Lots more Sneaky Ways to save the pennies

Wombatchops

I was just thinking about the rehydrating pasta tip, which by the way I tried and it is genius. While you have it sat in the pan waiting to be put on the hob, could you maybe put the saucepan on a sunny windowsill? Would the heat warm the water up a bit so it would be quicker to boil once it is on the hob? Or would the heat be negligible so it wouldn't have any effect?

Primrose

On the bais of pasta rehydrating in slightly warm water, would it work if you poured the remaining boiled hot water from yiur kettle over it? Or would ir just go all cloggy snd stick together ?

DollyDabbler

I boil the water and pasta in the pan with the lid on, then turn off the gas and leave it with the lid on. it takes 10 to 15 mins to cook. I once left the pasta in the pan with the water, but no heat for about 2 hours, when I realised and looked the pasta was fine and tasted allright when stirred into the sauce.

Frugalsod

Primrose wrote: »

On the bais of pasta rehydrating in slightly warm water, would it work if you poured the remaining boiled hot water from yiur kettle over it? Or would ir just go all cloggy snd stick together ?

You could put a little butter or oil in to stop it sticking together. The biggest problem is leaving it to pre soak too long.

Though once re hydrated you could simply microwave in what ever sauce you want.

Frugalsod

If you have a combination microwave, then you could try cooking things with microwaves and heat simultaneously. For my microwave that has 30% power microwave at the same time as heat it effectively halves the cooking time. Though you need to experiment as some items come out over cooked if too long.

[Deleted User]

I raid the yellow sticker veg section at the supermarket. I buy up veg I regularly use. Because it usually needs to be eaten the same day, I take it home, blanch it in boiling water and freeze it in freezer bags then my cheap veg lasts months.

Wombatchops

I managed to save quite a few pounds a while back. My DD1 is in Reception year at school, and every year her school has a dress up day where the kids get to dress up as pirates.

Most of the parents bought pirate costumes for the day, but I didn't want to buy a costume because it was a waste of money. I decided instead to dress her up in black leggings which were slightly too small, a blue and white stripey top, so that she looked like a cabin boy (or rather girl), and she already had a plastic hook from I can't remember where. But, to make sure she really looked the part, I got some black eyeliner, and on one forearm I drew an anchor, and on the other forearm I drew a skull and crossbones, so it looked like she had pirate tattoos. She had the most original costume in the year, and I didn't have to spend a penny.

Frugalsod

drinkupretty wrote: »

I raid the yellow sticker veg section at the supermarket. I buy up veg I regularly use. Because it usually needs to be eaten the same day, I take it home, blanch it in boiling water and freeze it in freezer bags then my cheap veg lasts months.

Actually most YS food has reached its sell by date. It could be fine for another week or more. As long as you keep it sealed and chilled you could be fine for several days. Though I do freeze somethings straight away.

amber03

Wombatchops I work in a school and must say on dressing up days the children who's parents have made up an outfit look better than those who have bought an outfit. Last time we had so many elsa's all dressed the same. I understand some parents don't or cannot make costumes. The last time the best was a little girl dressed as "where's wally". Her mum said she had a red pair of shorts, went to primark bought a striped red and white t shirt and striped tights for four pounds and pair of back plastic glasses for 50p. Simple but effective.

elona

I well remember middle dd at about seven being an "angel" and I looked out an old cotton yellowing sheet. held it against her, cut neck and sleeve holes and she sobbed thinking it would be awful:eek:

After bleaching the material, sewing it up and adding a home made sequin belt. trimming to neckline and sleeves and a few bits of lace - it looked OK! Teacher asked where had I bought it!;)