May 2021 Grocery Challenge

goldfinches

@GSDMum - thanks for the info, I'll let you know how I get on and if the results aren't shaming there might even be a photo or two tomorrow or sometime thereafter.
Currants and almonds sounds delectably moreish to me, what do you think about a little grated citrus zest or cardamom seeds combined with orange juice rather than milk?

joedenise

My main shop for this week done yesterday and was more than usual but not sure if that is because I picked up things which weren't on my list, although needed such as food bin bags which I prefer from Sainsbugs and as I needed to go to Argos to pick up a Click and Collect clothing order decided might as well do shopping there. Some things were definitely dearer but others were cheaper so all swings and roundabouts really.  Total spend so far this month is £63.67 (I try to spend no more than £50 a week usually!).  This leaves me with £186.33 left for rest of the month so certainly doable.

I also spent some of the bulk fund on a side of salmon and a big pork loin joint to smoke so there will be plenty of smoked salmon and smoked bacon to go in the fridge which should last 2-3 months depending on how often it goes into the menu plan - but unlikely to use much this month as the menu plan is already done but who knows if DH will decide he fancies some bacon or smoked salmon!

Salmon is being cured at the moment and will be smoked tomorrow morning probably, although DH might prefer to do it overnight and then slice up in the morning (takes 12 hours to smoke to how we like it).

He's the reason we've spent more than usual so far as we were away at the weekend and if didn't want the meals I'd planned and spotted some nice sausages and Barnsley chops in the butchers window so ended up buying those!  So instead of just having bacon with our fry up Sat and Sun morning we had sausages as well!

Suffolk_lass

GSDMum said:

@GSDMum - that recipe sounds delicious and even better I've got all the ingredients already. 

Can I just ask how many biscuits it makes please and whether I'm right in thinking that I should melt the butter and sugar together then stir in the bicarb before adding that mixture to the dry ingredients?
I've got some prunes and dried figs needing to be used up so I thought I might chop those up small and soak them in lemon juice overnight and add them in if you think they'd work?

@goldfinches; I suppose you could add melted butter, I rubbed softened butter into the dry mixture like you'd do with pastry. The first time I made 12, the second time (using the same round cutter) I must have rolled the mixture thinner as I got 14. The next time I'll use a smaller cutter cos they are so moreish, and they might last longer . The biscuits are dry, so I don't think you'll need to soak the fruit otherwise the mixture will be soggy. But soaking them could work, experimenting can bring some surprises. Think currents would work, maybe I'll have a go with currents and a few chopped almonds.

I just wondered if you had tried the Twinks hobnobs recipe on here - very easy and makes loads (I usually do half the recipe)?

GSDMum

Thank you @Suffolk_lass, a search shows they are legendary! Certainly going to have a go at these! THANK YOU TWINKS!
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/471992/homemade-hobnobs

fifi63

No spend yet but I have an Asda order to collect tomorrow for £51. This doesn't include any fruit as I've stopped ordering it. The quality has been poor recently. I would rather shop in store and pick the best. Did save a wee bit if cash today by making my DH a heat pad using an old (clean😄)sock and some rice that we didn't like.  You then microwave it for 2 minutes. Hopefully it will do the trick .

t14cy_t

community larder was even better than usual!! so £7 spent well there. topped up the groceries with £10 spent in morrisons for essentials.  also got 6 lots of wraps for free using cashback site (now put in the freezer)  and 2 boxes cereal free from local lady who was having a sort out. then to top it all our bangladeshi neighbours brought round 2 large plates of goodies as a thankyou to DH who had put a lock on their gate for them!! not sure what it all is as theres quite a language barrier, but smells delish!! a very enterprising day all in all.

GSDMum

Tonight I booked a Morrisons Click and Collect. 
I had my shopping list prepared, ordering ingredients for the rest of the month's menus. I didn't let myself wander on Morrisons' website, though I did indulge in a bag of ancient grains for making bread. Freezer bags, bin liners, and cleaning stuff was also on the list. 
We had a cheap dinner tonight, home made quiche and air-fried chips - it was lovely! DH never said a word about the lack of meat! 
Hoping I don't need another 'big shop' for the rest of the month. Tomorrow I'm off to the street market to pick up loads of 1st class fruit and veg, usually for less than £15!.

JingsMyBucket

Evening all. Some updates from the past few days. 

£24.79 for bananas, ginger, 2 packs of YS lamb steaks, 2 packs of YS pork mince, laundry detergent, air freshener, dried bean mix for soups, and other stuff I can’t remember. 

£6.20 for bulk cans of chopped tomatoes and a small lamb moussaka because I couldn’t be bothered making dinner. 

£15.00 for a fruit and veg box from the vegan store. We’ll collect that tomorrow morning after voting. 

£12.81 spent by OH at M ß S for mushrooms, 2 bags of potatoes, eggs, YS chocolate desserts, avocados, tomato paste, rosemary and a sandwich for me. 

£58.80 spent

£296.65 / £400.00 remaining 
After collecting the veg and fruit box tomorrow, I’ll review what needs to be bought at Lidl this weekend. I’m mostly going for dried beans, pasta, ham hock, heavy duty sponges, bathroom cleaner, and a few Italian Week items like sun dried tomatoes or cheeses. Going forward I’d like to stick to about £40 to £50 per week. Night all. 

pamsdish

£2.05 in M0rr1s0ns, was £17.05 really, decided to use my more points as not sure what changes they are making to the system, so stocked up on my tonics and ginger ale, y.s loaf, y.s monkfish, and 4 cans of the spicy tomato soup I like

Pixiehouse55

Hi @elsiepac could you please put medow for £350 this  month please? Ran out a lot of stored food so more spends this month thank .you. So payday was Tuesday and we done a click and collect. Lots missing on online shop so also went to Asdi. Total so far £205.78 then £21 at Brockley stores. Total so far £226.78