Reclaiming The Home

Dinner Challenge! BBQ Chicken & Potato Skins

So.... I tried. 

The dinner challenge has been a real challenge lately.  My 2yo daughter (purposely) poured oil all over the oven while I was in the restroom one afternoon.  So - I have had to wait to cook anything until I could thoroughly clean the oven.  Having felt under the weather this past weekend, that didn't get done until today.  As a result we have done our part to keep Quiznos and Little Caesars Pizza in business.

Tonight though... Tonight I cooked.  And well... This picture stinks.  But - hopefully you'll get the idea.  Ignore the freakish coloring.  No clue.  Honestly it wasn't pinkish-blue when we ate it hehe.

The barbecue chicken is VERY easy to make... its just chicken tenders (or really any cut of chicken you like) brushed with your favorite BBQ sauce and baked at 350*F for 1 hour. 

The potato skins are pretty easy also - bake your potato until its soft inside, cut in half and scoop out the middle.  Top with cheese, bacon bits, scallions, or whatever you like on your potatoes!  We added a nice dollop of sour cream after baking!

Green beans are warmed up straight out of the can (in the spirit of using what I have!). 

Hubby gave the dinner 2 big thumbs up and asked that we eat home cooked food forever and never eat out again (hehe).  We'll have to let Quiznos down easy I think.  Looks like hubby is going to have to compete with two little chickies for those potatoes though, I think!

Sometimes its the simple meals that just make you feel like *home*

Dinner Challenge! Southern Sausage Apple Bake

Over at the Sommer Designs blog, she has posted a 5 night Dinner Challenge! I’m going to take her up on it starting Friday night! I’ll be sure to post photos and recipes here.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, post here, and be sure to link us up (and on Sommer’s blog too!) when you do post your dinners! Photos are optional! Yum!

To start out, gather your ingredients.  You'll need:

~4 apples
~1 Tbs olive oil (not pictured)
~1 pkg of kielbasa (or any similar type sausage - turkey kielbasa works great and is low fat)
~2 pkg of cornbread mix (we used Martha White this time, but have also loved the Jiffy Mixes and they are also SO cheap!!)
~1 cup milk (can substitute for water if needed)

The first thing you'll want to do is peel your apples.  Be sure to keep your peels & your cores to make potpourri later (i'll post a pic & instructions at the end of this post!)

Once you have your apples peeled, you'll want to slice them into thin slices.  Put them in a pot that has been drizzled with olive oil, over medium heat on the stovetop.  Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.

While your apples are simmering, slice your sausage into 1/4 inch slices, and preheat your oven to 400*F.

In a medium bowl, mix your cornbread mixes with the milk, stirring well. (note: 2 year olds think this is the best part)

Once your apples are done, you'll want to pour them (and their juices) in a 9x13" baking pan.  Add in the sausage and distribute evenly throughout the pan.  Pour the cornbread mixture over top, gently spreading around with a spatula or back of a spoon.

Place entire thing in the oven, and cook for 20 minutes (or until top is lightly golden) at 400*F.

Makes 6 hearty servings!  (and always gets rave reviews around here!) :)

Now... to make the potpourri!  Use your apple peels and cores (dont worry about seeds, etc, its all fine).  Put them all into a pan, sprinkle with cloves (crushed or whole are both fine), and about 1/2 cup water.  Put on simmer, and enjoy!

WIP's, Trades, and Treasures

Quilting is one of my favorite crafts. 

I have been quite obsessed lately with the beautiful images I've found all across Flickr, and have been busy creating bits and pieces for the girls' bedroom based on some of that wonderful inspiration!

Here's a quick peek at a quilting piece (or is that pieces!) that I'm working on for some extra girly decor... Completed photos will appear later this week!! :)  I'm also working on putting together some kits (not all girly), along with in-depth tutorials for everyone from advanced to beginners. :)  Lots of fun ahead!

As a part of this quilting binge I've been on, I decided to visit our local quilt shop, The Quilting Bee.  I got some GORGEOUS quilting thread.  I know... you're thinking "its thread.  get over it..." but seriously!!! Its gorgeous :)  I cant wait to have an excuse to use it.  If I could get this thread anywhere else in town, I would... but for now, its my only source.

I also came away with a LOVELY bunch of fabric scraps.  The Quilting Bee offers a huge bin of fabric scraps that patrons can browse through and fill a plastic baggie as full as they can for the whopping cost of $5.  While that may not be the best deal as far as yardage is concerned, it is PERFECT for small quilts, accents, trims, etc.  Its the virtual Whitman's Sampler of the fabric world.  Swoon!

After leaving The Quilting Bee, I decided to go to JoAnn's for the bulk of my fabric shopping.  I am on a "stash diet" (*ahem* scraps don't count), except for items that are for other people.  I am making a quilt for my dear friend Debra, and needed to get some fabrics to make it work exactly the way I'm hoping....  These were what spoke to me as I waded through the aisles and aisles of beautiful fabrics...

Outside of the crafty part of my world, and back into the real-life homemaking part of my world, I thought I'd share one of my tips/tricks that helps me out a LOT day-to-day.  I try to make our own "fast food" so that we don't go out to eat very much.  I focus on easy items unless I'm feeling particularly creative and happen to have a chunk of time on my hands.  Tonight, I decided to whip up a classic that my mom used to make for my brother and I when we were kids.  Sandwich-in-a-bowl.  YUP! 

I know, I know... not the most appetizing photo on the planet.  But trust me.  YUM!  I snapped this straight out of the fridge in a rush to get back to blogging (I'm on a roll tonight!). 

Basically, I just made chicken salad sandwiches.  You can use any type of sandwich you like - ham and cheese, PB&J, Tuna, whatever strikes your fancy. Then you just slice it into little finger-sandwiches and layer them in a Tupperware container or bowl.  When you get the hungries, just reach in and grab a couple!  They make a much healthier snack than potato chips, are easy to pack for a snack-on-the-road, and even work in a pinch for a rushed dinner if you throw in a piece of fruit or a salad.  Instant hit!

I also like to sneak in some fruits & veggies in these sandwiches since my kids LOVE to eat sammies but dont like their produce quite as much.  For this particular sandwich I included finely chopped apples.  I also like to include chopped up grapes, but didn't have any this time around!  They add just a bit of a crunch (but have the same color as the chicken, so it doesn't stand out) and add just a hint of sweet, which works wonderfully with the salty chicken & mayo!  Yum!

If you want to try out this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & let me know what you think!!

Chicken Salad:

~1 Lg. can of chicken
~2 Tbs. light mayonaise
~2 Tbs. dijon mustard
~1 Tbs sweet pickle relish
~1/2 apple, chopped finely
~1/2 cup chopped grapes (optional - and yes - its VERY good!!)

Mix well and you're done :)  yummy!

day 4.

Today is the fourth day of 2008.   

I have been taking part in the 365 days challenge, and felt that today's prompt was applicable to the home.  It was to capture a part of your every-day.

Something that I find myself doing without fail is preparing a meal for my family.   There is just something amazing to me about taking ingredients that stand alone and mixing them together in creative ways to make something entirely different.  What is even more amazing to me is how my family seems to really appreciate the flavor and nourishment that comes from these meals. 

I love cooking.  I'm sure you cant possibly tell! ;)  I love that it is something that I fit so well into as part of my role in this family.  I love that I get to give to my family every day.  I love that I get to be creative with different recipes, presentation, and flavor.  In fact, there isn't much about cooking that I don't like (besides the dishes).

All that said, I think this photo is a good fit for my every-day activity.  Its a big part of my life, and something I adore!

Garlic Potato Bread

One of my favorite things in the world is home made bread fresh from the oven... give this Irish gal garlic and potatoes on top of it, and I'm just about in heaven!

I got the recipe for this very easy bread from HERE, but as usual, I made a few changes!

I don't have a bread machine anymore, since most of my breads are baked in the oven.  Since this was a bread machine recipe I had to alter a few of the preparation steps.  I also used a heaping tablespoon of minced garlic instead of garlic powder.

After mixing all the ingredients together, I kneaded for 5 full minutes.  Then I let the bread rise for an hour in a warm place.   Then I kneaded again, and let it rise another 30 minutes.  I punched down the dough and separated it into two balls.  Then I baked them (together) at 375* for 25 minutes. 

Next time I might leave it in an extra 5 minutes to dry out the center a bit more.

I am also going to try brushing it with egg whites to really make the top shine and turn a nice golden brown.

YUM!

Mutt Muffins and Crayon Cookies

The holidays are upon us and the gift making rush is a big part of that for me (and a part that I love, I might add).  Our family is coming to stay with us this Christmas, and they have two lovely little doggies they're bringing with them as well.  I say little, but one of them weighs more than my husband!  Anyhow, all this means that we will have four dogs, one cat, four adults and two kids here for Christmas!  My goals are to do something handmade for everyone!  I'm going to share what I've been doing for the doggies and the kiddos since they are slightly less likely to read the blog!

I have been really trying to find a good doggy treat recipe that both of my boys love.  I tried a new recipe the other day, called Mutt Muffins.   As usual, I made a few changes based on what I had on hand.  Instead of honey, I used sweetened cinnamon applesauce in place of plain to make up for the sugar. This also substituted the spices since the applesauce was already spiced!  They turned out wonderfully, and I wound up with about 4 dozen small Mutt Muffins. 

I would recommend using only one heaping tablespoon per muffin cup, like I did with these.  Even with these smaller muffins my Golden Retriever, Buddy found them to be a bit chewy (which he liked) and quite the mouth full!   We got two-paws-up from Buddy, though Jack (our Terrier) was not nearly as impressed with my baking today!

I have also been working hard on some unique gifts for the kidlets!  I have really been looking forward to making them each a set of Crayon Cookies (called such not because they are edible, but because of their shape and size)!

Many of you know that my oldest daughter has developmental delays and Autism.  She has a hard time with her fine motor skills so its hard for her to hold a crayon correctly.  These will hopefully help that, as they are bigger and easier to get a grip on!  Here is how you make them!

STEP 1: Find yourself a lot of crayons!!  I got my bag at Good Will for $2.99.  There are enough in there to make at least a dozen crayon cookies!  Probably a few more.  What you see here is what is left after making one batch of 6 crayon cookies.  The crayons do not have to be new, and actually, it is usually better if they are not, since I love to look at this as a way of recycling and reusing as well!

STEP 2: Peel the paper!  To do this you will have to follow two steps.  One might ask, "What is so hard about peeling crayon paper?"  Let me tell you - after the fourth or fifth one, I could tell you exactly what was so hard about it!  Some of the crayons were very tightly wrapped, others seemed almost glued on (most likely from heat melting the wax of the crayons to their papers).  I have also learned that Crayola crayons are the most difficult to unwrap.  I still managed however, and its okay if there is a little bit of residue.  It does not have to be perfect.  The easiest way to get past this is to A) Cut down the side of the crayon, very carefully with a knife or pair of scissors (adults only please - no kiddo injuries!).  B) Peel away the paper from the slit that you cut down the side of the crayon.

STEP 3: Put It In the Pan!   BUT! Before you put the crayons in the pan, you will want to spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray.  It is also important to choose a pan that you don't mind using solely for crafts.  I chose one that I have been using for crafts for a long time (and looks pretty pathetic, so please excuse its condition - it works for this purpose LOL!).

Then you will need to decide how you want your crayon cookies to look.  Do you want them to be a big jumbled bunch of colors, showing every color in the box?  Would you like them to be sorted by color exclusively?  Do you want a few hints of like colors together?  (i personally chose to put like colors together.  So for example, my yellow crayon cookie has some orange and some green in it.  my blue crayon cookie has some purple and some green in it.  My red crayon cookie has some purple and some orange in it, and so on!)

(again i'm sorry about the ugly pan!  believe it or not, i'd washed it just before this picture... its mostly stuck on glue or paint or ink... its not gross, i promise!

STEP 4: Bake it Baby!  Set your oven to 400* and immediately put the crayon cookies in (do not preheat).  Let it bake for 10 minutes and remove immediately.  It is totally fine if they don't melt completely.  Let cool until they are no longer runny.  Here are what mine looked like as they cooled:

STEP 5: Freeze It!  Put the entire pan in the freezer.  DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THEM WHILE WARM!  I made the mistake of trying to remove the crayon cookies while they were warm, thinking they would be easier to get out.  FALSE!  They fell apart.  I put the remaining 3 in the freezer and went back to them 2 hours later.  They popped out VERY easily, by just tipping the pan upside down.  If you DO get some that break, don't fret!  spray your pan again with non-stick spray, and re-bake them to melt together once again in the proper shape, and freeze. 

Here are some photos of what they look like in their finished sizes!  Notice how they nest in one another and stack so well!  Imagine the wrapping possibilities!  You could also probably store them in a reclaimed and decorated Pringles container!

Have fun reclaiming, and do let me know if you try either of these crafts! :)

{HOME}

We just returned from visiting my Mammaw and my Dad this last week down in Texas.  My grandma is one of the greatest inspirations for me with homemaking.  She taught me how to crochet (which later inspired knitting).  She taught me how to embroider, and showed me the importance of being a good hostess, friend, and mother.   This morning, I snuck this photo of her that I plan to blow up and frame for my kitchen to always remind me that home truly is in the heart....

While we were there we also took a few moments to remember my grandfather who passed away on Sept. 17th.  This was the first time that we were able to go down there since his passing.  It was difficult to be there without him, and even more difficult to see how lonely my grandma was.  Still, there were moments where I could almost feel him with us, or hear him sharing a wise tidbit with us to help us grow and learn. 

He seemed to be everywhere, and nowhere all at once... While playing out with the kids in the back yard, I saw his garden, withering and neglected.  The yard was his forte, and he loved to putter around, weeding, pruning, watering, and growing new plants from starters, even when he already had 30 aloe-vera plants taking over the east side of the yard.  Still... a few plants managed to survive the lack of attention, and carried on the bits of life he helped them to attain.

It struck me that pieces of him were in all of these plants... his wisdom, his skill, and his tender loving care... through the grief, the denial, the neglect of these beautiful plants, they had survived and thrived, and kept on blooming out his love for all of us to silently feel around us.

In a few small pots were some cuttings that had miraculously grown into small starter plants.  Mammaw saw me admiring them and asked if I would take them home and care for them.  I carefully collected cuttings, starters, and seeds... the only plant I wasn't able to harvest a piece of (that I desperately wanted to) was the tomato plant that he had brought with him and kept strong for years.  Over the past few months as they have been left to their own survival, most of his tomato plants have shriveled and died.  Many would say to expect that in December, but they didn't know Papa.  He could grow anything, anywhere, at any time (though it helps that it was about 80* even when we were there this week!  Texas doesnt get much winter!).  Still, I feel as though I have come away with a living piece of my grandpa that he will be pleased is continuing on.

Its not much... its just a touch of his legacy.  But to me, its the world.  Its his wisdom, his amazing ability to grow life in the garden, his passion, and his gentle care of these delicate plants... all of the pieces of Papa that I have cherished my entire life, and miss so desperately about him. 

Its these little unnoticed pieces of our past that come through to help form and shape what it is that we cherish so much about our homes and our environments.  Our ancestors and our upbringings help to form the way that we view our world, and the way that we shape the walls of our environment around us. 

I am truly blessed to have such great love and joy to hold on to, and to use as a starter for the growth of love and legacy in my own home...

Throw out the bar.

First off.... an apology for having so many photo-less posts.  I have a new computer now, and so I can FINALLY start adding photos again.  Next post.  Honest.  Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Over the holidays I had a chat with my mom about the standards that society sets for us and our homes.  We talked about the role models that we are given.... the extremes one way or the other.... the feeling of inadequacy if we don't have the cleanest, the cutest, the best designed homes. 

Are we really all living in a "What Not To Wear" society that is truly THAT judgmental about the way we make our own homes?  I have to just question, WHY?

Why are we taught that things have to be exactly _____ to be acceptable or nice?  Why do we care what others do with their homes?  Why do we care what others think of our own homes?

Where we live... where we make our homes... that is our sanctuary.  It is our place to find security, comfort, solace, and just to be.  It is our little slice of the pie.  Our world.  Our space.  And frankly... its ours to do what we want with.

I love a cozy lived in feeling in my home.  Its not always organized, and is almost never "spotless."  Its not perfectly decorated, even after 4 years living here.   

I have found myself always setting the bar a little higher.  "If only I could get the living room painted... then my house would feel more complete, and put together." ..... "I need to complete this list of chores, and then my house will be company-ready" .... "My couches are comfortable and I like them but they are kindof outdated.  Maybe I should get new ones."

Having this conversation with my mother really helped me to understand that a lot of the standards I set for myself are influenced by society's norms and the accompanying unreasonable expectations.  I want my home to be sanitary (not perfect... just not gross).  I want my decor to reflect me... not the perfect fung shui, designers challenge, trading spaces decor...but me.  I want my home to be a place that suits me and my family, and I want it to reflect our needs and wants for the space.  If that means clutter for you, then clutter away my dears.  If that means minimalism and white everything - then you have my blessing.

Ignore the standard that is set so high we can never reach it.  Set aside the bar that is placed so high by the pressures of the "homemaking" influences in your life.  Get rid of any guilt for not having the "perfect" home or being the "perfect" housewife/husband. 

Ask yourself what it is YOU want when you think of reclaiming your home.  More space?  To keep things as they are?  To accentuate ____? 

Listen to your home... listen to your heart...

and please... throw out the bar.

Reclaim Your Holidays!

In years past I have found that I am often so busy hustling and bustling about trying to get everything done that I don't take the time to reclaim the joy of holidays.  My family enjoys a hearty, delicious meal that is served on the finest china with beautiful garnishes.... the house looks and smells fantastic, the scene is set, and everything is perfect....... except me.  I wind up harried and stressed, barely making it out of my flannel pajamas in time for the feast, only to get right back up and start cleaning the kitchen while our family and friends fellowship together in the living room, watching holiday movies and sipping eggnog.

By the time I am finished and am able to sit back down and enjoy the festivities, I am usually so tired that I want nothing more than to sit down in my favorite chair, inevitably falling asleep, mouth agape as the family giggles at how, for another year, the "turkey" made me sleepy.

It is so incredibly important to not be a martyr by only focusing on making the holidays happier for everyone else.  Doing so puts a damper on things to begin with (if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy), so remember to take care of your wants and needs as well this holiday season.

Part of that for me, is making sure that I can prepare as much as possible before hand, so that there is not as much to do on the big day. 

Having been out of town the past few days, the only thing I was able to do ahead of time is plan my menu and get the grocery shopping done.

I have already notified everyone that they have "jobs" to do on Thanksgiving day.  I am taking care of a lot of the larger items (like the turkey, who we have named Sir Mixalot---- thanks hubby).  The family has been given smaller jobs to help take away from the amount of things I have to do, and doing so also brings people in to the kitchen to spend time with me so that I am not isolated the entire day.  Doing this also helps everyone to feel as though they had a stake in the meal, and really makes it fun when people comment how much they liked _____, which hubby made, or sister made... etc.

My kids are going to "help" me make the sweet potatoes this year.  I'm doing all of the cutting a day ahead of time, so their "job" will be to layer the potato chunks and marshmallows while i add in the brown sugar and butter.  they can then sprinkle salt and pepper, and they'll have made my favorite (and most time consuming) dish! 

Hubby has been pitching in getting the house clean.  It has helped to have a list of goals for what I wanted to have done.  What has helped the most though, has been lowering my expectations, and being OKAY with that.  Everything does not have to be perfectly clean for company.  My basic standards are: I want people to feel like they can eat in my kitchen, that my bathroom is sanitary, and that my living space is cozy and comfortable.  If I don't get the floors mopped in time, that's okay.  If all of the laundry isn't finished, I wont freak out.  If the beds don't get made, who cares.  Focus on what is important on the big day.  Prioritize, and let go of the mental stress, if just for today!

For food cleanup, We are doing several things.

During the cooking process, I am adding a "quick wash" step to every recipe.  When I use a measuring cup, spoon, utensil, or mixing bowl, I wash it as soon as I am finished using it.  This not only cuts down on the amount of cleanup after all is said and done, but it also helps me to use fewer dishes throughout the day.  My goal is to have only pots/pans and serving dishes to do at the end of the cooking and serving process.

After the meal, I am asking everyone to rinse their plate in the sink, and load it in the dishwasher.  Its just a few steps, and not a big request.  By taking this small step, I save on an ENORMOUS amount of cleanup after the meal.  Start the dishwasher as soon as all of the main dishes are in there - the rest can wait.  Honestly.  It can.  Step. AWAY. From. The dishes.

For the storage of leftovers, I have collected reusable containers to put small amounts of various foods in.  I have asked hubby to help me put the food away after the meal so that we can get it done in half of the time.  For the majority of the food we are simply covering it with the dish's lid, or with foil to put into the refrigerator.  The deboning of the turkey will occur the following day, when things settle down.  For the moment, the turkey will be wrapped in foil and placed in the refrigerator.

Any food that cannot fit in the refrigerator should be sent home with guests.  You can also bring plates full of food to the shut-ins in your community, or to college students or military men and women who are not able to get home for the holidays (you can get some cheap and pretty holiday plates from the dollar store).

Most of all, take moments throughout your day to focus on the spirit of the season within your home, take time out to fellowship with your friends and family, and don't worry about perfection.  Sweet memories with your loved ones that bring about the spirit of the holidays will last much longer than a perfectly glazed turkey or home made wassail.

Getting that Grocery Budget Under Control

This post is inspired first and foremost by the discussion currently going on the Reclaiming The Home group on Ravelry.   

Secondly, I was really pleased by my grocery haul today, even with the Thanksgiving shopping!  By using coupons for items that I needed, and shopping specifically at a store that doubles coupons, I was able to save $59.84 on my grocery bill.  I spent a total of $87.14 for two weeks!! 

There have been SO many wonderful tips from the gals at Ravelry too!  Here are just a few highlights!

Bapple shared that she loves Cook's Illustrated.  For a meager $25  per year she says she is able to search recipes by rating and has never had a bad recipe from this site!  She said the best part is the organization aspect.  If you choose your recipes on the site, it will provide you with a grocery list, itemized by section (produce, meat, etc!)

Another site to check out that provides something similar (but free) is Recipe Zaar!

DianeToo had some wonderful suggestions too: "check to see what is on sale each week and build a few meals around that? For example, if chickens are 79 cents a pound... you can roast one, cut one up for any recipe calling for chicken pieces, make soup, etc.                                        

When chickens were on sale I used to spend a bit of time being "the butcher"... I would turn them into legs and thighs and wings... boneless skinless chicken breast... and put what remained into the stockpot and make soup. Several chickens turn into quite a few packages of "dinner in the freezer"

                                       

Stock up.  If you buy spaghetti when it is "Buy one get one free" you are getting it for half price. 

                                       

Use less expensive ingredients and substitute. In season fruits and veggies are often the most affordable. Take advantage of them.

                                       

Check if there is a "scratch and dent" (I don't know what else to call it) grocery in your area. I have one... and while you have to check to see if stuff is in date, etc., I have gotten remarkable buys there. I get tea at 2 for $1, cereals are usually $1.25 - any size... well guess what - I buy the big ones! LOL

                                       

Find some less expensive recipes that your family likes and use them regularly. There is a crock pot thread going on with some great ones!"

She also suggested trying generic, and even going so far as to do a blind taste test between your favorite brand name and the store brand to see which you like better.  She was pleasantly surprised!

AuntPam said, "I am a big coupon/sale shopper and get the Sunday paper delivered every week just for that reason. (and not on any other day) I go through all the circulars and jot down items that we can use that are on sale and where ... then I go through those coupon fliers and cut out any we can use. I plan the next week's meals based on what we've got & what's on sale. Every time there's a meat sale I stock the freezer. My shopping list is a necessity ... and I never let my DH do the shopping!

Karne is a moderator over at Frugal Homemakers on Ravelry, and suggested that members take a peek over there as well for some great frugal ideas!

Isrbrown suggested checking out Saving Dinner from Flylady's LeAnne Ely

DustinAC mentioned that by going by herself and not taking hubby or the kids, she has saved money from not having as many impulse buys!

Caednkat said, "what really helps my dinner budget is to get to know the managers in the meat departments of the grocery stores you shop at a lot. They will let you know when they usualy mark meat down. The marked down meat is fine as long as you either cook it or freeze it within the next day."

nicolethegeek suggests buying meat in bulk, even possibly a 1/4 or 1/2 of a cow, or a pig.  Many places will package it ahead of time for you, and by buying a side of meat you are supporting local farmers, as well as getting a good deal on meat that will last you a long time.  Just make sure you have plenty of freezer space!

Tastyyarns suggested growing your own vegetables and herbs in a garden.  Not only is it healthy and frugal, but it is so very tasty and satisfying knowing that you grew your own food!

Ladybugmom suggested not going grocery shopping while hungry, because you are more likely to buy unneeded and unhealthy items (so true!)

Joni noted that after cutting out most processed foods from her diet, the grocery bill dropped drastically, even though they were purchasing more produce!  To try out her system, try shopping around the edges of the store, which has primarily fresh vegetables, meats, and dairy.

In addition to the INCREDIBLE suggestions by these amazing reclaimers, I have a few tips to share!

Watch your portion sizes!  In today's culture it is very common for us to eat 2, 3, or even 4 times more food than is necessary for our bodies to flourish!  A meat serving is about the size of a deck of cards.  Imagine a large steak feeding a family of 4!  That can surely help the budget stretch, and the waistband tighten!  Healthy in all respects!

Bake your own bread!  I love this recipe and with the small amount of yeast used, it winds up being incredibly cheap!  The taste cannot be beaten, its beautiful, and there is just something wonderful about the smell of fresh bread being baked in the oven.

A note about buying whole chickens:  If you buy a bone-in chicken, whether whole or in pieces, you can carve off the skin and fat at home without much effort, and save a lot in cost, if you are a frugal gal (or guy for that matter). Since this is a thread on lowering the grocery bill, this is a wonderful way to help drop the cost.  I try to keep my chickens bone-in for more than just monetary reasons however! I love to make chicken stock. Bone-in chicken is wonderful for that!!  If you roast a whole chicken for example, you can boil the carcass after you are finished carving the meat off (this applies to any way you cook it really - roasting was just one example). Then, remove the carcass from the water, and refrigerate the broth. If it turns to gel, you've created your own delicious chicken stock (if not you still have a yummy broth you can use!). You can freeze it, can it, or use it right away. This is a fantastic addition to just about any dish.  You can make gravy with it, make soup, add it to rice for flavor, or use it as a substitute for anything calling for chicken broth. You can literally throw the stock in the crock pot, add a couple leftover veggies that need to be used in the fridge, pour in some noodles, and a bit of seasoning, and you now have chicken soup. YUM! The wonderful thing is that you can do this with red meat as well. I save my bones in the freezer until I have enough to make beef stock. (can we say beef stew - YUMM).

Last but not least... a few of my favorite links!!!

Mothering.com - Meals on the Cheap - Under $2 meals

Hillbilly Housewife Emergency Low-Cost Menu & Meal Ideas

Hillbilly Housewife Best Bets for your Budget

So.... do you have any tips to share? :)