FOOD SHOPPING FOR A FAMILY - ISH

16011996

curry with baked beans in it my kids trump enough on plain curry. :-[

Sarahsaver

LMAO ;D

Tried this on my lads yesterday, homemade fishcakes with spinach mashed into the mixture as well. Well they were more like fish 'balls' but i think the shape appeals more to kids. Cost about 50p to make twelve or thereabouts (cant remember exactly because i pinched a couple)

Wondering if we need to start a 'hidden veg' thread ;D

16011996

mmm hidden veg thread not a bad idea. i whizz mash with carrots or broccoli in it with stick blender to make it coloured and hide the veg. works a treat.

16011996

had curry last night. was yummy. can't wait to have the rest.

Cariad_3

Hi there,

I always used to shop in one store now I tend to shop according to value and likes of the family ie. I visit Lidl at least every 2 wks and bulk buy their orange juice(orange carton) 35p litre 100% fruit content- my children love this and its double most other places. I'm quite happy then to go through a carton a day.
Also I think it is much cheaper and healthier if you make your own curries, chillies, bologneses and freeze them than this often tasteless, budget stuff that is mass produced.
I try and make sponges, muffins with the children which if you buy flour etc from Aldi/Lidl is under 20p costs very little and the children love baking.  You must use a mixer for quickness and taste (handmixer £5 Argos) Delia Smiths Victoria Sponge is quick and melts in your mouth!(all-in-one method) Pizzas are cheap and fun to make with the children even if you just buy the pizza bases and add the toppings and far more tasty.
What about growing some veg in your garden, even if its just tomato plants in pots, lettuces etc Or try and make friends with people from your local allottment!
Pick blackberries with the children- its free. Freeze them if you pick too much. Make simple blackberry crumble or add to plain yoghurt with honey.
There are also internet sites like Miserly Mums-frugal tips that also give you budget cooking ideas.
I think its about doing what you can without exhausting yourself- Its all about planning & it sounds as if you're doing a brilliant job. Good luck!

Jay-Jay_4

I make mushroom soup like this:-

10oz mushrooms (chopped)
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
1 onion (chopped)
1 tbsp pl flour
3/4 pint veg/chicken stock
3/4 pint milk


heat oil in saucepan & add mushrooms and onion, fry for 2 mins then cover & sweat for 6-7 mins (the mushrooms and onions, not you!)

stir in the flour and cook for 1 min

gradually add stock & milk

bring to the boil then simmer partly covered for 15 mins.

allow to cool a little then whizz it with a stick blender

add salt & pepper and a little cream if you fancy

Now my little girl (age 5) doesn't like mushrooms but we call this 'mushroom soup with no mushrooms in' and she loves it!

Much nicer than shop bought tins

jo_b_2

Delia Smiths Victoria Sponge is quick and melts in your mouth!(all-in-one method)

Sounds quick and simple. My kind of cooking! You don't happen to have the recipe to hand, do you?

Also, have you got the full address for the miserly mums site?

16011996

having a bash at mushroom soup tonight, my kids say they hate mushrooms, so will have to see how we get on. ;D ;D

jaybee

I was going to suggest that you told them they were magic mushrooms but perhaps not!!!! Might cause a few raised eyeborws at school tomorrow.

16011996

two of the kids ate it no problem, other one said it looked like concrete and wasn't eating it. thats a good result in our house.