We ONLY Spend $200 per Month on Groceries! | Homestead Vlog | Aug. 9, 2023

We grow most of our own food, but we still occasionally indulge in convenience items. Y'all might be surprised by this one!
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[@OurSmallTownLife]

I feel like if we shelter our children from treats, once they are on their own they will over indulge in them. I want to teach them balance now. You're doing a great job!

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Absolutely, my thoughts too

[@trueblue_73]

I have a fabulous chocolate gravy recipe that took me a few months to perfect. 1/2 cup cocoa 3/4 cup sugar 3 Tbsp flour 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups milk 4 Tbsp butter 1 tsp vanilla Whisk the cocoa, flour, salt, and sugar together in a medium sauce pan until there are no lumps. Pour the milk into the mixture and whisk until well combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it's consistency is similar to gravy, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir the butter and vanilla into the mixture until the butter is melted. Serve immediately. 😋

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@wandahershey9227]

Make sure to fry some bacon to dip in some of that chocolate gravy

[@clarencegreen3071]

Chocolate Gravy, different method: Melt 3/4 stick of butter in a skillet, not too hot. Add 3 level tablespoons of S/R flour. Let the flour cook for a couple of minutes, but don't brown it. Add 2 cups of milk to the skillet and stir in. In a separate bowl, mix well together 1 cup of sugar and three level tablespoons of cocoa. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir like making regular gravy. Add a pinch of salt if you wish. Bring it to a slow boil and it should thicken up nicely. If it begins to get too thick, add a bit of water to give the consistency you like. And that's it! Serve over a hot biscuit and you're set to go. Add a small lump of butter on top to make it better. --Old mountain guy

[@julieculley1203]

Thanks for being so real. I buy some of those same items.

[@Cajunbebe]

I love Dukes. It makes the best potato salad

[@debramehan8644]

Its great to know you love some of the junk food too. And you let your kids partake in that. It is so good to hear your honesty. I love your channel.😊

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

Junk food is permissible if 80% of your diet is organic, homegrown vegetables, dairy, eggs, etc... I'm in love with your accent btw, I need an Appalachian woman! I wonder if people dont expose children to junk food when theyre young (within reason) if they'll develop an intolerance/hypersensitivity to it when theyre older.

[@MaryMathews-gp4tj]

You got it going on.

[@tonistrickland4983]

The thing is you're not eating that processed food every day at every meal, nothing wrong to have as quick meals on busy days

[@paularhodarmer3267]

Megan, that was a fine grocery haul. I think as long as most of your meals are from home-grown food, you are probably in the top 5% of healthy-eating Americans. It would be almost impossible to keep every treat away from you kids in this day and time. At least, I couldn't do it. Enjoy life and love the Lord and He will take care of you.

[@PaulKrenik-jx6js]

Megan I've watched you many times cook some incredible country style meals for your family,a lot of it sourced from your farm. And you buy shredded cheese lol. Just giving you a hard time. I used to do the same until I recently found out that pre shredded cheese is saturated with chemical anti caking agents that are horrible for you all. Take less than5 minutes and shredded yourself. Much better tasting and no chemical additives. Your fan from st Paul Minnesota Paul

[@trueblue_73]

In our house we call them Wackies! Why? We have no idea other than it's wacky that you can make cookies without turning on the oven. 🍪

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Haha!! I love this!!

[@MimsysGarden]

I have the same problem with Azure lol… it’s a 1.25hr drive to the closest drop and I can’t just up and leave my mom if a sitter doesn’t show up. I thought about doing a drop coordination here but that person is responsible for everyone’s orders. If someone doesn’t show up, I may not have fridge/freezer space available til they show up. Not to mention the $500 minimum order (which I probably could swing half right by myself lol) but not every month. I’m not sure the frequency that has to be maintained either.

[@wilmabaker4500]

Y'all don't have a Sam's club or Costco?

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Not anywhere closer than an hour or more away ☺️

[@countryfrau8328]

Same deal here in far NW VA. Even if there was, I hate long lines at the grocery store so I probably wouldn't do it anyway.

[@mousemeat1352]

I absolutely adore you and your family, you are so honest and real. I am 74 years old and have learned a lot from you all. My only regret is that I didn't learn when I was young to live life to the fullest, use my energy to live as we were meant to, and lastly simple hard work is a good thing. I am so grateful for people like you all. 🎉❤❤❤🎉❤

[@hambone8847]

My Mother passed in 2016 at the age of 90 and she called the cookies 🍪 cow patties 😂

[@hambone8847]

Oh and as my brother and I got older I’m 54 now we called them heartburn delights 😂

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Haha! I love that!

[@sophiewinkler7549]

Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you can get all that food for $100! You must be a bargain shopper! 😃 Do not be embarrassed or apologetic about the packaged food. I’m sure your family is perfectly healthy eating all of those veggies from your productive garden. I’m impressed how much food you are able to grow/produce yourself. It must be satisfying to know that you are providing for your family using your skills and your land.

[@crissytuttle2132]

Thank you for keepin' it real, Megan! My kids get some junk food snacks, too. Although we eat healthy, from scratch cooking most of the time, I never want them to think that they were deprived.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Absolutely agree! I’m letting them find out gently, for example Jacob doesn’t really eat the chef boy r d much anymore, he says it makes his belly hurt, so he chooses a better option that doesn’t! I always try to think if I keep them from all the “bad” food when they get out in the world when they are older they will go crazy on junk food, because just because mama said it’s bad doesn’t mean they will listen when they are older. But if they see for themselves that that particular food gives them a tummy ache I feel like they understand better. Thanks for watching my friend! Keep on keeping on!

[@clarencegreen3071]

Here's what I did with my son before he reached the age of 10. When he showed an interest in a cigarette, sure have one. (cough, cough, smoke in eyes) Same for a beer: Sure, get yourself a glass and have as much as you like. (wince, wince, puckered face) It didn't take long for him to decide he didn't really like either one, and he never drank or smoked later on after he was out on his own. He had nothing to prove and no one to rebel against.

[@MNTNSTARZ80.]

My Dad was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC when I was younger, I remember those hotdogs, they were the least expensive and with 8 kids my parents needed to cut costs. One funny story about those hotdogs is, Dad had earned extra money from working on cars so he decided as a treat to get some more expensive hotdogs, well none of us kids were willing to try them because they weren't the normal red. I found out later that in order to get us to eat them mom put them back in the original water with red food coloring in it and told us she cooked them a bit too long and all the color washed out 😅

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

😂😂😂 I love this, thanks for sharing!

[@donnabennett1256]

Hilarious!

[@imaprepper1866]

Megan, I’m so glad I found your channel. Love it. You have impressed me on all your hard work and canning.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Thank you so much!

[@music7064]

I can make melt in your mouth homemade biscuits ( so I have been told) but I am like maggie I like can biscuits better. Love your videos and I am in the process of binge watching all your videos. I just love how the kids help you all and don't fuss about it

[@debrasharp510]

Are you just being polite, or are you like us over the hill in Tennessee ? My family and I have always called no- bake oatmeal cookies Cow Patties!! 😅

[@christymartin3846]

That’s awesome! When it’s gone you wait until next time. I am not sure how much the Azure brand is, but I have been buying 25 lb bags of sugar, from Walmart or Sams. I store it in a couple of food grade containers, I bought on the cheap, from a local sub shop. God love the kids around here, 1 time, I had a young man who checked me out and asked, how much kool aid does your family drink?😂😂❤ I have not bought kool aid since, my 36 year old son, was about Jacob’s age. Hi Jacob 👋!! “modern convenience’s” are great tools to help you, like indoor plumbing, electricity, grocery stores on every corner, but what happens when you can’t afford them? Or the grid gets routinely shut down? “To preserve power”? I don’t believe the mass people, are seeing the writing on the walls! I pray I’m wrong 😑 sorry that went serious for a minute! I worry for the whole world, but y’all are showing me that I really don’t have to! Thank you for sharing your life!

[@countryfrau8328]

I like how real and unpretentious you both are. And I really appreciate the tried and true tips you give.

[@sandrahubard251]

I'm in Winston Salem. I enjoy your content. And Dukes Mayonnaise is the only mayonnaise I buy .

[@homesteadingpastor]

I’m with the kiddos on them snacks, especially those tater chips & cheez-its Lol Not many people can say they spend so little at the grocery store these days!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kellyu3146]

You’re missing Fritos and Coke! Those are American staples that I doubt anyone can make at home! 😂 You guys do a great job with your farm!

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

😂😂

[@TheMichi2377]

I'm hellmans all day every day!! Just another thing we can make ourselves but it's so convenient.

[@jaspersknoll9013]

Enjoy you simple way of life and your honesty.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Thank you!

[@jerrystout3032]

Great Job Meagan!😇!😇!😇!😇!

[@russelltackett4779]

Miracle whip guy here😃

[@garyelliott2670]

Love your videos 😊 God bless!

[@cmi7439]

Wow, $100 every 2 weeks. Y'all are definitely growing most of your own food. I am curious if you shop the weekly sales since you're mostly purchasing "wants" or snack type items. We love snacks a little too much at our house, but regular prices have gotten ridiculous.

[@Prepping_mimi]

Our household has increased from 2 of us to 8 of us. Lordy! It’s been a challenge. Always looking for ways to save on that grocery bill! Last month we spent over $2 k. We can not afford that. Now that the adult children are working, they best be pitching in! We will increase our garden again this spring as well.

[@vikkibyington3066]

❤We all love snacks from time to time. You are doing a wonderful job! ❤

[@vahlla78]

I use to be able to get a full cart of groceries for $100 just a few years ago. Crazy how much everything has gone up. I’m lactose intolerant so I couldn’t eat half of what u bought but I sure would if I could lol Thanks for sharing.

[@reginarenoude1098]

Im 69 in NW Ar. We called them whackies all my life.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Never heard them called that!

[@lisacornett9364]

If you order in bulk enough to last six months from Azure, you would only have to go the hour drive 2 times a year. A different way to look at it... maybe.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Definitely a better way to look at it!

[@PhillipStewart-k7f]

Yall definitely deserved it what u get at the store enjoy ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharonbutrum82]

I absolute love your channel.

[@matthewlaminack9228]

Thanks!! Would you please share your muffin recipe sometime?

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Absolutely!

[@2WOLFS]

It can be done, i spend about 150.00 a month and usually have some to put back. My breads and deserts are home made. And i buy my macaroni in shells kind and we have mac and cheese for supper a couple a times a month. Sometimes I cut up a meat in the mac and cheese. And mac and cheese has to have Velveeta. Maybe a dip of cheese, hamburger, sausage, diced tomatoes and you have to have chips to dip. If we run out of chips then I just make flour tortillas and spread the cheesy mix on them. And I add lettuce and tomatoes and whatever fresh veggies we have. Rice and potato mix casseroles are good. Try to cook my meat in my old croke pot for supper. We are not big breakfast people, but we do love breakfast foods for supper to. When tomatoes are really coming in we like BLTs. And there's always cornbread and a pot of beans. It nice have your own meats and knowing what they eat. Having fresh vegetables and fruits and putting it away for winter. Now I.may spend a little more during the coldest winter months but it works out.

[@chrisswift8098]

Don’t apologize you eat healthy otherwise

[@kimhayden5244]

I have the same problem with azure. We have to go to Fayetteville.

[@elt.214]

Thanks for sharing and keeping it real. I like to indulge in sliced bread and 7up once in awhile lol.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

I hate slicing fresh bread if I’m being honest 😂😂 every time I’m doing it I always think of the saying “the best thing since sliced bread” I totally get it 😂

[@londonkyguy]

I love these videos.

[@Candys_Corner]

We only shop twice a month too, and we spend almost double what you spend for me and my hubby. Thanks for showing us your haul.

[@kellymurdock5982]

My father used to say "all things in moderation...including moderation!"

[@donnabennett1256]

Nothing but Dukes! When my brother was still living, he lived in NJ with the woman he fell in love with and married in his 50s. Every single time he came home to NC, he stocked up on Dukes-he even got it as Christmas gifts sometimes.

[@JamesHanna-wm3kj]

This is Helen, James wife. You go girl! you have the right idea and do it well. Have just started watching you and enjoy ur down home attitude. I'm fm Appalachia also. No one compares to us111

[@grumpyoldman7948]

Kudos to those people who eat the perfect diet, but in today's world in my opinion, that's pretty rare. Probably a large percentage of kids are living on junk food, mac and cheese and pizza. You're always in the kitchen preparing good food for your family. I wish more kids had that.

[@lizmiller2341]

Enjoy how real you are. Everything in moderation they say!

[@SilverCreekHomestead]

My goal to get to 70/: self sustainable!! Go girl!!

[@mariebishop7598]

Yes to Dukes mayo!!😂

[@sharongarrison8328]

You can substitute your sorghum molasses for the sugar

[@marieparks5674]

Great haul, the 80/20 rule. Eat good 80% of the time, other 20%

[@glendabenard3772]

Good morning from Whiteville,Tenn

[@Debbie-bg3mo]

I've been identifying with your channel more than any other homesteading channel I watch. Some places you have mentioned are very familiar to me. Peanut butter delights are a staple and Duke's is really the only mayo. Your honesty is refreshing.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

thank you

[@rayclay2]

cool amazing and awesome~!! good job mom~!

[@brendonthompson1691]

Yous are on to it awsome

[@lorrismith7366]

Good morning. Im searching for ways to put up cabbage. Any recipes you can recommend? Love your channel!

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Making Room in the Freezer | Homestead Vlog | June 26, 2023 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF6mkKN8ibBoo5I I made some canned Cole slaw and it is absolutely delicious!

[@lorrismith7366]

@@TrueGritAppalachianWays thank you!!

[@lorrismith7366]

@@TrueGritAppalachianWays i just watched the video and looked at the recipe. Unless I missed it was the processing time for pints? Or quarts? Thanks again

[@cordyg4306]

Good morning 🌄 Megan ☕️ and 🍩 to ya from Kentucky.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Good morning my friend ☕️ glad you are here!

[@KokoChloe1]

I really like how you "indulge" as well. Also, I'm sure there are recipes on some of the junk food you bought, like the cheez its. So if it does go down, your babies won't be "deprived" of the good stuff. Lol.

[@rodneyb7918]

Being from the north east. The best hotdogs are by far " Red Snappers " also real hotdogs rolls are split on the TOP! Dukes is the BEST! Buy it by the gallon

[@OurSmallTownLife]

Oooh and chocolate gravy is the best! I haven't made it in a while, I need to make some.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

I made it tonight, oh my gosh soooo good!

[@mi-gunnar-pvt1866]

I KNEW YOU HAD GOOD TASTE. THE ONLY MAYO WE USE IS DUKES ALSO. THE ONLY MAYO TO BUY. $ 200. PER MONTH IS A GOAL I NEED TO SHOOT FOR.

[@lindabyrne1645]

Love watching!

[@lcrnba5794]

There with you on the Dukes!!!

[@susiereynolds7878]

🧡🧡🧡

[@donnabare2337]

❤

[@pamgamble7506]

Not video related but what beans is it you say are similar but better than pintos?

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

October beans aka topazio beans!

[@teresawebster3498]

Can you tell us how you make the Velveeta Mac, please.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Sure! I just boil about half the box of elbow macaroni, drain water, add about half of the block of velveta add just a Pat of butter and about 1/4 cup milk stir it until it’s all melted. Easy as that and we love it!

[@paularhodarmer3267]

Megan, you may already know this, but I wanted to mention that buying cane sugar from the grocery store is better than buying sugar that doesn't say "cane" on it. According to the article I read the sugar that is not cane is made from beets which have been genetically modified. The cost difference between the two kinds is ususally not that much.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Thank you for the advice! I’ll be on the lookout on my next trip ☺️

[@countryfrau8328]

And cane sugar seems sweeter...or is that just me aging?

[@wandafaircloth6934]

Southeastern NC here and it’s only Bright Leaf hot dogs here.

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

I’ve had bright Leaf before! That’s what we buy at the beach they are great, but definitely hard to find around here

[@wandafaircloth6934]

@@TrueGritAppalachianWays definitely a regional thing. When my kids were little they wouldn’t eat a hotdog unless it was red. They thought the brown ones were spoiled, lol

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Sounds like my kids 😂😂 red hot dogs all the way!

[@leeblake5066]

Can u point to your icicle pickle receipt?

[@TrueGritAppalachianWays]

Old Fashioned 14 day Pickles-an Appalachian Staple kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2S4ZHhubNaFmMk Here you go!

[@leeblake5066]

@@TrueGritAppalachianWays thank u so much!

[@greenmama54]

Health 1st. Money 2nd.