I use maple syrup in so many different ways. It is probably my favorite natural sugar alternative. One of the many things I make with maple syrup is iced tea. (If you're curious as to why I use so much maple syrup, check here.) Not only is it cheaper to make iced tea yourself, this version is also a healthier iced tea. I make this about every 5 days or so. It makes about 2 liters. It's prefect if you are trying to replace refined white sugar with natural sweetener options. {photo credit: … [Read more...]
DIY Homemade Chocolate Syrup
As part of my effort to make much of what we eat and use myself and as part of our healthier eating habits (you can read my latest update on that here), I have been making chocolate syrup from scratch. It's actually quite easy. I purchased a clear squeeze bottle for cheap at Walmart so I could see how much syrup is left but you could use any container you would like to store your syrup. I often only do half a recipe. {photo credit: shutterbean via photopin cc} DIY Chocolate … [Read more...]
Recipe: Maple Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
Because we make maple syrup, I am always looking for ways to use it in recipes. One of my favorite ways recently has been Maple Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry. Stir fry tends to happen around here fairly often do the frugal nature of it. This is just one way to shake it up. This whole recipe takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Most of our meals are not only frugal but also quick. (Please pardon the terrible pictures. My kitchen is not a very light friendly place.) You will need: 1 … [Read more...]
A Year Into Our {Semi} Whole Food Journey
{source} It has been almost a year since we started our (semi) whole food journey. Basically, we are trying to focus on cutting out preservatives, dyes/colorings, and added sugar. In that year we have made some more changes. We are still buying organic bread and using a more natural peanut butter. I have in fact mastered the art of making iced tea. I use maple syrup to sweeten. Matt loves it! The changes we have made - I am buying plain yogurt and adding fruit and maple syrup to it. I … [Read more...]
Beginner’s Guide to Frugal Cooking
Whether you want to save more money in your food budget because you recently lost your job or you're saving for something special or just looking for more ways to cut back, how you cook and what you buy plays a big role in that. Over the years, how I cook and what I buy has changed drastically. I used to buy much more convenience type foods. Now, that is a rarity. I have learned how to make most of the things that we eat from scratch. Not only does it save money but it is healthier … [Read more...]
3 Simple Menu Planning Tips
I heard you. Yup. I did. You just sighed when you read "menu planning." I mean, who wants to sit down, try to think about the coming week, and then be tied into that plan? What if you don't feel like tacos on taco day? Menu planning has a bad rep. People really don't want to do this chore. However, I find it very helpful. I love not having to think about dinner throughout the day or at 4pm. I find it much less stressful to have a plan in place. Plus, it does save me money. I can base my meals … [Read more...]