Monday, January 23, 2012

$27 left...

Okay, so I'm going over my grocery list for this week. This list is small and only includes the stuff we are out of, not food for specific meals. The kicker...I have $27 to spend...total...until next Tuesday. I thought it would be good to show you all how I figure out what to get and why.

My list: Mayonnaise, Black beans, Paprika, Oregano, Sugar, Bananas, Marshmallows, Sliced Cheese, Dishwasher detergent, Sandwich baggies, Cheddar, "D" batteries, Milk, Toilet paper, Potatoes.

Mayonnaise--I have a pretty good coupon for the Hellmann's that Larry likes, but I have to buy two of them to save $2.00, making each jar $2.29. That is just too much--I will make it this week. Recipe will follow.

Black Beans--These are such an essential part for me that I will buy these. They will, however, be dried beans and I will make them in the crock pot.

Paprika--This can wait, I will just omit in recipes that call for it.

Oregano--This also can wait, I have an italian seasoning mix made up that I'm sure I can substitute in recipes.

Sugar--I can also wait on this. I have brown sugar, honey, rice syrup, maple syrup and pancake syrup that I made earlier in the fridge.

Bananas--These are my go-to fruit to add to lunches that may be lacking and the only fruit my oldest will eat. These are a must.

Marshmallows--For hot chocolate, of course! My children are very understanding, though, and will choke down the hot chocolate without.

Sliced, Processed Cheese--Don't Judge! This is used in our household strictly for my husband's sake! He has to have a slice on his spaghetti and in his sandwiches. I submit this to him and will try to find a small package under $2, if not--we will go without (oh, the sacrifice!)

Dishwasher detergent--2 loads of dishes per day minimum and I REFUSE to handwash dishes that can go in the machine. Soooo I will find the smallest, cheapest box and go with it...

Sandwich baggies-These happen to be on sale for $1 at our store. I usually stock up at this price, but this week I will only get one box.

Cheddar--I usually buy this in bulk, then grate and slice it for the freezer. I will buy 2 pounds to make due until next week.

"D" batteries--This is for Charlie's racetrack--He will wait.

Milk--I don't like to leave the store without at least 3 gallons, but this week I will grab one whole milk and I will do without when my 1% runs out. No biggie. I also have powdered milk that we will switch to if we run out of whole milk.

Toilet paper--Really? We will get this, we aren't totally out, but close. I will get the cheap $1 package.

Potatoes--I'm debating on this. This is one of my "organic only" purchases. I will just have to see if I have enough left to purchase a small bag.

There you have it--we will see how this goes....Now for the recipes I promised above:

Mayonnaise (from Cheap Eating by Pat Edwards)
2 eggs
2 T. vinegar
2 T. vegetable oil
1 t. salt
2 T. yellow mustard
2 1/2 c. vegetable oil
Prepare in food processor, blender, or with electric mixer. Combine eggs, vinegar, 2 T. oil, salt, and mustard. Blend on high for 1 minute. Without stopping mixer, slowly trickle the 2 1/2 c. oil into mixture. Do not stop blending until all of the oil is absorbed and the mayonnaise is set and slightly firm. Makes 1 quart (I plan to halve this recipe to get us through the week).

Black beans in the Crock Pot
1 pound Dried black beans
5 c. Water for cooking, more for the soaking
Place beans in the slow cooker after rinsing and sorting. Cover with water by 2 inches (I use our purified water because our hard tap water will not work--ever!). Leave 10-12 hours or overnight. Drain beans and replace with 5 c. new water (purified). Cook on low for 8-12 hours. I just keep testing after 8 hours for the right mouth-feel. Package in 1-2 cup portions and freeze.

Italian seasoning mix (from Miserly Meals by Jonni McCoy)
1/4 c. dried basil
2 T. dried sage
1/4 c. dried thyme
1/4 c. dried rosemary
1/4 c. dried oregano
Blend all in a blender for 5 seconds or less. Store in an airtight container. Serving size is 1 t.

Maple syrup on the cheap (from my cousin Wendy Buuck)
2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. water
1/2 t. maple flavoring
Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat--do not cook! When cooled, stir in maple flavoring. Refrigerate in a pourable bottle.

Hot cocoa mix (from Miserly Meals by Jonni McCoy)
1 c. sugar
2 c. powdered milk
3/4 c. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Blend all ingredients in a blender until powdery (about 15 seconds). Store in an airtight container. Use 2-3 T. per 2/3 c. hot water and stir.

Have a great day!

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