August 2013 Grocery Challenge

Nicki_Sue · 8 August 2013 at 3:35PM

Nicky_Noo_Na wrote: »

If you are very new to bread making and don't have much time you should try the Airy Fairy Easy Peasy Soda Bread in a girl called jack's blog. I made it at the weekend as I havent made bread since school about 15 years ago! It took literally 5 minutes to make and then 20 mins to cook. Not sure if its ideal for sandwiches but was lovely with some soup. Could be a good starting point though?

I spend a lot of time on that blog, some great frugal (and inventive) recipes. I'm looking to see if I can swap loaves for hm in a way that makes it cheaper but I'm 100% sure it is looking at recipes etc because I get whoopsie loaves or for toast value bread at 47p a loaf. I might have a go at some of these fab recipes for treats and extras (those posted look fabulous) but can't see me swapping shop bought for HM at the mo though.
It was a good idea in theory lol!

Nicki_Sue · 8 August 2013 at 3:45PM

I aimed for £67 last week and finished on £67.44. Not too shabby. This week so far I have spent 45.58 in Lidl and Tesco and but have a full fridge etc so that should last a fair few days. Also £5.21 to the milkman (including a tray of eggs). I've updated my sig and am quite happy with this month! I can see a huge difference in food spends since restarting the challenge!

CountingPennies · 8 August 2013 at 4:10PM

Did my online holiday shop. Won't add to signature till its all confirmed but its around the £90.... ouch! However plenty of alcohol included in that, and treats for the kiddies! Been looking for tesco voucher to add to order, either free delivery or something but can't find anything unless you are a first time online shopper

Never mind!

Apart from that, i still haven't been to the shops. Making use of what is left in my home.... not a lot tho! Will be going to shops tomorrow to get food to travel with. We leave tomorrow afternoon for a week so i won't be online much (might use phone to read and thank post, but no good for posting). Really looking forward to a week away. Much needed!

CP xx

WantToBeSE · 8 August 2013 at 4:20PM

FINALLY been paid from my new job

:j

And also have had my Tax Credits claim processed.

So, i am going to pay all of my bills, and then do my food shop online tomorrow. I am going to start rebuilding my stock cupboard that has been depleted over the last 12 months.

It feels good to be earning again

hollieinbloom · 8 August 2013 at 4:24PM

Afternoon! went shopping yesterday and spent £19.53 so will add to sig. Was mostly baking items and it also included a new baking tray for £3. It's Oh's birthday sunday and I'm making cherry and coconut cake. YUM! x x

Puddickle · 8 August 2013 at 4:27PM

Those bread rolls do look fab - I might have a go at making some myself... but my baking skills aren't exactly brilliant!

With just tonight and tomorrow to go I think we are on track to not spend any more money on groceries this week... which means we are still under target. We're going away on holiday (camping over the bank holiday weekend, with parents and sister) and they all have much more money than we do so it might be difficult to keep within budget... but we are quite determined to see what we can do, and we've told them what we are trying to achieve so hopefully they will be supportive.

Florenceem · 8 August 2013 at 5:19PM

Teg-Rem wrote: »

Hi Florenceem, what is the recipe for your all in one cake it looks delicious, I wouldn't mind having a go at that, don't do much baking but could probably manage that one, my cakes always go flat, and presumably it's cheap to make aswell??
thanks in anticipation.

Sift 6 ozs Self Raising flour + 1 rounded tsp baking powder into bowl. Add 3 eggs + 6 ozs caster sugar + 6 ozs Utterly Butterly or similar soft marge - suitable for baking. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Then I whisked with electric hand whisk - you could beat with wooden spoon - just take longer. I found the mix was not soft enough so added 1 1/2 Tbsp of water.
I used 7 inch cake tins as didn't have 8 inch ones. I greased the tins and drew round the bottom onto baking parchment - cut out and lined base.
Cook 30 - 35 minutes - 170. I used 160 as new powerful fan oven. Don't open door for 30 minutes or cake will flatten.
Turn out on to wire tray.
I put the cooled cakes in a old Christmas biscuit tin overnight then sandwiched together with jam this morning. I find they sandwich better - the next day. I sprinkled top of cake with caster sugar.
Cost - for 12 slices of yummy cake - 89p.
So much nicer than shop bought.

[Deleted User] · 8 August 2013 at 6:10PM

:oMind if I join you.

Decided to try and start controlling my spend on Groceries. Quite a tight budget at the moment as trying save for holidays in September. I am starting afresh from tomorrow so have decided August into weeks. I have 3 weeks which I have a total spend of £75.00 so it is going to be a challenge as that is what I pay for my groceries per week. However, I do have full cupboards and freezer plus a new s/c to play with.

Will be back when I spend some money, hopefully it not until Saturday.

x

meg72 · 8 August 2013 at 6:10PM

Just a quick post to say Asda have 3 killo bags of Allison Strong Bread flour for 2.00. I have stocked up as its my favourite.

meg72 · 8 August 2013 at 6:12PM

WantToBeSE wrote: »

FINALLY been paid from my new job :j

And also have had my Tax Credits claim processed.

So, i am going to pay all of my bills, and then do my food shop online tomorrow. I am going to start rebuilding my stock cupboard that has been depleted over the last 12 months.

It feels good to be earning again

So pleased its been sorted for you at last, you have really had a struggle.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

August 2013 Grocery Challenge

Comments

Categories

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free