hello just to introduce myself and ask for a few tips

princess_skint_a_lot_2

Hi there

Im quite new to this board and have been reading it with the greatest of interest for a few weeks now, Id just like to say thank you for the many tips on here, they have got me through a really difficult time( I had 3.00 to last me the week, and not much in the way of a large store cupboard or full freezer) but ive done it, i get child benefit in tomorrow and i still have 22p in the bank.

I have two kids a gorgeous little girl and an absolutely beautiful step daughter who i love like my own, the problem is due to ill health of my DH he is not working, and im not working as my daughter is recovering rom cancer and i want to spend every minute i can with her (shes only 6). We get very little money on income support, and what we do get is only enough for 3 (even though my step daughter lives with us half the time, her mum gets all child benefit etc). I dont want them to feel deprived of treats and sweets, but we just dont have the money for this kind of thing on a regular basis. Does anyone have any recipes that i can make quite cheaply for treats for the kids (they are jellied out and i may get hung if i present them with jelly again no matter how many times i sing jelly on a plate when i serve it up). Also any tips for really cheap meals that i can freeze?

Kind regards

Dx

Pink.

Hi princess skint,

Welcome to the Old Style board. I'm sorry that you're going through such a rough time.

We don't do dessert on a regular basis but if my lot want something sweet after a meal they help themselves to fruit or yoghurt, or can have something from the baking tins (biscuit, traybake, slice of banana bread etc).

Cheap desserts I can think of, off the top of my head are rice pudding, quick microwave sponge puddings, baked apples or fruit crumbles and cobblers made from tinned fruit or fruit that is about to turn. What about ice cream and tinned fruit? These threads should give you more ideas:

cheap & cheerful home made biscuits/puddings

cheap tasty puddings

Pudding and dessert recipes

Healthy snacks for kids

And these threads might give you some cheap meal ideas:

Cheapest recipes???

Meal for two for 50p. Suggestions?

The Cheapest Healthy Meal Ever!

Feed 6 for £1.62

Cheapest meal

Your Cheapest Evening Meal.

cheap, easy family meals

Show Jamie How To Cook On A Budget Champagne Contest

Meal idea's under £1

£20 to feed a family of 4 for a month?

I hope things improve for you soon.

Pink

Butterfly_Brain

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles hun ((hugs))
Welcome to the board

Twinks world famous hob nobs are a good start http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=471992&highlight=twinks+hob+nobs

Or why not pop down to your local library and get a few cookery books you could get some great ideas

I make my own marshmallows, nougat and turkish delight but you do need a kenwood mixer and sugar thermometer.

There are some good recipes here too

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/fruitylollipops_93240.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/marshmallows_93239.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/nougat_93479.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/chewyseedyoatandapri_84717.shtml

McKneff

My favourite home made sweets, made at school, many years ago

Icing suger
Egg white
peppermint essence. (tiny amount)

Mix it up, form into small balls and flatten with a fork, leave to set.

MMMMMMMMMMM georgeous and so easy for the kids to make.

when set you can also dip one half in chocolate and leave to set again.
even more MMMMMMMMMMMM

Good luck

thriftlady_2

Butterscotch popcorn is a good one and also semi healthy popcorn being a whole grain and all.

Popcorn kernals last for ever, you only need a couple of spoonfuls for a huge bowlful. Tesco have it with their wholefoods.

Put 2 tbsp of oil in a pan with 2 tbsp of popcorn. Turn the heat to medium and slap on a lid. Wait for the popping to start. don't take the lid off! Wait for it to subside and then take a peek, you should have a pan full of fluffy popcorn.

Melt a chunk of butter with a couple of spoonfuls of golden syrup or brown sugar and pour over the popcorn, toss to coat. Peanut butter is nice added to the melted mixture.

MrsBartolozzi

Some great ideas posted already, but value/basics etc version of angel delight is 7p. This can be made up with extra milk and frozen for ice lollies or just as a pudding it makes a nice change from jelly .

princess_skint_a_lot_2

thanks so much dor the ideas and links everyone i feel like ive been readin for hours but got lots of lovely recipes and ideas for the weekend of baking im about to have. Thank you so much

Deb xxx:beer:

parsonswife8

Good luck to you and yours princess skint a lot.:wave:

And Pink-winged, you are a credit to this forum!

:T:T:T:T:T:T

Debtphobic_Dinah

Sorry to hear of your troubles- Ihope your loved ones make a speedy recovery.
My son loves value tinned rice pudding , most supermarkets do it at around 18p and its useful to have in as a standby. My 17yo DS can eat up to 3 tins per day!
Also, have you done the benefits check on here. Things like carers allowance and DLA come to mind.

Chipps

Our kids used to love instant mini pizzas: toast bread on one side, then spread other side with a mixture of tomato ketchup, with a pinch or so of dried basil or oregano & possibly a small amount of garlic salt. Top with grated cheese then grill till melted.

jexygirl

I am glad you and your daughter / family are winning against a terrible disease, I hope and pray for you and send huge hugs.

I would go with twinks all the time! My customers complain when I dont have them on the menu! (as always I credit twink and they feature as "twinks" on the dessert board.
I also think its easy to think you arent doing enough, when you are doing way more! You are great, how many families truly have a dessert after each meal... treats, maybe, but you are doing a great job even asking GJ
Jex