One Frugal Foodie

I sacraficed the annual list of New Year’s resolutions long ago, but this year I am very excited about restarting the tradition. Only this time, January 1 isn’t my celebratory day, but rather April 22nd, Earth Day.  As I jotted down my goals for a greener earth, I noticed that my Earth Day Resolutions were reading more and more like a “how to save money” list … hmmm, interesting coincidence don’t you think?  Let’s see, simplifying, reusing, recycling … a recipe for a healthier environment and bank account!  Read my resolutions here on Go Dairy Free for the full list, and let me know your favorite Earth Day ideas!

Ah, how do I love Trader Joe’s, let me count the ways … a side note from food, but it seems that their mini floral department is donning some spectactular rose specials, to help avoid buying the $10 marked up to $50 dozen red roses. 

They have a “14 Stem Rose Spectacular” ~ for $9.99, these are Orange roses for “passion, desire.”

But wait, before you red rose lovers click away with disappointment, they are also offering that traditional one dozen red roses for $16.99.  Really, quite the deal for this time of year.

Of course, if you are as frugal as my family (or perhaps you live no where near a wonderful TJ’s), you do not expect the rose spectacular from your husband, but rather bake up a dessert!  This insanely frugal Strawberry Love Muffin recipe from My Sweet Vegan is too good (and easy) to pass up!  I am either going for this one, or the Chocolate Cherry Truffles in MSV.  Both are just so simple and tasty sounding.  Now, I just need to get my hands on some heart-shaped muffin tins!

You see, I ran into a bit of a dilemma regarding garbage bags for the first time ever.  our little kitchen trash perfectly fits those evil grocery store bags.  But with my committed switch to reusable bags, which I have become so diligent about, we actually ran out of bags for the trash!  Not wanting to go out and buy more plastic bags, my grandma gave me her grocery store bags to use (rather than trash empty). 

But, I just came across these today … http://www.biobagusa.com/catering.htm

How cool!

Okay, it is a bit of an oxymoron, me writing anything about the Super Bowl.  You see, we don’t have any TV’s in our house.  Sure, we could head out to a Super Bowl party … but … I am married to a Canadian.  Of course, some Canadians like football.  I am sure my father-in-law will be glued to the set.  But his son, my husband, rebelled from his father to have a strong dislike for football.  Hockey is good, but football is a no go.  I was never really “into” football, so I don’t miss it.  However, I never pass up the opportunity to write about food.

And thus, the Super Bowl snacking topic.  Actually, I posted up a little news story with ideas on Go Dairy Free.  Head on over and read it.

But what I don’t comment on in that post is how it ties into my frugal side.  Reminding you that frugal to me is value (quality + price). 

Some might look at my favorite suggestion for substituting pop with Just Juice (if you are near a Trader Joe’s, seriously good prices on their brand) as too expensive.  However, I most often by the Just Black Cherry, which only sets me back $2.99 to $3.99 (look for generics if possible).  From there, that jar lasts me quite a good while.  For a healthy soda, we mix roughly three parts sparkling mineral water ($.89 for big bottle) with just one part of the juice.  Those just juices are very potent in flavor, so a little goes a long ways.  And viola!  A wonderful fruit-sweetened fizzy beverage without that evil high fructose corn syrup (or any added sweeteners for that matter) and with a delicious taste.

Okay, you get the gist.  I hope you enjoy the Super Bowl and some of my dairy-free snacking ideas!  Please let me know your own favorite healthy snack ideas!

Well, not literally…. by Earth Day 2008 they will only use paper bags and encourage consumers to bring reusables - http://consumerist.com/347538/whole-foods-will-eliminate-plastic-bags-says-bring-your-own.  Just had to spread the good news. 

Paper bags are still a huge waste, so do pick up a couple of reusables … trust me… they are awesome!  And of course, cheap!  99 cents each at Whole Foods and other major grocers.  I have one from Capers in Vancouver and two from Trader Joe’s.  They are huge, easy to carry, and super convenient for everything from groceries to packing up “car stuff” for road trips or taking food to potlucks.

Today is “Black Friday” and my husband has been amused by the many pile of ads for junk we don’t need.  Consistently asking me if I need anything, I can think of not a single response.  While the Target, Walmart, and Best Buy ads flash super-duty appliances to tempt the at-home chef, they look like either overkill or space-wasters to me.

Sure, I have a basic gas stove/oven, refrigerator, and a dishwasher (perish the thought of living without!), but when it comes to small appliances, I like to keep it simple.  I cook and/or bake everyday, yet expensive industrial mixers, multi-part food processors, and food killing microwaves have no place in my perfect kitchen.  As a matter of fact, of the little appliances we do have, we have found that cheaper is actually better.  In my opinion, appliances no bigger than would fit in a New York sized apartment are really all you need for any well-functioning kitchen…

$10 - Spice Grinder - I don’t own a food processor, and haven’t suffered without.  Since we are a household of two, I find that my spice grinder does just about everything I need it to, and with insanely quick clean up.  Of course, I use it to grind down those cumin seeds, and some may like it for coffee beans (I am a tea girl myself) but it also works in a pinch to grind flaxseeds for a nutritious boost to my smoothies and meals, to grind nuts (even into a butter / paste), and to make oat flour in an instant from my supplies of whole oats.  Some may dislike doing things in batches.  But considering that I can make 1/3 cup of oat flour in 30 seconds of whirling, and with a quick “wipe it out with a dry paper towel” clean-up, 1 cup is easily ready with my workspace clean in under 5 minutes.  Oh yes, and did I mention spice (coffee) grinders, such as the Proctor Silex one I have, can be had for $10-$12 at the supermarket.  Go with the cheap ones, they get the job done.

$25 - Blender - I love smoothies.  I also love to make creamy soups, and really, it seems as though my blender gets pulled out for some small task almost daily.  But we have gone through four different blenders, including two higher end models, only to discover that the cheap Hamilton Beach 10-speed blender from Walmart works just as well, if not better.  It has less “juice” then some of the fancier brands, but because of this, the motor doesn’t tend to blow up (like our “high-end” experiences), and it is quieter than many brands.  And yes, it really does blend up every last bit of ice.  Oh, and do splurge on the glass jar (the plastic will break quickly), but this is the only real upgrade I have found worth the price.

$11 - Rice Cooker - I can always make a healthy meal in minutes thanks to my 6-cup rice cooker.  It cooks up grains (brown rice, white rice, millet, quinoa, etc., etc., etc.) with a quick flip of the switch and steams the rest of my meal while it is at it.  I can throw just about any veggie in the top basket (including potatoes) and my meal will be ready when I hear the “click.” You can even steam fish or chicken along with the veggies for a major meal that cooks itself.

$11 - Electric Tea Kettle - Oh Canada!  My Canadian (now American) husband introduced me to this wonderful invention that I didn’t have the good fortune to grow up with.  Boiling water for tea, oatmeal, rice noodles, or any other quick hot water need can be had in just three minutes.  We purchased our inexpensive electric kettle on sale, but you can get a perfect household one for $20 or less without a problem.  Oh yes, and go with the ones that have a switch.  The ones that you have to unplug to shut off are a bit scary!

$15-20 - Hand Mixer - Want those nice toned arms?  Skip the clunky stand mixer and go for a cheapo hand mixer.  Don’t think for a minute that these don’t pack enough power, ours is actually a little too turbo charged.  Make sure you pick out one that has a good range from low to high in power.  Really, I mix most things up by hand, but for whipping and creaming, a trusty little mixer comes in handy, and can be taken out and put away with ease.

$10 - Toaster - You just never know when you might want something toasted, so this is always good to have on hand.  At times I miss our old toaster oven, and think about upgrading a few dollars to one.  But really, must toaster oven needs are far and few between, so this gadget has me covered.  Skip the electric eye, one with the basic up / down function, wide slots, and a light to dark guage is all you need.

There you have it.  While it may not suit everyone, we have spent less than $90 for all of our small appliances, and haven’t wanted for a thing.  Happy deal hunting!

The grocery store ads are riddled with wonderful baking deals for flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and other key ingredients.  But did you know, that while seldom advertised, their bulk equivalents also go on sale during the holiday season?  Be sure to check the prices of both, but more often than not, I find the bulk department to be the hands down winner, and I can purchase as much or as little of any ingredient that I like.  Have a special recipe that only needs 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour?  Head to the bulk foods, and just get 1/2 cup for your needs.  Do you plow through oats like farmers?  Watch for the sales and buy out the barrel.  

Really, you may be amazed at what foods you can find in bulk foods.  Every town I have lived in has at least one store with a generous bulk foods department that carries everything from brown rice flour to soup mixes.  Which brings me to this week’s find…

Wild Oats is actually having a great sale for anyone who uses whole grains and specialty baking ingredients.  Anywhere from 25 to 40% off on whole grain flours (spelt, brown rice, whole wheat, etc.), organic sugar ($1.25 per lb), and organic or eco-farmed rice (tons of varieties, all from Lundberg).  The flours are from Bob’s Red Mill, so some are also organic.  I stocked up myself on the products that I like to purchase organic (because we use them frequently).  I loaded up on spelt flour (I really do love this stuff), brown rice flour, and splurged a bit on blue cornmeal for recipe I am trialing.  I will probably stop in again for sugar ….

… While it can cost a touch more, I do recommend the switch to organic sugar.  For those who are vegan, this is an obvious easy choice … but … sugar is a leading GMO product these days, so going organic is a very wise move, regardless of your dietary preferences. 

I believe the sale at Wild Oats will last through at least this Wednesday, but possibly next Wednesday (they usually do two week sales), so stop by when you have the chance.  If there is no Wild Oats in your area, check your favorite store with bulk foods, they will likely be having some sales too. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

As some of you may know, I decided to trial a vegan diet for one week, and my husband hesitantly joined in.  I hear often of people who convert from vegetarianism to veganism, making that final leap from dairy and eggs.  However, I hadn’t heard of the other approach, those who already live without dairy and/or eggs foresaking meat to become vegan.  Honestly, I really wasn’t expecting much from the venture … just hoping to incorporate more fruits and veggies into our daily diet as an end result.  After all, how much difference could one week really make?

To give you a little background, one of my husband’s favorite phrases is “if we weren’t supposed to eat meat, then why does it taste so good?”  He has always leaned more toward the carnivorous side of omnivorous eating.  But on Saturday, the final day of our vegan week, he actually said, “you know, I’m okay with continuing on this vegan diet.”  Over a decade we have been together, yet somehow, he always finds a way to shock me.  He said he feels better, less tired and heavy.  He is also hopeful that it might help him to lose those last pounds around his middle.

So, will we remain on a vegan diet?  Mostly.  At the moment, we have a lot of non-vegan food in our freezer that must be eaten.  Seeing as how neither of us feels like eating a lot of meat at this point, it may take us a while to get that cleaned out.  As well, we may not be ready to dissect menus even further when it comes to eating out.  (okay, okay, we both love seafood and sushi too, what about a pesce-vegan?) However, we both agreed, that once our old stocks of food have dwindled, our home will become vegan.

It sure will save on grocery bills!  Our groceries this past week were 1/3 cheaper, we didn’t waste an ounce of food (a truly amazing victory), and our appetites were always fulfilled.  I think we were both quite surprised. 

So last night, I finally made that watermelon-sized spaghetti squash, going the pesto route, with VeggieGirl’s suggestion to add sun-dried tomatoes.  I served up just 1/2 a squash, but the portion sizes were huge!  The dish was yummy, even my husband finished every last bite.  For added “meat” the pesto was spiked with sunflower seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.  Overall, a delicious dish, but really not photogenic.  The beauty was on the inside.  Regardless, here are a few more photogenic items that we have enjoyed in our continued vegan week …

Pumpkin Bread - Another successful recipe trial, not to sweet and perfectly moist.

Vegan Pizza - Follow Your Heart’s Vegan Gourmet “Cheese” did melt … with a little coaxing.  It was good, I will admit, very mild in flavor (I have always hated the pungent taste of real cheese).  However, I think I am still okay with a cheese-free pizza.  This one is on a homemade whole wheat crust, with some garlic tomato sauce, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and chopped olives.  Simple enough!

Veggie Burger Salad: We picked up a box of Nature’s Burger Mix from Fantastic Foods on clearance.  It was an insanely good price, especially since the box makes 6 veggieburgers with just the addition of water.  Alas, it was on clearance for good reason.  These bland veggieburgers received two thumbs down from this household.  Luckily, the avocado dressing helped to save the day.

Amy’s Thai Coconut Soup - Our spirits were lifted by this awesome souop.  It is quite hearty on its own due to the coconut milk, and full of flavor.  however, there weren’t many bonuses, it was truly soup.  So I spiked it with some sweet potatoes and poured the whole thing over a bit of brown rice for that full meal feel.

More great meal ideas to come!

I really enjoyed reading and writing on this topic this week, so thought I would let people know it is up on Go Dairy Free - “Surprising Foods to Ease Your Budget Into Organics.” - It adds in a few foods/concepts that I had not considered before in my own shopping.  Just in case I am slow about posting here, and you are looking for something to read on that lunchtime break, Go Dairy Free is updated every day, religiously.

Following the lead of those ginger-spiked chocolate chip cookies, I snuck some crystalized ginger into a Molasses Cookie recipe I was trialing out.  The recipe was amazingly vegan (dairy-free, egg-free) and didn’t call for any ginger.  Knowing how well ginger goes with molasses, I thought this would be the perfect recipe for some more ginger-spiking (note the little pieces of ginger peaking out in the picture below).

Whoa!  My first bite of the cookies while still warm was like a flavor slap in the face.  Granted, I loved it.  Sugar, cinnamon, molasses, and ginger each competing for a single spot on my taste buds.  Seriously, overpoweringly, yummy!  This flavor concoction is not for those ultra-sensitive taste buds, but for ginger lovers like myself, it is definitely worth a trial.

Alas, I can not divulge the actual recipe I used, since it is coming out in a new food allergy cookbook.  However, it isn’t too far off from this one for Egg-Free Dairy-Free Molasses Cookies.  To avoid a ginger overload, try substituting cinnamon for the ginger in this recipe (the recipe I used had cinnamon as the main spice) and add diced crystalized ginger bits to your hearts content!

A little hint too, I didn’t actually have any regular/dark molasses on hand, but did have blackstrap molasses.  Obviously this is a bit too bitter for a 1:1 sub, but after looking around at substitution ideas, I settled on a 50/50 mix of the blackstrap molasses and maple syrup.  It turned out to be a winner!