Today was an adventure with the little one after popping into the library to pick up my reserves. We went to Value Village and a couple things leaped into the shopping cart. What was I to do but bring them home.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thrifty Finds
Today was an adventure with the little one after popping into the library to pick up my reserves. We went to Value Village and a couple things leaped into the shopping cart. What was I to do but bring them home.
TVP - textured vegetable protein
In the land of protein I consider TVP a most convenient staple. It does not need to be refrigerated, or kept in the freezer. Simply add water or other liquid flavouring and it's good to go. To rehydrate, add 3/4 to 1 cup (180 to 250mL) of boiling water to 1 cup of TVP and let it stand for 10 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Once rehydrated, TVP granules can be used as a substitute for ground beef in recipes such as chili, spaghetti sauce, and tacos. I keep it in a mix I have had for years, as a jar with the following label:
Macaroni & TVP Skillet Mix
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 cup dry elbow macaroni
* 1 cup Dry TVP
* 3 tbsp dried minced onion
* 2 tbsp dried parsley
* 2 tsp dried basil
* 3 tbsp brown sugar
*1 Tbsp dried garlic minced
* ½ tsp chili powder
PREPARATION:
One jar or can tomatoes with 2 cups water into a large skillet and bring to a boil. Add Mix. Simmer, covered for 15 min. until macaroni is tender, stir occasionally. Add more water if necessary. Optional: ¾ cup grated Parmesan mixed in and 1/2 cup milk or cream.
Macaroni & TVP Skillet Mix
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 cup dry elbow macaroni
* 1 cup Dry TVP
* 3 tbsp dried minced onion
* 2 tbsp dried parsley
* 2 tsp dried basil
* 3 tbsp brown sugar
*1 Tbsp dried garlic minced
* ½ tsp chili powder
PREPARATION:
One jar or can tomatoes with 2 cups water into a large skillet and bring to a boil. Add Mix. Simmer, covered for 15 min. until macaroni is tender, stir occasionally. Add more water if necessary. Optional: ¾ cup grated Parmesan mixed in and 1/2 cup milk or cream.
Addicted to Cookbooks
Yes, I am a pack rat. But I try to be selective about it and only collect useful things, like cookbooks. And it helps that I find them thrifting, or review them at the library first. Currently I am on the lookout for vegan and vegetarian cookbooks to help inspire the cooking and eating of more vegetables. We are not completely meatless, but we are a reduced meat family for two reasons, the impact of meat on the environment, our health and our budget.
Some recent finds are the Vegan Lunch Box by Jennifer McCann (she blogs at www.veganlunchbox.blogspot.com) with not just great ideas and inspiration for lunch for the entire family; but well laid out menus, recipes and tips. I only have this one from the library but I've tried the Quick Peanut Sauce on pg. 108 and the Banana Oatmeal Cookies on pg. 233 (my grandmother gives me bananas every week for some reason). The Peanut sauce I put on whole wheat spaghetti and my husband and I thought it was excellent! The cookies use 4 bananas and are delicious. We had company and everyone enjoyed them, from 1 year up to adult. For fun I threw in chocolate chips instead of completely following the recipe to make them more child friendly for us.
I also have tried a recipe from Lunchbox Love by Sally King (www.sallyjking.com). This book is small, but packed with excellent recipes, almost all of which I would use. The Chocolate Zucchini Cake was perfect to use up zucchini from the freezer. When I was young my mom made a version to fill my lunchbox so this brought back good chocolate-y memories. This is not a vegetarian or vegan cookbook, but what I would call a from scratch, natural food book with an organic slant. There are only 60 recipes in this small book but they all call for healthy, wholesome ingredients and is enough to supply excellent lunch fodder for the entire family.
Some recent finds are the Vegan Lunch Box by Jennifer McCann (she blogs at www.veganlunchbox.blogspot.com) with not just great ideas and inspiration for lunch for the entire family; but well laid out menus, recipes and tips. I only have this one from the library but I've tried the Quick Peanut Sauce on pg. 108 and the Banana Oatmeal Cookies on pg. 233 (my grandmother gives me bananas every week for some reason). The Peanut sauce I put on whole wheat spaghetti and my husband and I thought it was excellent! The cookies use 4 bananas and are delicious. We had company and everyone enjoyed them, from 1 year up to adult. For fun I threw in chocolate chips instead of completely following the recipe to make them more child friendly for us.
I also have tried a recipe from Lunchbox Love by Sally King (www.sallyjking.com). This book is small, but packed with excellent recipes, almost all of which I would use. The Chocolate Zucchini Cake was perfect to use up zucchini from the freezer. When I was young my mom made a version to fill my lunchbox so this brought back good chocolate-y memories. This is not a vegetarian or vegan cookbook, but what I would call a from scratch, natural food book with an organic slant. There are only 60 recipes in this small book but they all call for healthy, wholesome ingredients and is enough to supply excellent lunch fodder for the entire family.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Beginnings
This is not the first trip I have ever made into a thrift store, but it is the first time I am posting about it. This trip to Goodwill in Chatham, ON was a successful one in my opinion, have a look.
These four pictures were 0.99 each and thoughtfully include the original Winners stickers of 9.99 each.
This little dollhouse sized cradle from Plan Toys is adorable and from a bag of assorted toys for $1.49.
The bag also included some Tupperware toy cups and plate, as well as some no-name brand stuff. The leftovers go into the yard sale pile, which is downstairs being priced and organized as I type.
I have always wanted a water pitcher and glass for my night stand. The glass is not the original one, but if I remember correctly the original one has a sharp edge that may have been uncomfortable for drinking. $2.00
I am always buying shoes for the little monkey, she's currently a size 5 1/2 ish. These are Dr. Scholl's and are in basically new condition for $2.99.
My favourite find is this brass lion door knocker for 0.99. I am considering painting the front door a bright royal blue to set him off.
These four pictures were 0.99 each and thoughtfully include the original Winners stickers of 9.99 each.
This little dollhouse sized cradle from Plan Toys is adorable and from a bag of assorted toys for $1.49.
The bag also included some Tupperware toy cups and plate, as well as some no-name brand stuff. The leftovers go into the yard sale pile, which is downstairs being priced and organized as I type.
I have always wanted a water pitcher and glass for my night stand. The glass is not the original one, but if I remember correctly the original one has a sharp edge that may have been uncomfortable for drinking. $2.00
I am always buying shoes for the little monkey, she's currently a size 5 1/2 ish. These are Dr. Scholl's and are in basically new condition for $2.99.
My favourite find is this brass lion door knocker for 0.99. I am considering painting the front door a bright royal blue to set him off.
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