Once-A-Month Grocery Haul to Fill the Pantry and for Freezer Meals

[@kimberleyjohnson7557]

You do not have to explain how much you spent. It's your money and people need to stop judging. I love watching your videos. You are an inspiration to me. Keep being you!!!!

[@yupp5125]

I second that👏🏻👏🏻

[@katehopkinsbrent5573]

I 3rd it... THAT is her business WITH that said, she treats us all like best friends and best friends TELL ALL 😊♥️

[@ADWebTV]

Totally agree. Food prices have gone up too. People forget food does not cost the same in every city/town.

[@geselle2943]

I agree with you 1000% ...

[@nancysplace481]

Agreed 💯 percent people need to stop

[@melisahartjeyou]

*Confession time* I am single university student from Holland, but I am seriously ADDICTED to your content (everything from homestead, harvesting, preserving, to meal prep). I just love the warm and homey feelings it gives me every time! Witnessing your daily life and the lovely household dynamics you have built together with your sweet husband put a smile on my face. You romanticize and find magic to the small and simple mundane tasks of every day real life. Cannot WAIT for the day I find someone to build a happy home life with just like you did, get to run a household in my own way and experiment, and just enjoy the simpler things in life... In the mean time, I will continue to learn already with your channel! Many many loves from Holland. Keep up the amazing content on real life!

[@Mommieandg]

That was so nice - do people do things like this in Holland? I’m assuming yes with all the farms and gardens.

[@va1445]

Girl, when you average out those costs for the time you hadn't shopped + future use that comes out very cheap! I am so impressed!

[@moneyalways7674]

Yes!!!!

[@AcreHomestead]

Thank you so much!!

[@catherinefoster1481]

When you said "spinach, sun dried tomatoes and cream cheese" - my mouth started watering...yum!

[@chrystalbliske9512]

I will admit, since I'm dealing with sinuses and allergies I didn't feel like meal prepping for this week and since it's a 50+ hour work week and I'm a single mom with 3 different dietary habits/needs it was definitely needed. So, after supper of bacon and waffles I turned your video on and prepped 5 meals for myself and roasted veggies for later in the week. I also menu planned so that the 2 nights that I'll be later getting home I will be prepared for both. I eat mainly veggies, fish, and pasta/rice... my youngest is autistic so she eats what she considers safe... and my other daughter eats far more meat. Other than making some breakfast cookies tomorrow everyone is basically set for the week because you gave me the motivation to be in the kitchen for the half hour or so that I needed.

[@darlinspaces]

The last time I had allergies, I used Barleans Olive leaf extract. No side effects!

[@atticfanatic5193]

I was a vet tech for many years. If you buy the large size Frontline, you can put 1 capsule into a syringe and sit it between smaller dogs. Saves alot of money that way.

[@pamt3915]

I think the greatest benefit of the pantry challenge was that it made you realize what you really use the most of & have a surplus with, not how much your haul cost. This will allow you to shop more efficiently in the long term.

[@onelittlemiracle241]

I would imagine grocery shopping after 9 weeks was exciting. Of course your bill was higher-inflation is insane, and shortages, at least in some places, make prices increase. I think you did great! Everything seems to have a purpose and you deserve those little splurges. Thank you for taking us along. I'm excited to see the freezer meal video. Those are motivating and give me great ideas.

[@AcreHomestead]

Yes it was! Thank you for watching!!

[@thankfulblessings2412]

You mentioned that Josh likes a scent for laundry. You can add essential oils to the laundry. So you can use the unscented and then add essential oils to each load. That would also give options of different scents. Blessings to you.

[@sashadieken1]

a few drops of essential oil added to the wool dryer balls!

[@thankfulblessings2412]

@@sashadieken1 good idea. Blessings to you.

[@starlet5350]

Just like intermittent fasting, I think these pantry challenges are healthy ways to be financially and creatively sensible. Great one Becky!♥

[@VTtink]

Tip: I buy basil plants in the winter- they are normally somewhere in the produce area in my grocery store! Went the other day and it was $1.99 for like 3 organic basil leaves 😂 and I found a full huge organic (grown in my state) basil plant that will last me forever in my window for $3.99!

[@OMundoDeAnna]

Becky, I would love to watch a "how to keep your grocery fresh" type of video. Somehow my carrots always get wiggly in, like, a week. Loooooooooooooooove your videos, have a great day

[@11BeanJelly]

I don't know if it will help, but she mentioned in previous videos that putting a dish towel or kitchen towel with her carrots in a ziploc bag helped keep her carrots fresh for months.

[@Supergace1234]

Yes please !!!

[@shooyourat]

You can keep washed carrots in water. I wash and cut them into whatever size fits my tupperware. Change the water every three days or so. The carrots stay super crunchy!

[@AcreHomestead]

Great idea!

[@ashleyc.4327]

Yes!!

[@flyhighlittlebirdie]

I've been so inspired by you Becky, I've been cooking from scratch, making freezer meals, and even have some containers to grow some lettuce, herbs, and spinach. Our food waste has been so much less because I know how to preserve foods now

[@peaches833]

Can’t wait to see you whip up those freezer meals you have planned. Love watching your videos. I’ve always loved cooking but you’ve been inspiring me so much with new creations and techniques I must thank you!!! At this point in our journey I can honestly say I’ve finally mastered those pie crusts. 🤣 I’m also trying to keep fresh herbs growing inside all year long so I can have them during the winter. Totally elevates a dish when they’re fresh!🪴

[@AcreHomestead]

Yay! Thank you!

[@tixximmi1]

I use whole corn tortilla's and freeze them. Cut them into sixths and fry them. Sometimes our store has sales on torts so it's an easy buy and fry.

[@YayaPamelajagga321]

I am obsessed with your videos . I especially admire that fact that you also grow a lot of stuff . I’ve been watching you almost every day for a month now . Keep up the great work 👍🏽

[@marilynruggeberg]

You have me hooked on Freezer Meals. I am retired and work as a Substitute Teacher. I also spend my days off Crafting. I don't feel like cooking at the end of the day and this is a healthy homemade meal. I am going to also use them this Summer after a day of working in my Vegatable Garden and Flower Gardens. I take one of my days off and make days worth of Meals. Has definitely made my life easier and lets me ENJOY the things I want to spend my time doing. 🥰🥰🥰

[@2tolerable]

I always freeze my green onions and parsley (sliced/chopped). I really cannot tell the difference. Has beena money and time saver.

[@heyheyhalie]

Please do a fridge tour! I'd like to see how you store your fruits and veggies in the fridge to make them last. ❤

[@nancycowan6109]

Becky, I’m 68 and pretty new to your channel. This old gal is learning a lot. #1 - that chest freezer/TraderJoe’s grocery bag technique is life-changing. Lol. For me, at least. And really, keeping a measuring cup in dry ingredients is pure genius. Today, I learned that the Barilla no-bake lasagna noodles are good. Also, I feel like I have a butter obsession. I have a delicate butter palate 🤣. Alcam butter is my favorite butter but not available hardly anywhere. So my husband and I travel for it. He’s patient and willing with all of my food journeys. Thanks for your amazing content. By the way, I adore your mother. She is the mother I wish I had and the mother I wish I was. Lucky you. ❤️

[@renaesutton3145]

I stumbled acrossed your channel a few days ago and shared it with my sister - we both think you are such an inspiration! I just went out yesterday and purchased some more canning jars and am planning my first garden at this house and am so looking forward to trying some of your recipes and techniques this summer. My sister is doing raised bed gardening again this year but I am opting for cheaper, just plain old garden in my back yard - with a fence to keep my dogs out of it LOL. We both have been binge watching your channel. Thanks for sharing your life with us - again what an inspiration you are to two old women LOL. BTW I love your apron!

[@amyparker1762]

Becky you can use your food processor to chop your herbs then pack them in ice cube trays and freeze until you need cilantro or parsley for a recipe. I do this so I don’t have to worry about them going bad in my fridge. Another way to store fresh herbs is to cut the ends off the cilantro or parsley and place in a mason jar with water and store in the fridge. I can usually get a month out of my herbs that way!

[@its_britty_bisshh7106]

I just have to say you are a great sister, spending your time and money to make sure your sister can focus on the new baby melts my heart!! We definitely need more people like you in the world ❤️❤️ because not alot of people would even think about helping out in this way, or any other way for that matter...you ma'am are a angel 💕💕💕

[@its_britty_bisshh7106]

P.S. Your nails are gorgeous!!! I LOOOOVE that red ♥️

[@kittychronister3537]

Becky so incredibly happy you got to go shopping and restocked your Pantry. I'm amazed at the variety you came up with during the Pantry Challenge. Congratulations on a fastasic job! Enjoy the fresh produce and dairy you missed towards the end of the challenge. You rock!

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

I’m looking forward to seeing your video about the elderberry tincture! Nice haul and I’m sure you’re feeling giddy inside to have things stocked up so your attention can be to fill the freezer! Looking forward to all spring brings in your garden and kitchen.

[@jenniferbalaguy5454]

You can make fresh herbs last even longer if you cut the ends off and put them in a Masson jar with a bit of water. Then put the plastic bag over them. They last for weeks. Just change out the water every week.

[@lynnhager7763]

I think you are amazing. I have a daughter about your age and she thinks I’m crazy for stocking up. I can’t seem to make her understand how important it is. It is unbelievable how much you are able to accomplish. I don’t see how you have the time to do all you do.

[@Kikyo353]

Hey Becky! Just a heads up, it’s actually really easy to make your own margarita mix! Equal parts sugar, water, lime juice, and lemon juice. It will BLOW your mind how much better your margaritas taste. P.S. it’s also great to shake your mixer so it froths up - it really combines all the flavors together, just don’t shake with ice.

[@charlenereed7813]

I have been enjoying all of your videos. Some I have watched a few times. I enjoy how you are so down to earth. You don't let your mistakes get or keep you down. I am so loving watching you and your garden. All the canning and freeze drying as well as the dehydrating. I used to do a lot of that kind of stuff but not able to do much of it now. Keep smiling and having lots of fun.

[@ASMRKay_]

I’ve only tried this with cilantro and parsley but if you put it in a jar with a cm or two of water and then put the bag over the top they should last for a month Just make sure to check the water every few days.

[@jenniferhatch8247]

Hi Becky, I used to put my herbs in the paper towel but then I discovered that, just like you do with Fresh Flowers. You cut the ends of the stems and place them in a jar of water in the fridge. YOU will get a longer life on them. I just used some fresh parsley I bought in the middle of Feb and it was beautiful and green and fresh of course its just my opinion. LOVE YOUR Channel ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊

[@sylviacastillo4087]

You kill me with your videos. You are so knowledgeable and your impromptu presentation are wonderful. I have been watching you for a year and share with my friends. PS you need to feel proud of yourself. Jess from Roots and Refuge channel just found your channel and mentioned you and recommended your channel. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

[@robine916]

Have you thought about growing herbs indoors in the winter? There are many different indoor greenhouses that, along with a couple grow matts, you should be able to have fresh herbs during the winter. 💕

[@gma56]

Economics tip; buy a whole pork loin and cut your own chops; saves at least $2.00 per pound! I usually can get that package you bought of chops plus some thinner and I use the end scraps for stir fry or soup. You could also leave a portion as a roast. I used to trim silver skin first, but now I just cut them and trim afterwords. If I cut normal thickness for chops I can usually get 18 to 20 chops plus scraps for two meals out of one loin. I do peach stuffed chops from taste of home 1999? Edition. I use Pepperidge farms blue bag of stuffing for it. So good!

[@JeanneKinland]

Wow! Becky that's a lot of groceries. I'm looking forward to the elderberry tincture. We grow elder berries and last year my husband was disappointed that he only gathered 2 cups. Hopefully we'll get more this year.

[@teresapeters3354]

Becky, I love watching your videos! I’m so glad you’re able to do this full time. I can’t wait for this summer’s garden. I am very envious of your chickens. They are so sweet. 🐔 🐓 🐔 “For me and Josh” is better than “For Josh and I”. Keep up the good work! ❤️

[@natalieeubank4533]

No it's the reverse Josh and I

[@teresapeters3354]

@@natalieeubank4533 “For me, For Josh, For me and Josh”

[@margrettmassey9803]

“For Josh and me”

[@robine916]

@@margrettmassey9803 "for us" 😁

[@christiefordmk]

@@natalieeubank4533 Not always. “Josh and I” is correct as the subject of a sentence or clause; “Josh and me” as an object. Think about how you would say it without the additional person. For example, “for me” = “for Josh and me.” “I will” = “Josh and I will.” The confusion about this is growing because it is misused so much these days on social media, popular songs, TV shows . . . even by Prince Harry, to my great dismay! I hope this is helpful.

[@SadhviJenn]

You should consider making cilantro sofrito, you can store the extra in the freezer. Cilantro. Culantro. Aji peppers. (Not hot.) garlic. Add to food processor until a not too watery paste. Then store in freezer safe containers. Store any thawed sofrito in the fridge. Add to beans, chili, taco, eggs, soups, anything that needs cilantro. It’s like pesto. Which is another way to have basil in the winter as well.

[@dianapollex3266]

I believe you did a great job on refilling your pantry at a very reasonable cost.

[@tdewtx]

My daughter and I did the same thing.... We bought a case of bucha at the store and we use the bottles for 2nd ferments

[@missmishpot]

I love your videos, but also your energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for all you post! I may not be able to adhere to all the cool things you do, BUT I am always learning and moving in the right direction. THANK YOU! You and Josh are awesome.

[@KiraGiehll]

Can't wait for the freezer meals! I'm also going to try a container garden since I am not moving from Colorado!

[@tarawatson2159]

I canned my own cranberry juice back around the holidays when they were cheap. Very tasty! And I can make in pints for using as mixer or quarts if I'm making a pitcher for a party

[@dianneD27]

Hiya from Melbourne Australia Becky , love to see your grocery hauls. Can’t wait to see the freezer meals 👏👏👏👏👏

[@AcreHomestead]

Coming soon!

[@christiefordmk]

Becky, I love your channel! Thank you so much for the recipes, helpful suggestions, and most of all the upbeat, I-can-do-anything attitude. You are inspiring!

[@pocketminxuk112]

I love your hauls and food storage tips. I bought grand padano on clearance. Found it in freezer recently. It looked a bit freezer burnt. I ground it up in hand held food chopper. It was really tasty on pasta. I put the rest in air tight box in freezer. The edge of cheese i thought was burnt was actually a very thick rind. Also, you can freeze as storage your coffee beans/grounds so you wont miss out on your coffee next years challenge

[@frugalitystartsathome4889]

You can use the rind - add it to tomato sauce (I think you call it marinara in the US) and it sort of melts, really lifts the flavour and gives the sauce a slightly creamy texture. I keep all my Italian cheese rinds in a tub for just this purpose - chop them and keep them in the freezer until needed.

[@pocketminxuk112]

@@frugalitystartsathome4889 noooooo I didnt know that. To be fair, it looked very badly cracked from longterm frozen. I'll keep rinds next time. Thankyou

[@1incutheta]

I got that shampoo this weekend too! Our costco doesn't carry that half and half. I'm not a fan of carageenan. You can double check me, but I heard it's used in testing anti inflammatory drugs because it causes inflammation. Which kinda makes sense since it's designed to thicken.

[@tracystuder5910]

You aren't wrong. It is also said to be linked to cancer and a few different gastrointestinal issues.

[@kennieloo6357]

Standing in the kitchen, with a toddler on my hip, cooking dinner... I wanted to see if Ms Becky had posted and here you are!!

[@jocelyncalvillo9354]

I’m excited to see your grocery haul. I enjoyed walking around with you at Costco! Hope you have an amazing week!

[@jameyqg398]

Oooh! Cant wait to see the videos of those meals! Would also like to see a video of how you store the produce in you fridge and freezer. Thanks!

[@adileneaquino1128]

I would love for you to show us the Jambalaya recipe, I’ve had it once in New Orleans and I was obsessed can’t wait to see how you make it 😊

[@ashleymuller7953]

I literally just finished the shop with me, so happy I timed this well hahaha

[@JupitersRealm]

Great haul, Becky! I can just imagine how much fun it was to buy groceries again after two months!! I can't wait to see all the goodness you create when you start working your magic in your kitchen!

[@teela1465]

Everyone needs an amazing friend/family member like you... I just had neck surgery on Friday (my 6th spinal surgery and this seems to be the absolute most painful one by far!) I wish I had someone that would make me some freezer meals so I didn't have to worry about my family eating because my husband works so late and trust me, ya don't want him cooking lol. You're amazing Becky! You think so much about others. Congrats to your sister in law and her first baby.

[@sharfinbean3362]

I like to use those green bags for my produce, they really do make a huge difference in keeping it fresh for a lot longer. I also drink the sparkling waters, nice haul!

[@ashleyashcraft1754]

Try using that margarita mix when you need line juice - especially in fajitas ... Not as a marinade, but as a deglazer in the pan just before serving. You won't regret it

[@susanaramirez1335]

I just love how much passion you put into things you do. Specially love when you bring your vegetables from your own garden in the wheel barrel from your garden. Went to Costco too and food is so expensive. Went to the local grocery store and my bill was a shocker for the amount of stuff I bought. Love your videos 🥰♥️👍👍

[@leocookie9908]

hi becky! you rly dont have to justify how much you spend, because its your money, your home, your food. were all just here to see what you bought, and hear out what youll be doing with it! if you would like to share any particular savings you got than i am here to hear all about it! but really theres no need to feel like you have to justify your spendings! were all just happy to see you on our screen! edit: i would like to make it clear, PLEASE do feel free share why you decided to buy certain items, how much you saved vs other brands and such, but dont feel any obligation to justify your spendings because no one is here to judge, we just wanna hear out everything u have to say!

[@tiffanycrawford8680]

Becky! In your zone, rosemary, thyme and sage should overwinter just fine! I'm in Texas but still 8A, and we have those 3 all winter long. I love fresh herbs too!!

[@sashadieken1]

I can overwinter thyme, sage and tarragon in zone 5 b--think four feet of snow on the ground for 6 months!

[@angelaanderson5971]

I just love you, I wish I could be organized and have a garden like you. I’m in remission from cancer and going on one year having a heart transplant next month. I have to stay away from dirt because of germs and bacteria. In the mean time I’ll just watch you. 🥰

[@WillowsGarden]

Bless your heart, people can be so uncaring. You and your precious momma are an inspiration to us and I truly enjoy watching your videos. I wanted to give you a tip with cranberry juice. You can make your own very simply I pint or quart jars. Put a about a cup in a quart jar of fresh cranberries and about 1/2 cup maybe a tad more in a pint jar, the jars should be sterilized. Boil enough water to fill the jars and put your lids and rings on the jars. Put them somewhere for about a month and then you will have cranberry juice that you can sweeten if desired. The longer the berries sit, the stronger the cranberry taste and no preservatives added either. Have a blessed day everyone!

[@rosacanisalba]

As a Brit I'm amazed that cream in the US can have other ingredients in! Over here if it's cream then it's only cream.

[@nessinhacoutinho]

I'm portuguese and I'm also amazed by that fact!

[@rosacanisalba]

@@cynthiafisher9907 we have different types of heavy cream (double cream over here) including extra thick. And some if us can even get it delivered to our doorstep - my local milkman is from the dairy farm a couple of miles away where they not only produce but also process and bottle their milk products. True local with minimal food miles.

[@ruthmiller5588]

I dehydrate cilantro then grind it and put it in a jar. It last a long time and the taste is just as good as fresh in soups and other foods.

[@mariagogan9885]

You are such an inspiration!! My mother bought in bulk and we canned, juiced, frozen meals, everything you're doing and it was wonderful! If we could get our grocery list as organized as yours is, I may enjoy shopping again. We do monthly shopping, with weekly milk and bread runs. I'm so excited to see what you've got next!

[@danam.8709]

For a really nice flavor boost use Margarita mix in place of water on a yellow or white cake mix. Not a huge box cake fan but this is a nice way to go 😁.

[@cb9299]

becky you have been such an inspiration to me!! ive changed my whole way of thinking about shopping and cooking for my family. i make extra large batches for lots of leftovers and freezer meals and have started making multiple freezer meals at a time to use throughout the week/month. its made it so much easier to use the bulk food i already have, and my grocery bill has gotten way less! i did one day of cooking last week, put about 6 meals in the freezer and i have not had to do any actual cooking for like 5 days now. its unbelievable, its blowing my mind how much less stress i have thanks to this change!! thank you for making this so accessible and relatable, your channel is awesome

[@barb7014]

I’m glad you split the two videos; it’s hard for me to devote more than 20 minutes at a time. Even though this video was only 21.5 minutes, it took me over 40 minutes to complete. Thanks for sharing.

[@ginamedley8484]

I can’t wait to see your next freezer meal video! I want to start adding freezer meals to my routine especially with gardening season coming up when I don’t want to be inside cooking all evening!!

[@jmarie1647]

It's crazy to see price differences on produce from different places. When you mentioned that parsley and cilantro are 54 cents each my jaw dropped! I live in Newfoundland and to buy one bunch here it's $2.50. Buying fresh herbs has never been something I do because of how much they cost, I try to grow what I use often and freeze it or dry it for long term storage.

[@sandijammes7761]

@J Marie - I'm kind of in the middle I guess... my jaw dropped @ Becky's price because our prices are around .89 for ea... YOUR PRICE... makes me want to send you some from here!! Wow. 🤯🤯 Start yourself some BIGGER kitchen pots of those crazy herbs... ASAP! RIGHT?? 😁😎 GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS 🙏

[@Maria-wi7dk]

Parsley can be freezed. Just chop your parsley and put into a ziplock bag. You can do the same with basil, wash, dry, ziplock bag and freezer. So all winter you have always fresh herbs.

[@forever_seeking]

Second ferment?! I've been making kombucha for 7 yrs but I never studied up more on why my kombucha isn't as fizzy as store bought lol. I learn so much from you. I love how thorough you are. You inspired me to go back and relearn canning.

[@silviamagda]

If you have fresh herbs in your garden during the summer, chop them up and freeze them. Then you have fresh herbs until next year. This is what I do. I buy them from the store and I always have them ready in the freezer. I don't cook with dry herbs, like dry parsley.

[@diclemre]

Love fresh veggies and I buy a lot. in years I learn many tips and tricks. Celery and carrot last long if you put in a glass jar with clean water. they always have crunch with this way ; give a try 🥰

[@amandaemerson4466]

I grew up in Tillamook county. I loved it the few times I remember going to the cheese factory. I really want to bring my kids to see it at some point.

[@diannesingletary9772]

I think you did great with your shopping, only a couple "splurges". Really looking forward to watching your freezer meals. I always get at least one new recipe to try!

[@AcreHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@angelaforcier378]

I think you did pretty well for that total , groceries in general have gone up 😀

[@scout72430]

One tip I've learned to keep herbs fresh longer than a week is to cut the a tiny bit off the stems, put them in a glass of water and then cover them with a plastic bag (secure it with a elastic band) and bam it creates a little green house of sorts for them!

[@allisonhartley6712]

I started putting the fresh herbs in a jar of water. I trim the ends and stick them in and they will last several weeks. Even longer if you take a jar of water to the garden and cut them and put them right in.

[@KC-zu7op]

I put my store bought fresh herbs in a small mason jar filled halfway with water, stems submerged only (like flowers), and stick them in the fridge. They last about a month this way.

[@isagoldfield7393]

You are the BEST SISTER IN LAW‼️ She’s so LUCKY to have you🎑🍀😻

[@zinavanlandingham5753]

I love it when you give tips like you did for the fresh herbs! Blessings & Hugs! 🧡🌻

[@miss_mish]

You should do a video on how you store foods to maximise shelf life.

[@desireediaz1712]

I love your enthusiasm and LOVE for cooking! I used to love cooking and baking, but having fibromyalgia makes it difficult to cook likeI used to. I will say that on the days where I do feel like I can push through, my sweet husband and I will get as much cooking in as my body allows me. We blessed that one of our sons is an Executive Chef, so when time allows, he cooks for us. Thank you so much for being a bright light and making every video so much fun to watch!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thegraymarlin]

I know this video is older now, but you can get parsley and cilantro to last longer in the fridge if you treat it like cut flowers. I trim the ends of mine and put them in a mason jar full of water. Cover the jar will the plastic produce bag but leave it open at the bottom so air can move. It will last for weeks this way!

[@FrankieG-M]

Having a Becky binge - I hadn't caught up with the previous two, so this was perfectly timed!

[@imafan2610]

Great haul. You got a lot. It is sometimes worth it to splurge for something extra special, but it makes sense also to cut costs on some things where you can. I like the tip with cilantro. I grow herbs year round, and I agree, fresh herbs taste better and they are expensive at the store. I can only grow cilantro seasonally and it is a feast or famine thing. It does not really keep or freeze well.

[@Tzippy323]

Becky - you can have ‘fresh’ basal all year. I blanch basal, and then freeze it in whole leaves. When you take it out of the freezer let it sit for about 3 minutes and you will have fresh basal.

[@csillaritas]

Dear Becky, far from me the thought to criticize you, but maybe the timing of not going to the grocery store, when the prices were still reasonable and having to go now, that the prices are starting to soar up to the sky, was not the best. I am aware of the fact that nobody is a psychic and you could not have foreseen a war in the near future.... But... I don't know. I'm just worried that prices will keep going up... I'm not the most optimistic of people. I'm hoping we'll all manage and get through this challenge. I am really really glad that you are teaching us how to make freezer meals and prioritizing. I am also very grateful for the fact that you are always so candid. The sentence "I can't afford this" is still one of the hardest ones that I have to utter lately, but you are very relaxed about it. I guess the hardship will not last forever, so I guess I could add to my sentence "right now", so that it becomes less threatening. So it will be "I can't afford this right now". Hoping for the best while still preparing for the worst. Best wishes from far away

[@deeferry6520]

I just love your videos Becky, would love to see how you make your Jambalaya, its one of my favourites. I agree with you on the herbs scene. I no longer have a garden but will always grow cilantro, parsley and I just can't live without fresh rosemary but in a pot on my tiny patio and I do mean tiny lol. My husband isn't a big veg lover so when I buy celery etc, I eat it for lunch with peanut butter and raisins. I eat all of my veg, cabbage, turnip/swede, carrots etc raw as he won't eat them cooked. We do what we have to lol. Thanks for sharing your haul xxx

[@samanthawoodman2428]

Love this, I went to Costco too this weekend but I forgot to get the parmesean cheese, this was a great reminder to put it on on my list for next time! Can't wait for the freezer meals video!

[@carolynbradford7566]

I use white vinegar in my dishwasher where you put in the jet dry, works great and way cheaper.

[@jeaninecomartin7380]

Great tip! I’m going to try that out!

[@mjgullickson5168]

Hey, with rising costs of food, I think you do a great job shopping on the amount you do and most importantly you seem to use what you buy. I have a family of 3 at the moment and for 2 weeks we spend around $300. Really it is no one's business what you spend, but since you do a good job at budgeting I do appreciate the insight. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy your videos so so much. ♥️

[@sassynsouthern1913]

Can't wait to see the freezer meals from this haul. Definitely sound delicious.

[@brandiyoung4726]

I honestly used to spend between 1,500 to 1,700 a month in groceries for my family of 7. I have learned so much from you! I was growing & harvesting all of my herbs wrong. I have jumped head first into homesteading. We have had a hobby mini farm for years, but none of the animals /birds were working with us . I even felt inspired to start plants from seed & buy growing lights. I’m so excited to follow along with you & create my own happy homestead with my homeschooler.

[@betsymayo5822]

carrageenan is a product derived from seaweed and is used to thicken things.

[@kristacoleman4712]

Have you ever tried an indoor herb garden for the winter months? I think that would be a great way to have some fresh herbs all year round!

[@kimberlynw1799]

You’re a good shopper. I can get carried away then when I get home I don’t know what to cook

[@martidillon1078]

Hi Becky😊 I too like those bottles for kombucha. Before I started making my own I bought kombucha from the store and for some reason saved the bottles… glad I did. I do like to remove the labels and have found that boiling the bottles in a big pot gets the labels off. If there is some sticky residue, wd40 will take it off. Also, there are replacement lids on Amazon if you need extra. Love your videos!

[@icemancmn]

When I lived in Tillamook for a bit, I got hooked on the aged white cheddar! It is my all time favorite. My husband worked at the Tillamook Jerky factory. Miss that fresh jerky too

[@4redka4]

Hi Becky - one tip I always use is to chop and freeze my herbs. They taste great and last long time! Cilantro, chives, parsley and dill are my favourites to freeze like this. No need to thaw them (even in salad or salsa), just throw them there and it tastes incredible.

[@76Joplin]

I only have one Elderberry bush, and it produced a ton last season. I made Elderberry Syrup with the dehydrated elderberries, cinnamon, cloves, raw honey and fresh ginger. It was amazing....but perishable. This year I will be making the tincture, it will last much longer.