Monday, September 15

35 Ways to Save on Groceries

Money Saving Mom linked to this helpful post on MotherLoad which lists 35 ways to save on your grocery budget. It's worth a read -I bet there is something you can implement from the list. Check it out.

I've done many of the things on the list. A few months ago, Ryan and I started using cloth napkins for the two of us instead of paper. We have a good stock of paper napkins, and they will last a long time! The cloth napkins last us a while since we aren't messy eaters - we see no reason to wash them after one or two light uses.

I've been making my own cheese biscuits using whole wheat pastry flour and sometimes half all purpose flour. I use palm oil shortening, and they are so much better than using Bisquick! Earlier this summer, I stopped using canola oil in my own cooking in an effort to reduce our consumption of damaged oils. I haven't made tortilla strips for tortilla soup yet though since doing so, and will need to find a good, flavorless substitute.

There are also many other things I prefer to make myself instead of buying the product or a mix to make the product: salad dressing, pancakes, waffles, bread, guacamole, salsa, spaghetti sauce, cookies, and cakes.

I have yet to cook a whole chicken...I don't know why they scare me!

Talk to me. Are there things on this list you do or other ideas you have?

11 comments:

Catherine said...

I had no idea cooking a whole chicken was such a common fear! It seems like I've talked to a lot of people who don't cook whole chickens. It's really not that big of a deal to me, but maybe that's because I didn't know it was supposed to be scary!

Like the first time I made cheesecake I didn't know you were supposed to be afraid it would crack, so it didn't crack. Then I found out I should worry about that, and ever since my cheesecakes have always cracked! Go figure!

Catherine said...

The above makes it sound as though I make cheesecake a lot. I don't, as my husband will sadly attest.

Alicia said...

haha! That is funny about the cheesecake.

I just need to put a whole chicken on my list and find a good recipe and get to it.

Anonymous said...

I would happily support you cooking a whole chicken. :)

Anonymous said...

Cook the chicken! Food Network/Emeril has a GREAT recipe. It's basically honey and lemon - the chicken is so tender. I cook one and eat it for dinner, and then save the rest in freezer bags for stuff like pot pie, enchiladas, BBQ sandwiches. Even good for couscous salads. Try it!

Bob and Chris said...

You should see how I often cook a whole chicken. I bone it, stuff it and sew it shut. Poor thing looks like a frog without the bones to give it structure! I slice it and it looks nice with stuffing in center. Auntie Chris

Bob and Chris said...

I forgot to add I feel your fear cooking whole turkeys!!! The thought of cooking one gives me nightmares. Auntie Chris

Alaina said...

I wrote on saving a couple of days ago and had it post today. :) I don't like whole chickens - I psych myself up for it every once in awhile. I'll have to try Shannon's suggestion!

Anonymous said...

I miss your cheese biscuits!! Could you post the healthy version of the recipe?
We have used cloth napkins for the past 10 years now and it still makes me laugh everytime people come over to eat with me how awkward they seem to be about dirtying them...

-erin w.

Sara B. said...

OK, so I have never heard the term "damaged oils" - what does that mean? I started using canola instead of vegetable oil but I never really knew why...just had an impression it was healthier. Probably a victim of advertising!

Second - great way I love to do whole chicken - in the crock pot, get a 3-6 lb. bird (make sure to wash, remove gut bag, etc.), put bird in and drizzle with a little melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1/4 c. of white wine OR chicken broth. Throw in about 10 whole garlic cloves (or use minced if you have that on hand), some cubed red or white potatoes, some fresh green beans (any quantity you like), then toss some fresh rosemary and fresh lemon slices on top. Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Comes out so tender you can literally spoon the meat out.

Anonymous said...

Does this mean you'll take a shot at homemade cleaners? If so, Clean House Clean Planet is an AWESOME read/help.

Oh, and we're now with Pronio's for beef/pork/poultry/fish/veggies not in our garden/potatoes. Email me if you want :) Megan