The all new using what you have from your Freezer, Cupboard or Shed (Barn)

RHemmings

Cherryfudge said:

RHemmings said

The only recipe I regularly made from it was the bhaji. That in itself is worth the price of admission. I was thinking that I would go for a kindle version, and I probably will. Thanks. 

I'm assuming you've already been very MSE and checked the library? If your local one doesn't have it, they may be able to get it on inter-library loan which I think has a charge but less than buying the book

Thank you.

I hadn't thought of doing that. I did a search and unfortunately they don't have it. I'll look further. It would cost me £6 for an inter-library loan and I think I'd prefer to pay £7.49 for a Kindle version. 

cuddlymarm

Good morning guys
I’m sorting tomorrows tea as well as todays at the moment. British Gas has half price electricity between 11 and 4 on a Sunday if you sign up to the peak save scheme. So veg chilli in the big slow cooker using up the last of the frozen onions, half a bag of veggie mince and tinned tomatoes and beans. In the slow cooker is mince, carrots and onions, which is going to be cottage pie with the last of the potatoes and some frozen Brussels sprouts. I’m making room in the freezer for bread and a bit of the Xmas food that’s coming on my online shop tomorrow. 

Lunch is an omelette for me and sausage, egg and a few frozen chips for OH as we’re out of bread until tomorrow. It’s only pennies saved by doing tomorrow’s food but they are my pennies 😀

RHemmings

I think I've cooked my last new big batch of food before I leave the country next Sunday. I've got six frozen home-cooked meals in the fridge, and I've already had dinner tonight. However, I should get through all of those before I leave. I cooked up the last of the peanuts to make roasted salted peanuts. It made quite a few of them, but they should go. I can take the remainder with me. 

I've just made and eaten some pea soup as recommended above. It might have had a bit much onion and mushroom in it to qualify as pea soup, but the peas that originally I thought I would waste most of are getting nearish the end. I didn't put too many peas in as I thought the soup would be too thick, but it's thin. Oh well, live and learn. I may have used more pepper than I would usually do, but I like that part of the result

I won't get through the frozen ginger/garlic cubes, but I realised some time ago that I wouldn't. I'm planning to have the fridge fully empty when I leave and switch it off. 

Today I bought some frozen Punjabi samosas, and some Stork baking block. But, I'm going to take these with me. Cooked and eaten on the way for the samosas, but I'm going to take a risk and take the baking block with me and hope it is still usable at my destination. Oh, and one dairy-free cheese for which I'm taking the same gamble as the baking block.

But, there is still the issue of eight rocket lollies in the freezer. Either they are going to be wasted or ... I need to get on with eating them. Now. 

Even though I know I'm not going to manage to use up everything 100%, I think I've done a reasonable job of getting through stuff. 

Cherryfudge

I think you've done an amazing job, @RHemmings!

We've finished up some chicken from the freezer and a couple of boxes of stock cubes (only one left in each, I hasten to add).

At the moment there are lots of carrots and peppers to eat up, half a punnet of mushrooms, lots of plain yogurt and not much milk. Tomorrow's shopping needs to include milk and rice. I've not planned a menu yet.

Cherryfudge

We had a quick look at menu planning today and realised the Christmas season is upon us - I'm eating out tomorrow and will be at a class on Thursday, so DH will fend for himself. On Wednesday and Friday DH has two work functions to attend so I'll fend for me.

I've pulled some more chicken out of the freezer (and discovered there's yet more on another shelf) so tonight will be chicken and chorizo pasta. Two bags of home-frozen parsnips have just been made into that classic winter-warmer, curried parsnip soup, which also uses some of the yogurt. On Thursday I'll defrost liver and bacon and put a casserole in the slow cooker so each of us can eat when we get in. There's also another batch of cauliflower cheese to make (or the spicy cauliflower, depending what I have in).

Tomorrow I have to be in as we're having work done, so I might bake to replace the little cakes I've just finished.

Cherryfudge

RHemmings said:

I won't get through the frozen ginger/garlic cubes, but I realised some time ago that I wouldn't. I'm planning to have the fridge fully empty when I leave and switch it off. 

When I used to have to leave a fridge empty, I'd open the door and put a folded tea towel over to prevent it closing - it helps prevent mould growing inside. Also possibly a dish of bicarb inside to help it keep fresh.

If you still have the ginger, how about making up some ginger syrup to take with you, either to add to coffee or on its own in hot water? I make a version (in American cups but any cup would do) with 1.5 cups of water, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp ginger, 0.25 tsp cinnamon and 0.25 tsp vanilla essence - boil together in a largeish pan and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve it neat only if you want to see someone's hair stand on end, which is entertaining but not advisable.  

The original recipe says it can also be used to make gingerbread but I've not tried this. I can't attribute it, sorry - long since lost the link, but it was a copy of St@rbucks gingerbread latte. 

P.S. I expect it's good drizzled on vanilla ice cream too.

Frugalistamama

I've got COVID! That's why I've been feeling so ill. 

Silver lining... I've bit been spending any money!

cuddlymarm

Hi guys
Leftover chilli and potato wedges for tea. Egg on toast for lunch and I’ve 3 oranges that need eating ( they’ve been getting ignored in favour of Christmas chocolate )
Any chilli left after that will freeze as we’re babysitting tomorrow which means we get fed while we’re there.

Cherryfudge

Frugalistamama said:

I've got COVID! That's why I've been feeling so ill. 

Silver lining... I've bit been spending any money!

Oh no! Get well soon, and meanwhile take it as easy as possible.

RHemmings

Thanks for the advice @Cherryfudge. And get well soon @Frugalistamama

Today is the day when - all going well - I will finish off the frozen cooked meals in the freezer, and then I have a few days to do what I can for bits in the fridge. I'll remember to prop the fridge door open when I leave it. After a full defrosting, which it needs. 

The cubes I have are already mixed ginger and garlic, so I'm not sure that will make an appetising drink There is a ginger drink I make sometimes which I hope to make when overseas. I boil up water with sugar and ginger, and some lemon juice. I leave it to cool and when it's finger warm, I add a bit of bread yeast. That gets sealed in a fizzy pop bottle, and at tropical heat about one day later it's fizzy and ready to drink.