[Spontaneo]

Do you know how to cook? Boy did I see the light when I moved out on my home.

While living at home when growing up, my mother did not want me in the kitchen while she was cooking. She did not want me to get hurt. I never understood until I moved out.

What has happened since then?

I burnt up a microwave.

I caught a stove on fire.

I poured boiling water on my fingers.

Oh gosh, do not let any other disaster happen!

She did give me a Crock-Pot and I have relied on Crock-Pots. I mean, what can go wrong?

Do you prefer cookbooks or from scratch? I started out borrowing cookbooks from the library and bought from yard sales. A few weeks ago, a roommate and I were cleaning out our basement where I found a huge assortment of cookbooks! Come to mama!

Instead of following recipes exactly, I do like to use my own options. For example, if the recipe calls for an ingredient that I do not like, need, can’t find or is too expensive, I simply leave the ingredient out.

I am a frugal cook. I grew up poor. For example, my mother made her own homemade pasta and her own homemade spaghetti sauce. Any leftover mashed potatoes? She would use the leftover mashed potatoes for making gnocchi.

I still cannot prepare my own homemade pasta or spaghetti sauce, but there is nothing wrong or to be ashamed of to open up a box of pasta and opening a spaghetti sauce jar! I even prepare my pasta in the microwave.

I only shop for cheap ingredients. My roommate has a membership for Sam’s Club which helps out alot. Then, we shop alot at Dollar Tree!

What do you usually drink? Your own concoction or store-bought? I drink a variety, but only inexpensive. For example, I like to brew 2 pitchers of iced tea at night to have ready for the following next day. Then, I use lemon juice squeeze bottles to have unsweetened iced tea with lemon. The tea bags and lemon juice squeeze bottles both from the dollar store!

Are you still convinced that cooking at home is not the best? If the healthier benefits do not convince you, what about your wallet? Water is free! What about the $5.00 you just spent at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? You could have had a cup of coffee at home for pennies!

That’s my 2 cents folks!

[Angie10]

Thanks for sharing... not sure you meant this post to be comedic, but I had a few LOL moments But not laughing at you but rather some of the situations you have previously found yourself in I love your iced-tea idea and have in fact been thinking of making my own at home. What are your favourite flavours?

I actually enjoy cooking at home with the odd takeout here and there. I learnt how to cook when I was about 11 because my mum insisted. My style of cooking is more experimental than anything, but things almost always turn out great. I HATE following recipes and much prefer to put my own spin on them. I can't bake to save my life, however. A real shame!

[OldGuy]

Spontaneo"]Do you know how to cook?

Yes. I almost always eat at home and do all my own cooking. The only time I go to a restaurant is when someone invites me and they are paying; maybe 2 or 3 times a year. Most are either my boss or a relative is visiting from out of town.

While living at home when growing up, my mother did not want me in the kitchen while she was cooking. She did not want me to get hurt. I never understood until I moved out.

I grew up in a home with both parents and 5 brothers. Mom always made us help with all the household chores beginning as soon as we could hold a dusting brush in our hand. We all had to take turns with everything. I remember doing the family laundry by the time I was 6, Hand washing the dishes was a regular duty. I was assigned cooking the family meals several times by the time I was 12. We all took turns mowing the lawn. The first time I went grocery shopping by myself was around age 8.

We were trained throughout childhood on doing everything to take care of the home. We also had to help dad in his own accounting business. I was doing corporate level IRS Audit work by the time I was in the 9th grade. The first time I did dad's banking alone was by age 10 and carried thousands in cash on my bicycle. It was safer than a brinks truck. Who would even think of robbing a little kid on a bicycle?

Of course that was then. Nowadays someone might grab a kid out and about alone because they wanted the kid for other reasons. It is no longer safe for a kid to handle public affairs alone.

What has happened since then?

We all thought they were somewhat lazy at the time and were just using us as slave labor. However, by the time we each reached the time to move out on our own, we were easily able to make the transition and take care of our own first homes and personal financial affairs. It never occurred to us to take the time to thank them for the early learning years while were doing it. It was probably harder to teach us these things than it would have been to just do it all for themselves. Thanks mom and dad.

Do you prefer cookbooks or from scratch?

I have never used any cookbooks. I do my grocery shopping once a month. I take the time to cook up several dishes, portion them into single serving bowls and put them in the freezer. I then rotate through them for the rest of the month with the variety. I take a serving from the freezer and let it thaw a day ahead and then a couple of minutes in the microwave when I'm ready to eat.

What do you usually drink? Your own concoction or store-bought?

I like to have q variety on hand at all times. I usually have at least 3 or 4 types of fruit juice, some vegetable juice, milk and maybe more in the fridge at all times. I also have coffee, tea and hot chocolate on the shelf to make as desired. I don't touch anything with alcohol.

Are you still convinced that cooking at home is not the best?

Quite the contrary. I avoid eating out as much as possible because I always like to know what is actually in my food.

[Spontaneo]

Thanks for sharing... not sure you meant this post to be comedic, but I had a few LOL moments But not laughing at you but rather some of the situations you have previously found yourself in I love your iced-tea idea and have in fact been thinking of making my own at home. What are your favourite flavours?

I actually enjoy cooking at home with the odd takeout here and there. I learnt how to cook when I was about 11 because my mum insisted. My style of cooking is more experimental than anything, but things almost always turn out great. I HATE following recipes and much prefer to put my own spin on them. I can't bake to save my life, however. A real shame!

Thank you so much for your reply!

I love sweet tea but just do not want all of that sugar.

The night before, I run kitchen faucet water until hot and fill up both pitchers. Then, I toss in 10 to 12 tea bags.

I let brew for quite a few hours.

Then, I place in the fridge.

The following day, I take the tea bags out and fill up water bottles throughout the day.

I like to squirt some lemon juice in the water bottles.

That's it!

-- 04 May 2024, 13:01 --

Spontaneo"]Do you know how to cook?

Yes. I almost always eat at home and do all my own cooking. The only time I go to a restaurant is when someone invites me and they are paying; maybe 2 or 3 times a year. Most are either my boss or a relative is visiting from out of town.

While living at home when growing up, my mother did not want me in the kitchen while she was cooking. She did not want me to get hurt. I never understood until I moved out.

I grew up in a home with both parents and 5 brothers. Mom always made us help with all the household chores beginning as soon as we could hold a dusting brush in our hand. We all had to take turns with everything. I remember doing the family laundry by the time I was 6, Hand washing the dishes was a regular duty. I was assigned cooking the family meals several times by the time I was 12. We all took turns mowing the lawn. The first time I went grocery shopping by myself was around age 8.

We were trained throughout childhood on doing everything to take care of the home. We also had to help dad in his own accounting business. I was doing corporate level IRS Audit work by the time I was in the 9th grade. The first time I did dad's banking alone was by age 10 and carried thousands in cash on my bicycle. It was safer than a brinks truck. Who would even think of robbing a little kid on a bicycle?

Of course that was then. Nowadays someone might grab a kid out and about alone because they wanted the kid for other reasons. It is no longer safe for a kid to handle public affairs alone.

What has happened since then?

We all thought they were somewhat lazy at the time and were just using us as slave labor. However, by the time we each reached the time to move out on our own, we were easily able to make the transition and take care of our own first homes and personal financial affairs. It never occurred to us to take the time to thank them for the early learning years while were doing it. It was probably harder to teach us these things than it would have been to just do it all for themselves. Thanks mom and dad.

Do you prefer cookbooks or from scratch?

I have never used any cookbooks. I do my grocery shopping once a month. I take the time to cook up several dishes, portion them into single serving bowls and put them in the freezer. I then rotate through them for the rest of the month with the variety. I take a serving from the freezer and let it thaw a day ahead and then a couple of minutes in the microwave when I'm ready to eat.

What do you usually drink? Your own concoction or store-bought?

I like to have q variety on hand at all times. I usually have at least 3 or 4 types of fruit juice, some vegetable juice, milk and maybe more in the fridge at all times. I also have coffee, tea and hot chocolate on the shelf to make as desired. I don't touch anything with alcohol.

Are you still convinced that cooking at home is not the best?

Quite the contrary. I avoid eating out as much as possible because I always like to know what is actually in my food.

I love, love, love your freezer meals! Awesome! We have Hefty dinner containers so when we have leftovers, I simply fill up a container and place in the freezer. When hungry and do not feel like cooking, just thaw and nuke in the microwave!

[OldGuy]

Of course that was then. Nowadays someone might grab a kid out and about alone because they wanted the kid for other reasons. It is no longer safe for a kid to handle public affairs alone.

Coincidental timely news article received in my newsfeed just now:
Chilling Threat to America’s Youth: Unaccompanied Minors at Risk of Falling into Deadly MS-13 Gang’s Hands?
https://nextnewsnetwork.com/2024/05/03/ ... 2vyhX1L5N1

[Spontaneo]

Of course that was then. Nowadays someone might grab a kid out and about alone because they wanted the kid for other reasons. It is no longer safe for a kid to handle public affairs alone.

Coincidental timely news article received in my newsfeed just now:
Chilling Threat to America’s Youth: Unaccompanied Minors at Risk of Falling into Deadly MS-13 Gang’s Hands?
https://nextnewsnetwork.com/2024/05/03/ ... 2vyhX1L5N1

Poor kids. Not their fault. I do not understand parts of the article. Would you explain in plain English?

[Spontaneo]

A local church's monthly food pantry stops here on Friday! I cannot wait!

I appreciate the food pantry very so much as the groceries that the food pantry brings are items that I could never afford to buy myself or for my roommate. For example, salad shrimp. Every month, groceries are different.

We are not destitute but groceries come in handy. I love to do pantry challenges!

-- 03 Oct 2024, 20:40 --

Do pantry challenges!

Got ramen noodles with a seasoning packet? Toss in a can of vegetable of your choice! Toss in an egg! Toss in a canned tuna!

Use your imagination!

[Spontaneo]

I have been attempting to figure out a food diary for today.

I have tuna and chicken breast that have been staring at me in the kitchen pantry.

So, today, should I prepare tuna salad sandwiches? Should I prepare chicken salad sandwiches?

The sandwiches would simply be for myself. My roommate does not like tuna and chicken breast.

However, we have 2 big bags of russet potatoes. Should I have some baked potatoes ready for her for lunch when she gets home from church? She really likes my Crock-Pot baked potatoes.

What do you think?

[eldavis]

I know how to cook, and from time to time I like trying new recipes or leaning new dishes. Cooking at home has been a life saver.

[Spontaneo]

I know how to cook, and from time to time I like trying new recipes or leaning new dishes. Cooking at home has been a life saver.

What should I cook today?

[Spontaneo]

There are days when my cooking is not all that good.

For example, my pasta with red sauce.

Mid's spaghetti sauce is the closest to tasting like my mother's homemade spaghetti sauce but my roommate does not always "allow" myself to always buy such spaghetti sauce. She only allows Hunts, Prego and Ragu.

I do my best to season the yucky spaghetti sauces up, but there is no use. The spaghetti sauces are just hopeless.

Do you ever have this problem?

[Spontaneo]

My smoothies are getting boring. I either usually have peanut butter and jelly smoothies or peanut butter and chocolate smoothies.

My roommate dislikes buying bananas, so I cannot use bananas.

I need to educate myself on different smoothies and breakdown and purchase "The Perfect Pureed Food Cookbook". I love the cookbook and read cookbook online. I mentioned in the past that I want a paper copy but the cookbook is only available as an e-cookbook. The cost is only $2.00. Should I just break down and buy an e-cookbook? I am frugal. I am old-fashioned.

[Jem Smith]

My smoothies are getting boring. I either usually have peanut butter and jelly smoothies or peanut butter and chocolate smoothies.

My roommate dislikes buying bananas, so I cannot use bananas.

I need to educate myself on different smoothies and breakdown and purchase "The Perfect Pureed Food Cookbook". I love the cookbook and read cookbook online. I mentioned in the past that I want a paper copy but the cookbook is only available as an e-cookbook. The cost is only $2.00. Should I just break down and buy an e-cookbook? I am frugal. I am old-fashioned.

If you want to add sweetness to a smoothie, similar to what you would get from a banana, you can use pumpkin or sweet potato. You can cook them in the microwave, then let them cool before pureeing. They go nicely with cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg, and a little milk (I use soy), and apple (you could use applesauce even).

[Spontaneo]

My smoothies are getting boring. I either usually have peanut butter and jelly smoothies or peanut butter and chocolate smoothies.

My roommate dislikes buying bananas, so I cannot use bananas.

I need to educate myself on different smoothies and breakdown and purchase "The Perfect Pureed Food Cookbook". I love the cookbook and read cookbook online. I mentioned in the past that I want a paper copy but the cookbook is only available as an e-cookbook. The cost is only $2.00. Should I just break down and buy an e-cookbook? I am frugal. I am old-fashioned.

If you want to add sweetness to a smoothie, similar to what you would get from a banana, you can use pumpkin or sweet potato. You can cook them in the microwave, then let them cool before pureeing. They go nicely with cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg, and a little milk (I use soy), and apple (you could use applesauce even).

Thank you. Maybe I can buy canned sweet potatoes, also called quite often yams? Being the holiday season, the dollar stores should have their shelves full.

[Spontaneo]

I do not like bologna. My neighbor once said to mix bologna with mayonnaise. I was not very enthused.

However, I saw the following recipe. Such recipe does not seem too bad.

I plan on preparing some tomorrow.

Very frugal. What do you think?

https://www.cooks.com/recipe/qb5ae02p/hammy-spread.html

[Spontaneo]

Go to yard sales over the summer for your small kitchen appliances! I bought a Keurig, air fryer and Crock-Pot to donate to my church. However this past week, we had a falling out and I am keeping the small appliances for myself.

We already have a Crock-Pot and an air fryer, but the yard sale ones are good to have for just in case.

My bedroom office has a small generic version of a Keurig. However, our kitchen has a 15-cup of which I do not like. So, now, my kitchen officially has a Keurig!

[Spontaneo]

Thank goodness that we can prepare coffee at home! Yes?

[Spontaneo]

Why not have a cheap soup and sandwich? For example, why not have a package of ramen noodles with a lunch meat sandwich or a grilled cheese?

[Spontaneo]

I mentioned on other threads that I was able to finally find The Perfect Pureed Food Diet Cookbook on Amazon in paper form! I can't wait! I bought a used copy and cannot wait! Yay!

[Spontaneo]

Do you live with family or a friend that has totally different tastes than you?

For New Year's Eve, my roommate had pork and sour kraut. Our kitchen stunk!

I had beer-battered fish on a flour tortilla.

I was going to have coleslaw with dressing, but my roommate's pork and sour kraut took 6 hours in the Crock-Pot. I was starving and fish in the air fryer only takes 10 minutes!

We cannot have a Crock-Pot on when the air fryer is on.

What did you have for New Year's Eve?