Today's article is about having a well stocked pantry. Hmmm, it seems as though most of my recent article finds have been about food and eating! But, since food and eating seems to cost more and more these days, I think this is a timely article. Enjoy!
A Well Stocked Pantry
By: Patty Getz
A Well stock Pantry contains….
Have you ever wondered how some people keep their food bills down so low? Have you tried to learn their secrets, only to find that your store does not double coupons, or you just don’t have the time to clip coupons for foods you don’t really eat anyway. One of the best principles of grocery budget management aside from coupons is a well stocked Pantry. Having a well stocked pantry allows you to slide during lean times between grocery trips but more important even than that, it allows you to hold out for the really good sales, to add to your pantry. This principle can save you more money than just about anything. So what is a well stocked pantry? A lot of that depends on your eating style. I am going to share a basic pantry list with you, but for your own list, take the one I provided; cross out the things you don’t use, and add in the things you use most, to the list. This list will help assist you in stocking your pantry, and give you some idea of what to look for in the sale papers each week. Once you have it stocked then it is a simple matter of keeping it stocked by catching the sales each week.
Here is my well stocked pantry list.
Dry BulkGoods
•Flour(white, wholewheat, and bread)
•Sugar(white, brown and powdered)
•Cornmeal
•Dried beans (kidney, black, split peas white navy, garbanzo)
•Oatmeal
•Pasta
•Rice
•Soups (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom)
•salt
•baking soda
•baking powder
•Yeast
•Vanilla
•Maple syrup
•shortening
•spices
•dry milk
•dry eggs
•cocoa
•Vinegar
•Olive oil
•Canola oil
•Canned veggies (green beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste)
•Home canned veggies(variety)
•Canned beans
•Canned Fruit(pears, peaches, applesauce, pineapple)
•Canned Meats
•Mac and cheese
•Peanut butter
•Ketchup, mustard
•Crackers
•Topramen noodles
•Popcorn
•Pretzels
•Coffee
•Tea
•Raisins
•Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds)
•Grains-barley, wheat
•Cereal
•cake mixes
What I keep regularly stocked in the Freezer
•Butter
•Cheese
•Milk
•Hamburger
•Chicken
•Juices
•Lunchmeat
For the Bathroom
•Toilet paper
•Toothpaste
•Shampoo and conditioner
•Deodorant
•Soap
•Mouthwash
This list is by no means complete and may not match your list, that is ok, this is just a list to get you started. All of these things can be bought on sale, and picked up a bit at a time. Many of these items on this list are on here, because I can pick them up for super cheap on sale, like cereal and cake mixes. Pay close attention to the sales in your area, and add in your favorite loss leaders. I hope this helps you get a start on your pantry, and shows you how much you can save by shopping this way.
Article by:
Patty Getz is Is a Sahmom with a mission to educate families, on the alternatives, to high debt, fast food, and fast living. She is the Owner of www.totallyfrugal.com and the author of several articles on Frugal living,cooking, and Simple Living.
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Eating Healthy On A Budget
Today's frugal entry is Eating Healthy On A Budget. Read and enjoy!
Eating Healthy On A Budget
By: Judy Turner
We all know that we need to eat better but isn't it frustrating that the healthier you try to eat the more money you seem to spend? It doesn't have to be that way. Here are just a few tips to help you feed your family nutritious meals without breaking your budget.
1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Is chicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying 1 pack purchase several packs, separate into family size portions and freeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale (besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon have a well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocery bill.
2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full of preservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do you like the convenience of boxed foods? There are several good cookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keep on hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to macaroni and cheese and more. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with the directions to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!
3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you gone to the store with a fist full of coupons only to come home spending more than you planned? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchase the items you would normally use anyway. You will also find that the store brand may still be the better bargain. If your coupons are used at the same time an item is on sale you may also end up getting it for next to nothing, if not free!
4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family and friends who get the Sunday paper and exchange coupons for ones you can use. That way you can really stock up when your favorite items are on sale and you have coupons.
5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you will usually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to take advantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buy items like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freeze them for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.
6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of those impulse buys!
7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take out because you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home.
8) Shop alone whenever possible. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when your kids are with you! You will also get out of the store much quicker which will actually save you money.
9) When buying meat think of recipes where you can get more than one meal out of it. Meatsauce is still satisfying with half the amount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stir fries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quick healthy meal.
10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores have certain items priced really low to get your business. If you have several grocery stores in your area try and take advantage of what deals each store has to offer.
11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. An omelette, toast and fresh fruit is very economical and very quick to cook on a busy night.
These are just a few tips to help you save money while eating better. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for your family!
Article by:
Judy Turner is a work at home mom who is always looking for ways to cut expenses. For work at home resources visit www.wahmonabudget.com. For frugal recipes and money saving tips visit www.eatingonabudget.com
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Eating Healthy On A Budget
By: Judy Turner
We all know that we need to eat better but isn't it frustrating that the healthier you try to eat the more money you seem to spend? It doesn't have to be that way. Here are just a few tips to help you feed your family nutritious meals without breaking your budget.
1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Is chicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying 1 pack purchase several packs, separate into family size portions and freeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale (besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon have a well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocery bill.
2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full of preservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do you like the convenience of boxed foods? There are several good cookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keep on hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to macaroni and cheese and more. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with the directions to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!
3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you gone to the store with a fist full of coupons only to come home spending more than you planned? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchase the items you would normally use anyway. You will also find that the store brand may still be the better bargain. If your coupons are used at the same time an item is on sale you may also end up getting it for next to nothing, if not free!
4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family and friends who get the Sunday paper and exchange coupons for ones you can use. That way you can really stock up when your favorite items are on sale and you have coupons.
5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you will usually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to take advantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buy items like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freeze them for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.
6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of those impulse buys!
7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take out because you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home.
8) Shop alone whenever possible. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when your kids are with you! You will also get out of the store much quicker which will actually save you money.
9) When buying meat think of recipes where you can get more than one meal out of it. Meatsauce is still satisfying with half the amount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stir fries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quick healthy meal.
10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores have certain items priced really low to get your business. If you have several grocery stores in your area try and take advantage of what deals each store has to offer.
11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. An omelette, toast and fresh fruit is very economical and very quick to cook on a busy night.
These are just a few tips to help you save money while eating better. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for your family!
Article by:
Judy Turner is a work at home mom who is always looking for ways to cut expenses. For work at home resources visit www.wahmonabudget.com. For frugal recipes and money saving tips visit www.eatingonabudget.com
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Lower Your Phone Bill
After taking a Sunday off, I am back with a frugal tip on how to lower your phone bill from the resident expert at About.com
Lower Your Phone Bill
From Erin Huffstetler,
Are you paying more for phone service then you’d like to be? Then, see if one of these seven strategies could help to lower your bill:
Switch to VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a relatively new technology that allows you to make and receive calls over a broadband Internet connection. Providers include Vonage, SunRocket and a host of others, including many phone and cable companies.
Cost: Plans offering unlimited local and long distance range from $15-25 a month. Smaller, minute-based plans are also available; and start at $9.95 a month. To get started, you may also need to purchase a VoIP router, though many service providers offer a free router with sign-up.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for VoIP from your current monthly phone charges.
Pros:
* Calls to the United States and Canada included in the pricing
* International call rates as low as 3-cents per minute
Cons:
* Doesn’t work during a power outage unless you have a back-up battery system
* VoIP may not be compatible with your local 911 system
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Bundle Your Services
Do you have cable, high-speed Internet and a landline or cellphone? If so, bundling all of your services with one provider could be your biggest source of savings.
Potential savings: $20 or more a month.
Pros:
* Only one bill to pay
* New customer rebates and introductory offers may make the deal even better
Cons:
* You’ll probably be required to sign a contract
* Many bundle offers include a low introductory rate, and a much higher rate thereafter
* Taxes and other hidden fees may apply
Ditch Your Landline
Use your cell phone for all of your calls, and cancel your traditional phone service.
Potential savings: The cost of your current landline plan: local and long-distance.
Pros:
* One less bill to pay
* The ability to answer all of your calls on the go
Cons:
* If your cell plan doesn’t include unlimited minutes, you could accrue overage charges
* 911 service for cell phones isn’t available in all areas
* Forget to charge your battery, and you’re temporarily off the grid
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Cancel the Extras
If your phone service comes packaged with a bunch of features—call waiting, caller ID, etc.—you may save money by unbundling your services and shopping a la carte.
Contact your service provider to find out how much a basic, no-frills phone line costs. Then, add on just the features that you need (generally about $5 each).
Potential savings: Varies, but a basic phone line usually runs around $22 a month (taxes and fees included).
Pros:
* You only pay for what you want
* You get to customize your phone services
Cons:
* Less bells and whistles
Comparison Shop
Not satisfied with the deal your current provider is giving you? Then, shop around for a better rate. When it comes to phone service, there are more options than ever.
Potential savings: Varies by customer and locale.
Pros:
* You don’t have to wonder if you’re getting the best rate possible
Cons:
* Requires a bit of effort
Unlimited Long Distance
Do you make a lot of long distance calls? If so, signing up for an unlimited long distance plan could make a lot of sense.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for unlimited calling from your current monthly long distance bill.
Pros:
* The same bill every month
* The freedom to make as many long distance calls as you want
Cons:
* Terms and exclusions may apply
Use a Phone Card
If you only make occasional long distance calls, a phone card may be cheaper than paying for traditional long distance service.
Potential savings: The cost of long distance service in your area.
Pros:
* You only pay for the calls that you make
* Your long distance service is portable—just take the card with you when you travel
* Since you pay up front, there are no surprise bills
Cons:
* Most cards have expiration dates
* Connection fees often apply
* Lose the card, and you’ve lost the minutes
Lower Your Phone Bill
From Erin Huffstetler,
Are you paying more for phone service then you’d like to be? Then, see if one of these seven strategies could help to lower your bill:
Switch to VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a relatively new technology that allows you to make and receive calls over a broadband Internet connection. Providers include Vonage, SunRocket and a host of others, including many phone and cable companies.
Cost: Plans offering unlimited local and long distance range from $15-25 a month. Smaller, minute-based plans are also available; and start at $9.95 a month. To get started, you may also need to purchase a VoIP router, though many service providers offer a free router with sign-up.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for VoIP from your current monthly phone charges.
Pros:
* Calls to the United States and Canada included in the pricing
* International call rates as low as 3-cents per minute
Cons:
* Doesn’t work during a power outage unless you have a back-up battery system
* VoIP may not be compatible with your local 911 system
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Bundle Your Services
Do you have cable, high-speed Internet and a landline or cellphone? If so, bundling all of your services with one provider could be your biggest source of savings.
Potential savings: $20 or more a month.
Pros:
* Only one bill to pay
* New customer rebates and introductory offers may make the deal even better
Cons:
* You’ll probably be required to sign a contract
* Many bundle offers include a low introductory rate, and a much higher rate thereafter
* Taxes and other hidden fees may apply
Ditch Your Landline
Use your cell phone for all of your calls, and cancel your traditional phone service.
Potential savings: The cost of your current landline plan: local and long-distance.
Pros:
* One less bill to pay
* The ability to answer all of your calls on the go
Cons:
* If your cell plan doesn’t include unlimited minutes, you could accrue overage charges
* 911 service for cell phones isn’t available in all areas
* Forget to charge your battery, and you’re temporarily off the grid
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Cancel the Extras
If your phone service comes packaged with a bunch of features—call waiting, caller ID, etc.—you may save money by unbundling your services and shopping a la carte.
Contact your service provider to find out how much a basic, no-frills phone line costs. Then, add on just the features that you need (generally about $5 each).
Potential savings: Varies, but a basic phone line usually runs around $22 a month (taxes and fees included).
Pros:
* You only pay for what you want
* You get to customize your phone services
Cons:
* Less bells and whistles
Comparison Shop
Not satisfied with the deal your current provider is giving you? Then, shop around for a better rate. When it comes to phone service, there are more options than ever.
Potential savings: Varies by customer and locale.
Pros:
* You don’t have to wonder if you’re getting the best rate possible
Cons:
* Requires a bit of effort
Unlimited Long Distance
Do you make a lot of long distance calls? If so, signing up for an unlimited long distance plan could make a lot of sense.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for unlimited calling from your current monthly long distance bill.
Pros:
* The same bill every month
* The freedom to make as many long distance calls as you want
Cons:
* Terms and exclusions may apply
Use a Phone Card
If you only make occasional long distance calls, a phone card may be cheaper than paying for traditional long distance service.
Potential savings: The cost of long distance service in your area.
Pros:
* You only pay for the calls that you make
* Your long distance service is portable—just take the card with you when you travel
* Since you pay up front, there are no surprise bills
Cons:
* Most cards have expiration dates
* Connection fees often apply
* Lose the card, and you’ve lost the minutes
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Using Up Those Leftovers!
It's Sunday again and time for another frugal tip article! This one is to help cut down on the cost of groceries.
Using Up Those Leftovers!
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Managing leftovers is a challenge we all face! Throwing food away is just like throwing money away. With a little time,organization and using
a little ingenuity, leftovers can be dealt with efficiently.
Be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly and use them within one or two days or freeze. If you have any doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, throw it out!
Keep your leftovers in a section of your fridge that you designate only for leftovers. Then it's easy to see what you have.
Leftover meat like roast beef, turkey or chicken can easily be used in sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch. Or it can be chopped, frozen and used in a casserole later in the week.
Leftover ham makes great ham salad or you can use it to make ham and bean soup.
Leftover onions, green peppers can be chopped and sealed in zipper-top bags and kept in the freezer. It's economical and time-saving, too. Next time you need chopped onions, just pull a bag out of the freezer!
Leftover bread can be used to make bread pudding. If your family doesn't eat the heels of a loaf of bread, keep a bag in the freezer and add the heels until you have enough.
Favorite Bread Pudding
3 cups soft bread crumbs
2 cups milk, scalded with 1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Place bread crumbs in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Stir remaining ingredients together and pour
over bread crumbs, mixing well.
Place baking dish in pan of hot water (water
should be about 1" deep) and bake in preheated
350 degree oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Test for doneness by inserting a knife 1 inch
from edge - it should come out clean.
Delicious warm!
Bread can also be used to make croutons. Just cut
the bread into cubes. Toss with melted butter,
seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and whatever other
seasonings you like. Bake in a 300 degree oven
till the cubes are golden brown.
Use these croutons to top salads or casseroles or
even as a snack.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, besides the obvious potato cakes, try this: Fry an egg and serve over a warm mound of mashed potatoes. Makes a different kind of supper.
Make a meal from leftovers seem special by adding homemade rolls or biscuits. Or serve along with a family favorite side dish or salad.
"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."
---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly e-newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Using Up Those Leftovers!
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Managing leftovers is a challenge we all face! Throwing food away is just like throwing money away. With a little time,organization and using
a little ingenuity, leftovers can be dealt with efficiently.
Be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly and use them within one or two days or freeze. If you have any doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, throw it out!
Keep your leftovers in a section of your fridge that you designate only for leftovers. Then it's easy to see what you have.
Leftover meat like roast beef, turkey or chicken can easily be used in sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch. Or it can be chopped, frozen and used in a casserole later in the week.
Leftover ham makes great ham salad or you can use it to make ham and bean soup.
Leftover onions, green peppers can be chopped and sealed in zipper-top bags and kept in the freezer. It's economical and time-saving, too. Next time you need chopped onions, just pull a bag out of the freezer!
Leftover bread can be used to make bread pudding. If your family doesn't eat the heels of a loaf of bread, keep a bag in the freezer and add the heels until you have enough.
Favorite Bread Pudding
3 cups soft bread crumbs
2 cups milk, scalded with 1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Place bread crumbs in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Stir remaining ingredients together and pour
over bread crumbs, mixing well.
Place baking dish in pan of hot water (water
should be about 1" deep) and bake in preheated
350 degree oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Test for doneness by inserting a knife 1 inch
from edge - it should come out clean.
Delicious warm!
Bread can also be used to make croutons. Just cut
the bread into cubes. Toss with melted butter,
seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and whatever other
seasonings you like. Bake in a 300 degree oven
till the cubes are golden brown.
Use these croutons to top salads or casseroles or
even as a snack.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, besides the obvious potato cakes, try this: Fry an egg and serve over a warm mound of mashed potatoes. Makes a different kind of supper.
Make a meal from leftovers seem special by adding homemade rolls or biscuits. Or serve along with a family favorite side dish or salad.
"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."
---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly e-newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Frugal Microwave Cooking
This week's entry is about microwave cooking. You can cook dinner and save energy! Who doesn't want that?
Frugal Microwave Cooking
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Microwave cooking can save you time and energy all year long. But it is especially nice in summer because it enables you to cook hot meals without heating up your home.
Microwave heat is produced only within the food, so the microwave oven stays cool and your house does, too, saving you money on your air conditioning bill!
In general, the microwave oven uses only one-fourth of the energy used by a conventional oven.
In order to get the most from using your microwave oven, remember these tips:
1. Covering most foods will speed up cooking.
2. Use round or oval dishes, instead of square or rectangle, for more even cooking.
3. If you are cooking two foods at the same time, choose foods that take about the same amount of time to cook.
4. Heating continues after food is removed from the microwave oven, so allow time for this additional cooking.
5. Arrange chicken pieces so that the thicker, meatier portions are toward the outside of the dish and the thin, bony parts are toward the center.
6. Foods containing sugar and fats cook faster.
Many of your family's favorite recipes can be converted to a microwave recipe.
To figure microwave cooking time, start with one-fourth of the conventional time.
Always undercook--if more time is needed, you can always add another minute or two.
Use less liquid because there is not as much evaporation.
It may help to find a recipe that is similar to yours that is written especially for microwave ovens and use it as a guide.
SWISS STEAK
3 tbsp. flour
1 lb. beef round steak, 3/4 inch thick
3 tbsp. dry onion soup mix - shake mix before measuring
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. water
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Sprinkle half of flour on one side of meat; pound in with rolling pin or meat mallet. Turn meat and sprinkle with remaining flour; pound with rolling pin. Cut into 4 serving size pieces.
Arrange in 8 inch round microwave baking dish.
In small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, blend well. Pour over meat. Cover tightly with microwave safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium for 12 to 17 minutes or until meat is almost tender. Let stand tightly covered for 10 minutes.
Serves 4
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steamed Veggies
Vegetable (green beans,carrots, broccoli, whatever)
Small amount of water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Put veggies and water in a microwave-safe container and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap,loosely, so steam can escape.
Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute at time, until done to desired tenderness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Microwave Raspberry Cake
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Mix in preserves. Blend well. Add sour cream and eggs. Beat well. Blend together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add gradually to first mixture, beating well.
Pour batter into greased 8-inch round microwave-safe dish. Microwave on full power for 4 to 5 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with finger.
Cool. Frost with Raspberry Frosting.
Raspberry Frosting
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
Combine butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and preserves. Blend well. Add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Spread on cake.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Frugal Microwave Cooking
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Microwave cooking can save you time and energy all year long. But it is especially nice in summer because it enables you to cook hot meals without heating up your home.
Microwave heat is produced only within the food, so the microwave oven stays cool and your house does, too, saving you money on your air conditioning bill!
In general, the microwave oven uses only one-fourth of the energy used by a conventional oven.
In order to get the most from using your microwave oven, remember these tips:
1. Covering most foods will speed up cooking.
2. Use round or oval dishes, instead of square or rectangle, for more even cooking.
3. If you are cooking two foods at the same time, choose foods that take about the same amount of time to cook.
4. Heating continues after food is removed from the microwave oven, so allow time for this additional cooking.
5. Arrange chicken pieces so that the thicker, meatier portions are toward the outside of the dish and the thin, bony parts are toward the center.
6. Foods containing sugar and fats cook faster.
Many of your family's favorite recipes can be converted to a microwave recipe.
To figure microwave cooking time, start with one-fourth of the conventional time.
Always undercook--if more time is needed, you can always add another minute or two.
Use less liquid because there is not as much evaporation.
It may help to find a recipe that is similar to yours that is written especially for microwave ovens and use it as a guide.
SWISS STEAK
3 tbsp. flour
1 lb. beef round steak, 3/4 inch thick
3 tbsp. dry onion soup mix - shake mix before measuring
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. water
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Sprinkle half of flour on one side of meat; pound in with rolling pin or meat mallet. Turn meat and sprinkle with remaining flour; pound with rolling pin. Cut into 4 serving size pieces.
Arrange in 8 inch round microwave baking dish.
In small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, blend well. Pour over meat. Cover tightly with microwave safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium for 12 to 17 minutes or until meat is almost tender. Let stand tightly covered for 10 minutes.
Serves 4
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steamed Veggies
Vegetable (green beans,carrots, broccoli, whatever)
Small amount of water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Put veggies and water in a microwave-safe container and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap,loosely, so steam can escape.
Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute at time, until done to desired tenderness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Microwave Raspberry Cake
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Mix in preserves. Blend well. Add sour cream and eggs. Beat well. Blend together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add gradually to first mixture, beating well.
Pour batter into greased 8-inch round microwave-safe dish. Microwave on full power for 4 to 5 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with finger.
Cool. Frost with Raspberry Frosting.
Raspberry Frosting
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
Combine butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and preserves. Blend well. Add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Spread on cake.
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Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Saturday, June 23, 2007
SD Virtual Assistant - Do you need a spreadsheet designed?
Do you need a spreadsheet designed that is specific for your company? For a limited time, get your spreadsheet designed for $20.00 ($5.00 off of the regular price). I will design what you need and offer free support for the spreadsheet.
A worksheet calculating commissions owed to your reps - you plug in the sales amount and it calculates the commission due along with any commissions due from the rep's downline. (Free support will include updating commission rates if they change, adding new reps, etc.)
Or
A job costing worksheet. Your sales, commissions, etc versus your expenses. (Free support will include adding accounts to the appropriate section.)
Or
Any type of spreadsheet that you might need.
Whatever your accounting or clerical needs may be, I can help. I have been in accounting for over 20 years. I worked for 15 years as an accounting clerk for several CPAs. I currently work as the financial secretary for a local church. My rates are reasonable and my goal is to help you achieve your financial dreams.
Please email me regarding a quote for services for you! One size does not fit all!
info@sdvirtualassistant.com
SD Virtual Assistant
A worksheet calculating commissions owed to your reps - you plug in the sales amount and it calculates the commission due along with any commissions due from the rep's downline. (Free support will include updating commission rates if they change, adding new reps, etc.)
Or
A job costing worksheet. Your sales, commissions, etc versus your expenses. (Free support will include adding accounts to the appropriate section.)
Or
Any type of spreadsheet that you might need.
Whatever your accounting or clerical needs may be, I can help. I have been in accounting for over 20 years. I worked for 15 years as an accounting clerk for several CPAs. I currently work as the financial secretary for a local church. My rates are reasonable and my goal is to help you achieve your financial dreams.
Please email me regarding a quote for services for you! One size does not fit all!
info@sdvirtualassistant.com
SD Virtual Assistant
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Frugal Sunday - 40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
This week's frugal article is about getting fit. Enjoy learning how to get fit and save some dough!
40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
Friday, 07 April 2006
About The Author:
DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc. is a service company that provides health administrative services, access to prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. The company also sells pet medications to pet owners.
40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
Written by Ashlynn Donaldson
Friday, 07 April 2006
| "I can't get fit because I can't afford [pick one] the equipment, a trainer, a gym membership." "Can't afford to get fit" is one of the top excuses people give when asked why they don't exercise. That's about as logical as saying, "I can't drive because I can't afford a Mercedes." Here are 40 penny-wise ways to get fit:
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc. is a service company that provides health administrative services, access to prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. The company also sells pet medications to pet owners.
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