Budget

Well, now that my pantry is low, I have really been able to see how much I can spend- and this month's menu was done for under $250.00, I actually gave myself $300 for budget, because I realized the kids eat so much, unless I have a stocked pantry to cook out of, I just can't do it for as cheap as I used to!
I think I came close to $220 for this menu- but I had 3 "company" meals I had to come up with and so spent money on things that weren't on the menu. All total, I did it with $250, so I did have some excess of $$- which is so much nicer than cutting it right down to the last cent.
I don't think I'll do that again this month- that was too much boxed mac & cheese (granted, it's a really cheap meal, but so unhealthy!).

I was thinking about how much my kids eat the other day- and you know, they do eat alot! Naomi is one now, and she will eat a whole sandwich plus fruit or veggies. If I use store bought white bread, the boys easily eat 4 sandwiches each before I tell them to stop and eat some carrots or something. It continues to increase every year. Good thing Luke is going hunting this year!

Creamed Tuna & Peas

I got this from the Hillbilly Housewife and we really liked it. It reminded me of a dish my grandma used to make when she would host a ladies brunch- Creamed Shrimp on Toast. The only difference was, well, toast, tiny shrimp and she would put some diced hard boiled eggs in. It was so delicious- and this was very similar, so I enjoyed the memories that came with dinner. :-)


Creamed Tuna & Peas


Cost:
Tuna: $1.
Peas: $.44
Milk: $.50
Rice: $.40
Meal Total: $2.34

Not Posting Much...

Just thought I would give you all a "heads up". I haven't been posting too much and probably won't over the next couple weeks. For one, blogger seems to have issues with uploading pictures- does anyone else have problems? I do have a MAC, so I don't know if they're clashing or what, but it's a head ache for me.

The other reason is, we are remodeling our kitchen... and somehow I got the pictures to upload this time, so you can see the mess!


This is what it looked like on Saturday:



And then after my dear husband got it cleaned up so I could cook again:


We live in an old house (1882) and are making the kitchen bigger, so we knocked down a wall and can't let Naomi crawl around in there, for fear of her eating the insulation or other unknown garbage that is hiding in the exposed areas.

I'll try to post some pictures when I can- this is looking like a couple months of work!

Skillet Hash

I'm always wanting to make different things with leftover venison roast*- there is always sandwiches, but this is a nice alternative:

Skillet Hash
4 c. chopped cooked meat
4 c. chopped cooked potatoes
2/3 c. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4-1/2 c. olive oil
2/3 c. water

Add everything except the water, fry and stir in large skillet for about 15 min. Add water, stir and stick in oven to broil for 5-10 minutes, till it has a slightly crispy top.

Cost:
Potatoes: $2.
Roast: $1.64
Onion... $?
Meal total: $3.64

*This roast had really good flavor, which made the Hash have a wonderful flavor. I had cooked the roast with a packet of organic french onion dressing mix.

Deviled Eggs

My Deviled Egg Trick:

9 eggs
4 T. mayo
1 tsp. mustard
1 tsp. white vinegar
1/2 tsp paprika
Pinch of salt






Put the egg yolk and rest of ingredients into a ziplock bag, seal and squish it with your hands.





When it's smooth, cut a corner of the bag off with scissors.







Squeeze the "yolk" into the egg white halves.













Toss the empty bag- and they're all done!

Ants on a Log

My grandmother used to make these and take them to every church potluck, it was always one of my favorites.


Super easy- and kids can help, if you don't mind them licking their fingers. :-)

Wash and dry as many stocks of celery as desired, cut into 2"to 3" pieces, spread peanut butter in the middle, put some raisins on the peanut butter. Serve.

Ham and Cheese Bake

Ah, leftover Easter Ham... YUM!








Ham and Cheese Bake
16 oz spaghetti pasta, cooked & drained
2 c. diced ham
2 c. shredded cheese (I don't think it matters which kind- I used cheddar)

Mix all together and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until cheese is thoroughly melted.

Cost:
Pasta: $.72
Ham: $2.25
Cheese: $1.84
Meal total: $4.81