February 2014 Grocery Challenge

[Deleted User]

Planning on a NSD today.


DH has taken the boat, a couple of mates and gone tuna hunting! I suggested that snapper or cod would be nice, but they are not as exciting to catch so I don't fancy my luck.

I am making blackberry and apple jelly, with the last of the ripe apples from the orchard. Another 4 trees will be ready in the next couple of weeks, so will be looking for lots of new recipes.


I have started to substitute tuna in salmon recipes (well they are both oily fish) and it is working well. Dinner last night was a starter of panfried scallops in panko breadcrumbs and grilled tuna skewers that had been marinated in chicken stock and soy. Sounds weird but tasted really good.

Cheapskate

I started off well this month, but then it all went downhill! We've had a few takeaways, not too much money, but unnecessary nonetheless, and already close to my budget for the whole month, with 11 days to go! On the other hand, we've got through some of the ancient stuff in the freezer, and my pantry is now stuffed to the gunwhales - in fact, adult DS has explicitly banned me from any more stocking up! :rotfl:

It's half term next week, so hoping to knuckle down, and plan in advance for March. Our tax credits have been reduced by about 25%, there's an incentive if I needed another.

A xo

marris

NSD here. will this rain ever stop?

ikesmummy

No grocery spends today. Took the boys out on the first day of half term and took a packed lunch and flask. Did pay to get into a soft play to meet some friends but sneaked in some drinks and snackls (don't feel bad considering the entrance fee. Out with them again tomorrow but will take a packed lunch and flask again.

Did special fried rice for tea with a little pork put in the freezer from our roast the Sunday before last which went down well.

Actually best get out of bed to check the meal plan, have a feeling I should have gotten something out of the freezer before I came upstairs.

minicooper272

I am quite tempted to try out those organic veg box delivery services. I wondered if anyone else had given them a go, and whether they were good value for money?

I would be ordering a mini box - enough for 1-2 people (typically 6-7 veggies, most weeks include onions, potatoes and carrots)

minicooper272

dustysandals wrote: »

Surely 4 cans should be half price, and a bit extra off 'cos they're dented????

I have noticed this before as well - I sometimes nosey at the 'damaged goods' section in the local supermarket, thinking they will surely be a bit cheaper on the pro-rata basis, but they never are. Well I won't stress about it too much, I just don't go back there again for a little while. Supermarkets are funny places, I've learned not to take them at face value.

pinkparrott

CountingPennies wrote: »

I think my DH thinks i'm crazy. I've just put the £19.98 that I have left in this months budget in a pot and said thats all we have left and all food purchases have to come out of that! I think if i can physically see it, then i will be much more aware and spend less. I'm not expecting it to last the month, but i'm interested in seeing how long i can make it last.

CP xx

Ooo good idea ,I might try that and just take a few pounds or enough to cover what I need so I can't overspend

cw18

minicooper272 wrote: »

I am quite tempted to try out those organic veg box delivery services. I wondered if anyone else had given them a go, and whether they were good value for money?

I would be ordering a mini box - enough for 1-2 people (typically 6-7 veggies, most weeks include onions, potatoes and carrots)

I tried one for a family of four about 8 or 9 years ago. Included loads of veg I'd not used before (and which hubby and boys weren't happy trying), but the biggest problem was the company only delivered on a Tuesday, I really only wanted fresh veg at the weekend, and most/all the veg was on the turn by then. Given the cost of it (astronomical compared to non-organic from the supermarket) I gave it up after 4 or 5 deliveries.

mags50_2

Had a NSD but spent £4.54 yesterday on a couple of bits at Lidells.
Fed the family yesterday (23) and friends round tonight so did bubble and squeak with leftover veg from yesterday, sausages and peas...lovely and real comfort food had apple pie and custard for pudding...home made.

Stay safe x

just_the_two_of_us

Hi all - really pleased that last night's creamy chicken mushroom and smoky bacon pie - with onions and carrots was a hit!!! and the best bit is that because there was so much filling there are now two pieces in the freezer wating for another meal.

It was made using only the bits I scraped off the carcass and I am ashamed to say they would previously have gone in the bin:o. I haven't bought a whole chicken for ages but ch breasts are so expensive. Recently did sc ch casserole with thighs - yum -but would buy skinless and boneless ones next time.

Apple pie was also good - no bottom so sort of slimming!:rotfl:and again two pieces left for tea!! DH wouldn't let me freeze those:p. He has also gone to work with the pastry scraps made into a large Chorley type cake with raisins and sugar!!

Next time I am going to make my own pastry - was just using up what I had left in the freezer which is rather bare now!!

Can't wait to start planning for March as really enjoying trying new recipes within budget too so far!!!

Only need two meals until payday so should be well in budget- yay!!