Choosing Voluntary Simplicity » Frugality & Nutrition series

How Much Does It Cost to Feed YOUR Family?

Shirley — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:57:19 +0000

Have you seen the most recent government estimates (released October 2011) for how much it costs to feed a family these days? The figures in these charts represent the government's idea of the cost of a nutritious diet, with all meals and snacks prepared at home. I wonder how much of that "nutritious diet" involves processed food.

Is It Possible To Have a Soy-Free Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner?

Shirley — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:10:46 +0000

Reader question... "Is it possible to have a Thanksgiving dinner that isn't full of soy? I was diagnosed with a severe (life threatening) soy allergy a few months ago and everything we normally would have for our Thanksgiving dinner seems to have soy on the label. Ideally we would have turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, pies, stuffing, but all the labels say soy. What can I do?" --Diana S.

Whole Wheat Banana Nut Bread

Shirley — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:07:35 +0000

My family asks me to make this whole wheat banana nut bread every year for Thanksgiving. It's a light, cake-like bread with a great banana flavor... it is very easy and quick to make because all the mixing can be done by hand.

Corn and Chicken Soup with Rivels

Shirley — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:45:53 +0000

There are many versions of this popular Amish corn and chicken soup with rivels... this is mine. On the first day I make the rivels and spread them out on my cutting board to dry. I also make the stock for the soup by simmering chicken pieces (usually thighs) in a large pot of water. Since any soup is only as good as the stock it is made in, I try to make the stock as flavorful as possible. I always add dried or fresh sage, basil, salt, and pepper... celery, onions, and carrots... and simmer everything until it has reduced by about half. Then I refrigerate the stock overnight. Once it has cooled any fat has congealed and can be easily skimmed off the top.

Some Thoughts About Grocery Shopping & Sensible Frugality

Shirley — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:23:51 +0000

Grocery shopping is one area where big savings are possible, but I don't think that frugality should ever be the only consideration. I definitely try to keep our grocery bill as low as possible, but I also want the foods I serve my family to be nutritious and healthy, and I want our meals to be appealing and taste good... with portions large enough to satisfy everyone's hunger. That's not as easy as it used to be, but here are a few ideas I use that help keep our grocery bills under control.

Quick One-Dish Spanish Rice

Shirley — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:34 +0000

Since my soy allergy means I have to cook from scratch, and I don't have the convenience of opening cans or popping things in the microwave for instant meals when I'm pressed for time, I count on a number of favorite "quick recipes" that my family loves. This one-dish Spanish Rice is one of the main dishes I turn to when I need a hearty meal in a hurry. Total preparation time is less than thirty minutes from chopping the onions to sitting down to supper. This dish is a frugal one, too... and best of all, it is delicious! Although my copy of this recipe is handwritten and gives no source, I believe the original recipe came off the back of the Minute Rice box back in the 50's or 60's.

Oatmeal Apple Crisp

Shirley — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:29:42 +0000

We're really enjoying the unexpected huge (and free!) crop of apples, and I have been making up a lot of frozen apple pie fillings to put in the freezer. Today I made a big pan of apple crisp to have after dinner that was absolutely delicious! I have tried many apple crisp recipes, but I think this one has an especially nice blend of flavors. My apples were rather tart, so I tossed them with a small amount of sugar before I put them in the pan. I also used half light olive oil and half butter instead of the all butter in the recipe, and there was no discernible difference in taste.

How To Shape Crescent Rolls

Shirley — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:14:24 +0000

To shape crescent rolls, roll the dough into a circle that measures approximately twelve inches in diameter and one-quarter inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough. Cut the circle in half, then in fourths, etc., continuing as you would cut a pie until there are sixteen wedge-shaped pieces.

Freezing Apples For Pies

Shirley — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:44:53 +0000

We have two apple trees nearby that are literally loaded with apples this year. Last night I made a pie to see if these apples are ready for picking, and they are... so now I guess it's time to start freezing apples for fresh-baked pies for the months ahead! I use a really easy method... I just line a pie plate with aluminum foil, layer in the apples, sugar, spices, etc. and freeze. Decide beforehand, though, what pie plate you plan to bake your apple pies in, or you'll end up with a frozen pie shape that doesn't fit your crust!

“Mix In The Pan” Chocolate Cake

Shirley — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:56:48 +0000

This chocolate cake is really, really good! It is so good it would be worth making even if this were a complicated recipe, but this is one of those quick and easy cakes where you just put all the ingredients in a square pan and stir just enough to thoroughly blend everything together. This recipe makes a dark chocolate cake with a wonderful texture and flavor, and it's as easy as a cake mix to put together. Baking cakes can't get much easier or quicker than this!