I've got loads of questions/queries/problems!

EssexHebridean

southernscouser wrote: »

Firstly, I'm sorry.

Secondly, I'm sorry again. :rotfl:

No need to be sorry - this is exactly what we and this board are here for - always happy to be of service!

OK, I'll try and keep this as short as possible. :rolleyes:

I'm sure you've had dozens of these already and I will start reading the board more but I need to cut my food bill. Last year I was probably averaging £200 a month. That's just for me. I don't even really drink so alcohol is a very small part of that.

I cook all my meals, no ready meals or anything, but I need to start cooking cheaper, and stop throwing away so much. As an example, I had to throw away a whole unopened packet of wraps which could of gone in the freezer but didn't. Half packets of bacon that don't get used. Mouldy veg. Potatoes going off. I need to get more organized/organised!
This may already have been suggested but have you had a look at our Leftovers / Don't throw food away challenge thread? The idea is that rather a lot of us have decided that we want to cut back on our food waste too and we're using the thread as a way of working out what we can do with the random items left at the back of the fridge!

I've tried meal planning but to very little/no success. For whatever reason I don't stick to it, or when I do I end up buying stuff that I don't need, or do need, but half of it goes off and has to be chucked! First rule of meal planning - to plan adequately you need first to know what you've got in. In other words, cupboards, larder, freezer etc all need to be inventoried. Only then can you start to plan meals - initially using up ingredients you already have in. If you don't already have one get yourself a book to note shopping lists & requirements in - when you start to come towards the end of something note it in the book then you won't forget to restock.

It also doesn't work very well because I can't/won't/don't cook many things. However I'm now armed with Jamie Olivers Ministry of Food to widen my variety (I even bought fish today ).

I also need to make things cheaper. For example, I probably eat spag bol 3 times a week. For 5 portions it costs me about £11.50. Mince - £3.75, Spaghetti - £0.50, Mushrooms - £0.88, Dolmio x 2 - £5, Other bits/herbs - £0.10, Garlic bread - £1.25.

So it's £2.28 per portion but if I could make my own sauce like Dolmio I could save quite a bit. Does anyone know how I can make Dolmio but cheap? :think:

Others have already given you some ideas - mine is as simple as mince - (can't tell you how much, depends on how much the nice lady at the farmers market has packed into her £3-ish bags!) Garlic. Tinned toms (one tin per two portions), a small to medium onion per two portions, and a good dollop of tomato puree. I usually throw in some herbs - Ideally fresh but failing that dried works well. Salt & Pepper and a spoonful or so of sugar. Brown the mince, chuck in the chopped onion and garlic. I sometimes throw in some sliced mushrooms as well, come to think of it, and maybe a diced pepper or two......Once those are softened add the tomatoes and puree. Stir well and bring to a simmer - add dried herbs if using (if using fresh they would go in closer to the end of cooking) - I then cook mine for an hour or so with the lid on. Taste, then season. You'll find a spoonful of sugar really enhances a tomato based sauce by the way. Add a little water if it's started to look dry, then simmer for another hour, or until you remember it's still cooking. Either works. Portion out, cool and freeze. Very tasty.
Admittedly some of my bill will go on fizzy drinks but other than that I don't really eat alot of junk. I might spend £6-8 on fruit per week which I don't mind doing as it's good quality, healthy, and yummy.

Try visiting pick your own places in the summer for fresh fruit at much lower prices than the shops. You can also freeze berries for use during the winter months in muffins, crumbles etc.

I've not worried about the final questions as I know they've been answered by others. Some things that might be helpful - try getting yourself a diary specifically for the kitchen. Write your meal plans in it. The notes and address sections at the back can be used for shopping lists, recipe ideas, tips from here or anything else you feel like writing down. A meal plan in your head is unlikely to work - one written down in black and white may well succeed. If you need to remember something specific - ie, to soak some beans for a stew, write it on a post it note and stick it somewhere you'll definitely see it. How often do you visit the supermarket? Each time you "just pop in" for something, I bet you spend more than you intended to. Plan your meals and write a proper list - remember the basics like bread and milk - then shop once a week. Work out where your local farmers markets are and go along - for a browse initially then as you gain confidence you can start buying. Apples at ours, for example, are usually much nicer than supermarket ones and also cheaper - plus you can try before you buy!

Good luck - and never feel afraid to come back here and ask questions!

EssexHebridean

Nitha wrote: »

How much are value tinned tomatoes at the moment? Last time I went to Mr T's they were 33p! I'm sure they used to be only 20p max?

They went up from 21p a few weeks back. Asda, Mr S, Mr T's and Lidl are all the same price too. :mad:

nesssie1702

Nitha wrote: »

How much are value tinned tomatoes at the moment? Last time I went to Mr T's they were 33p! I'm sure they used to be only 20p max?

Lidl and Aldi were selling them for the same price the last time I looked. Don't think anyone's doing them for cheaper than 33p.

Tomato puree is 25p a tin in most places too

EssexHebridean

I was in Lidl earlier - their Baked bean and chopped tomatoes prices were the same as Tesco and their sweetcorn was slightly more expensive. :mad: Meant to check the price of tomato puree in tubes but forgot.

TheBees

OMG! We haven't enjoyed reading a thread so much in ages - you are so funny!! :rotfl:

Re the spoon we think you're using a ladle by mistake which is probably double a tablespoon! Look out for a cheap set of measuring spoons (in Lakeland or Kitchen department of Tesco, car boot sale or charity shop! but in the meantime just use 3 teaspoons.

We also got the new J Oliver book for Christmas and can recommend the chicken korma recipe which is really easy to follow with the fluffy rice. Also the cod wrapped in smoked bacon. Really quick and easy!

Look forward to hearing your latest updates!
TheBees

southernscouser

I know it doesn't look particularly appetising but it was pretty damn nice.

southernscouser

Does anyone know if I can freeze mozzarella if it's been opened? :think:

skintscotslass

southernscouser wrote: »

Does anyone know if I can freeze mozzarella if it's been opened? :think:

I dont think so, I think the water content is too high. Make your own 'pizzas' take a wrap or piece of bread, spread with tomato puree and then bung the mozzarella on. Toast under the grill for a couple of minutes. Lovely

Hawthorn

EssexHebridean wrote: »

I was in Lidl earlier - their Baked bean and chopped tomatoes prices were the same as Tesco and their sweetcorn was slightly more expensive. :mad: Meant to check the price of tomato puree in tubes but forgot.

39p for the tubes.

I was disgusted by the Passata - 44p!!! Only used to be 29p grrr.

I swear I sound like an old lady walking around the shops, grumbling at the prices

Edit - Aldi for potatoes (unless the actual big supermarkets do them cheaper instore, than they do online) I got 10kg, for under a pound today. They are on the 'super six' offer....even without that though, they are cheaper than Asda smartprice (77p for 2.5k - Aldi, 89p for 5k)

And lentils??? Didn't lentils used to be like, 40p or something? They're double that now.

shopndrop

skintscotslass wrote: »

I dont think so, I think the water content is too high. Make your own 'pizzas' take a wrap or piece of bread, spread with tomato puree and then bung the mozzarella on. Toast under the grill for a couple of minutes. Lovely

Does this mean that the extra pizza (complete with topping) I made last night and put in the freezer will be no good? I was using up some mozzarella, peppers, courgettes etc and thought that rather than throw it away I could make up a pizza, freeze it and use it next week.