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23 year old going on 50. I take my carry basket to the farmers markets every week and Avoid getting a tan at all costs. I also have lots of tattoos. Two beautiful children and a "Hubby". And an obsession with cooking - moving into a place that doesn't have an oven...

Monday, January 3, 2011

Food for Fifty (dollars)


So, up until now, that ^ has been my plan.
But looking at our bank account this morning, which contains a grand total of $4.28 I figured I may need a more detailed plan to becoming a scrooge thrifty.

So, my plan is:
Number 1 - buying an easy-yo (? I think that's what they're called) yogurt maker. These are about $19 and the cost isn't coming out of my weekly $50. Why? Because then I'd have to feed us on $30. No, it's actually not, because I count this into preperation costs.
Number 2 - (quite simple, really) write a shopping list and STICK TO IT.

The stick to it is the hard part. I'm not sure why, really. All that product placement temptation that has me subconsciously buying more expensive brands.... Who am I kidding. It's because I'm weak willed and I go for whats easiest.

So, the meal plan for the next week. We have:
(keep in mind, I do have some ingredients in my fridge already e.g. cream that need using)

Curried apple and Lentil Dal (w/ rice)
Fettucine Cabonara
Chicken Basil Pesto
Vege Spaghetti
Chickpea Curry
Wild Rice Casserole
Spinach & Ricotta puffs.
Going to make Chocolate Wheaties and Muesli Bars for snacks too.

The curried apple recipe I got from: http://http//cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2009/01/65-cheap-healthy-one-dish-meals-with.html
Which has been a real inspiration to me to set this task for myself.
And the Chickpea Curry recipe is one that I found:

1 onion (diced)
Minced garlic
Ginger
1 tsp cummin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp tumeric
1/2 TBS garammasala
1 can chickpeas
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large sweet potato

Peel and cut up sweet potato into chunks. Throw everything except the Garamasala into the slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Add garamasala just before serving.

(keep an eye on it through the day and make sure it doesn't dry out. You can use vegetable stock or plain old water to keep it going)

I added the sweet potato to the recipe. I also usually add pumpkin and maybe snow peas, depending on whats on sale/what you like. Maybe capsicum would be nice? It's a good base recipe to add things to and play around with.





And to the person who sniped me on eBay for the Joovy Caboose pram that I really wanted - Sucks to be you. You paid $270 and I found out where to get them Brand New for $320. Sniper.

3 comments:

  1. :) Can't wait to read more of your blog

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  2. great blog jess.
    look forward to your insights

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  3. Chickpea curry sounds AMAZING!!! I am going to buy garamasala this week and make it for my lunch, It sounds lowfat high protein which is great and filling too!!!

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