The Pennyless Cook: January 2012

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2011 Past

Like everyone else I cannot believe that it's 2012! Did 2011 even happen. I guess I do have a few memories of 2011 past. I'm gonna recap for my own sanity to prove to myself that 2011 did in fact happen. So here's the top 10 memories that I can recall....some are good and some are sad so you'll have to take the good with the bad.... 10. My dear, sweet Gigi passsed away. I miss her. 9. We conceived and miscarried soon after Gigi was gone (I warned you that these memories aren't all rainbows and unicorns; keep reading it gets better). 8. We bought new couches! I know not a big deal, but it is. 2 couches that actually match, and where in fact my husband and I can BOTH lounge! Now you understand, right? 7. To help supplement our income I started watching a precious baby girl, named Tessa-Claire. We just love her and her family. 6. My baby boy started pre-school! Now that really IS a big deal. 5. My baby boy turned 4, and is not gonna be my baby much longer! 4. We got a new mattress! Ok, so this maybe shouldn't be so far down on the list, but it has changed our life! It's a KING Sealy memory foam, and sleep has never been better! When Matt and I are done (you know) we don't even have to touch! We curl up on our own side, and wake up without back pain! 3. This probably shouldn't be so far down on the list either, but Matt got me the best Christmas present ever.....an iPad! My computer is in the process of having a ver slow, painful death so now I am able to write this blog from my iPad! It is sweet. I am using it now. 2. We went on our very first family vacation! We were able to go to Chicago! So much fun, awesome place to stay by Wrigley Field, incredible food, fantastic shopping, and even Lego Land! 1. We got pregnant with our baby girl, Evie (eh-vy)! She's due in February; we cannot wait! Ahhhh! Hope you have some memories you can hold onto from 2011 past, and are excited about the coming memories of 2012. I am not big into resolutions; to me they're just made to be broken. Instead I am looking forward to what the Lord is gonna bring in 2012. I know it's gonna be even better then last year! Hope you have a good one! Talk to you soon!

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.

The Pennyless Cook

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2011 Past

Ingredients You Should Try....

Followers