August 2010 Grocery Challenge

jayII

Hippeechiq wrote: »

How odd - that's how much I used to spend on food - well, about £500 I reckon for 4 adults, but the odd shops for bits and pieces, I'm sure took that up to £600

I'm now aiming for £275 - came in at £299 last month, but it was my first month of properly keeping a tally, and I'm very pleased with that!



I'll hold you to that! Lately, I have days where I remember diddly squat, but I never forget anything to do with chocolate

That's amazing. My two are so big, that I suppose we are 4 adults now too. (How did that happen?!:rotfl:)

I'll post the recipe one day soon, it is so good, and keeps for ages.

wssla00

Hey all going to have an NSD today I may however go out foraging a bit later. I spied a huge plum tree with ripe yellow plums last week and want to get some for plum jam

Maybe see if there are any brambles too!

Have a good day all

wssla00

Where is the chocolate pud you are discussing? Is it on the recipe index?

Hippeechiq

Morning wssla00 Happy foraging Was hoping for a NSD myself, but don't think I can make the milk last until tomorrow.

tracey12 wrote: »

I went to the British Firework Championships with my daughter last night so spend £3.80 on a portion of chips and an ice cream :eek:

Blimey :eek: Did you have a nice time though?

jayII wrote: »

That's amazing. My two are so big, that I suppose we are 4 adults now too. (How did that happen?!:rotfl:)

I'll post the recipe one day soon, it is so good, and keeps for ages.

Thank you - it's a case of needs must. I was made redundant in January and that's all there is in the pot for food (£300)...well, I suppose we could manage £10 more, £20 if we borrowed from Peter to pay Paul, but that's a slippery slope, so I try as hard as I can. And the fact that we are eating better, makes the struggle worth it

There are still areas I could cut down on if I absolutely have to but Rome wasn't built in a day and I've pushed myself hard to get to where I am. I think it's important to acknowledge when you do achieve a reduction in your food bill from what it used to be, even if it's a tenner a month, it's a saving

I have so many more recipes in my repertoire now too. I can menu plan for a month without repeating a meal, and I'm enjoying eating new and different things and I look forward to the days planned meal, instead of thinking, oh it's such and such for tea tonight.....I think if you approach reducing your grocery bill as a challenge to find new/more interesting/more healthy/if possible cheaper recipes, then it becomes something to enjoy, rather than a drudge

Hippeechiq

wssla00 wrote: »

Where is the chocolate pud you are discussing? Is it on the recipe index?

This is it, but it's like a zillion calories, you have been warned

TheBees wrote: »

As requested, here is the recipe for self saucing chocolate pudding - found in a magazine a few years ago.

Serves 8 (or 4 hungry people!)

Pie dish 750ml (1 1/4pt)
125g plain flour
pinch of salt
60g caster sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
120ml milk
40g melted butter
1 egg
couple drops vanilla essence

Topping
180g muscovado or any brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
250ml boiling water

Method
Grease the pie dish
Sieve the dry ingredients into a bowl. Combine the milk, butter, egg and vanilla and mix with the dry ingredients all together. Pour into the pie dish. Cover with cling film and put in the fridge. Can be left overnight for the following day if you wish.
Preheat oven 180c. Sprinkle cocoa and sugar for the topping over the pudding. Pour the boiling water over the top. Do not mix. Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes until puffy and firm in the centre. May be served with cream or ice cream.

greent

Hippeechiq wrote: »

it's a case of needs must. I was made redundant in January and that's all there is in the pot for food (£300)...well, I suppose we could manage £10 more, £20 if we borrowed from Peter to pay Paul, but that's a slippery slope, so I try as hard as I can. And the fact that we are eating better, makes the struggle worth it

There are still areas I could cut down on if I absolutely have to but Rome wasn't built in a day and I've pushed myself hard to get to where I am. I think it's important to acknowledge when you do achieve a reduction in your food bill from what it used to be, even if it's a tenner a month, it's a saving

I have so many more recipes in my repertoire now too. I can menu plan for a month without repeating a meal, and I'm enjoying eating new and different things and I look forward to the days planned meal, instead of thinking, oh it's such and such for tea tonight.....I think if you approach reducing your grocery bill as a challenge to find new/more interesting/more healthy/if possible cheaper recipes, then it becomes something to enjoy, rather than a drudge

What a great post - and a fantastic way of approaching things, Hippiechiq!:T

wssla00 wrote: »

Where is the chocolate pud you are discussing? Is it on the recipe index?

Yes it is - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=29096773#post29096773

Hippeechiq

greent wrote: »

What a great post - and a fantastic way of approaching things, Hippiechiq!:T

Yes it is - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=29096773#post29096773

Thank you

gdyr1945

Our month goes from 18th - looks as though I will be on track to save £50 this month! Normally cc is £300-£350 but this month £250 - I am SO HAPPY! We are luck not to have any debts but still need to economise to have the occasional treat or holiday. Have been using top of cooker, Remoska or slow cooker so hoping electricity bills will also be smaller.
I was amazed at the amount of food I have in my freezer once I listed/sorted everything so will still be working through this next month so hoping to another low cc bill then too.
Have been saving my Valued Opinion Tesco gift cards for Christmas spending (hope it isn't too early to mention the C word) and have £40 to date.
These message boards have been such an inspiration and encouragment - Thank you everyone.

boultdj

Another $4.50 gone to FF. Oh my that chocolate pudding sound's lovley pity there's only 2 of us in the house:D must get Bro + SiL over to help eat it.

jayII

Hippeechiq wrote: »

Morning wssla00 Happy foraging Was hoping for a NSD myself, but don't think I can make the milk last until tomorrow.


Blimey :eek: Did you have a nice time though?



Thank you - it's a case of needs must. I was made redundant in January and that's all there is in the pot for food (£300)...well, I suppose we could manage £10 more, £20 if we borrowed from Peter to pay Paul, but that's a slippery slope, so I try as hard as I can. And the fact that we are eating better, makes the struggle worth it

There are still areas I could cut down on if I absolutely have to but Rome wasn't built in a day and I've pushed myself hard to get to where I am. I think it's important to acknowledge when you do achieve a reduction in your food bill from what it used to be, even if it's a tenner a month, it's a saving

I have so many more recipes in my repertoire now too. I can menu plan for a month without repeating a meal, and I'm enjoying eating new and different things and I look forward to the days planned meal, instead of thinking, oh it's such and such for tea tonight.....I think if you approach reducing your grocery bill as a challenge to find new/more interesting/more healthy/if possible cheaper recipes, then it becomes something to enjoy, rather than a drudge

I agree with greent, it's a great post, and a great motivator, Hippeechiq!

I've set my budget higher, but I should ideally be sticking to a spend £380 or less, if I want to avoid dipping into our house deposit savings. My dream is to spend even less than £380, and actually add to the savings. :cool:

Soya mince lasagne for tea for us tonight, one of our favourite meals.