Sounds like the vote is for Mr. Linky so Tuesday's shopping post will have a Link at the end so everyone can join in. It looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. (I usually put it up late Monday night PST for any of you early birds)
So, I get lots of questions about the sodium content in the recipes I link to as well as calorie and fat contents. I'm going to let you in on a little secret...I don't follow recipes exactly. I make lots of substitutions when I cook so that I can maintain my weight and my family's health. Although I'm not opposed to an occasional indulgence.
Here are just a few off the top of my head...
- When a baking recipe calls for oil I sub it with home canned sugar free applesauce
- I sub sour cream with plain yogurt
- I sub whipping cream/whole milk/buttermilk with low fat reconstituted powdered milk
- I leave out a lot of the salt called for
- When a recipe calls for onion, green pepper, green chilies, spinach, zucchini or some other vegetable that the kids might balk at I puree it and then throw it in. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Even if a recipe DOESN'T call for a veggie I either grate or puree one and throw it in anyway. A lot of my sweet muffins have hidden carrot, pumpkin, or zucchini in them. The kids have no idea.
- In baking I sub an egg for 1 Tbs soy flour and 2 Tbs water
- I can't afford to shop for low fat, organic ingredients but if I catch it on sale I always choose them over the regular stuff.
So here's the plan for the week....keep in mind all the substitutions that can be used.
Breakfast
Buttermilk Doughnuts with chocolate glaze and banana smoothies
Poached eggs and toast
Apple and Oats Breakfast Pudding
Yogurt, Granola and Fruit Parfaits
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Dinners
Homemade Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Peasant Bread
BBQ Chicken Legs, Cornbread, Green Salad
Rosemary White Beans, Steamed Broccoli
Nacho Casserole
Runza and sliced fruit
Leftovers
Quiche Lorraine and sliced fruit
14 comments:
I am so excited to see that Mr. Linky will be coming to your blog! Can't wait to see how others do. I made my weekly shopping trip on Saturday and it was a complete bust. I could REALLY use some pointers!
Thanks for posting what you sub in for other ingredients. I am going to start adding veggie puree to my son's muffins and pancakes! He is the pickiest eater I know...then again he is just two!
I've never heard of Runza before, but it sounds amazing! I think I'll try it out on my dh soon!
Sherry
Your menu sounds yummy! I've been using your "need bread in a hurry" recipe for a while, and it's in my MPM today.
I spend double what you do and I eat less meals at home!
What they call "runza," I call "bierock." I think it's a German-based idea. Use a little rice to stretch them further, if needed. These freeze PERFECTLY after baking - I have some in my freezer now! This is my definite go-to dish whenever cole slaw mix is on a good sale. They're really good! :)
I have a question....I noticed that on one of your shopping lists, that you included Delsym cough medicine, so my question is, "Do you include all of your families medicines in your grocery budget?"
This last week, our son got sick, and we had to get some (generic)Day Quil and NyQuil, as well as extra tissues, that I had not "planned" on buying.
My husband and I are really trying to take your challenge. This past week, our groceries totaled $83.00, which is still more than we wanted to spend, but so much less than we "normally" spend. The only problem we have is that we all have some form of prescription medicine that we have to take each day, so needless to say, that costs quite a bit of money, and definitely makes it harder to include "meds" in our "food" budget.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement that you give on your blog here.
We are definitely taking the challenge!
God Bless,
Amy:)
I have a little confession to make...I always look at your meal plan first before making mine for the week. I figure, if Gayle's four kids will eat it, my three will too. Oh and I know that you won't make a recipe that is expensive! Ha! I don't follow your plan by the letter, but I might try one or two of the same ones and throw in some that we like or that include some of the items that I have in my freezer! I know... I'm such a copy cat!
Thanks for letting us in on some of your subsitutions and other tricks. I have heard of those all before, but I never remember to use them, so thanks for the reminder! I am going to try to be better about "healthifying" my recipes.
I love how you posted what you sub in recipes. Especially the veggies part:) I enjoy reading your blog!
I made the Apple French Toast, Amish Baked Oatmeal, Cornbread & Crumb Topped Banana Muffins from last week & oh my word!!my family loved them.
Thanks for your sharing! You're one smart cookie!!
Hello! My friend Stacey sent me a link to your blog, and I have been enjoying browsing and getting ideas!
Have a wonderful week!
Sounds yummy!
Today we are trying the Crockpot Potatoe Chowder recipe you shared on $5 Dinners! It smells sooo yummy! Thanks for a fabulous frugal recipe!
I have a question - I know that you substitute dry milk in many recipes that call for milk. I am just wondering about the Buttery Bread Machine rolls you often make reference to. I checked out that recipe and would like to make them. I just got a breadmachine for Christmas so I am trying some new things out. Just wondering if/what substitutions you can make with this recipe? Thanks!
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