My sage never germinated and sprouted. I read the seeds are sometimes only good for a couple of years and who knows how long they have been in my fridge. This winter has been so cold it has been difficult keeping any one room warm enough to support germination, so I will wait until spring or look into getting a seed warming mat (aka a heating pad).
One thing I am trying to do this winter is pull up all the dead weeds from the flower beds and put down a weed blocking paper and mulch. I'm still trying to decide what I will plant in them- either I'll give up on flowers and plant Buford Holly or I may try some flowers and herbs again.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cousin Amanda's Alfredo
Alfredo is one of my all time favorite sauces. This stuff is TO DIE FOR!!! I'm so tickled to have family to share recipes with now. Next week I'll be trying her MIL's Tacos el Pastor. Yum!
Ingredients:
2 Tbs unsalted butter
1 Tbs minced garlic (or 2-3 cloves minced)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 c milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
cornstarch
1 box angel hair pasta (or other pasta)
Optional:
chicken
spinach
(she also suggested parsley)
On low heat melt butter and add garlic, cook for about a minute to infuse the butter w/the garlic flavor, then add cream, milk and parm cheese with some black pepper and salt. Turn heat up to med-low until starting to bubble, add slurry (slurry=1 Tbs cornstarch for every 2 cups liquid, which a pint is 2 cups, so I mixed in cornstarch that was combined with a few Tbs water to make a paste), whisk until incorporated, continue to cook on med-low while cooking noodles, then add chicken and spinach and heat on med until heated through and starting to bubble again.
Thanks, Amanda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ingredients:
2 Tbs unsalted butter
1 Tbs minced garlic (or 2-3 cloves minced)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 c milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
cornstarch
1 box angel hair pasta (or other pasta)
Optional:
chicken
spinach
(she also suggested parsley)
On low heat melt butter and add garlic, cook for about a minute to infuse the butter w/the garlic flavor, then add cream, milk and parm cheese with some black pepper and salt. Turn heat up to med-low until starting to bubble, add slurry (slurry=1 Tbs cornstarch for every 2 cups liquid, which a pint is 2 cups, so I mixed in cornstarch that was combined with a few Tbs water to make a paste), whisk until incorporated, continue to cook on med-low while cooking noodles, then add chicken and spinach and heat on med until heated through and starting to bubble again.
Thanks, Amanda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Starting Sage
After watching Julie and Julia the other night while knitting a mug cozy, I was inspired to pull down my cookbooks and read them instead of just browsing for a specific recipe. One cookbook is The Naked Chef by Jamie Oliver. He starts out the cookbook explaining things like how he got started, what staples he keeps in his pantry, what herbs should be grown fresh, etc. This inspired me to start a pot in my kitchen windowsill, especially since one of my goals for 2010 is to have a small 3'x3' vegetable garden (more about that later).
In my pursuit of frugality, I fought the urge to go shopping for new gardening supplies and seed and instead went on a search to see what I already have on hand. On my front porch I found a cluster of pots with dried potting soil from an herb garden attempt two or three years ago. I didn't realize at the time that if I sat the pots in front of the window a/c unit, the hot air would dehydrate them. Now I'm starting small with one plant. Jamie recommends rosemary, thyme, sage and bay and says they can be grown in most climates.
In my fridge I found a packet of sage seeds, so I am starting with those. I'm doing some googling to try to understand the plant better, but I start all my seeds the same with generally a lot of success. I find a small container like a seed starting pot, a small terra cotta pot, a paper egg carton, a toilet paper or paper towel roll, etc., fill with a little soil, moisten, add the seed, then place in a plastic ziplock bag in a warm, dark place for up to two weeks. I check on the bag to make sure mold is not growing and see how the seedling is coming along. Once it starts developing it's first leaves (the cotyledons and first true leaves) then I move it to a sunny location and keep damp. I seem to be great at starting seeds, but my forgetfulness which manifests into neglect is what kills the plants after it's first month or two of life. I'm going to be trying to develop habits and routine though so I can avoid this problem in 2010. We'll see how it goes...
In my pursuit of frugality, I fought the urge to go shopping for new gardening supplies and seed and instead went on a search to see what I already have on hand. On my front porch I found a cluster of pots with dried potting soil from an herb garden attempt two or three years ago. I didn't realize at the time that if I sat the pots in front of the window a/c unit, the hot air would dehydrate them. Now I'm starting small with one plant. Jamie recommends rosemary, thyme, sage and bay and says they can be grown in most climates.
In my fridge I found a packet of sage seeds, so I am starting with those. I'm doing some googling to try to understand the plant better, but I start all my seeds the same with generally a lot of success. I find a small container like a seed starting pot, a small terra cotta pot, a paper egg carton, a toilet paper or paper towel roll, etc., fill with a little soil, moisten, add the seed, then place in a plastic ziplock bag in a warm, dark place for up to two weeks. I check on the bag to make sure mold is not growing and see how the seedling is coming along. Once it starts developing it's first leaves (the cotyledons and first true leaves) then I move it to a sunny location and keep damp. I seem to be great at starting seeds, but my forgetfulness which manifests into neglect is what kills the plants after it's first month or two of life. I'm going to be trying to develop habits and routine though so I can avoid this problem in 2010. We'll see how it goes...
Shopping Tips
A conversation I had with my mom this morning got me thinking about making a blog post on questions I ask myself when I'm shopping to keep from over buying. Hopefully they can help when you are on a budget or just looking for ways to help save more money.
First, I maintain a list on a dry erase board that I update in between shopping trips, plan all the meals in advance, and anything not on my list (and even some stuff on the list) get asked these questions:
1. Do I need you? If no, then I ask why do I want you? I put it away and in two weeks when I'm in the store again and I'm still thinking of the item and know exactly how it will benefit me then I will purchase it if it is within my budget.
2. Do I need you anytime in the next two weeks? If the answer is no and it's regular price, it goes back on the shelf and remains on my shopping list until next time. If it's an incredible bargain and it is something I truly need in the next month, then I will purchase it.
3. Is there a way I can get you cheaper? For example, if I see a book I want I make a note of it and order it off PBS. If it is food, can I make it from scratch with what I already have on hand? For home decor, is there a way I can make it? You get the idea.
4. Are you something I will still want in two weeks? The trick here is not to answer the question and just put it back. I had carried the same purse for the past four years and earlier this year saw an olive green oversized boho bag at Walmart that I fell in love with. I knew it would be perfect to keep a small knitting or crochet project in as well as all my personal items. Weeks went by and I couldn't get this bad out of my mind, so I went ahead and bought it and have never regretted it. Anything else I have forgotten about by my next shopping trip. (This is just a further illustration of a response to question 1).
5. Are you on my list? Why did I pick you up? Sometimes I'll just carry items around the store with me until I am ready to leave and once I realize how much I am already spending or that I don't need it, I'll make a final lap around the store to put things back (It's a great way to fit in some extra walking too). In a way it helps to get past the impulse urge by picking it up and putting it in the shopping cart, but the trick is not to let it leave the store with you.
6. Is purchasing you going to put me over my budget? This goes for items I put on my shopping list as well as impulse items. Sometimes I think I would like a new pair of cleaning gloves or a bag of chocolate, and once I have the things I know I need and have them added up, then I examine the less crucial items to determine whether they really need to be purchased or not. There is nothing more stressful to me than going over budget and knowing I'll be dipping into what I could be saving.
First, I maintain a list on a dry erase board that I update in between shopping trips, plan all the meals in advance, and anything not on my list (and even some stuff on the list) get asked these questions:
1. Do I need you? If no, then I ask why do I want you? I put it away and in two weeks when I'm in the store again and I'm still thinking of the item and know exactly how it will benefit me then I will purchase it if it is within my budget.
2. Do I need you anytime in the next two weeks? If the answer is no and it's regular price, it goes back on the shelf and remains on my shopping list until next time. If it's an incredible bargain and it is something I truly need in the next month, then I will purchase it.
3. Is there a way I can get you cheaper? For example, if I see a book I want I make a note of it and order it off PBS. If it is food, can I make it from scratch with what I already have on hand? For home decor, is there a way I can make it? You get the idea.
4. Are you something I will still want in two weeks? The trick here is not to answer the question and just put it back. I had carried the same purse for the past four years and earlier this year saw an olive green oversized boho bag at Walmart that I fell in love with. I knew it would be perfect to keep a small knitting or crochet project in as well as all my personal items. Weeks went by and I couldn't get this bad out of my mind, so I went ahead and bought it and have never regretted it. Anything else I have forgotten about by my next shopping trip. (This is just a further illustration of a response to question 1).
5. Are you on my list? Why did I pick you up? Sometimes I'll just carry items around the store with me until I am ready to leave and once I realize how much I am already spending or that I don't need it, I'll make a final lap around the store to put things back (It's a great way to fit in some extra walking too). In a way it helps to get past the impulse urge by picking it up and putting it in the shopping cart, but the trick is not to let it leave the store with you.
6. Is purchasing you going to put me over my budget? This goes for items I put on my shopping list as well as impulse items. Sometimes I think I would like a new pair of cleaning gloves or a bag of chocolate, and once I have the things I know I need and have them added up, then I examine the less crucial items to determine whether they really need to be purchased or not. There is nothing more stressful to me than going over budget and knowing I'll be dipping into what I could be saving.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Frugal Tips of the Day
I just finished putting away groceries from my bi-monthly shopping trip and there were some real bargains on things I regularly use that I just could not pass up. I now have an excess of celery and heavy cream that I will use at later dates and wanted to share how I preserve them.
*Wrap celery in foil and it can keep as long as two weeks before use. I suspect they may last even a bit longer if you keep your fridge cold and they are wrapped in foil. I also chop and freeze to use in soups and stews. Celery can also be dehydrated. Here's a link for drying in the oven (Blanching is important to kill harmful bacteria or enzymes): http://www.ehow.com/how_4589078_dry-dehydrate-celery.html
*Heavy whipping cream can be stored in the freezer, just make sure there is enough room in the container to allow for expansion. The cream can not be whipped after freezing, but it can be used in general cooking.
*Another tip I thought of this week is if you are ever in need of refried beans and do not have time to cook beans from scratch or you are looking to save a little money use canned pinto or black beans. Empty entire contents of can into sauce pan, heat thoroughly, then mash with fork or potato masher. If beans get a little dry add a couple tablespoons of water in increments and stir until beans are creamy.
*Wrap celery in foil and it can keep as long as two weeks before use. I suspect they may last even a bit longer if you keep your fridge cold and they are wrapped in foil. I also chop and freeze to use in soups and stews. Celery can also be dehydrated. Here's a link for drying in the oven (Blanching is important to kill harmful bacteria or enzymes): http://www.ehow.com/how_4589078_dry-dehydrate-celery.html
*Heavy whipping cream can be stored in the freezer, just make sure there is enough room in the container to allow for expansion. The cream can not be whipped after freezing, but it can be used in general cooking.
*Another tip I thought of this week is if you are ever in need of refried beans and do not have time to cook beans from scratch or you are looking to save a little money use canned pinto or black beans. Empty entire contents of can into sauce pan, heat thoroughly, then mash with fork or potato masher. If beans get a little dry add a couple tablespoons of water in increments and stir until beans are creamy.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cheap Entertainment
I want to let you in on a secret. You do not have to pay full price for books, cds or dvds. I have been a member of PaperBackSwap.com (PBS) since June 2006. It has been an absolute life saver. I have a book addiction and instead of dropping $200 at Barnes and Noble or $50 at Half Price Books for approximately 10 books, I can get them for $3.45 a book (or less) at PBS. If you post books and mail them, the postage is less than $3.45 and you get a credit to request another book with. For me it's also cheaper than going to the library because I would spend $5 in gas per trip to the library. There are also SwapaCD.com and SwapaDVD.com, and credits can be transferred between all three sites. I urge you to go check them out. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
Spaghetti Carbonara
This is one of those dishes that I can buy the ingredients and not have to worry about them going bad quickly, so I can make it in a pinch and it's quick and easy. It's also inexpensive, costing me about $5-6 to make. Serves 4.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb bacon (approx, I buy bag of bacon ends at store, then separate meat from fat before putting in skillet)
black pepper
1 onion diced
1-2 garlic cloves minced
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 c white wine
1 c pasta water
3 eggs
5 oz package Parmesan, grated (I buy already grated, both the wedge and grated are same price and same weight at any store I check)
1 pkg angel hair pasta
While bringing a pot of water to a boil, combine eggs and Parmesan in a bowl until well blended and set aside. Pepper and cook bacon over medium heat about 3-5 minutes, add olive oil and onion and cook until onion is translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional one minute (you don't want garlic to burn or it becomes bitter). Add white wine to deglaze pan.
When pasta is done cooking reserve one cup of pasta water (the starch in the water helps thicken the sauce), add a small portion of water to egg and cheese mixture to temper, then add water and egg and cheese mixture to skillet with bacon and allow to thicken slightly. After draining pasta, return to pot, add contents of skillet and mix to combine.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb bacon (approx, I buy bag of bacon ends at store, then separate meat from fat before putting in skillet)
black pepper
1 onion diced
1-2 garlic cloves minced
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 c white wine
1 c pasta water
3 eggs
5 oz package Parmesan, grated (I buy already grated, both the wedge and grated are same price and same weight at any store I check)
1 pkg angel hair pasta
While bringing a pot of water to a boil, combine eggs and Parmesan in a bowl until well blended and set aside. Pepper and cook bacon over medium heat about 3-5 minutes, add olive oil and onion and cook until onion is translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional one minute (you don't want garlic to burn or it becomes bitter). Add white wine to deglaze pan.
When pasta is done cooking reserve one cup of pasta water (the starch in the water helps thicken the sauce), add a small portion of water to egg and cheese mixture to temper, then add water and egg and cheese mixture to skillet with bacon and allow to thicken slightly. After draining pasta, return to pot, add contents of skillet and mix to combine.
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