I forgot to post the new daily thought yesterday...still getting used to the new format of the blog. There's a new one posted today, though.
And how are you doing with the list of intentions for the year. Mine began a bit slow but now there are lots of them. I am seeing a pattern emerge. How about you? Are you seeing any patterns? Keep on adding to that list the rest of the week.
I don't know about you but after all the holiday food and baked goods, I am ready for some simple, down-home, easy meals. Budget type meals from ingredients in my pantry if possible. Do you have a pantry? Something that you can count on if money is too tight to spend much if anything on groceries.
Even when there is money, but the money doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to, it is important to make an effort to stock up on a pantry of staples. What you consider staples may be different than mine but the important thing is that you have those available.
The first thing to do is to make a list of things you consider staples. Dry goods like rice, pasta, powdered milk (to use in recipes when you need milk but can't purchase it), instant potatoes, complete mixes like pancakes, flour, sugar, dry beans and maybe some dessert mixes like cake. Canned goods like soups, vegetables, tomatoes, stocks, meats, fish, sauces.
You'd be surprised at home many really delicious budget meals can be made from just the two types of foods above. If you can, add fresh things like onions and carrots (these are generally very cheap and can be used in a variety of ways...I love slow roasted carrots.)
Once you have the basic dried and canned goods pantry set, then you can venture into fresh and frozen foods. But how do you establish a pantry when you're on a very strict budget? Try and spend a bit extra each time and pick up one or two items, either house brands or sales. Even $3 can purchase four boxes of pasta and the same with canned goods, etc.
If you don't have a pantry, I hope you will slowly create one so you have food to make when money is really tight.
That's all for today, folks. Be safe, enjoy the warm weather and enjoy your day...
Talk with you tomorrow...