Low Income Living - Stretching Your Food Budget - A Mid Week Money Chat about cutting grocery costs

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

This talk should be given in schools. Old fashioned foods are the way forward. Good filling foods on a budget that would help those setting out on their own for the first time.

[@lesreid2704]

I would suggest that anyone who has land, an allotment, a garden, a borrowed garden, space for a few pots and grow bags, or even just a window sill, should aim to grow some food. I eat a very high quality diet by growing over 80% of my food, year round, in the North of Scotland. A decade ago I would buy expensive rocket leaves in little bags, now I have a cut and come again salad box. The box was free and the seeds cost 19p from Aldi. And that is 19p for a whole year of salad. I grow mushrooms year round. Again, I took the remains of a box of chestnut mushrooms and harvested the spores by removing the stalks and placing the caps on a piece of paper. I planted the paper and from a 49p box of mushrooms I have an entire year of food. I grow potatoes, not from expensive seed potatoes, but from regular potatoes I leave to sprout. If you drink herbal tea, get a packet of mint seeds and grow mint. It grows fast and spreads. Free food is all around us if we take the time to learn.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great there

[@hectorbrown656]

( Maureen ) Les Reid , could you give some more details about growing mushrooms please , I have lived in France for 47 years ( Charente Maritime ) I have given up growing vegetables in the summer it can get very hot here , and even though I have water butts and and am careful it’s never enough , I would need a well as most of my neighbors have .I get very cheap veg of all kinds from a gardener who lives 1 kilomètre from me , I have quite a few fruit trees , plums red & yellow , figue ,apple , and plants and flowers that do not need a lot water . It’s nice to see someone from my home country commentating , take care.

[@ruthfeatherstone7925]

I grow rainbow chard in a big flower pot. The chard can be eaten cooked or shredded raw all year round and it is very pretty to look at.

[@Hana-qk7gr]

Very impressed by the part about the mushrooms. How did you do it exactly? And did you use regular plant soil?

[@lesreid2704]

@@hectorbrown656 I got some chestnut mushrooms and made spore prints. Chop of the stalk and cut about 2mm around the edge of the mushroom to expose the gills. Place the mushroom on a bit of paper, kitchen roll, coffee filter paper ( I used toilet roll). Leave the mushroom for 24 hrs and there will be a ring on the paper. That's the spore ring. I got polystyrene fish boxes for free - the type for storing fish at the fish market. I mixed ordinary compost with 20% well rotted horse poo and filled the box. planting the spored papers throughout the box. I took spores from an entire pack of mushrooms. Water lightly, then cover up with something dark. I used a bin bag. Store in a dark place . I started this off in summer and kept the boxes under a tree. After 3 weeks, the box had a cobweb like coating. This is the mycelium! And then gradually, the baby mushrooms started growing. A box will grow for about 6 months before the yield drops,, but I've got another box ready by then. Bring the box into a porch or dark cupboard in winter. Free food!! And it was absolutely free, because once I'd taken the first spore prints, we ate the mushrooms.

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

If I have a heel of bread that is a bit stale I pop it into the food processor and I freeze it in jam jars for future use as breadcrumb for nut stuffing. (I am vegetarian).

[@wendytushingham201]

Jane, you can tell you are a veteran at living a frugal life. Your tips are fantastic!! Lately I have been putting a little extra effort into settling the table. Sounds ridiculous but some how it makes the monotony of simple meals feel more high end. Thank you again for your hard work putting these videos together

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We eat every meal at the table, with China plates, cloth napkins and chilled water. They don’t cost anything but make the meal special

[@UnStrungHero]

I have an old book from 1980s on how to feed your family on 25 bucks a week. I said it was old, but one hint was to set the table "make it pretty", so yes good idea.

[@tinathompson9458]

I remember my grandmother set her table her meals were always simple but always started every meal with a thankful prayer

[@patmartin9727]

Although I live alone I still make an effort to set the table and make my meal look pretty. I could eat from the dish I cooked my meal in but I am more deserving than that. The little bit of extra effort makes my meal more special. Yes if my napkin is still clean I fold it up and use it again at the next meal. I have a little tray I place everything on in the kitchen so I just pick it up and carry it to the table and set my place up. A little bunch of flowers on the table even if it’s only a few buttercups of clover or twigs with berries on from the garden it makes the table look special. Think about the restaurant table it will have a small candle or a small vase with maybe only one or two stems of flower but it makes it look special. Remember you are special so treat yourself as special.

[@barbnauman705]

I’m adding foods where I can to bulk up the nutrition, while not adding much expense. When I make a tomato spaghetti sauce ( even one in a jar), I add some frozen spinach and freshly grated carrots to it. When it simmers an hour, or so, it makes a heartier sauce, loaded with vitamins!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great, like I said in the video, add more vegetables

[@josiahsmom3781]

GREAT idea THANKS FOR SHARING!!😊

[@patmartin9727]

I make pasta sauce in my soup maker using the smooth soup button. Like with my soups I add loads of vegetables all the odds and ends in the bottom of the fridge, the outer leaves off cabbage cauliflower broccoli even lettuce. Always add onions and celery to either sauces or soups. I always freeze any extra to use latter.

[@lynnhensley4326]

Feels like fall in North Carolina. I make different soups during the cooler seasons. They last 2 or even 3 days. I'm just catching up on older videos. This video is still true, even more so in 2024.

[@momof2momof2]

Many years ago when I was young and single money was very tight sometimes, so that's when I would make a big pot of fried rice. I would take it for lunch to work, and have it again for dinner. I was grateful to have it to hold me over for a few days until my next pay check, and it was a good way to use up bits from the fridge and cupboards. Over the years, getting married, having children, buying homes etc. I quickly learned to keep a well stocked home at all times. This really helps during leaner times, because as things are being used, it is much, much easier to buy one or two things to replenish them. Once you have a well stocked kitchen it makes meal planning easy, and more cost ffective tfs 🥰🍂🍃🍁🦃🌬️🌛🧡💗✝️🥰🍂🍃🍁🦃🌬️🌛🧡💗✝️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very well made point

[@marilynthomson9564]

Many of us are whole food plant-based and therefore we don’t have to worry about the meat and we can find vegetables at a much lower price than any of the meats. I wish there would be more recipes from frugal folks for vegan meals. They are certainly just as nutritious.End it would certainly solve many of the financial issues.

[@geezlouise6723]

@@marilynthomson9564 try under the median. They are in the US and are vegan.

[@t_n_rasberry8387]

Yep that’s we do at home too. It helps when there is barely any ingredients of each kind because fried rice needs a variety of ingredients combined. What do you use as your ingredients?

[@suematile9078]

Hi, I made a cherry cobbler this morning. I am low on milk so I substituted water with some melted butter. It tastes good. The canned pie filling for the cobbler had been in my pantry for ages. Supper will be a can of Aldi's potato soup with a garlic roll. My husband will not be charmed with a meatless meal, but will love the dessert with some vanilla ice cream. In the winter, soup is a staple once or twice a week. Last night was two hamburger patties with bbq sauce and onion on open faced buns and carrot and celery slices. Tonight is leftover spaghetti sauce with meat and canned mushrooms over noodles and another garlic roll. I am determined to stick with a $300 a month budge for the two of us.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I serve beef patties with onion gravy , potatoes and lots of veggies to stretch very little meat

[@cherylT321]

It all sounds delicious!

[@rreuss9277]

I've been stocking my pantry with shelf stable foods, buying meat for the freezer before it gets too expensive. I make my own bread. Eat all leftovers. Try to keep the heat turned down and wear a sweater. We cover up with throws in the evening to watch TV, (KZbin videos). Never leave lights on when we leave a room. I also froze my garden vegetables to use in the winter. Eat our own duck eggs too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Really good practice there Roland.

[@t_n_rasberry8387]

Can leaves be frozen? I have mint, Asian leaves (not sure what’s it’s called), basil, green onions.

[@elainekitchin3124]

My Scottish grandmother always added a handful of oats to a pan of mince and onions. Once cooked you cant taste or tell the difference.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

And she’s right! Thanks for sharing

[@melanienicholson2834]

May I ask what a pan of mince is?

[@emaric9942]

Ground beef

[@elainekitchin3124]

@@melanienicholson2834 minced beef in the UK, ground beef in the US.... cooked with water or stock and chopped onion. In Scotland add peeled and potatoes before the end of cooking to produce " mince and tatties" which has filled many a hungry Scot in the past.

[@Hide_and_silk]

Dried soy mince works as well and it's very cheap and high in protein

[@nikki27ish]

We eat very simple whole food plant based meals at least 3 times a week. Eating seasonally in the UK is pretty cost effective. My local supermarket had carrots and potatoes for 20p a pack so I got 5 of each prepped and froze what I wouldn't use in the week. Just getting deals when I can.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We never get cheap lost leader prices here in France, it’s not what they do. We have to be careful all the time.

[@nikki27ish]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance that's a shame but you're very skilled at stretching your budget.

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

We all eat too much as it stands. Two meals per day are sufficient with some fruit or a light snack. To bulk up a casserole pop in a tin of beans or some rice.

[@kerryneylan7978]

Jane, thank you for this video the timing of which is both welcome and relevant. There is a scheme in the UK called Transition Towns which has various initiatives one of which is land sharing. I believe there is a 20 year waiting list for allotments in some parts of the UK yet on the other hand some people have garden space but not the time, ability etc to make them productive. So the green fingered person without the space will grow the veggies, fruit etc and share them with the garden owner. Todmorden in Yorkshire is an absolute inspiration. Also, subject to health and safety and respect for the needs of wildlife foraging is another option. Near where I live there are elderflowers, nettles, borage, blackberries etc growing wild and even seaweed from the beach. I think it is important to understand how things should be stored and preserved and what every part can be used for. Some flowers are edible for example, some veggies can be regrown and you can actually grow fruit and veggies indoors all year round. In the UK there are other options like anti food waste apps, yellow labelling and Lidl fruit and veggie boxes. Also learn what appliances can be used for, beyond their intended use , e.g. making yoghurt in your slow cooker or using it to prove dough. I think we've become used to our meals looking a certain way and we might need to rethink that. Finally if you can afford to donate something to a food bank of animal shelter please do so.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice there Kerry

[@kerryneylan7978]

@@JM.5387 That's a good idea. I used to have friends that would go to fruit and veg markets at the end of the day and take the surplus stock to an animal sanctuary. In the UK supermarkets used to donate food about to expire to charity then they stopped doing so due to health and safety issues so the produce was largely wasted. But I think they have resumed the practice (I hope).

[@misssis1935]

I very rarely buy meat that isn't reduced these days. I prowl around the meat section looking for discounts, then see if I think they are sufficiently reduced enough for me to to buy them! Also I always think what I can do with that meat whilst I'm in the shop and if it will fit with my kind of cooking ideas or what I have already at home. Then I take it home and either split it into portions to freeze or I freeze the whole package and have a plan for what to do with it when I'm ready. Of course most things once cooked can be frozen again, so THEN I freeze individual portions. Living alone means I don't want to eat the same thing for days on end, so this way I can have plenty of variety in my meals. I also only eat meat a few times a week, so I can really stretch any meat I do buy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice

[@lisahirschlozano823]

Last year after we faced food shortages here in the US, I stocked up on canned tomatoes, lentils, split peas, pinto beans, rice, quinoa, and other shelf-stable foods. I also always keep my spice cabinet stocked up because you can do wonders with spices. I've been cooking with these foods for years because we've never had a large disposable income. So I know that no matter what, my family will have food to eat. At this point I'm buying meat on sale and freezing it, and also trying to preserve vegetables from the garden for the winter.

[@lisahirschlozano823]

Also, not sure if it's okay to recommend resources here, but there's a blog called Budget Bytes and all of her recipes are affordable, but equally important, they are delicious. I recommend her highly!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I think the frugal normal of being prepared will become normal for everyone

[@catinacheatwood3084]

Same here

[@ehoehnle]

One thing that has helped our grocery budget is that my husband and I have a real conversation before we make a shopping list. I used to make a list and do the shopping myself, and was delighted to find he was truly interested. Who knew? 🤷 I enjoy your videos and look forward to them.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@patrice3603]

When the budget is tight and you have little ones that are used to snacks, try to pick up a bag of popcorn kernels and make homemade popcorn on the stove top or in the microwave. There might not be butter to put on it but a little salt or other seasonings and you have an inexpensive snack that will fill them up. Back in the Great Depression many people ate popcorn instead of cereal, they sprinkled sugar on it and poured in some milk. Those popcorn kernels can be ground into cornmeal if you want to make hoe cakes, hush puppies or cornbread. Homemade pancakes are another good stretch of your food budget because you can eat them for any meal. They can be served with sweet or savory toppings or use them in place of slices of bread for sandwiches. If you are out of bread spread a pancake with peanut butter and jelly and roll it up, the kids will love it! Thin the batter out and make crepes instead of fluffy pancakes. Look for people in your neighborhood who have fruit trees that aren’t harvesting the fruit. Ask if you can help clean up the fallen fruit for a share of the fruit on the tree. Many times the fallen fruit still has quite a bit of good fruit left on it, you just need to cut the bad parts off. You can then take the fruit home to sort and store the unblemished pieces and cut up to eat anything that won’t keep long. Potatoes are very filling and versatile. They can be used to stretch lots of meals but they can also be the star of the meal. Think of meat as a seasoning ingredient instead of the main part of the meal. Mince or grind it to stretch it further, add a sauce or gravy to make it serve more portions of it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

In the UK, we had eggy bread. One egg beaten with milk, then bread soaked in it then fried. It meant one egg fed my two children.

[@patrice3603]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance we call that French Toast in the USA. 😃 That is another great meal option!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@patrice3603 and the French call it, pain perdu…lost bread

[@madeleine7729]

I used to make little pikelets (like a little pancake) for my kids. You can add mashed banana into the mix, or grated apple and cinnamon. Just serve with a bit of butter. I never used sugar in my batter and the kids still loved them :-)

[@lenagranstrom579]

I do homemade pizza With potatis. Sounds 🤢. Little 👶. Eat. Its jummie. Trie. Cooked leftover potatoes. And little Meat. Left over. I understand. But have it Hard to spell.

[@monicaram2379]

I’m channeling my grandmother’s cooking and remembering the stories of how they survived food rationing and still managed. I find comfort in making some of the recipes. Thanks for the great tips!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It kept them going in hard times and can keep us going too.

[@sheridankuruppu4670]

I am Ramona from Srilankan I live a comfortable life but have always been on a budget & I love it...I truly appreciate your effort to help people learn how to use their money in a sensible way....I like where you talk of stretching your food by adding other food items to it...I do that a lot I cook meat and chicpeas together...also meat with soybean...(called soyameat balls ) here ...goes so well together....now I cook these in a hot 🔥 chilli curry with roasted curry powder in coconut milk or even in ( water when I am low on cash ) still tastes very good 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those sound delicious

[@sheridankuruppu4670]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance thanks Jane for taking the time to answer me....keep up the good work I may visit Italy sometime soon...I have been to France once .wish I could meet you..😊❤

[@joanrevell5767]

I went to Lidl and was lucky enough to buy one of the £1.50 boxes. It must of had 24., Apple's and two small lettuce's in it. I've made two apple cakes. One or the freezer. Cooked some for my porridge. Some were cooked off and placed in the freezer for crumbles. What was left I made my version of a Waldorf salad using the lettuce's. Two were left and we had them for lunch with some cheese. Well pleased with myself. Lol . Take care x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I bet you were pleased

[@rebacarmack8335]

I had a rotisserie chicken, we ate from it for 2- meals, used the rest to chop and make chicken salad. The bones/ part of them goes to the neighbor for her dog. The rest I’ll add veggie scraps and some spices and make bone broth.

[@cyclingonplants7444]

Fabulous and solid tips Jane! I'm a plant-based eater so I bulk up a lot of my meals with potatoes, rice, noodles and whatever vegetables are in season and on sale. Last week I was able to a 10lb bag of potatoes for $( Canadian ) usually these are $4.99!!! Score! Once Winter comes it's a lot of cabbage and frozen vegetables. I like how you encouraged us to sub in for ingredients we do have. I make egg recipes without eggs and meat recipes without meat - a bit of trial and error and I usually I figure it out and make something tasty. I make a big batch of oatmeal porridge in my instant pot every week - I eat mine for breakfast and he eats his as an afternoon pre-exercise snack. My boyfriend is also on board and has cut down his meat portions and has added more vegetables. It's a win win for health and wallet 🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I sometimes have porridge for lunch too, cheap and healthy

[@christinesmith4706]

We have started using our oil lamps in the morning and evenings to help cut back on electricity. It’s a very cozy light and easier on the eyes in the morning than LED lights. I have started making our bread from scratch and plan on making most of our noodles and pasta. We are more intentional on our trips to the store and have cut eating out back to one time a month.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How romantic

[@marilynvelez8147]

Jane, that was so well said flexibility is key to being frugal. When the budget is tight that is when I'm the most creative.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Us too

[@bex438]

Great tips Jane 👍 I completely agree with the bringing the old skool meals back, I was smiling as I was tipping veggies including the innards of our pumpkin from Halloween, butter beans, lentils, canned tomatoes etc into my stew as I was listening to you and as I'm inclined to be a fussy eater with some things I took on board what you were saying about not being able to afford to be fussy and when I told my partner they laughed and said that they agreed with you as they're not fussy eaters at all 😉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Cheers Bex

[@ruthfeatherstone7925]

3 inexpensive meals I make are homemade onion bhajis and grated carrot salad and I make homemade veggie burgers made of left over mashed potato and other vegetables and instead of using sausages in a toad in the hole I use tinned baby sweetcorn corn on the cob.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

All sounds totally delicious

[@frugallizzybee]

I've started to work out my portions for everything we eat, so I know how long it should last. Wow its amazing how much we were over eating and food is lasting us a lot longer now :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s important when budgeting to be able to do that. Well done

[@laurithomasson6979]

We eat a lot of soups and casseroles in the winter. This week I made chili with 1 pound of ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, water. I brown the beef, onion and garlic, add tomatoes, beans, chili powder and 1 can of water. Then when it has simmered for several hours and we're ready to eat I add a handful of spaghetti that I break into smaller pieces. The spaghetti bulks it up and we think it's delicious. This pot gave us 6 generous servings. A casserole i made is with 1 can cream of chicken soup, a couple stalks of celery, chopped carrots, onion, poultry seasoning, about 1/4c milk and chopped chicken, I used part of a rotisserie chicken that I had chopped and frozen earlier. Mix all of the above with some poultry seasoning and pour into baking dish. Then mix one box of Aldi version of Stovetop stuffing with 1/2 c melted butter or margarine and place on top of chicken mixture. Bake in 350 oven until bubbly, about 35-40 minutes. Can use any vegetables, those were what I had in the fridge. It made 6 nice portions and was served with broccoli on the side. I've found that buying spice blends like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning are much cheaper than buying the individual spices. I've stocked up on rice, dried beans and pasta so it's a good thing we like Italian, Mexican and Chinese food because they are economical to fix. I also try to do in season and local because the food tastes better and is usually cheaper. By the way most of us eat too much meat/fish anyway so cutting back is good. When I worked for the MD and was counseling patients about portion sizes I would tell them that a normal amount is 3-4 ounces or approximately the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. We would all be healthier with more veggies and less meat.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good old fashioned wholesome cooking there Lauri

[@cathymillar9900]

November 3rd and still no central heating. Feeling good. With our wood cooking stove, the house is quite comfortable.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have no central heating, we do not need it

[@pattyperkins5007]

Your land is so pretty.So in my case I was raised Southern so I've been feasting on beans, lentils, and corn, potatoes, greens. when I can.simple is the answer.I'm a widow so I eat 2 good meals a day and I'm happy.everything you've made looks lovely..thank you Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Patty, you’re eating well

[@t_n_rasberry8387]

Green onions are very easy to grow. It can be grown inside with just water. Leave the bottom white rooted part when cutting it from a new stem and just stick it into a container filled with water. Will grow in just a couple of days.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice, thanks for sharing

[@jilllecar]

Jane I just have to say that the production value on your videos is gorgeous. I love to see the scenes of your property and the lake in the rocks and gardens. It’s just beautiful. To save on our food budget we tend to make meals with the meat is cut up and portioned out around to everybody instead of just a big hunk of chicken or beef on the plate. For instance last night we made butter chicken Indian style and tonight we’re having white chicken chili. In both cases we use only one breast of chicken for the three of us. Before we would have given one breast for each person and we would’ve spent a lot more money.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We’ve really cut back on meat, it’s more of a flavoring now

[@carolasmith5437]

Great ideas Jane! I admire the women during the rationing time making do with whatever ingredients they had. Here's to flexibility!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They were amazing

[@sharonparsons9804]

Loved this video. I'm in Australia, but am noticing that sometimes the things I buy regularly just aren't on the shelves when I get to the store. For example, I shopped last Thursday at Aldi, and the dairy section was almost bare. No butter, cheeses etc., It was the same the fortnight before, so, on that visit, I bought a 1kg tub of Aldi brand margarine. Fortunately, I was able to stretch out the butter that I had in hand until the delivery came into the store, and, I was able to get my regular butter blend. I now have a 1kg tub of margarine that I can use in my cooking. It was a fraction of the cost of butter, and something that I probably wouldn't have considered if it had not been for the delivery shortages here at the time. I am learning to think outside the box. I have a reasonable stockpile now of things like evaporated milk, chicken and veg and pork and veg meals in cans...souos, beans, lentils, rice, pasta, sauces, corned beef, tuna etc., that will see me through any shortages. I am so grateful to you, and others on KZbin that have helped me to prepare for, and expect, the unexpected. I am now meal planning, which is amazing. I also, now use EVERYTHING up. I even calculated my Weetbix (2 per serve) and I alternate my breakfasts to keep them interesting so as not to become bored. Yesterday I made a double batch of Peanut Butter Cookies for the first time. All the ingredients were in my store cupboard. I now have over 40 cookies (I didn't want to pig out, so I froze most if them, but I am not sure if that's going to be successful....time will tell) I am loving this frugal mindset. I have always lived from pay check to pay check, and for the first time in my life I have a (very modest) nest egg which is slowlygrowin. It was been tested recently, with an unexpected maintenance issue that almost deleted it completely, but in the past, I would not have had anything spare. At the time I did feel a little bit flat about it, then I realised that in a few weeks I'd be right back on track again. It is a great feeling to be in total control.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Careful portions are important.

[@sharonparsons9804]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Yes. That's why I wanted the cookies out of harms way lol Hope they thaw okay, but either way, they'll be edible. Will allow one small cookie per day as a treat with coffee. I don't normally buy biscuits or cakes. I.I'm more of a savoury person. Take care. Stay safe. Sharon

[@ellamullican6196]

😅Jane,l'm from Alabama, USA found your videos love them.

[@jeannestott1456]

Hi Jane yet another great Video. I make Lord Woolton pie ,basically winter veg leek, carrot,sweed potatoes all cut small lightly boiled in water.shortcrust pastry put on a flat plate place then put vegetables on top of pastry,use saved veg water add a good sprinkle of dried parsley or about 2 teaspoons fresh,to the water add salt and pepper. Thicken with corn flour . Cover veggies with pastry, cut a cross in centre of lid turn back points pour parsley sauce in on top of veg brush pastry with milk bake at 180deg for about35 40 mins delish with mashed or half a baked potato.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s a great recipe, bit of marmite in it when I make it too

[@jeannestott1456]

Forgot to mention using the parsley sauce as gravy too. Also serve with green beans nicer on the plate than in the pie!

[@jacquiemoppett2391]

When I was a Foster mom years ago because I have a large house I would take in upto 4 siblings at a time. So my family would grow during the night from 4 to 8. In those days funds would be anything fromm 2- 4 weeks late. I would use fill a belly meals. 1 that always went down well was make a thick batter using 1 egg and 1 desert spoon of sugar milk if available and a little water. Chop cooked veg fine and 4 oz cooked meat chopped fine . Mix together and make thick pancakes. Serve with gravy or sauce tomato or brown. The kids loved it and usually took the recipe away with them. In the supermarkets that slice there own meat they will gather together all the misshaped slices and sell at discount prices if not I bought lunchen meat. I would keep several 4 oz portions in the freezer.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You did great there Jacquie

[@Frugal-Sue]

this made me chuckle. Aged 52, we had stew and dumplings for tea tonight, with golden syrup steam pudding after, both small portions and both made in slow cookers.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh yum!

[@bettygraham818]

That is interesting. I didn't know you could cook a steamed pudding in the slow cooker !

[@Frugal-Sue]

@@bettygraham818 yep, it was fluffy too.

[@bettygraham818]

@@Frugal-Sue I will definitely try that.

[@kimc5750]

Excellent common sense advice that is so often easily overlooked.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kim

[@lindaleese4628]

My three children are on the spectrum and have food sensitivity issues with textures etc to bulk meals out without them knowing I chop veg small cook then use my hand blender to make it smooth its surprising what you can add into dishes this way. I also dehydrate veg herbs mushrooms even lettuce and then once ive blitz it into a powder I can add this too. I tend to batch bake then stick in freezer and get one cake out per person so its not all gone in a day (portion control). Jelly is an excellent cheap treat for children. A nice warm hot chocolate can become a wonderful treat and something to look forward to. When I was little bread and butter was always on the dinner table to add to your meal. Corn kernels are cheaper than popcorn and go such a long way plus its the whole process of making it together the anticipation not just grabbing a bag. Throughout december we have family film and board game night weekly this will be a hot chocolate and popcorn night a real celebration. Cheap and very cheerful but its all about making it special .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s clever. There were things my children didn’t like either so I chopped them very small and hid them in food.

[@paularoberts2129]

Hi Jane I’m totally with you on 3 square meals and variety Today we’ve had porridge for breakfast a lovely veg stir fry for lunch and egg chips baked beans and a couple of bacon rashers that were left over and I froze For pud because I always make my own pudding there were 4 peach slices left from yesterday so I made them into a sponge pudding with custard that fed 4 of us tonight and all clean plates 🥦🌽🥬🫑

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That all sounds yummy, I find we don’t eat between meals if we eat properly

[@paularoberts2129]

❤️❤️

[@normamaher9901]

Hi Jane, I am really grateful for all your creative & practical tips, I have a electricity meter that I top up weekly, which gives me a little more control of my energy costs, I also burn ecofuel & logs in an open fireplace to save electricity.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and sharing Norma

[@kaykrausman8012]

We are shopping the weekly sales all of the time, now. We have a few stores in our area, so I look at all of their sale papers and write down the sales we'd use. Often, there are like items on sale, but with a large price difference between the stores. I go through their available e-coupons and load them to our loyalty card for each store. Often, I'll find a "freebie" coupon each week. I'll then make a list of what the best-priced items are for each store. Menus are then planned around the sales for the week. If possible, we'll stock up on exceptional sales that occasionally pop up. It does take some time and work, but it pays off. Thank you for the suggestions for stretching meals and going back to older cookbooks. I have a cookbook that was put out in England, outlining the best way to stretch the food ration coupons given during WW2 and how to keep your kids and family healthy. It's a great book to get back to. I'm going to locate it now. Take care!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m glad someone is getting some bargains

[@kaykrausman8012]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Me too. There are 6 here, so it really helps out.

[@printerudell3604]

Bring back puddings. And there's nothing wrong with eating tinned food several times a week. It's much cheaper in many cases, and it's what we grew up with. Also, remember that beans on toast or egg on toast makes a nutritious dinner, served with a cup of strong tea.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We often have beans on toast and an egg makes it a good meal

[@lilybee_]

We are buying more simple foods in bulk to stock the pantry. I ordered wheat berries and beans this week. I'll put in an order for lentils and rice next week. They will last our family a few months and bulk out our meals. I feel positive about the winter but worry what's in store for 2022. Our shelves do not get stocked like pre-pandemic and the increase in prices is shocking.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We’re worried as we can’t store much. Our house is too warm.

[@RhondaTowanda]

Love this vid egg o! Excellent content! I have been changing up the way I menu plan. So say I plan to have a whole roasted chicken, we eat the thighs and legs, with a sheet pan full of roasted vegetables carrots, potatoes, and onions. The breast is saved for the next supper, I shred the chicken breast and make pash potatoes from the roasted potatoes. And I make an upside down Shepherds pie, but I add shredded cheese and 2 stops of turkey bacon ton top of cheese. We eat the other vegetables, carrots and onions in a soup and I added peas, green beans, and corn to that soup for lunches. I have left over shredded chicken so I add pickles and mayonnaise and make sandwiches for our supper for the next day and we finish up the soup with added barley in it. So I got 3 suppers and 3 lunches from that one roasted chicken. This saves us money by no waste. We eat a lot of homemade soups with rice or barley or pasta. I will also make dumplings in soups or stews too to stretch the meal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They call that rubber chicken as it’s stretched so far!

[@RhondaTowanda]

😂I like that!

[@genad6318]

Excellent

[@mimitadigre4103]

Great video - reminds me to count my blessings - week 2 of retirement . Have planned and bought meat for holidays . Turkeys just came in - I had a coupon so saved money on that - I saw recipe to cook turkey in parts rather that whole - turkey meat cooks faster , more evenly and absorbs flavor better - we’ll eat half during holidays and the rest will be for January . Thanks to everyone . You are inspiring !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

A turkey is about 25€ here, we won’t be having one. I’m glad they’re cheap somewhere

[@mimitadigre4103]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance That is a lot ! I paid 15 dollars . About $ 1.05

[@mimitadigre4103]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance $1.05 per pound

[@mimitadigre4103]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance it was actually $1.29 a pound . 1.05 with coupon

[@francismacdonald4569]

When I was a child it was nothing to have meatless meals. Things like macaroni and cheese (Not Kraft Dinner). Corned beef hash, tinned corn beef, mashed potatoes and onions all mashed together. Ok that had meat. Simple but very tasty meals. We never knew money was scarce we enjoyed what we were fed. Somehow that changed through the years. I liked the topic today it’s made me remember simple but good times. Thanks 🙂 Debby from NS

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great memories there

[@judyking9171]

Perhaps some of the wartime recipes can give people ideas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely, I love homity pie

[@clareriley9049]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Oh I'd forgotten that, it's in my tatty copy of the Cranks recipe book.

[@lesreid2704]

The SWRI - Scottish Women's Rural Institute produced annual cook books, often each county producing one. I got a few of these from the charity shops. Good old fashioned, homely, cheap recipes.

[@judyking9171]

I get old cookery books from charity shops, they're a really useful source of ideas and use in season produce.

[@bettygraham818]

My advice is to buy potatoes. My local market is selling 7.5 kilo bags of beautiful locally grown ones for £4.50 ( the young man taking my money said that 2 coffees at Costa costs the same ! I took his word for it as I am much too careful to pay someone else to make me coffee!). I noticed in Lidl the same weight of potatoes cost under £2 but I don't think the quality would be the same. However, if you are really stretched, you can do a lot with potatoes whatever type they are. It will be interesting to see whether the queues outside Greggs , the popular high street bakers, will shorten as things get tougher in the UK . My late husband used to say ' my wife can make a meal out of nothing'!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

you can't beat the humble potato

[@paularoberts2129]

Just thought I’d also mention that I’m planning my Christmas meals this week and putting some food in the freezer for days over the Xmas period Perhaps you could do a video on it or perhaps you are already planning to do one on food over that time Thanks Jane 🥬🥦🌽🫑

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I don’t cook ahead, there’s just the two of us and we’ll have a simple meal. My husband wants steak for Christmas

[@mic-120]

Merci, j'écoute vos vidéos pour apprendre l'anglais, votre diction et votre flux lent m'aide !

[@lovechangesus]

I cook ground beef and pork sausage together with onions, small diced carrots, zucchini and yellow squash, mushrooms, shallots and lots of spices. Then I divide into batches, freeze and have the base for tacos, meat sauce, casseroles, etc. Lots of veggies in but not noticeable. 2 pounds of meat easily turns into 3 and goes a long way and tastes wonderful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Stretching and bulking right there, well done

[@garygnagey3569]

Another simple but tasty meal can be made by cooking ground, turkey, beef , or chicken in a skillet with some onion, Add salt and pepper. Serve over buttered noodles. Very good with a vegetable alongside.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yummy

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

Hi Jane and Michael, thank you for another great video. Your videos are encouraging and motivating. You are a genius in the kitchen, your food looks sooo good. Lots of love to you and everybody else. ⚘

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s very kind

[@LaundryFaerie]

Re: planning for variety. Certain ingredients are used in cuisines around the world -- potatoes, cabbage, chicken, beans and pulses, flatbreads. If you're struggling to come up with something new from a familiar foodstuff, look up recipes from another food tradition that use that ingredient. An example I came across just recently was izakaya-style salted cabbage, popular in Japan. The recipe calls for items that are easy to find in Western groceries, and the resulting cabbage is delicious to the point of being addictive! Another use for cabbage that doesn't fall into a well-worn rut is always welcome in my kitchen.

[@saundrajohnson1571]

What are the pulses you refer to?

[@mariaevans5046]

Another thing to think about is using dried milk powder very cheap

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I always keep some on hand, a good point

[@lenagranstrom579]

Expensive were i live

[@belindacopson2390]

Another great video Jane. A well planned larder is the basis of many simple meals here, I like to know I can always rustle up a home cooked meal in 15 /20 minutes from scratch if necessary. We eat all leftovers, it's good economy but also feels wrong to waste any food when some folk don't have enough. Like you I am a fan of old fashioned puddings - baked jam sponges and fruit crumbles are big favourites in our house.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sponges and or crumbles with custard, bring back puddings !

[@lubas4945]

I just wanted to comment on how put together you look...a simple scarf makes such a difference...kudos to you, girl!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@jackiehowe8482]

I have found in Aldi 5 chicken legs (the whole leg not just drum sticks) for £1.89 . I put them all in my slow cooker with some onion (the onion makes for tasty stock for soups or gravy) when cooked it falls off the bone and it makes loads of meat to make curries , casseroles , soups , sweet n sour or a Sunday roast. Even cheaper than a whole chicken. It goes a long way . I love watching your videos.

[@lisahaffner3337]

I only get paid once a month so I take out my grocery money and budget per week. I’m a caregiver for 2 adults and thankfully they aren’t fussy. We spend more than I would like but sometimes it can’t be helped. I batch cook and freeze things like spaghetti sauce. I make enough for 2 meals at a time. Saves me time.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Luckily, we're not fussy either

[@melindabardwell6511]

I’d love to see more of your little dogs.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Watch to the end of every video, they’re there

[@rachelkieffer8707]

Catching up on some of your older videos. I had to look at where I was very fussy with food choices and learned to be flexible, I stopped buying everything organic and use the "clean 15" and "dirty dozen" list as a guide, we already ate very plant-based but doing it even more, and I stopped snacking in between meals, if I want some tortilla chips, I use a little as part of the meal and that way a bag lasts us for a couple of weeks.

[@lauragrieve9148]

Hi from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿we get our messages delivered my boyfriend works for Tesco in uk so we get discount on pay day discount goes up so we get all big ticket items ie dog food washing detergent etc saves on diesel and time wandering around the store 🏬 x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

And it saves you time

[@ja14803]

I love your channel ! Thank you for all the work you put into it! I would love to see some of how you sew, what you sew and when you sew! (BTW…thank you for moving the table with the Buddha statue on it..)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Why are you thankful for the moving of the table and the statue?

[@ja14803]

It was distracting to me…😳

[@beesmarterbooks2359]

Wonderful ideas, Jane (& commenters). For the hubby and I, we're eating less meat. It really becomes more of a seasoning to flavor soups, casseroles, fried rice, etc. We're eating more eggs (our chickens are starting to lay). And, I'm preserving more. Not just freezing and canning, but dehydrating and fermenting. Along with that, I'm paying more attention to what needs to be used. Between that, the chickens, dogs and composting, we're getting close to zero waste.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are doing great and my inspiration

[@karendanks670]

I’ve been making a lot of bulked out, plant based stews & casseroles with vegetable suet dumplings. I portion it out & freeze it too. Really tasty & filling. For variety, I’ve made some of Utility Jude’s WW11 recipes. A couple of them have become cheap, filling & easy regular meals. Bread pudding used to be called ‘fillbelly’ when I was growing up & still make it today. I’m old enough to remember several rounds of difficult times, but this time around seems so much tougher.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Bacon and leek pudding is a favorite of ours, I just need to find a pudding basin as mine broke

[@madeleine7729]

Jane, wonderful to hear your calm and sensible approach to the situation. We have just done a big shop and stocked up on everyday items whilst they are on special. We moved away from our favourite brands, didn't get the usual organic items and so on. I decided not to buy things like baking paper and foil as we can get by without them. Even though the situation in Australia is nowhere near as bad as other countries, we realised we should be watching every penny because if we experience the same price rises, things will be very tight indeed. As it is, fruit and veg and risen enormously over the last few months, to the point where I'm anxiously looking in the veggie garden three times a day hoping to see faster growth! For anyone who has a bit of room to grow things, get in your high energy crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes (in Spring when last frost has passed). If you add to that some runner beans and silver beet which don't take up much room, you have a good nutritional foundation. I always grow pumpkin too as it is so easy, fills you up and also gives good nutrition. Those with a tiny space can grow salad and herbs in pots, and even do some potatoes - plenty of tips online on how to do it without a veggie patch.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We will grow in the future

[@t_n_rasberry8387]

I’ve noticed that it’s better to plant in portions of 3 when planting anything. At least 2 the least for each plant. Why: 1st one to eat now, the 2nd to eat in between, the last one to last until the first one starts growing again.

[@heathertucker7056]

Planning is definitely the key to stopping all food waste! Thank you for all the suggestions!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@Tess-FrugalLiving]

I'm making Spag Bol for tea tonight and you've reminded me that I need to be adding some lentils to stretch it out. I'll also add lots of grated carrots and courgette as we have some we were given. Thanks Jane. Another great video. 🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Tess, I used to grate veggies to hide them

[@sgist7824]

We add lentils, mushroom, carrots 👍

[@christinabartonart1072]

I appreciate videos like this one. I work in retail, minimum wage, and like most of the colleagues my age who are living away from family, we are struggling to make it to the end of the month now. At times, I know I'm not the only one who has been thinking ... "should I try fasting" to try and make the budget stretch a bit further. Little tips can help, even in the face of crippling financial strain.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi, the best tip I can give is get a better job. No one can live off minimum wage. What are the career training and prospects within your current job. Which country do you live in?

[@gmapam215]

Hey Jane, lovely video. I tend to double any soup or stew recipe and then can for later use! It makes it so easy to just open a jar of soup, stew or chili. We do use our freezer but are really trying to fill the pantry with our own cook foods.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great Pam

[@Spot4art]

Make a pot of soup a week. Make your own broths. Use up leftovers. That soup makes great filler meals or lunches. Add beans. So many ways to make it healthy and good.❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Brilliant advice, thanks

[@joannereynolds69]

We batch cook all our meals from scratch and bulk most dishes out with lentils such as chilli, bolognaise, cottage pie and even some curry dishes. As I have been following the weight watchers meal plans for years I have got into the habit of weighing my breakfast cereals and measuring my milk for the cereal and in drinks of tea and coffee. It’s not for everyone but for me it’s just a habit I have developed which makes my food go even further as there is no waste. When I have have porridge I make it with water and add 50ml of milk at the end to give it a creamy taste. Stopped buying junk food years ago - I keep my weekly shopping budget to £75 per week for my family of 4. As prices rise I keep my budget the same and cut my cloth accordingly as my Mum used to say xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

My budget is the same, I just buy less

[@madeleine7729]

I weigh our pasta before cooking it as i can easily overeat pasta! We always ate the leftovers if I cooked too much, but more thrifty to cook just the right amount for the meal, or enough for the meal and a couple of portions for another meal.

[@gladyschandler6724]

A cookbook is great for ideas but its a guide. We eat chicken thighs almost weekly (usually get close to 3lbs (10 thighs) I look for new ways to cook, with veggies or slow cooker. This week Moroccan Chicken stew, had all the spices, olives, just needed a lemon & zucchini, & marinated jar peppers. Have in the freezer stir-fry rice cauliflower to go with it. My son has food for 4 dinners, & me 2. When Riced cauliflower finished we'll make quinoa for 2 more meals with the chicken.

[@dawnmorandin541]

We also have noticed the food prices rising steadily here in Canada 🇨🇦 luckily I cook from scratch but even the ingredients to make bread, cookies, pies and pasta etc have risen. We have time of use electricity so I often have to cook before 11am, recharge everything also, the dishwasher goes on after 7pm, vacuum on weekends with the laundry, when the oven is on I cook several things at once and bulk cook. We pay for every drop of water so I never let water run down the sink, I save it in the fridge for cooking my vegetables etc. It's cheaper to put the kettle on for 1 min for warm water than run the tap waiting for it to turn warm.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're certainly making the best of it.

[@gregorywagner3713]

I love soups in the cooler weather. 🌈✌🏾

[@sofiedetroeyer7345]

Love, love, love to listen to your tips. Always looking forward to another video. I always try to cook from scratch and I do not buy expensive meats. I always buy meat when it is on sale. See you next time 🤗🤗🤗🤩😘

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s the best way

[@nikki27ish]

I'm very glad.i have a chest freezer to buy reduced items or additional when I can. I do wish I had a root cellar though as we don't have room for much storage.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We don’t have much room either, I’ve retired our freezer, I don’t have the budget to fill it

[@nikki27ish]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance can you use it whilst swtiched off to store root veggies or tins / packets etc just for the extra storage?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@nikki27ish we don’t have the budget to stock up, we just get what we need, food is really expensive here.

[@nikki27ish]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance ah ok. I hope things settle down price wise soon. I truly worry for people on low incomes especially with rising energy prices.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@nikki27ish luckily, we have plenty of wood

[@royaldame6492]

We have bought whole chickens on sale and stewed them and made pints of soup 2 different kinds) and pressure canned them, doing the same with with beef stew, and ground meat to make chili, handy and delicious

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’d faint at chicken prices here they are 12-15€ each,

[@royaldame6492]

🤪maybe do wings?

[@royaldame6492]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance or maybe get 3 or 4 hens!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@royaldame6492 They cost the same alive as dead, no saving there

[@Taaleedee]

Planning meals and cooking from scratch saves money. Not having takeaways or ready meals saves money. I can't understand when someone says that they don't know what to cook for dinner - so many recipes out there to choose from.

[@mariaevans5046]

As usual, an excellent video, I agree with everything you've said.. it's also worth noting to.make double and freeze for another meal the following week ' saves on fuel pennies euros, and dollars.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice

[@susanandersonn904]

Sometimes if you substitute you find that you prefer it over the original

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thaat's so true

[@kateleese9663]

That's reminded me that I used to do a soup and pudding meal. Need to reinstate that.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Bring back puddings!

[@pigletsbank437]

We are not fussy but have both differend food allergies, so it's more of the same cheap ingredients in different ways...for lunch veg (leftover) soups or some pickled gurkins or carrots sticks next to bread. Dinner is filled 🥘soups or stew with potato mac or rice in. 🍳Omelets filled with leftover carb, veggies, maybe some self grated cheese as a wrap or in quiche without dough. I make ragout white/ bechamel (half milk half water) for bits of meat and or veggies next to rice or toast. I took 20% of my minced meat portions so it lasts. Cut a chickenfilet in half, flatten in out with a pan looks big but is half a chickenbreast😉

[@cynthialindblom2490]

We use a small amount of meat in our meals and bulk up with vegetables. Spaghetti with a side salad and garlic bread.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great idea!

[@ncwelder-woman8141]

Over time I have been able to build up my pantry and freezer. The trick is to buy on sale or big discount, then only replacing items you have used when they go on sale or markdown again. We eat simple country meals, grow a garden, glean, forage, hunt and fish. And not afraid to scoop up fresh roadkill rabbits, squirrels and deer especially in winter. Rabbit pie is delicious, and squirrel gravy and biscuits is an old and tasty Appalachian staple. Venison meatloaf is wonderful too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sadly, those discounts are no longer there, it's not a good time of year for bargains.

[@ncwelder-woman8141]

I agree, While harder to find, many grocery sales still exist here is the US. I bought a 10 pound bag of chicken leg quarters yesterday for $4.90 US. I may go back today and buy another. I know it is more dire in other countries right now and hope things can get better for everyone soon.

[@susanramos6567]

That was a wonderful video. God bless.

[@patmartin9727]

I too have found myself shopping around more for the weekly food shop. I have also tried to incorporate more meat free meals or using less meat in a menu adding pulses and additional veg. I am not a pudding fan but do love a nice hearty soup so some days I have had a small soup and a smaller meal. All helping to fill me up and reduced the need to increase the food budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yep either a soup or pudding at either end of the meal to stretch the budget

[@ruthhill5311]

I have been focusing the last year on cooking from scratch. It helps! Plus the food tastes so much better. This past fall my focus has been to prep /cook our dinner earlier in the day so that the temptation to go out for a quick meal in the evening when I am to tired to cook doesn’t happen

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

When I was home with children, I used to do all the housework and meal,prep in the morning then it wasn’t such a chore in the afternoon

[@wendytravers4400]

Thanks everything is going up, stretching meals our with veg and even more veg. Do not waste anything, you can one spend your money once so spen it wisely…….. Love Wendy ♥️💋

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wise spending indeed

[@RetirementContentment]

Absolutely fantastic post. Perfect timing, frugal food choices when we are all feeling prices rising and income stagnant. Your point about not being fussy or finicky is so important, better to be grateful for what we do have than to yearn for something better. Also so important to be creative and include variety, important for appetite as well as exposure to varied foods and nutrients. I will save this one for future reference!! Here in the U.S. we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. At the market I couldn’t see a frozen Turkey for less than $54…way out of my budget, over twice last year’s cost. Very concerning and discouraging. I will find a way to make a nice holiday dinner within my budget. It takes some creativity and positive thinking. This channel and all of the supportive comments really help. Thank you 🙏🏻🕊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Turkey is very expensive

[@ES-xn2dc]

Hi Jane, Thank you for these excellent ideas. Some months ago I wrote asking you how to budget for “unexpected expenses.” These types of frugal ideas were what I was looking for, as the “unexpected expenses” were not referring to expense categories, but rather unexpected or unusually high increases in the cost of each planned expense. I also appreciate the ideas from other subscribers.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy it helped. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@marshabryant9429]

Thus week I made a chicken and sausage gumbo and bulked it up with jars of okra and tomatoes from the garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Bulking and stretching right there

[@jenniferwang3489]

I found a 1.5 lb beef roast I’m cooking in the slow cooker. The recipe I found calls for 4 lbs of meat. I’m adding extra veggies(radishes, celery, a few tomatoes, and carrots with water and onion soup mix)

[@jenniferwang3489]

It turned out beautiful, but hubby says it was "sour". I think he's just not used to comfort food here. His idea of comfort food is fried rice with a side of twice cooked pork.

[@pamelanafuna7082]

Thanks Jane for sharing, kindly share with us what you have for breakfast ,am learning a lot from you, good work keep up

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We eat porridge, or cornflakes or wheatabix or toast. I always have porridge

[@anntaylor4247]

We're in the same situation as you in the UK. Only buy what we need and make wholesome simple meals. On our porridge, we add spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra protein and a sprinkle of a linseed mix for healthy oils. Very filling. I'm making your fish pie recipe for supper this evening. My best wishes.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Ann. I sprinkle a spoon of chia seeds , the extra protein keeps me full.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I use powdered milk. It is for cooking and coffee so I don't taste any different. That started as a convenience, I don't always need it and it was tedious having to buy it when I needed/wanted it. So now it is always there and it is also cheaper which is a plus! Thank you for the video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s on my pantry stock up list.

[@sharonmcgee8178]

You keep me motivated!

[@garygnagey3569]

I stretch a pound of ground mince beef by first making a meatloaf. I put the beef in a large mixing bowl. In the blender I put a pint of green soybeans ( or bag of defrosted edamame), 2 to 3 eggs, an onion, a 1/4 cup milk, a couple of squirts of spoons of mustard, plenty of Worcestershire sauce, a little salt, and some black pepper. I blend until smooth then add to the ground beef in the bowl, mixing well. It will be soupy. Then add rolled oats until you can easily form into a large meat loaf! Bake in slow cooker to save money until done. We eat meatloaf as the first meal with sandwiches the next day! I then cut it into halves or thirds. When a recipe calls for minced beef I use a potato masher and easily mash it up and use it just like ground beef! I can get more main dishes and leftovers from this one pound of beef and they are good! I have have made Chili, Italian pasta sauce, stuffed peppers, Shepherd’s pie, cabbage ball casserole, sloppy Joe’s, etc. …Deborah Gnagey

[@garygnagey3569]

You can add ketchup instead of mustard to the meatloaf mixture or a combination of both!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

that's a great recipe, we do something similar with old bread turned into breadcrumbs

[@LearningLivingLovingLife]

I was a vegan for three years. I gave that up, but most of my meals are still vegetarian and I have a treasure trove of delicious frugal vegan recipes that help keep the food budget in line. I really love your channel! I just discovered it yesterday and I've already watched many of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Michelle, thanks for watching and commenting and enjoy our videos

[@val6937]

Excellent