night at a farewell party) so we had the conviently stashed pizza....when DH says so what have we missed today by shuffling the menu?? I could tell him exactly what. Not only that - I also know that I know have that meal in reserve for next month. When I've had planned meals (I did a sausage hash - variation on the corned beef hash) I cook up another set (as far as I can stretch it - even if only for the children) I always try with the stretchable stuff to make a freezer portion - no matter how big or small. I try never to waste anything and left overs are often scrapped up on Saturdays when we are busy in and out most of the day and we have a family meal in the evening. Often if I am in the kitchen on Sundays too I will try to cook up some of the meals for the week / month ahead too - especially if it involves fresh veggies etc. Then I not only make use of the fresh ingredients, I utilise the oven space, making base sauces and spreading them over a lot of different recipies so it works all round for me. (Actually if I include a few store cupboard items I have at a nominal cost - it worked out to spending approx. £1.50 per person per day on the food) All in all I am far from a domestic goddess (man - nothing could be further from the truth) but my plan was great and not only does it do the month - I managed to stretch my "months" shopping to nearly 6 weeks.... I am now ready to start with planning off the next 6 weeks and actually going shopping with a list and seeing what happens..... The other thing I have to do too is to check my pantry as I have many sauce complimenters and I am sure that casseroles twice a week would be possible.... Hope this helps someone. SS
Have you tried angel food boxes? I've been thinking about trying them. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
We have gotten them the last couple of months but I don't think they're that much of a savings. And then you're stuck with food you don't really want. [Disclaimer: I mean they aren't much of a savings for my lower-than-average-cost-of-living-area. I bet they are a huge savings in cities/areas with a more normal cost-of-living than SW Missouri.]
Okay, just thought I'd check. For us it would be a small savings, depending on which store we shop at....local vs. closest big town. I just wish they left the prepared stuff out of the big packages.
Baked chicken. Its very cheap and easy. Take a bag of frozen chicken breasts put them in a bag. Por a can of cream of chicken and a bottle of bbq sauce in and refrigerate for a few hours so the chicken can have time to marinate. Bake for about an hour. Serve with veggies and rice. Yum! I love reading everyone elses recipe!