What Are You Eating?

[Sugar Smack]

When money gets tight, I spread white bread with mayo and eat heated beans on it with pepper.

Rice and beans

Homemade soup

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Spaghetti and meatballs.

Homemade sauce and meatballs.

[Sugar Smack]

39. I can almost smell it from here.

Hey, I got my recipe from "The Godfather". Except I deleted the sugar. :D

[Bonobo]

2. Whole chicken. Cut it yourself. It's fresher and cheaper.

It's easy to do and I have heard that the chicken is fresher since it is not "delayed" by having to be skinned, boned, etc.

I made a delicious sticky lemon chicken over scallion mashed potatoes. Garlic, honey, lemons, thyme, soy sauce, wine vinegar. Potatoes, green onions. Cheap, delicious, easy enough.

[Catherine Vincent]

15. "Whole chicken. Cut it yourself. It's fresher and cheaper."

My mom to this day continues to buy whole chickens and cut them herself. You're right about it being fresher and cheaper. Once I was helping out in the kitchen and she asked me to cut a chicken for her. She saw me attempting to do it (I didn't really know how) and she came over and starting cutting it herself. I told her it felt funny cutting a chieken. I felt like I was cutting a person. :)

[RB TexLa]

23. There's a place north of Dallas you can still buy live chickens real cheap

[Catherine Vincent]

34. Oh no way. I don't mind eating chickens but I won't wring their necks

and kill them. When I was little, my grandmother on the farm used to do that. She would get all the chickens running to her with the chicken feed and they'd be all at her feet. Then she'd scoop one up by the neck and swing it around a few times until it's neck snapped. It was horrible to watch but I watched. Those poor little chickens.

[emilyg]

56. Autopsy on a chicken. Kool.

[Retrograde]

70. never know when such skills will come in useful!

I've learned a lot about anatomy cutting up dead poultry.

The cheapest I usually find in these parts are Costco's 2-chicken packs. When they get home, they get dissected into various bits and pieces and frozen: breasts in one bag, thighs and drumsticks in another. Wing tips, backs, necks, hearts and gizzards all go into a separate bag to be used for stock when I have enough (and the time to make and can it). Livers go into a separate bag until I have enough for a meal (I like liver about twice a year), wings ditto until I have enough. Since everything's in meal-sized portions I can pull out one when I need to. The stock sits in the cupboard until I need it to make a quick soup or sauce.

The supermarkets I usually go to (small, regionally-owned ones) don't have cheap chickens. They tend to carry these enormous, range-raised (they say) 4-5 lb. birds, which are too much for two people. I occasionally buy them to save a trip (gas costs, too), but they're twice as much as Costco.

[supernova]

3. Eggs

I make sure I have breakfast. And whole fresh chickens are cheaper than buying parts.

[Sugar Smack]

10. I freaking LOVE eggs.

:yourock: I'm going to get some tomorrow. And tomatoes & onions & potatoes.

Oh, dear, feeling hungry. :loveya:

[supernova]

21. Ohh, potatoes

I have just a serving left of hash browns to go w/ my eggs tomorrow morning! :9

:yourock: back atcha! :D

[flvegan]

4. I'm having

a Corona Light, but for food I had a couple faux bacon blts with xtra crispy tater tots. Total junk food night.

Not what I'd really LIKE to be eating, though. Take that as you may, my tight-jean ass showing minx.

Totally inappropriate, I know.

[Sugar Smack]

14. You suck!

*ROCK*:yourock: :hug: :loveya:

You are the best.

[flvegan]

31. From time to time, yes, I do.

I've gotten nothing but positive feedback though.

It's more tongue than lips, to be honest. When you want to find out, find out.

I'm so, so, so bad.

:evilgrin:

[soothsayer]

5. The brits eat bean sammies. I figured it was a war rationing thing, so

it makes sense that it works on a tight budget.

[Sugar Smack]

17. I like to cook & mash them sometimes with the

tater masher. I can create all kinds of "spreads" that way.:D

[LostinVA]

6. Salt & Pepper Kettle Chips

They're tres yummo.

[Sugar Smack]

22. Aaaah!

*drool* I like suagr but crave salt. CRAVE it.:9

[Hoof Hearted]

7. Beans and torts. Lentil stew. Mashed taters and veggies.

Soup with salad and a roll.

These are my usual fare.

[supernova]

24. Lentil stew is awesome!

as well as cornbread! :9

[Sugar Smack]

26. Taters and cabbage.

With lots of butter. Margarine. What have you.:D

[proud patriot]

8. lots of homemade soup

Potato Soup

Turkey Soup

Split pea soup

ham hocks and beans

Chili Verde /Colorado / tacos

Corned beef hash and eggs

Oatmeal / Cream of Wheat

Shepards Pie

Meatloaf and Potatos

Spaghetti

[TomInTib]

16. OK, that's it...

I am on my way over to your house.

We can sit out on your cool stoop (that is your front porch that I remember, isn't it?), eat hot soup and drink wine (which, of course, I will bring in copious quantities).

[Sugar Smack]

30. Will you pick me up?

I can bring...hmmmm. Checking cabinet.

Pasta

rice

peas.

Party time! :party:

[proud patriot]

81. Come on over

:)

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. PB&J, tomato soup, boullion, hot tea.

times are tough.

[K Gardner]

11. I'm having a Michelob Pale Ale to wash down my supper from

McDonalds. Dollar menu. Treating myself, LOL. I've been on one of those "eat everything in the house before you buy anything else" kicks. Results in a LOT of meals of beans and rice, which I love. Am I the only person who thinks cold rice and Hellman's mayo is a meal??
:toast:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

12. Tomato Pie

and chocolate on a grand, nay Hastertian scale!

*waddle* ;)

:hi: :hug: :loveya:

[Sugar Smack]

37. WHAT'S the recipe for tomato pie, if you don't mind my asking?

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

60. Simple as can be

Basic pizza dough, a thin Sicilian

Tomato sauce, garlic and oregano

Baked then refrigerated

Light parmesan dusting and served cold

:D:D:D

[onehandle]

13. White Truffles, Iranian Osetra Caviar, and 1962 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac. nt

[Kurovski]

18. So then you make CLR "Pauipcicles", too!

And here I thought I was the only one!

[K Gardner]

19. Send address. We'll be right over.

[supernova]

20. You're really cutting back, then

;-)

[madeline_con]

27. You should splurge just a little, for the holidays. n/t

[MissB]

25. Tonight, homemade pizza.

[cali]

28. All kinds of things: Pasta, black bean soup with sherry

Chicken thighs county captain, roasted root veggies, quiche, omelets, acorn squash stuffed with toasted bread, onions, cranberries and a bit of sausage. Food doesn't have to expensive to be good. It just takes a little effort.

[Sugar Smack]

32. Aw, you shame the rest of us, Miz or Mister cali.

That sounds fantastic. I'm going to look online for cheap-eats recipes. Thanks. :hi:

[cali]

36. It's fun!

Just don't buy prepared food and you can eat wonderfully well on very little. Never buy frozen dinners or breakfast cereal- make your own granola if you want cold cereal. Happy cooking!

:hi:

[mitchtv]

29. all of the above

'cept the caviar

[elocs]

33. I eat a largely vegetarian diet of beans and rice all the time by choice.

It has nothing to do with money since I could indulge myself if I wanted. I also eat lots of fresh broccoli. Once in awhile I might have some chicken or fish, but only very rarely any red meat and I seldom eat out. I think my diet is healthy, I eat better than most of the rest of the world, it is inexpensive, and I do not feel deprived since I regularly treat myself to some simple goodies.

I just got my blood work results back from my last physical and my cholesterol was 139 and my glucose level was smack in the middle of the range of 70-100. As a 55 year old male my psa (prostate specific antigen) was 1.57 out of a range of 0-4, which is very good and is also related to a diet that is low in red meat. So it is not hard for me to eat cheaply and healthily.

[htuttle]

35. Guinness Extra Stout -- since I use a knife and a fork, does that count as 'eating'?

[Akoto]

38. Specifically when money gets tight?

Money has never really NOT been tight for us, so I'm kind of used to eating frugally. :)

Homemade soups/stews is a big one. Buy chicken or an affordable cut of meat, veggies, broth (or make your own). A pot of homemade soup can last for several meals and offers a lot of nutritional value, usually without much cost. Tasty too, which always helps.

If you have the time, making other things from scratch can sometimes cut costs as well. I have recently been able to bake for the holidays at lower cost than using packaged goods, and without really unhealthy elements such as trans fats. Granted, cookies and what not are rarely healthy anyhow, but at least you don't have to feel quite as guilty.

For snacks, I tend to favor less expensive options. Pretzels are my favorite, and I like licorice for the sweet stuff. Cereal is always good. Usually, I buy Kashi brand. They're not as bad as other cereals and usually have lots of things decent for nutrition.

One of the best things we did was to join BJ's, which is a bulk warehouse place. Kind of like Sam's Club, except without the connection to the Waltons. We buy a lot of meat there, delicious chickens, etc. So much money is saved doing so, compared to going somewhere else. Buy meat once a month and then freeze it for later use.

[Sugar Smack]

40. You're making me want to go out & get a crock pot.

I hear those are wonderful.

[Akoto]

43. We have an old crock pot which is great, but ...

If you want it for making soup, you really don't need it. We just use a really big pot! :)

[tomreedtoon]

50. Crock pots are wonderful, especially for folks with jobs.

You put in the ingredients, set it to low, go to work, and when you get home dinner is ready.

If you're feeling "splurgy" you can get a crock pot cookbook at the checkout of most supermarkets, but you can also look up stuff on recipesource.com. My next experiment: throwing in a couple of turkey thighs with some barbecue sauce and beer, to make barbecue turkey for loose meat sandwiches.

[alfredo]

41. Blackeye peas with a couple sausages, onion, garlic, crushed red pepper

from a pizza parlor, cooked brown rice to thicken broth. Habanero sauce and sour cream added when served. Sauted Bok Choy in olive and sesame oil Salt, Pepper, ginger, soy sauce.

Green tea with peppermint.


Shot of Rye after the dishes are cleaned up.

[Sugar Smack]

46. That sounds heavenly.

I'm fainting!:hug: WOW.

[alfredo]

51. I felt like splurging. I usually eat low on the food chain. Saves money.

I love the foods of the Mideast. They have a lot of very good vegetarian dishes.

Love this book

http://www.ecampus.com/book/1566563984

[alfredo]

42. Blackeye peas with a couple sausages, onion, garlic, crushed red pepper

from a pizza parlor, cooked brown rice to thicken broth. Habanero sauce and sour cream added when served. Sauted Bok Choy in olive and sesame oil Salt, Pepper, ginger, soy sauce.

Green tea with peppermint.


Shot of Rye after the dishes are cleaned up.

[Bright Eyes]

44. General Tao's Chicken

Very good!

[HughMoran]

45. Organic Chili

....and lots of chicken soup - I've got a cold.

[Rowdyboy]

47. Cream of brocolli soup with a green salad and caibatta bread

[marmar]

48. A croissant with strawberry preserves and cup of Illy coffee....

:9

[mcscajun]

49. Leftover Grands™ Biscuit with egg, Virginia ham, american cheese

When it gets this late and I haven't had dinner, skipping ahead to breakfast always seems like a good idea.

[undergroundpanther]

52. Mac and cheese

with some mixed frozen veggies in it,and a few pieces of bacon fried crisp crumbled on top. Doused with pepper. And water to drink.

[Sugar Smack]

53. Mmmmmmmmmmmm!

THAT sounds GOOD! Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, I do! :hug:

[undergroundpanther]

54. I love you too.

We split that mac three ways tonight, we each got a pretty good sized bowl, we ate together ,my roommate mike, me, and my friend Jen.She has just been through a ton of shit.Her mom is being abusive. I took her in, in my spare room . She gets a ride from mike to work and walks home to my place. Don't know how long she can stay,she works, so she will be contributing,she bought the mac and cheese and veggies ,I had the bacon.. but dammit regardless of how tight shit gets,I won't let her go home to be threatened and verbally torn apart again.. It's what friends do for each other that makes life for everyone sustainable.

[K Gardner]

55. I've noticed a trend of a lot of beans and spices on this thread. Must account for all the hot air

blowing through some parts of DU. Keep. Glade. Handy.

[jeffrey_X]

57. chicken thighs.....

they are so much cheaper than chicken breasts and they taste twice as good. You can get a great deal buying in bulk as well.

[emilyg]

58. Baked potato with plain yogurt on top.

Big red delicious apple.

[Beausoir]

59. When we were really impoverished, we ate potatoes and butter.

You can get a huge bag of spuds for very little money. We'd buy the cheapest butter by the pound and eat spuds with butter, meal after meal after meal.

Sometimes, we could afford ketchup and bread. That was some good eating!

[Diamond Dave]

61. Thank you all. Heartwarming to say the very least.

Merry Christmas to all, Happy holidays to all. Peace.................

Spaghetti is good, potatoes and butter as well.

Welcome to the new "america". A new kind of X-Mas.

Beans and rice not so bad with just a little bit of good salsa. (we have a great recipe - to easy if you only have a blender).

A can of tomatoes (without the juice), a clove or two of garlic, some diced onion, jalapeno or sereno pepper, a little bit of lemon juice, a touch of salt and a handful of cilantro tossed in, blend and you all will love it.

[Retrograde]

71. rice and milk

When things got tight at the end of the month my mother used to make a rice/milk porridge, especially on Fridays (which were meatless back then). Very filling.

[eShirl]

62. beans on toast! peanut butter crackers! oven-baked potato!

old-fashioned oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon
pea soup and corn bread
pasta, butter, garlic powder, with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top
raw veggies like carrot sticks, celery w/ peanut butter
apple slices

[fed-up]

63. beans and brown rice and rice and beans, lots of yams, oatmeal, chicken soup, veggies etc

[laylah]

64. I just had a couple

of fresh baked pineapple cookies.

[RadiationTherapy]

65. Lentils and rice

with a seasoned coconut milk sauce.

[Delphinus]

72. That sounds good!

I love lentils and rice - how do you use the seasoned coconut milk sauce in the recipe?

[RadiationTherapy]

74. I'm so glad you asked - muwaaahaha!!

I cannot follow recipes, so bear with my units of measurement...

Warm coconut milk(16oz) in a saucepan til even consistency

Add almost an entire handful of the best dried or fresh basil you can find at a reasonable price.

Add a mound of decent curry powder that covers nearly the little dip in the center of your hand.

Add some oregano; maybe the same as the curry

Add a squirt or two of real maple syrup (or other sweetener)

Salt sensibly

Add some currants or raisins for extra tang

Add some shredded coconut for texture at the end

Ladel over rice and beans.

Voila.

[LWolf]

66. Cheese sandwiches.

P-nut butter sandwiches. On sprouted grain bread.

Homemade soup, which I prefer to store-bought, anyway.

Eggs from my hens, and probably a roast chicken from the cockerels next week.

Apples, celery, cucumbers.

Steel-cut oats.

[BronxBoy]

67. Sauteed Turnips Greens..

With the turnips and onions. Pulled fresh from the garden after being kissed by the frost

Jalapeno Cornbread (From Scratch Natch)

And lots of Ice Cold Heineken

[NoodleyAppendage]

68. My wife.

mmmmmm....mmm....good.

J

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

69. Beans with broccoli, beans with cabbage, beans with BEANS!

[DemGa]

73. Oatmeal with ground flaxseed

poured over three spoons of peanut-butter, one sliced banana, and topped with two-teaspoons of blackstrap molasses.

That's some serious nutrition! Pretty cheap overall, too.

[Breeze54]

75. When our money gets tight, we eat oatmeal & pasta....

It's usually 2 for a do$$ar a box... sometimes more.

When my youngest was small, all my money went to take care of him.

Diapers, medication, lotion, baby shampoo, laundry money, laundry soap, electricity, rent; etc.

So, I ate a LOT of rice, beans and pasta and I mean a LOT!!!

Sometimes (actually a lot of times) I couldn't even afford bread, so rice it was!

I was a svelte 115 lbs though! :D ( but my normal weight is 134 lbs.)

On edit:

PS. I forgot about all the oatmeal I ate. How could I have forgotten Oatmeal??

I ate pounds and pounds of oatmeal.

[goodgd_yall]

76. Ramen noodle soups n/t

[JitterbugPerfume]

77. red beans and rice

[gulliver]

78. SOS is good.

Buddig corned beef makes a good substitute for the original chipped beef. I've never actually had it with real chipped beef. You just drop about a quarter stick of butter in a frying pan and heat it up. Then cut the corned beef up into bite-sized pieces and drop it into the butter to fry a little bit. Add about a cup of milk. Then mix a tbl of flour with water in a measuring cup. Gradually add the water/flour mixture to the cooking corned beef and milk until it reaches a nice saucy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over about four pieces of torn up toast.

It is one of my son's favorite meals. Mine too. I add some nuked frozen broccoli (better than fresh, IMO) and a glass of milk.

[alfredo]

79. Homemade Hummus, whole wheat pita, Romaine lettuce and mint tea.

[Eurobabe]

80. A half a tin of Lebkuchen?

[supernova]

82. Cornbread

the Lounge just reminded me. :D

[Lorien]

83. Eating too cheaply can lead to something more expensive: poor health

I learned that while on the "Ramen noodle diet" during college. Now I've found that a few healthy staples can go a long way:

1. Eggs
2. organic spinach
3. green peppers
4. whole grain pasta
5. soy cheese and white cheddar
6. almonds
7. broccoli
8. olive oil
9. whole grain bread
10. granny smith apples
11. herbs de Provence, parsley, garlic

With the above you can make a veggie omelet for breakfast, a nutty cheesy spinach salad and a grilled white cheddar with apple sandwich for lunch, and a very nice pasta with veggies dinner. All nutritious, delicious, and being creative with the ingredients and herbs can lead to many tasty variations.

[SmokingJacket]

84. Home grown eggs, from my flock.

I started raising chickens this year, because I wanted a food source I didn't have to depend on anyone for. This coming year, I'm planting a huge garden. I thought about maybe eating the chickens, as well, but it turns out they're too cute and I'm not tough enough to kill them. Oh, well, I'm a vegetarian at heart, anyway.

I've also been enjoying a really delicious homemade pea soup I invented, and tons of homemade yogurt. If you use a little bit of Greek yogurt as a starter, it's incredibly delicious without sweetener or anything.