March 2008 Grocery Challenge

jackie_w

MRSMCAWBER wrote: »

Morning all


We might all be trying to spend less on here but i bet most of our families are eating a lot better.... expensive doesn't always mean healthy or better does it ... i now know pretty much how much salt, fat etc we are both eating and we feel much better for it
So keep up the good work and think "nelly" to folks who think what you are doing is odd

Mrs Mc you are so right. I feel so much better making everything from scratch. DS#1 is a right wee hungry horse just now, and loves my home cooking:D . Yesterday I gave him and DS#2 HM fishcakes with veg and they scoffed the lot. There was some pasta left over that DH and I didnt eat, and DS#1 also ate that too.
As you say it is so much more healthier than shop bought conveinence foods, and cheaper intot he bargin.

If I hadnt have joined this thread I would never have known that this could be so much fun, and so satisfying.

Jackie xx

mikeD

Hi Folks, hope you are all well.

Very well done to those who've managed to Old Nick'o'Teen out of the door. I've been trying for a couple of years now but as it is one of the few little pleasures that I get I don't seem to be able to motivate myself too strongly.

Only 5 days now to the month end :j so will update on the 31st. Not sure yet what my budget will be for April as we are away for 8 days, but will have to sit down and work it out soon.

Good luck everybody

Love the FM

Mortgagefreeforme

I take pride in the fact we eat very well for not too much money, but I too am carefull about who I tell.
I am also starting to teach my DD who is eight about budgeting, I realised I had to when she wanted to buy an item at 4 times the price I was buying the cheaper one for, the reason was she wanted the free gift:eek: :eek:
I now explain to her my reasons for buying certain things, and how I make certain things. I have also shown her my book I use for budgeting and explained it all to her, she loves suggesting meals for the planner.
My kids will grow up knowing thier Mum is grippy, but we'll not have debts like many I know, they'll know what good eating is and they're healthy.
Rant over, sorry guys:o . I've just spent a morning baking for the kids to take on holiday to Grannys, best part of the week will be the fortune I will save on food:T :T :T .

cheerfulness4

Yep I'm going to join in applauding the comments of weelz and MrsMc and also agreeing that I've too been made fun of for spending in one month less than other family members spend in one week- not including takeways! :eek:

Oh and my dad bought me vitamins pills, weelz, so you're not on your own there. He is a worrier, tho, bless him.

I've got to get into making HM fishcakes Jackiew -care to share how you make them? I prefer the tried and tested ones.;) I used to have a Delia Smith recipe but the book got ruined annoyingly.

Also, would anyone know a place to buy wholemeal or stoneground flour for less than 99p? I'm sure I've read someone say on here they were paying less than that. Needing to make another batch of bread this weekend.

weezl74

cheerfulness4 wrote: »

would anyone know a place to buy wholemeal or stoneground flour for less than 99p? I'm sure I've read someone say on here they were paying less than that. Needing to make another batch of bread this weekend.

Asda wholemeal flour is 55p for 1.5 kilos. It isn't specified as a bread making flour, but works with no probs in my fool-proof HM bread, I posted the recipe earlier in the month. You'd have to check your fave recipe, but it might work well in yours too.;)

The difference between 'strong' or 'breadmaking' flours and the others is to do with the protein content. This is only an issue in certain bread types. It depends how aerated you want the end 'crumb' to be.

Hope that helps

Weezl x

cheerfulness4

Thank weelz - that's brilliant. I thought I read that someone was paying nearly half I was paying. Happy days!

I'm quite happy to use normal wholemeal as I got good results from some reduced to 28p in a shop a few months ago. Wish I'd been able to carry more. :rolleyes:

Kaz2904

I'm sure I remember someone saying that if you use the potato water you don't need to use bread flour as potato water helps the elasticity.
I could be wrong though!

weezl74

Kaz2904 wrote: »

I'm sure I remember someone saying that if you use the potato water you don't need to use bread flour as potato water helps the elasticity.
I could be wrong though!

Yep! Squeaky, one of the board guides said it, so it must be right!

I used to live in W-S-M Kaz, how do you like it?

Weezl x

helliecopter_2

egon wrote: »

Hi helliecopter,

I second MrsM (She is the best on recipes). If we can help, let us know.
I am living in the UK now, but been German, I am trying to help where I can.

Yep, where abouts are you? Maybe we can help you more spec then.

Egon

Thanks for the reply - I've sent you a pm, hope you don't mind. Am looking forward to any tips you can share and do you have a recipe for 'bratty tatties?' Dh loves them and it i'd love to be able to make them for him

Angelraesunshine

Ok very last shop of the month and i mean it this time lol.

Spent £21 in asda and tescos and i still forgot squash have blown my budget by £30 this month but i am forgiving myself as i have had to buy up things for my new kitchen so i needed dishwasher stuff that i never had before and i did buy enough for about 2-3 months and i bought special cleaner for my new range cooker as i spent so much on cooker want it kept nice for as long as possible.

good luck on your last few days