Mission: Frugality

Changing the way of thinking is a HUGE part of this, when making a recipe that you can double and freeze half you begin to save time and money. 

Make as many homemade items as possible. I understand that homemade doesn't always fit in a schedule, or what about the prepackaged foods that we have all grown so fond of? (mac & cheese, rice-a-roni, brownie mixes etc. etc.) Make your own mixes! Making your own mixes will save you money AND gives you back the control of what is going on your table. The internet is a HUGE resource when it comes to trying out recipes, I have come across a few make ahead mixes that once I have the opportunity to test them out I will share them with you. Until then try and see what you can come up with, what you come across might really impress you! Barry Farm is an organic farm that has opened an online store, I have not had the opportunity to try them out myself, but I have read some great reviews for the cheese powder (to make your own mac & cheese - similar to kraft). Do you have a favorite brownie recipe? Mix up the dry ingredients in advance, bag them(or jar them) attach recipe along with what needs to be added and stick it in the pantry - just as convenient as boxed brownie mix but ALOT cheaper! Making biscuits? Double your batch roll and cut - cook half, the other half place on cookie sheet and stick in the freezer until frozen, then take out and throw in a bag. Cook them as needed at 425 for about 18 minutes. Or if you prefer cook them ahead of time and freeze them after so they just need a quick heat up when you take them out.

Last night I made sloppy joes - A HUGE HIT, and it wasn't premade in a can here is a link to this fantastic Rachel Ray recipe:  

For the steak seasoning - I ground my own using peppercorn, dried minced onion, dried chopped garlic and coarse salt, much cheaper than buying commercially prepared! Enjoy all the blessings of the day!