The Pennyless Cook: Clear Eyes, Full Heart

Monday, March 7, 2011

Clear Eyes, Full Heart

Since our Texas invasion I have absolutely become obsessed with the show Friday Night Lights. I don't know if it's because of my love of the country and Tex-Mex that has flooded my veins, but whatever the reason I have completely gotten sucked into this show. I watched it when the first season premiered back in the day, but I just finished what I could watch of season 4 on Hulu and now I find myself watching all the episodes I haven't seen. Hulu is great by the way.

This Emmy Award-winning show has believable acting and is shot incredibly well. The videography is intrigueing and beautiful in my opinion (not that my opinion is worth anything on intrigueing videography), but I do know the stories of these people are authentic and familiar. They remind me of those I pass everyday, but the characters tend to speak with a little thicker accent. I do live in Kentucky so the accent isn't that much thicker if I'm honest, and yes we do wear shoes. I love that fact this show has real-life people, with real-life problems who live in real-life homes. They aren't perfect, and neither are we or me anyways. I love that the homes have mismatched furniture and old appliances. I love that there are real conversations happening. That there are prayers said. I love that there are arguements and forgiveness. There is disobedience and obedience. There are even people worshiping in church, and then there are people who get murdered. It sounds kind of skitzafrenic now that I write this all out, but I guess life is skitzafrenic in a sense.

You should check this show out; the season premier is Friday (of course), April 15th. It's gut-wrenching, nerve-racking, and inspiring. It even makes me kind of like football.

Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can't Lose, Texas Forever!

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Tips to Eat or Cook By

Buy cheese by the block and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't pack as much flavor and costs more ounce per ounce.
Don't waste time buying roasted vegetables in a marinade that you will use one time for one dish; make your own (see post: The dinner the hood interrupted).
Al dente is a cooking term used for pasta. It should be checked by tasting so it is firm to the bite. The more pasta cooks the gummier it gets.
This is not some great wisdom or secret, but cut coupons. If you don't you are literally throwing away dollar after dollar. Don't use coupons on something you really don't want simply because of the coupon; use them on what you need!
If you don't have acsess to jared tomato juice the best store bought juice, in my opinion, is Red Gold . Cheap and fresh tasting!
Try to make your own sauces as much as possible; you'll save so much money and be eatting a homemade sauce without perservatives.
A rue is used to help thicken sauces. For example you can melt 2 tbsp of butter and then mix in 2 tbsp of flour until cooked through and browned. Then add to sauce until smooth and thickened. You can also make rue first and then add ingredients to the rue.
Mascarpone cheese is a good thing to keep on hand. It can be used as dip on crackers (my son's favorite), used in the place of sour cream while cooking, can be used in desert by adding vanilla and on top of fruit. Possibilities are truly endless!
Siracha Hot Chili Suace is one of the best hot sauces and can be found in the Asian aisle. Don't let the Asian influence fool you; it is delicious in all types of food that need a little kick!
To enhance the flavor of dried spices (which is a smart investment) simply crush in the palm of your hand before adding to the dish.
Keep fresh spices lasting longer by adding a damp paper towel in a plastic bag with the spice.
If you forget to lay butter out to soften you can beat it with a rolling pin or warm it with your hands.
Cookies, candies, or even a spice mix makes a great gift in a clear gift bag with a ribbon or nice glass jar.
Buy meat on the bone; it is always cheaper and more flavorful.
Save wrapping from sticks of butter to use in greasing pans or skillets.
Instead of wasting money on pancake mix, make your own with ingredients you already have on hand; add vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon for an added touch.
Instead of buying grated cheese, it's cheaper and more flavorful to buy it by the block and grate it yourself (save the rind to put in soup stock).
Cut coupons and plan monthly menu around sale bills.
A donut has less calories than a multi-grain bagel wIth low-fat cream cheese.
Stock fridge with frozen vegetables; cheaper and just as nutritious.
Regular bacon is healthier than turkey bacon.