Old Style vs the USDA head-to-head challenge...

slowlyfading

I was wondering if you had a good toad-in-the-hole recipe? You mentioned cooking it before, but I don't think you've posted the recipe? I'd love to have it, if that's okay

weezl74

Hiya, the one I did the costings for was a delia smith recipe, it turned out very nicely, even with my cheapy ingredients! Hope you like the link...

redsquirrel80

Afternoon Weezl, I was thinking about that 'extreme' comment and from my point of view what I would find too time consuming and hassle-some is all the calculations - both the money and working out your nutrition - and the extent of planning ahead you have to do. I think it's bloomin' fantastic that you've done it though, and the fact you've documented it helps the rest of us to pick up on bits of it that suit us. I do find it quite amazing what some people count as 'necessities' though!

Ceridwen makes a very good point about portion sizes - I know I'm quite guilty of eating more than I need, and also that I feel better when I eat less. Will probably have to for the next couple of weeks as have almost spent my grocery budget and need to get 10 lunches and dinners from what I have left (plus whatever I can get for £1.25!) - should be interesting!!

More "adventures in pickling land" (I love that! ) may happen tonight if I can be bothered, some time in the next couple of days at least.. got a cabbage today so going to try something along the lines of this recipe - http://www.recipezaar.com/108014

pmorrisjones

Just started reading through the thread. Thanks for starting it. The recipes sound great (I am veggie). Just one question (sorry if its been asked before, still on second page). I've always made houmous with tahini? Does it taste different without. Thanks again.

In_Search_Of_Me

Evening all..havent read what Shirley said so unsure on ths other than comments made here! You are proof dear Weezl that it can be done but it must be said that your organisational skills are quite incredible! As you know my poor bear brain just couldnt work the costings out and my brain would go pop!! Having said that it would be a good thing for my big fat tummy to go without for a bit! Its been having too much cake!! We will all have things that we can/cannot do without! Milk in tea would be sommat I really missed and didnt have it for 6 months when I did lighterlife (or anyo food at all for that matter!!). I wonder how I did it now (esp as I rekindled my love of food!! ) but I did and that for me is proof that I can do things as long as I am disciplined which is where for me it all falls down a bit!!
Anyhoo...I'm very pleased Weezl has done it cos I've made a lovely friend, learned to be a bit more innovative with food and made chicken liver pate which I would never have done before! I've a long way to go and suspect that Mrs W will have to give me a shopping lesson cos even when I try & just cant seem to keep it low enough!!

weezl74

pmorrisjones wrote: »

Just started reading through the thread. Thanks for starting it. The recipes sound great (I am veggie). Just one question (sorry if its been asked before, still on second page). I've always made houmous with tahini? Does it taste different without. Thanks again.

Hello and welcome pmorrisjones :hello:(could that perchance be a Welsh name?!)

Hmmmn, good question! I think it is slightly less creamy/nutty, but I've given mine to people who've always done theirs with tahini, and they've not noticed! If you're tempted, you could always have a go without and then blitz some tahini into it if you miss it? Nothing ventured nothing gained!:D

Weezl x

MRSMCAWBER

Evening all

Just had to pop in to agree with the portion size question... I was guilty of eating "a pea more than a pig" something that started in childhood.. my parents always cooked everything from scratch and meals were always good wholesome fare and plenty of them...
It has taken me until August last year and the age of 35 to actually address the problem and at last i now eat "normal" sized portions..

not only is my waistline thanking me (well at least i have a waistline now :rotfl: ) but my pocket is happy too. Gone are the days of cooking enough for 4 when there are only 2 of us..well unless it goes in the freezer:T

Ohhh those baguettes i posted the recipe for the other day..have made another batch today...only the mix made 6 smaller ones this time..and they are still to big for me and hubby says 1 is plenty for his lunch at work so thats an even cheaper lunch :j as the whole mix was under 30p..about 5p a baguette

The veggies are starting to pay their way too.... have been getting loads of salad leaves of for the last couple of weeks.. but today got some peas, beans and added it to the chard and put it in the thai beef curry i made with noodles and hm naans.
All the flowers are dropping off the broad beans to reveal little pods, the tomatoes are going crazy, 1 lot of potatoes are flowering and 1 cucumber plant has 7 little fruits on and loads more flowers:T
right i will get off again now i have poked my oar in ..no doubt i will be back again

germish_se

Hi Weezl,
I'm pleased you seem to be getting on alright, you are on the home run now and I think there is no stopping you now!!:T

You and ISOM have been with me in thoughts all afternoon as on our way home from a lovely daytrip to Exmoor I saw loads of elders in full bloom and before you ask:Dyes, I am certain they are elders as I have picked them before.:D
I really fancy making some elderflower cordial now so need to find some around here as I can't justify nearly an hours drive to pick them.....
You started all this, I was quite content without it until a few weeks ago I read about someones adventures.....:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

On the matter of you challenge being difficult,I can't bear to eat/serve the same meal twice in a week, (I am very spoilt I think:eek:). If there is lots of something left over I either freeze it for another meal or disguise it as something else, the stew becomes a pie and such. Well done you for being a grown up and leading the way for us [strike]lost[/strike] spoilt souls.

Sorry for rambling.:o

In_Search_Of_Me

aww germish thats a lovely & encouraging post for our weezl!! Isnt it funny how interne friends can impact on your day to day life eh!! I think of various MSErs at various times!! Have been a bit remiss on the elderflowers - possibly a task for the weekend!!

Guapa1

Wow, I've actually read the whole thread! It's great. You've done so well Weezl. What did you end up cooking for the in laws out of curiosity?