make do and mend for tougher times

Popperwell

Morning All,
How's this for those who have/are considering getting a halogen oven...

http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipe/halogen-oven-recipes-keyword--easy-difficulty.html

In many cases I think that you can do a complete meal in the halogen oven but I can see a case for possibly working between a few appliances such as a microwave combi.

Last night used I two microwave ovens, one for 6 minutes and the other for 9 minute and if I read correctly that worked out around 11p. I had potatoes, sweet and sour chicken with rice.

Because I left everything in the tray it came in, no plates to wash. And I can reuse the container for other meals in the microwave.

fuddle

Morning pops, morning everyone to follow.

I've saved the link, thank you very helpful. I've been trying to find out the running costs of the halogen compared to a fan oven and cant. It doesn't really matter because I know I will be saving.

Going to wander around MSE this morning on a quest to try to shave down my bills even further. We do still squander money and DH lunches while at work is the main factor. I need to sort that and having tried a packed lunch, which was still expensive for a man, I think the only way to go is left over meals from the night before with a desert too.

Question for you. If I make a steamed pud or two, cut it up and freeze in portions, can I then defrost and give it to DH with a splash of custard to reheat in the microwave at work the next day?

sammy_kaye18

Morning all

Figured I should pop in and give you an update on my ongoing rent saga

Well they still cannot find the payment.

So when I went in on Wednesday to pay the outstanding balance was £544 :mad:

I paid £360 with their telephone banking again :eek: stupid force of habit but do have a card reference and a transaction number as well as paying by card so its on there.

and then paid £120 myself. So I had £64 outstanding which at least is better than £500!

Also got my council tax practically up to date - I think I owe £7.

Although I am royally skint this month now so have been taking stock of the fridge, freezer and cupboards! Im paid Thursday 9th but most of it is accounted for. After everything being paid I'll have £50 to my name to last me until the 28th/29th.

but thank god next month we should be back up to date and not have so many extras to pay!

Popperwell

Morning Sammy,
It's been a mightmare but if there is light at the end of the tunnel that is good to hear and even things are tigt budget wise and it should not be that way hopefully you can still have a life of sorts...

Fuddle, I can think of no reason why your idea of making steam puds, freezing and defrosting them cannot work.

http://www.deliaonline.com/premium-content/the-big-freeze/freezing-desserts.html

Not really hapy with this link but it's a start...

recoverydust

new poster come out of lurking, looking for a cheap way to get fabric and patterns for under 5's clothes
any suggestions very welcome
xx

Seraph123

Morning to one and all. Normally I just lurk in the dark corners reading everyone's contributions but just thought I would add my bit about halogens. Bought mine on Amazon for £39 and it's the one with extender rings and skewers for kebabs etc. Got it because DOH always using the main oven to heat up things like a single pasty or pie for his lunch.(he starts work at 3am so gets home about 2pm ravenous) He'd have the oven on for an hour for one little pasty!! Now he does in the halogen and it takes less than 10 mins. Takes bit a bit of practice to get it right and we are still learning but have even cooked a whole chicken in 35mins.

Ive learned so much from all you brilliant people on here so thank you to all .

Popperwell

This may be better

http://uktv.co.uk/food/thread/threadid/32682

greenbee

recoverydust wrote: »

new poster come out of lurking, looking for a cheap way to get fabric and patterns for under 5's clothes
any suggestions very welcome
xx

Try here for some inspiration

recoverydust

wow thats cool - reminds me of my nana
I can do that!
can i post pics when i have?
xx

Popperwell

recoverydust wrote: »

new poster come out of lurking, looking for a cheap way to get fabric and patterns for under 5's clothes
any suggestions very welcome
xx

Welcome RD,
I'm sure that you'll be helped...

Seraph123 wrote: »

Morning to one and all. Normally I just lurk in the dark corners reading everyone's contributions but just thought I would add my bit about halogens. Bought mine on Amazon for £39 and it's the one with extender rings and skewers for kebabs etc. Got it because DOH always using the main oven to heat up things like a single pasty or pie for his lunch.(he starts work at 3am so gets home about 2pm ravenous) He'd have the oven on for an hour for one little pasty!! Now he does in the halogen and it takes less than 10 mins. Takes bit a bit of practice to get it right and we are still learning but have even cooked a whole chicken in 35mins.

Ive learned so much from all you brilliant people on here so thank you to all .

Thank you Seraph
I have avoided pies for the reason you suggest 30mins+ for one small pie but the halogen oven might be the answer...as sometimes pies are not suitable for a microwave...having said that...they may cook quicker and ok in a combi microwave which can also grill and be used as an oven which I have and have just used for the first time last night...

So you've given me an idea...thank you...