September 2008 Grocery Challenge. Please read first two posts.

likabu_2

Well, it's the 1st day of my 1st shopping challenge and I am just back from Sainsbury's. Must admit I did loads better than I expected even with the 2 boys with me.

I spent £40.90 which I think is about all we will need for this week expect perhaps more milk. I remembered to buy pack lunch stuff for back to school!

Some of the Basics fruit and veg seems to be on offer, I got -

Basics apples (8 large) 40p
Basics citrus (lots of small) 80p
Basics white grapes (500g) 60p
Basics fairtrade bananas (8) £1
Basics pears (800g) 40p
Basics cooking onions 40p

Lisa

rosieben

cammumof3 wrote: »

Can any one tell me if there is a thread for freezing, as I'm not sure about meat mainly.
If can freeze it, if you need to defrost it etc etc.
Thank you
Caz

Post #4 in the Complete Cookery Collection has a lot of freezer stuff that may be useful.

If you have specific question post them here, you'll get loads of good advice.

And there's no such thing as a stupid question! Asking questions is how we all learn.

findingmyfeet

afternoon all,
welcome to all the new people.
catnap- glad you liked chatsworth, thats it now you will be back every year. Didnt spend much myself on account im skint but made sure i had saved the entry fee and petrol. Had a lovely picnic but later went for hog roast buttie- omg!!! £9.90 for 2 hot pork sandwiches. really nice though. Not many freebies this year they must all be cutting back. Must save extra for spends for next time.
Well nsd for me not going out, lots of housework to catch up on. DD decided she wants hm pizza today and not roast dinner, not arguing as my legs are aching.

see you all soon

gillaman

Whew, finally got through the thread, great to read everyone's so enthusiastic.

Crumble idea - tinned peaches drained, make the crumble with chopped walnuts, cinnamon and demarara sugar.

Using apples:

Apple pancakes - I use Granny Smiths as they don't need sugar to cook, plus cinnamon, either fill pancakes with apples and a dollop of whipped cream, or add the cream on top when they're filled
Apple batter - Can't remember the recipe for this but I know the batter doesn't contain eggs. Will try it out and post recipe next week.

Cooking rice - read this on I think the "use less gas and electricity" thread. Put rice and water in a pan, cover and bring to boil, simmer 2 minutes, turn off heating, leave covered for 10 mins. Tried this last night, turned out really well.

Blackberries - a friend of mine makes blackberry brandy, no idea of recipe, can get it if anyone's interested.

I made a courgette, carrot and coriander flan a couple of nights ago, ate half had the rest for lunch yesterday. For dinner last night I made some scrumptious sweetcorn fritters with a mango salsa - happened to have a tin of mango in, and rice. Yummy. Can post the recipe. It comes from Cranks - what do I do about giving credit please?

Anyone who's been made redundant (or family member) - hope you all get sorted. My dd's in this position and is getting very worried. She can feed the 5000 on fivepence but obviously also has bills to pay.

Sian the Green - so glad to hear your move/housemates all OK.

Janey51 - you'll find lots of help on this thread. Keep reading. Good luck.

All newbies - stick with it!!

My first shop will be on Tuesday. Now running out of essentials though have a full freezer with hm tomato soup, hm peppers, tofu burgers and lots more.

gillaman

Just noticed my new amount isn't on the first page. Posted it on August thread. Not getting "witchy" just making sure I don't get missed off. Mrs M can you put me down for £120 for September please. Came in at £20 under in August.

Thanks Gill

Hollysan

Hello everyone,

Such a huge thread already!

Well, we have had a busy summer holidays - a very wet week camping in Yorkshire, and lots of days out, in between working. The last two (long) weekends we have had family visiting, so just as well I wasn't doing the August challenge :rotfl:(gave myself a month off!) Back to school Wednesday, so I will be joining the September challenge tomorrow. MRS M, PLEASE PUT ME DOWN FOR £300, AND THANKS FOR KEEPING TRACK.How do I post my monthly total at the end? I've never known, and must fill it in this month, as the ladies are so good about keeping it all going. Thanks to anyone who lets me know how.

Good luck to everyone. Off to do a spot of menu planning.

Hollysan

kindlesgirl

Just done my last shop this month and have come in at £301.95 - well under budget - pretty pleased with my first attempt!

September I have asked to be put in for £320 as I'm not sure how packed lunches will affect the total - we'll see!

Keep up the good work everyone!

MRSMCAWBER

Hi Gillaman..

Just off to update the list -will make sure you are there ..once a new thread starts I stop looking at the previous thread or I end up cross eyed -not good for a x stitcher:p :rotfl:

jackie_w

LearningToSave. wrote: »

yep fine in smoothies.....with seeds removed obviously! its what i do with any we have lertover!

Hi,

Would you mind sharing your recipe for a watermelon smoothie? ive just thrown half of one out:mad: . I didnt even think about using one in a smoothie.

Jackie

BigMummaF

Welcome Newbies--hope you enjoy being in Our Gang
Welcome Back to those who have abstained for a while, whatever the reasons.
Good Vibes to the home movers/ students/ job seekers.
Hugs & handshakes to everyone

Special mentions for the newly singles...for whatever reason...please remember that you are having to adjust to a lot of different situations just now So while keeping an eye on what you spend in the supermarket is a good idea, try not to give yourselves a bad time if the bargain hunting gets a bit lost in the whole scheme of things OK?

BorneoGirl are the cereal bars you make similar to flapjacks? I adore the chewy type that has seeds &/or dried fruit in them but can't get the mix right, so would you mind posting your recipe please? Mine are too dry & crumble when I take them out of the dish, let alone trying to wrap for lunchboxes Need to research an asian market but think they are rarer than Hen's Teeth down here like many other places you folk mention.

Spends are £14:06 in MrS; £10:74 Farm Shop & £16:91 in Wilkos but that inc a new curtain rail but it's for the Kitchen & downstairs loo :whistle: