Free E-books!!!!!

Some Homemaking, Homeschool, Recipes, Budgeting A true must see! Here is the link:
http://www.livingonadime.com/septpromo/sept-thanks-102294.html
And be sure to look at my free downloads on the left! Grab a drink and browse!


NO COST!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Kitchen Tip: My Frugal Bento Part 2

For More Kitchen Tips Go here.

I just posted about bento here.
Be sure to read the first post for more frugal ideas!
This post I would like to share how to make bento lunches frugally. Now before I get started, let me tell you, there are tons of cute little character boxes, shapes etc . that you can find on Ebay. The problem is that the main reason I love bento: is 1. it is cheaper than eating out. 2. it is healthier . Hence, Buying all that stuff makes it so Non- frugal :). Although cuteness is a reason for some, it is not my main focus. I do admit to wanting some egg molds really bad. You can get them on Ebay. I have done my homework and have learned a few tricks along the way.

You can use cookie cutters to cute cute sandwiches, or to mold rice into really cute shapes, using plastic wrap or just plain balls !:
http://lunchinabox.net/2007/07/02/tip-use-cookie-cutters-as-onigiri-molds/

You can make Jello in cute shapes buy using silicone Ice cube molds or candy molds.

Here is a photo of my free or cheap Bento items:

From left to right :

The : Test Tube used to contain liquid protein. I have used it to freeze water - making a long ice pack. I have also used it to hold sauces for picnics.
The small glad ware dishes are used inside the larger container.
The Muffin cups are paper dividers.
Across the front from L to R is empty Crystal Light containers- Great to pack empty - for picnics I use these as disposable sauce dipping containers- no need to keep them, I have an abundance of them . The small bottle with a red lid is a empty spice bottle that I use for salt/pepper , A medicine cup form cough syrup also used for dipping, Food color bottles for soy sauce. ( Just pour sauce into a small cup and draw up like a dropper. next is a vanilla extract bottle and the pink silverware case was a pencil case from a Burger King happy meal! I also have found flat tooth brush travel holders that would work!
Now for Ice and drinks:

Of Course you would want a thermos for hot drinks and soups.
Keep those water bottles to refill,
Use Plastic jars like Mayo or Peanut Butter, Buy a small rubbermaid bottle .

They Crystal light tube I use for food like chips, crackers etc and should be in the other picture (oops) I also use these for damp towels to wipe my hands! Or just carry sanitizer wipes or a small sanitizer bottle.

Not shown: My reusable Blue ice packs :)

Now pack it all inside your bento bag: In My case I have used old gift bags, Wal-mart sacks,insulated bags and a freebie canvas bag. Traditional bento ether use a bandanna type cloth or a drawstring bento bag :
















Here are some post of other folk's frugal bento ideas:
Dollar store
Freaking tasty Bento (warning: Some Bad language)
Bento Box-A great site that explains it all so well

If you want to see the "Real" bento stuff look here.

Take a look at these Bento Lunches- True art !

WFMW: Bento Lunches- quick and easy prep!

Bento is the Japanese tradition of packing lunches to go into small portions in a Reusable container- This can be any small plastic container with or without dividers. The Japanese have made this into a art form by using egg molds, hot dog cutters,rice molds , decorative dividers and creativity. Now I have not gotten too fancy but I have always packed lunches, yes it is easier to eat on the run at McDonalds drive through but I have found that if I keep a few basics on hand it is not a problem it takes little time and effort, we save money and make better choices. So if I am going out I always pack food and drinks. If we don't need it then I just bring it home for later!

My staples:
cheese sticks, baby carrots, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips, small pretzels, animal crackers, grapes,dried fruits, small refillable "sauce cups" or condiment packs from the occasional drive through trip, already cut celery and other fresh veggies (fill a small container at the grocery store salad bar). Refillable water bootles, ice packs, juice pouches or boxes and a small lunch box cooler. Be sure to look at the "ethnic food aisle for cool candies and cookies!

Be creative- use leftovers that are not messy.

Now if you want to be traditional or just plain cute then by all means buy a bento and the tools. However if you are like me and have a hubby who would rather chew off an arm than to eat out of a Hello Kitty box then pick up one of the Rubbermaid divided plates.

If you are inclined to be cute- you do not have to spend much! You can use cookie cutters as "stamps" or to cut foods, paper muffin liners as dividers, Reuse small containers for sauces. I have even seen where people reused the mini bubble bottles from weddings for sauces 9by cutting off the wand)! Me I just use small tupperware containers, I reuse medicine cups from liquid meds. and yard sale tupperware!


Be sure to check out more Works For Me Wednesday ideas Here!

Here are some of my favorite links to help you get creative:

Bento TV
Check out her archives

Bento Lunches

Lunch in a Box

Cooking Cute

Laptop Lunches

WFMW: Homemade Yogurt without a yogurt maker!

My Family LOVES yogurt but there are four issues here:
1. We are ALL Lactose intolerant
2. The amount we consume is tough on the budget
3. I like to control ingredients and eat as healthy as possible.
4. I did not need or want another appliance (yogurt maker)that I would have to store in my tiny kitchen.

My Solution- Homemade yogurt- so easy- and fits the above criteria!

Before I share the recipe, here is the link for Rock's in My Dryer - please visit there for more tips!


And Now the recipe:

Yogurts

Materials:
1/2 gallon milk (can be any kind)
3/4 C. instant dry milk
2-3 tblsp. yogurt with ACTIVE CULTURES Please read the label and make sure this is active yogurt
several sterilized jars (can be glass, ceramic, metal or plastic)
You will need a candy or meat thermometer
Sweetener( see the notes below)

Sterile mixing spoon and jars by immersing them in boiling water.

Bring milk to 180 degrees F, remove from heat and cool to 110- 115 degrees F and add the cup of yogurt WITH ACTIVE CULTURES, remove a bowl full and mix in dry milk . Add back to pan and stir. Please read the label and make sure this is active yogurt. It will say on the label. Mix well with sterilized stirring spoon. Pour into sterilized jars and cap loosely. Hold at 100-110 degrees over night. ( at least 8hrs. how o below) But remember 100-110 Degrees are the magic numbers. Over 110 and the yogurt culture dies. Under this and it "sleeps." By morning you should have nice yogurt for breakfast!


Suggestions below:

I always use prepared yogurt as my culture. I buy a large container of plain store brand yogurt from the store. I bring it home and scoop it into a couple of ice cube trays. Then I freeze it. When it is completely frozen, I take the frozen yogurt cubes and pack them in a plastic freezer bag. Each time I make yogurt, I use one cube as the starter. You can use your own fresh yogurt as a starter too, but eventually it loses it's power due to the introduction of foreign bacteria, usually after using it about 3 or 4 times. I like to use a new frozen yogurt cube each time I prepare yogurt. I've had my best results this way.
Sweeteners and flavors: If you plan to use this as a substitute for sour cream then leave plain, Or add flavors and sweeteners as you serve. Flavors: Use any extract or Davinci syrup flavor or use jams and preserves. jams and preserves would be added as you serve, the syrups and extracts can be added while heating or when served. I prefer vanilla. Sweeteners: can be added while heating or as you serve add to taste: Sugar, Splenda, honey, Maple syrup, molasses.

There are lots of ways to incubate your yogurt:
I prefer to do it in my electric oven. I set the stove dial half way between OFF and 200°, or at approximately 100°. The light which signifies the oven is on, pops on for a moment, and then pops off when the temperature is reached. I set my jar of yogurt in the oven and leave it for between 6 and 8 hours, usually overnight, or while I'm out for the day. I take out the yogurt when it is thick. This method works for me*. My yogurt has a very mild flavor.
Some people pour the warm milk combined with the starter, into a large thermos and let it sit overnight.
Another friend uses a medium sized picnic cooler to incubate her yogurt. She places the jars inside the cooler and then add two jars filled with hot tap water, to keep the temperature warm enough. After 4 hours, check the yogurt to see if it is thick enough. If it isn't then refill the water jars with more hot water, return them to the cooler, and let the yogurt sit another 4 hours. When I tried this method, it worked very well. It took a full 8 hours, but the yogurt was perfect, and I liked not having my oven tied up during the day.
Other folks set the yogurt on top of a warm radiator, or close to a wood stove.
In a gas stove with the pilot operating.
On a heating pad set on low. You set it on low and then cover the heating pad with a towel, place the yogurt on top of it, and put a large bowl or stew pot upside down over the yogurt. This makes a little tent which keeps the heat in. I don't have a heating pad, and have never actually used this method myself, but a good friend swears by it.
Sometimes I have placed the jar in a pan filled with warm water, to keep the temperature even. This worked pretty well when I incubated the yogurt next to the wood stove. It kept the yogurt at a uniform temperature, even with occasional drafts from the front door opening and closing.

*Now in the event that it does not turn out as thick as you like, DO NOT THROW AWAY!
I have had only 2 batches turn out a little thinner than I like (in 8 years) I just used these for smooothies and as "drinkable yogurt!

Kitchen Tip Tues.: Flax and Menus

Did you know you can use flax as a substitute for fat or eggs in recipe? Three tablespoons of flax equals one tablespoon of fat or oil, and one tablespoon of flax plus three tablespoons of water equals one egg. Not only is this healthy it makes it safe for those with egg allergies, Vegans and it is frugal! If you count the cost of flax vs. eggs the savings usually are wonderful! It is sold in a box , near the flour. I also include a small spoon full in my kid's yogurt/cereal/ smoothies/ granola.

I also found this little tid-bit:

"Flaxseed is very high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. In addition to the omega-3s, the remaining two components of flaxseed -- lignans and fiber -- are being studied for their health benefits as well", says Diane Morris, PhD, RD,

Menus Note : By the way- I am working on putting 8 weeks of menus for everyone to download for free on my page- they include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and the recipes! All free for you! Look at the left sidebar :)

Be sure to visit Tammy's Page for more tips!

Frugal Friday: New uses for Free containers!

I love to re-use free containers in fact I did a whole post about peanut butter jars! Here are a few of my reusable container ideas:

• Deli lunch meat in "zip lock" containers- self explanatory
• Crystal light (generic of course) - used for small craft items, Coffee pods, filled with water and make large ice blocks for drinks, paint cups for kids
• Frosting tubs, GV Marshmallow cream, yogurt, Sour cream- same as above and also- cut small cross slits in the lid for a lidded cup the kids can take anywhere without your fearing they are lost just add a straw! Also wonderful for homemade yogurt
  
• Large Pickle jars and the large animal cracker jars sold at Wal-mart become storage for rice, flour etc.
• Large Butter tubs- to fill with soup to freeze. I can label the top with a sharpie and just throw it out or give it away to a sick friend. Sometimes I even mark through and rewrite again! I also keep two or three around to send leftovers home with people so they don't have to be worried about returning the container.
• I use glass jars for 1 thing only- grease disposal! I usually keep one in the fridge. with bad -trash grease from chicken, meat or burgers. I store it in the fridge until it is full then seal and throw away. I use glass because you can add warm grease and I keep it refrigerated because I don't want to grow anything in it.
• I use cereal, wax bags as freezer wrappers when I make and freeze hamburger patties.
• I also used (when I had babies) baby food jars to organize small screws and nails in the garage. nail or screw the lid to the bottom of a shelf and then fill jar and screw to the lids. You can modify this by using any jar you want to.

Be sure to check other frugal ideas Biblical Women hood

Free,Frugal Food Saver

You can get an air tight seal on your zip lock bags! Fill a large bowl or the kitchen sink with water. Seal the zipper bag all the way except for about 1/2 inch . Submerge all except the very top of the unsealed section and seal it while under the water. The water pressure takes all the air out! Just wipe the bag dry and freeze! This works for anything!
Be sure to check here for more ideas

Kitchen Tip: Keep your stove clean, without elbow grease!

By lining the bottom of the oven (under the element) with foil. Then just change when it gets to many spills :) Wipe the rest and you are done! I also line drip pans with foil so all I have to do is change the foil and wipe them out.

See Tammy;s site for more Kitchen Tips :)

Peanut, Peanut Butter... peanutty

I love the plastic Peanut butter jars-They have a wide mouth, they come in custom sizes (I buy the sizes I need) and they can be frozen! I use these to store and mix salad dressing, to store and mix just a cup or two of powdered milk, as freezable storage for Stock (pre-measured) , to hold small home school items, craft supplies, and more. They fit just right inside of DH's lunch box I add a microwavable bowl and spoon and send his soup in a jar. They are great for road trips and picnics. Store water and freeze overnight to have a sealable glass of drinking water. I have stored leftover tea and coffee for cold coffee drinks. Leftover pancake and waffle mix and can be pored strait from the jar. I usually have 6-8 jars at hand all the time and can easily replace as needed! I could go on but you get the idea.
Be sure to see Shannon's site for more great ideas!

Easy, Quick and cheap!

I love the Jiffy brand muffin mixes! They cost between 33¢-50¢ a box . They come in 6 flavors: apple cinnamon, Corn, blueberry, raspberry, oatmeal, bran with dates,and banana nut. Usually they call for 1/3 c. milk (I use reconstituted powdered milk) and 1 egg- you stir and bake. One box make 6 good sized muffins! Jiffy also make other products like cake mixes, frosting mixes and other stuff! Take a look at their web page for recipes, and to see the complete line of products!

http://www.jiffymix.com/

See Biblical Womenhood for more frugal tips!

Easy. cheap and lowfat ground meat

When I get home from grocery days I usually set aside some prep work time see this post . Part of my prep work also include pre-cooking ground meat . For any recipe that call for hamburger I use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground turkey. To cook it quickly, in large quantities and to climate even more fat, I boil it! You just put the whole thing in a large pot, coo and drain. Then package into zipper bags and freeze for later use- this saves, fat, time, money (turkey is cheaper) and freezer space!
Be sure to visit Tammysrecipes.com for more tips!

getting free manuels for garage sale finds

Several times I have either purchased items at a garage sale or been given something from Freecycle. Without instructions I would not be able to get the full use of the item . SO here is what I do:
You usually can get a free copy of the manual on the manufacture’s web site, sometimes they have a downloadable PDF , if not call customer service, they can send you one. I have done this with several used items that I wanted a manual for and never had to buy a Manuel or pay for postage! I have done this with everything from Baby strollers to TV's . Usally you can even get replacement parts for a few dollars instead of buying a brand new item replace a small part.
This works for me! Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more useful tips!

Free babysitting

There are a total of 5 ladies that get together, we all have children from 3-6 years old. We have formed a once a week co-op for homeschooling. Here is how it works- Each week we meet on a set day were two of the moms will "teach" and the rest are "off duty" so for two hours several time a month I am kid-free! Co-op will start again in September. As for the Summer months one of the ladies and I exchange free babysitting between us, we don't keep tabs we just do as the need comes. Free babysitting, and a kid free- day off, with no babysitting budget, now that is Frugal!

For more frugal tips visit: Biblical Womanhood.

Powdered milk, mixing dry ingredients and homemade bisquick

All three of these tips go together so I am posting them all at once :)
1.One of my favorite tips is to keep one small peanut butter jar with about a cup of powdered milk (already mixed with the water) in the fridge. I use this whenever I make ANY RECIPE that needs milk. We cannot seem to get used to using it in our cereal or for drinking. . This saves bunches of money and I always have a small amount handy :) We love Pancakes and make them usually at least once a week, so I always use it in my favorite pancake recipe . I only mix about a cupful at a time because I rarely need more than that in any recipe. If it is not pre-mixed in the fridge I tend to forget to use it.
2. I LOVE my kitchenaid stand mixer! When making homemade Bisquick you have to mix the flour and shortening until it becomes similar to cornmeal. I use my mixer with the wire whisk and set it on the lowest setting . It works perfectly and my hands don't end up messy! I can let it run while I do other things in the kitchen so it saves time too! I bet you could do it with a hand mixer just as well.
3. I also use my mixer with the whisk attachment with any recipe that calls for you to mix dry ingredients separately and then add them to the wet ingredients. I would just pour the dry mix into another bowl, mix the wet stuff and then add the dry stuff back in.

For more Wonderful tips AND some really great recipes! Visit Tammy's Recipes

Menu Monday

My Menu for the week of June 4-10, as usual the bold items' recipes will follow the menu :) I am starting something new this week by adding snacks to my menu:) Depending on our day my kids usually have a before lunch snack and a late lunch or a early lunch and afternoon snack. In an effort to make sure that their daily food is balanced and still be frugal. I am trying to have preplanned snacks. Hopefully this will also help keep the daily brain strain away when they start with the ,"What can we eat for snack question!"
B=Breakfast, L= Lunch,D=dinner and S=Snack
Be sure to visit I'm and Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas!


Mon- B- cold cereal, bananas and Milk, L- turkey and cheese sandwiches, carrots and milk, D- Dilled fish and Veggie packets , mashed , mashed potatoes S-yogurt and granola

Tue- B- Toast w/jelly, Cinnamon apples, milk L-Mac N Cheese w/ hot dogs,grapes and milk D- Tacos! Corn, fruit cups S- cereal bar

Wed. - B- biscuits and Gravy, eggs, milk, L- PB&J, grapes and Milk, L- Chicken Lasagna, garden salad, Garlic bread S- Gold fish

Thur. B- pancakes , milk L- grilled cheese, orange slices, milk D- Italian sausage subs, chips, pineapple chunks S-graham crackers

Fri.- B- cinnamon toast, fruit, milk L- fish fillets, tater tots, green beans, milk D- ssandwiches/wraps/leftovers S-instant pudding

Sat. B- muffins, mandarin oranges, milk L-Octopus dogs, w/ seaweed pasta. milk D-chicken gravy, biscuits, salad S-Vanilla wafers

Sun. B-Grits/ oatmeal, milk L-leftovers/wraps/sandwiches D-chicken lo-men, egg rolls, white rice S-mini bagels with cream cheese/ butter/ jelly

The Recipes:

Dilled fish and Veggie packets

10 ounces tilapia fillets
1 cup snow peas, in pod (6 oz)
1 cup baby carrots, sliced thin lengthwise (6 oz)
1 green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fat-free margarine
2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
2-4 teaspoons dried dill
salt and pepper, to taste
. Prepare 2 18” squares of heavy duty foil by spraying lightly with non-stick spray. Arrange each fillet on a foil square. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
. Combine the peas, carrots, onion, dill, and garlic, and divide between the two foil squares, spooning over fish. Drizzle each with white wine or broth.
. Fold foil into pockets, crimping to seal.
. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until fish flakes easily and vegetables are crisp-tender.


Country Gravy

1 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup evaporated milk
salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter or margarine in a medium saucepan over
medium heat. Slowly add the flour, stirring constantly, to
form a brown roux.
3 Pour in beef broth and milk, mixing well. Add ground
beef, then season with salt and pepper to taste.


Chicken Lasagna From: Tammy's Recipes

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

2 Tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon basil
4 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1/8 teaspoon oregano

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add flour and cornstarch, stirring to mix. Add milk, pepper, salt, and basil, whisking until well mixed. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.

2. Add cream cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add parmesan cheese, stirring to mix. Remove from heat.

3. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the cottage cheese, and the chicken.

4. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. Put a layer of lasagna noodles in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture. Put a layer of lasagna noodles on top of mixture. Top with half of the white sauce. Continue layering noodles, chicken, noodles, and sauce.

5. Top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano.

6. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned.

Italian sausage subs

2 lb. Italian link sausage
6 to 8 green peppers, sliced in strips
6 med. onions, sliced
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. white wine/chicken broth
1 tbsp. oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Separate links of sausage and prick with a fork. Place in Dutch oven with 1/2 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until all water has evaporated and sausages have given up some of their fat and are lightly browned all over. Drain fat from pan. Cut sausages into smaller pieces about 1 1/2 inches long. Add wine, garlic powder, basil, oil and oregano. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes. Top with green peppers, mushrooms and onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix well. Cover and simmer another 30 minutes or until sausage is done, stirring occasionally.

(Recipe can also be prepared in 350 degree oven).

Octopus dogs, w/ seaweed pasta

You will need:

• A hot dog
• Sharp knife

Cut the bottom 3/4 of a hot dog into 8ths (using vertical cuts). Leave the top 1/4 intact.
Boil as normally would.
Cook spagetti/ ramen in water tinted with green food color

chicken lo-men

1 Tbsp. cornstartch_1 tsp. ginger_1/4 c. reduced sodium soy sauce_2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts_1 pkg. chicken bouillion _1/2 c. hot water_6 oz. uncooked spaghetti_2/3 c. fresh mushrooms, sliced*_2/3 c. fresh snow peas_2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided_2 tsp. sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Combine cornstartch, ginger and soy sauce in small bowl. Cut chicken into strips; add to soy sauce. Set aside.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms and peas in 1 Tbsp. oil for about 4 minutes. (Vegetables should still be slightly crisp.) Remove to seperate bowl and set aside.
4. In the same pan fry chicken mixture until chicken is cooked. Dissolve bouillon in hot water, add to chicken mixture. Cook and stir 1 - 2 minutes or until thickened. Add mushrooms and peas.
5. Drain spaghetti, add to skillet along with sesame oil. Cook 1 - 2 more minutes, stirring often, until hot through.

Free desk lamp!

Do you love freebies? I often sign up just to get them and then pass them on to someone else!
Here is a link for a free desk lamp. Be sure to sign up for yours!
http://www.freedesklamp.com/lamp.html

Free Movies - (In the Theatre)!

Ok. This one is so good that I posted it twice! This was 1st posted this past Wednesday ( 5-23-07)on another web site carnival.

Regal Cinemas are again offering free movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer. Free Movies- a chance to have a special "date" with my kids that only cost me gas and time?! Now that really works for me!

http://www.regmovies.com/freefamilyflicks/index2.jsp

See more great Frugal Friday Finds at Biblical Womanhood!

Posted by Doll at 1:20 PM

Homemade Sour Cream,buttermilk and Butter

Tammy' Recipes is now hosting a new Carnival, since this is one of my favorite spots for "everyday recipes", I couldn't wait to share!

Most of you probably already know these, but I just found these in my Depression era cook book that I inherited from Grandma:

Sour Cream: 1/4 cup of buttermilk and add four cups of heavy cream to a mason jar. Cover and shake a little, then put on the counter. In about 24 hours, I have sour cream!

I also noticed that there was a recipe on how to make buttermilk (tip # 7) I want to try that recipe next time!

Buttermilk (another recipe)
1/4 cup of buttermilk and add four cups of milk to a mason jar. Cover and shake a little, then put on the counter. In about 24 hours, I have buttermilk. I just have to remember to save a little buttermilk from each batch for the next batch.

Homemade butter:

Put heavy cream into a bowl and beat with a mixer until it turns into butter or put it in a jar a shake!

Be sure to visit Tammy's Kitchen for more tips!