budgetsmartgirl

Posts Tagged ‘herbs’

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It’s Meatless Monday-Mushroom, Lentil and Herbed Infused Veggie Pot Pie with Cheese Biscuits

In Meatless Mondays on February 4, 2013 at 4:08 pm

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When the weather turns cold there’s nothing like a hearty pot pie to warm both your body and spirits. Most people think of pieces of beef or chicken topped with pastry but I gave this version a new spin and a vegetarian makeover.

This Meatless Monday version combines mushrooms and lentils with herb infused vegetables and then everything is topped with cheese biscuits.
The best thing is you can make the whole thing in a baking pan in the oven for easy preparation and clean up.

½ cup brown lentils, cooked in about 3 cups of water for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into one inch pieces
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, peeled and cut into one inch pieces
2 medium size potatoes, chopped into one inch pieces
2-3 tablespoons oil
Goo pinch each of salt and pepper
½ teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried marjoram
½ teaspoon of dried sage
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups of water
2 tablespoon of Bragg Liquid Aminos (this is an all purposing seasoning that’s made from soy protein but if you can’t find it use low sodium soy sauce instead)
2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Biscuits-
8 tablespoons butter (or if you prefer low fat spread)
2 cups self-raising flour
1 cup shredded cheese, a sharp Cheddar is perfect
About five to six tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large baking pan, place the carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and onion along with a good pinch of salt and pepper and the herbs. Add about two to three tablespoons of oil and mix everything together, making sure all the vegetables are coated in oil and herbs. Place in the oven and cook for about thirty minutes, stirring every ten minutes to make sure everything is evenly browned.
Remove the pan from the oven.

Add the cooked lentils and stir.

Next add the tomato paste and Bragg Liquid Aminos or soy sauce and stir so everything gets coated.

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the vegetables and mix together.

The last step is to add about two cups of water and stir making sure you scrape all the pieces of vegetables that have stuck to the pan during the initial cooking.

Make the biscuits by sieving the flour into a large bowl and cutting in the butter/spread until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the cheese and slowly add the milk until the mixture pulls together.
You can either roll out the dough with a rolling pin and cut it with a pastry cutter, or like I did, just pull off pieces of dough and flatten them into rounds.

Place each biscuit on top of the vegetable/lentil mixture and return to the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the biscuit is slightly risen and browned.

Serve immediately.

Serves 8

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Appetizers and Quick Gift Ideas

In Budget Smart Cook on December 13, 2012 at 7:10 pm

One thing I really dislike is serving the same appetizers every year. Deviled eggs are always a strand by but last week I thought of something a little different.

Curried Veggie Eggs.
6 eggs, hard-boiled and shelled
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Sprinkling of salt and pepper
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
½ small onion, peeled and finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 teaspoons curry powder, more if you like more heat
1 tablespoon oil

Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet and sauté the onion, carrot and celery until lightly golden brown and soft. Add these to a bowl.
Cut the eggs in half and scoop out the yolks, adding them to the bowl of vegetables.
Mash the two together and then add the mayonnaise and curry powder. Mix together and taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Take about 1and ½ tablespoons of the curried egg mixture and pile them back into the egg white halves.

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Pate
I’ve also been experimenting with a new walnut and caramelized onion pate and thought baking it in mini muffin tins was a novel idea. I’m still working on the recipe and when I get it perfected I’ll share it with you.

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And cream cheese always come to the rescue, but never more so than during the Holidays…best thing it’s on sale too.
This is a cheese log that’s easy to put together and instead of rolling it in nuts I used leftover herb stuffing mix that I put in the blender to make breadcrumbs

1 8 ounce package of cream cheese
¼ cup chopped black olives
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes that have been soaked in hot water
½ cup feta cheese
1 tablespoon basil
½ cup stuffing breadcrumbs

Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about ten minutes. Mix in the olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, and basil and mix well.
Take two sheets of plastic wrap and place half the mixture on each one. Wrap and form into two logs and then place in the fridge for about an hour.
Roll each log in the stuffing breadcrumbs and serve with crackers.

Quick Gifts and Stocking Stuffers
And if you’re running out of ideas (or money) for quick gifts or stocking stuffers some of my favorite are fragranced Epsom Salts. I keep containers that have housed body lotion, rinse them out and add some Epsom Salts along with either a few drops of essential oils or crushed herbs. For this one I used lavender from my garden. Another one I’ve made was using dried lemon balm, also from my herb garden.

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I also look for unusual containers like this silver one. Just a dollar at a local arts and craft store. Put the salts in a small plastic bag and put it inside the container and you don’t even need ribbon or wrapping paper.

And finally the fragrance pillows you can put in closets or boxes to make your clothes smell nice. These ones I filled with Poly Fill and crushed lavender.

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The CSA Box-Week 6

In csa box on July 19, 2012 at 3:52 pm

Week 6 had lots of goodies including carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, hot peppers, tomatoes, dill, basil, chard, leaf lettuce and garlic.

One thing I’m learning is there are so many varieties of each vegetable. I also didn’t know vegetables like chard are available in the summer and also the fall.

A valubable lesson I’ve learned is that once herbs are cut they don’t last long…or at least they don’t when it’s hot and humid. I tried putting them in the fridge or placing them in water like you would flowers but some don’t survive either method. Now I dry them as soon as I bring them home using my dehydrator…more about this in coming weeks.

I dried both the basil and dill and have been using them in recipes throughout the week. If you’ve never tried dill in scrambled eggs, do. I can’t believe what a great combo that is.

The lettuce, tomatoes cauliflower and carrots we ate as is. In fact, with the weather being so hot I decided to steam almost everything and found it’s quicker, keeps the kitchen cooler and best of all, the food tastes better too…could also be that all the veggies are so fresh!

The garlic and hot peppers I used to make salsa that I’ve canned. I spent most of Sunday canning. Not the best thing to do when it’s hot but now we have ten jars of salsa ready for winter eating.

The chard I couldn’t resist making the enchildas again. When the fall crop arrives I think I’ll make another batch and freeze them.

The zucchini I used in the grilled veggies for Monday’s Meatless Monday feature.

One good thing about receiving this box of veggies each week is you not only think about what you can make right now, but how you can save the food to eat later when prices go up…and you know they will.

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The CSA Box-Week 2

In csa box on June 21, 2012 at 6:12 pm

I’m really enjoying preparing meals around what’s in the CSA boxes. Week 2 contained strawberries, romaine lettuce, cilantro, dill, red chard, Sugar Ann snap peas, Chioggia beets, Spring Asian turnips and kohlrabi. Most of the items I used  as part of a salad or side dish. And yes, hate to admit it but the strawberries were so good, I ate them all as a mid-afternoon snack. They were smaller than the ones you see at the store but packed a lot more taste.

I hadn’t eaten fresh peas since I grew up in England and it was a trip down memory lane. I’d always helped my grandmother take them out of the shells and we’d eat a few, okay, more than a few, in the process. She’d put the remaining ones in boiling salted water along with a spring of mint, take them off the heat and then drain them straight away. The mint gives them a refreshing flavor and when I cooked these the same way, they reminded me of a summer’s day in England.

Two new to me items were the Spring Asian turnips and the Kohlrabi. For me turnips mean a fall veggie that’s used in stews but these were more like radishes. I’d seen Kohlrabi in the produce department but never bought any.

It’s only been two weeks and there five things I’ve learned-

One-the reason must of us aren’t eating enough fruts and veggies these days is because the ones you find at the supermarket don’t taste as good as they used to. Try some of these organic varieties and you’ll eat more.

Two-If you’re going to spend more money buying organic, make them the star of the meal. For example, today red chard is the main ingredient in enchiladas I’m making for dinner, recipe courtesy of our CSA farm.

Three-Joining a CSA is the perfect way to learn what’s in season in any given week and hence what’s cheaper to buy.

Four-This is the best way I know how to try new to you foods without too much risk of wasting your money. We get to test things I don’t usually or have never purchased before. If we don’t like it, no big deal.

Five-It makes you think more creatively about putting together a low cost meal worked around what’s on hand. I think most us forget that’s how our grandparents used to cook!

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It’s Meatless Monday-Lentil and Mint Salad

In Meatless Mondays on June 18, 2012 at 1:40 pm

One of my all time favorite cookbooks is The Cafe Brenda cookbook by Brenda Langton and Margaret Stuart. It’s now tattered, has splashes of this and that on it, but it will always be one of my keeper books. A few weeks ago I was sent a copy of a new cookbook by Langton and Stuart called The Spoonriver Cookbook. I read cookbooks like I do any other book and this one has great sounding recipes and beautiful photographs.  While it contains meat, poulty and fish recipes, many are vegetarian. So I thought I’d ask if I could share one with you for a Meatless Monday feature. So here is the Lentil and Mint salad. I made it a couple of days ago and yes, it’s all gone. Each time I went to the fridge I took another spoonful. It’s cool, tasty, and perfect for summer eating. Even if you’ve never eaten lentils or put mint in a salad  before, I say give this one a try because you won’t be dissapointed. And I’m ready to make another batch.

If you’re interested in a copy of the cookbook here’s a link-http://www.amazon.com/Spoonriver-Cookbook-Brenda-Langton/dp/0816676283/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340026231&sr=1-1&keywords=the+spoonriver+cookbook

Lentil and Mint Salad

Lentils are a terrific source of protein. Their rich taste and quick cooking time make them a great choice for a meal designed around a legume. We prefer a simple brown lentil for this. French lentils are also very good but can take a little longer to cook; red lentils don’t work for this recipe. Add a half cup of feta or fresh goat cheese and some olives if you like. Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce with bread for a great meal.

1 cup lentils

3 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup diced onion

1 stalk celery, diced (1/3 cup)

1 carrot, diced (½ cup)

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Feta or chèvre cheese (optional)

Olives (optional)

Sort through the lentils to make sure there are no little stones in them. Rinse the lentils well and then place them in a saucepan with 4 cups water. Bring the water to a boil; then turn down the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 35 minutes, longer if needed.

            Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a sauté pan. Sauté the onions for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the celery and carrots and continue cooking until they are tender, about 5 minutes.

            When the lentils are done, toss them with the vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir well. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, parsley, mint, and feta and olives, if using. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper as needed.

Serves 4 to 6

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The CSA Box-Week One

In csa box on June 15, 2012 at 1:55 pm

I’m the sort of cook who looks through recipes and sales flyers and then works out what meals I’ll make for the week. Doing it the other way around, ingredients first and then making a decision, I thought would take some adjustment. However, when I picked up the first box from the CSA share we’d bought  this year I was excited about all the things I could try and create.

Box number one contained field greens, spinach, lettuce, garlic scapes, asparagus, rhubarb, oregano and garlic chives and radishes.

The field greens were eaten for salad, the same with the lettuce and radishes. I do in fact, have some leftover and I’m using it instead of bread for tuna and egg salad ‘sandwiches’. Something different and light now the weather is warmer.

One of my favorite ways to eat asparagus is oven roasting it. I tossed it together with some olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted it for about 15 minutes. I think it pairs well with just about anything.

The rhubarb…I have to say I haven’t bought or eaten any for years. I used my grandmother’s recipe and made a rhubarb and ginger crumble. It reminded me that something delicious doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Many deserts are made from inexpensive ingredients and this one is a great example. Just use any crumble topping recipe and here I chopped the rhubarb and cooked it with a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh ginger, one half cup of brown sugar and a cup of water until it was tender.

I mentioned on Monday that I hadn’t used garlic scapes before. I sauteed them and have been using them throughout the week. They’re going into a meatloaf today.

The spinach is the best I’ve ever seen and I usually saute that but this time decided to steam it and it turned out perfectly. I think this is how I’ll cook spinach from now on. I do have some leftover which I’ll be using in a feta and spinach quiche…look for that one in an upcoming Meatless Monday feature.

Last but not least herbs. I probably don’t have to tell you that they’re one of the best ways to add flavor without spending lots of money. One of my favorite things is the garlic and herb cheese spread you can buy at the supermarket. Drawback is you don’t get a lot and it’s almost $5. So I thought with the garlic chives I’d try making my own. It’s simple, just an eight ounce package of cream cheese, some pepper, about four tablespoons of the chopped garlic chives…more if you like garlic, and some milk. Just put everything into a food processor. You can taste test it and see if you need more garlic or pepper. This is wonderful spread on toast and served with a salad.

The oregano I decided to use in some homemade bread. I also added some cheese too.

I still have some herbs left over and will probably use them up this weekend or even dry them for future use.

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Bulk Bin Shopping…the key to saving money

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on May 2, 2012 at 3:15 pm

Those of you who’ve followed my posts since the very beginning know I’m a huge fan of buying items from the bulk bin section. Check out any article on ways to save money and I can guarantee using bulk bin finds makes its way to every single one.  Here are some of my favorite reasons to check out that section of your supermarket or co-op-

Not Just Good for Your Wallet

My top reason for buying in bulk is to save money but at the same time I’m also doing something good for the environment too. Less waste on packaging…and yes, those savings get passed along to you.  Some places even let you take your own containers. And if you put the plastic bags to a second use, you’re being truly green.

Hard to Find Ingredients

I have to admit I love trying out recipes. Drawback is now and then I need ingredients that are hard to find at my local supermarket. However, I have found that if you take a stroll through the bulk bin aisle you can often find just what you’re looking for. Spices are a good example.

Spices and Herbs

And speaking of spices, I use a lot in cooking and certain spices are pricey but once again check them out in the bulk bin aisle. They can be up to 70% cheaper and yes, fresher too.

Organic

I love to buy organic foods but sometimes the price doesn’t fit into my budget. However, I always say living the Budget Smart life means finding a way around these obstacles and this time it’s heading to the bulk bins. I’ve found everything from organic oatmeal to dried cherries, and for a lot less than in the other aisles.

Snacks Get Cheaper

Snacks are great at picking you up from the mid afternoon slump but they’re often a waste of money and not so good for you. I try and make my own and many of the ingredients come from bulk bin finds. Things like wasabi coated peas, sesame crackers, dried fruit etc.

Lunch Box Finds

And what lunchbox or brown bag would be complete with a treat or two. Once again don’t buy ready-made, put together something from the bulk bins.

Beans and More

While I do keep cans of beans in the pantry for emergency meals, these days I’m using more dried beans. Best deals I find are in the bulk bins. They also have beans that I can’t find anywhere else. An once again, many are organic.

Breakfast Just Got Cheaper

Have you noticed how much packaged cereals cost these days? They’re one of many items whose prices have been creeping upwards. Save money by looking for cereals in the bulk bins.

Halloween At a Bargain Price

And, yes,  it’s not even fall yet but this Halloween when you go looking for treats to hand out don’t forget that candy can also be found in bulk bins. I often buy them and put them in smaller bags and tie them with ribbon for going home gifts for guests during the holidays too.

Tea and Coffee

And it’s not just food that you can buy, I’ve found some excellent teas in the bulk bins and for around 70% less than I’d pay if the tea was boxed. While I’m not a coffee drinker, I do see lots of people buying coffee beans there too.

And If You’re Not Convinced…

Last year someone sent me information about this site that is all about bulk bin shopping. It has facts and figures and lots of links-http://www.bulkisgreen.org/

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Really Last Minute Gifts for the Budget Smart Girl

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on December 20, 2011 at 3:59 pm

 I thought I’d round off this year’s articles with some ideas for last minute gifts. Also some odds and ends I stumbled upon in the last few days. Dale will be sharing her tips and advice with you later this week. I’ll be taking a break next week while I work on updating the site and getting organized and will return with new posts on January 3rd, 2012. Big news is I’m taking part in a free two week business course for Budget Smart Girl and it will be featured on Yahoo. Not sure what day but I’ll keep you posted.

And now to some of my favorite last minute gifts when both time and money are in short supply-

Breads and Cakes

Instead of wrapping them in foil or cling wrap, buy an inexpensive tea towel, wrap it around the bread and tie the ends into a bow. If you’re not in the mood for baking, one option is to parcel up the dry ingredients, add instructions, and a list of other ingredients the recipient will need, and place everything in a disposable baking pan. This also works for brownies and muffins.

Gift Certificates

 Try giving an invitation to afternoon tea at your house complete with tea sandwiches, scones etc. Breakfast in Bed, a nice gift for your spouse, or a Get out of Making Dinner card for someone who’s been under the weather, or maybe for someone who’s been looking after an ailing family member or just needs cheering up.

Mittens, Mugs and Cocoa

Give a cocoa mix along with a pair of mittens, you can also opt for dry soup mixes, or go with mittens, mix and a mug. And why not put a packet of cocoa mix instead the mittens?

A Good Book

One of my favorite ways to pass a lazy Saturday afternoon during the winter is to curl up with a good book and something warm like a mug of tea. If you’re going to give someone a gift card from a bookstore, or just a book, why not include a box of tea, or even coffee. And don’t forget electronic books too. They’re lower in price and you can buy them at the very last minute so no waiting for delivery.

Cookies

Everyone loves sampling holiday cookies, but try to think of novel ways to pack them. Maybe an old lunchbox, a Chinese restaurant takeaway box, and if you have a lot of cookies to give to one family, a pizza box… just make sure it’s free of pizza sauce! Some of these items you might even have sitting around the house.

Indoor Garden

My local supermarket has been selling pots of herbs for around $2.50, ones like basil and cilantro. I thought about buying a few and putting them in baskets for myself during the winter. And what a great gift for someone who loves to cook. It also cheers up the kitchen on a long winter’s day.

Things I Stumbled Upon-

I found this one on the Yahoo UK site, seems mother and grandmother knew best-

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/by-you-by-sainsburys/kitchen-secrets-mother-grandmother-told-160250278.html

Ways to Dress Up Soup

Some of these sound like great ideas-

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/12-easy-ways-dress-tomato-soup-180400572.html

A Lump of Coal

I hope no one’s getting a lump of coal this year but these look like something fun to put in the stocking-

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-coal-lumps/129bbf39-319c-461b-b8bb-ffa7f862c97a?ESRC=16333&WT.ac=RedHotHoliday2011_Landing_110711

And finally Ways to Save On Everything…you’ll probably find at least one idea to put into action in the New Year-

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/spend-less-on-everything.html

I’d like to wish you the happiest of Holidays and A Prosperous and Money Saving New Year. Thank You for Reading Budget Smart Girl.

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Dirt Cheap Gardening

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on April 29, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Gardening is one of my hobbies. I think of it as not only being therapeutic but something that adds to the value of your property. Having a nice looking garden doesn’t have to break the bank either. Here are some ways I’ve found to stretch my gardening budget-

Free Advice

One way to waste money and kill plants is not knowing what you’re doing or what plants are right for your area. If I ever have a gardening question or weed I can’t identify I always stop by my local extension service for advice. It’s free, they also have brochures and sometimes classes you can take too.

Divide and Conquer

For the last few years I haven’t purchased any new plants. Instead I’ve been diving older ones that have outgrown their area. It’s a great way to extend your garden for free. My number one tip for doing this, don’t attempt it on a hot day, make sure you water the plant well once you replant it and check on it for about a week after it’s been transplanted and keep it watered.

Swap

Another way you can get free plants is to swap with other gardening enthuasists. They might have a plant you want and vice versa or even be willing to take a cutting from a well established plant.

End of Season

Patience is definitely a virtue when you’re a gardener. Not only when waiting for plants and trees to grow but if you can wait till the end of the growing season you can net lots of good buys. I’ve purchased at least 50% of my garden flowers and shrubs this way. Some have only cost a couple of dollars and the best plants in the yard.

Herbs

If you need to fill in a spot in the garden, quickly and cheaply my favorite pick are herbs. They grow fast…some too fast to watch out, they’re always green, inexpensive, no green thumb required. And yes, you can use them in cooking too.

Plants in Distress

Another way you can net a bargain or two is to look for plants in distress. Yes, it’s sad to think some garden centers and nurseries have staff who either don’t know anything about plants or can’t be bothered to look after them, but some plants get abused. I’ve seen some that just need some water and TLC and have asked if I could buy them at a discount. Most of the time the store is more than happy to let you have them. What they don’t know is after a good water and some sun, they look better than the ones still in the store.

Quick Landscape Trick

One of my favorite and inexpensive ways to spruce up the yard after the winter is to put down a new layer of mulch. Sometimes you can buy bags as cheap as $2. You’d be surprised just how good it makes the garden look. Sprinkle it over the old mulch and it goes a long way too.

Free Trees

Today is Arbor Day and check out this site. For just a $10 membership you can get ten free trees.

http://www.arborday.org/shopping/memberships/memberships.cfm?membership=trees

Catalogs to Check Out

And here are two of my favorite catalogs, good prices and lots of gardening info too-

http://www.burpee.com/

http://www.seedsofchange.com/

Check Out the Companies

And this site has lots of information and even a section on how gardening companies rate with other users-

http://davesgarden.com/

Plant Some Food

With food prices on the increase and rumored to stay that way, now’s a good time to plant not only a veggie garden but trees and shrubs that yield food, like apples, pears, blueberries and strawberries, check out http://www.gardeners.com/ for tips and supplies for growing veggies etc.

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