by admin on February 24, 2010
My mother taught me four great reasons why you need a well stocked pantry and freezer. In our modern world we often shop for groceries every day, just picking up what we need for the for the time being. Do you ask yourself if is this really is the best way to manage your shopping? Having a well stocked pantry will save you money, save time, plus you’ll enjoy less stress or worry and ensure that you have food during an emergency.
Stocking your pantry with commonly used ingredients will save you lots of time. You’ll spend less time shopping for food and it will make it easier for you to plan and serve meals when you have your most commonly used ingredients on hand. Nothing is worse than searching through recipes for tonight’s dinner and then finding out you are missing key ingredients.
If you purchase non-perishable foods and pantry essentials on sale and, or in bulk you’ll save money. You’ll also save money because you are organized and prepared so you’ll do less spur of the moment purchases for higher priced ingredients and you’ll also buy less prepared or expensive take out foods. An added benefit, already prepared foods and take out are not as healthy for your family either! Don’t forget every trip to the store costs you money for fuel plus wear and tear on your vehicle so you’ll also save money by reducing your transportation expenses.
You’ll be prepared in the case of emergencies! You never know when you’ll have to face an emergency due to bad weather, a natural disaster, illness or a loss of income. What if the supermarket’s shelves are bare because goods can’t be delivered due to a snow storm? Imagine dragging yourself or sick kids to the store when you have the flu. It doesn’t sound like much fun! If you have a well stocked pantry and freezer this won’t be a worry for you.
Life will definitely be less stressful if you have a some extra groceries on hand. Your menu planning will be easier, you’ll save time by running to the store less often, you’ll be prepared for an emergency and having extra money also means less financial worries.
What do you think? Do you prefer to have a well stocked pantry or do you prefer to do your grocery shopping daily? Do tell, we’d love to know!
Technorati Tags: Getting Organized, Shopping
by admin on December 21, 2009
During this special time of the year I’d like to wish you a warm, wonderful holiday filled with good food, happy memories and safe travels.
Food is always the center of our celebrations and family gatherings and we always take the time to remember that some people are not as fortunate as we are. This time of year I personally reflect on how many things I’m grateful for including an abundance of good food.
I hope you will enjoy all the joys of the season!
by admin on December 20, 2009
by admin on August 18, 2009
Cooking with herbs and spices is as Martha says, “It’s A Good Thing!” You can easily change the flavor of plain meat and potatoes into a completely new dish by simply changing the herbs, spices and seasonings used in the recipe. Here are a few tips on how to best use herbs and spices when cooking and preparing meals. [click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: cooking tips, herbs and spices
by admin on August 17, 2009
Barbecue sauce has become a staple you’ll find in almost everyone’s fridge but did you know you can do more with it than just pour it on your steak? Here are some delicious barbecue sauce recipes for you. Try the ribs, pizza, cheese ball, sloppy joe or sandwich ideas soon. [click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: barbecue, cooking tips, recipes
by admin on August 15, 2009
This curry chicken was a huge hit at dinner last month so I made it again this week. It’s so good I just had to share it with you! Not only is it super easy, the chicken is tender and very tasty. Feel free to adjust the spices to your own family’s taste. Hubby thinks it needs more curry but I think it was just right. Since I’m the one who does the cooking you can probably guess who wins this argument! Enjoy! [click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: chicken, cooking with spices, recipes
by admin on March 27, 2009
This is hands down my favorite, easy beef gravy recipe. It goes perfectly with roast beef, hamburger steak and meatloaf or any beef dish that calls for gravy. Not only is this homemade gravy quick and easy to make, it’s delicious too.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp/45 mL pan drippings, butter or Watkins Grapeseed Oil
1-1/2 tbsp/25 mL all-purpose flour
1/4 cup/60 mL Watkins Mushroom Soup and Gravy base
2 tbsp/30 mL Watkins Beef Soup and Gravy base
1-3/4 cups/375 mL water
1/8 to 1/4 tsp/0.6 to 1.2 ml, to taste Watkins Black Pepper
[click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: gravy
by admin on March 25, 2009
These organic cinnamon and spice cookies make a nice treat with a cup of coffee, herbal tea or a cold glass of milk. They are great for packed lunches and snacking any time of the day.
Ingredients
2 cups/500 mL all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp/7.5 mL baking soda
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Organic Cinnamon
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Organic Nutmeg
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL salt
1 1/2 cups/375 mL sugar
12 tbsp/180 mL butter (1 ½ sticks), softened
1 egg
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Organic Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup/60 mL molasses
Directions: Preheat oven to 350F/180C. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a shallow bowl set aside 1/2 cup/125 mL sugar.
With an electric mixer beat butter, remaining sugar, egg, vanilla, and molasses until well blended. Combine with dry ingredients until dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch/2.5 cm balls and dip in 1/2 cup/125 mL reserved sugar.
Arrange cookies on a baking sheet, about 3-inches/7.5-cm apart. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.
Want to know about Watkins organic spices and why buy organic?
Technorati Tags: cookies, organic food
by admin on March 23, 2009
This is a spicy and healthy sausage ball recipe that’s low in fat, sodium and carbohydrates because it’s made with lean ground turkey. Shape the meat into quick cooking two bite balls, your kids will love them or patties if you prefer. These are good for breakfast, your main course or even as appetizers. Making your own sausage means you can control the ingredients and what your family eats. [click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: Breakfast, poultry seasoning, turkey
by admin on March 22, 2009
It’s easy to make your own popcorn seasoning so you can enjoy this healthy snack with your whole family while you watch a good movie or play a board game together. This recipe is a bit spicy and hot, you’ll find some more seasoning suggestions in the tips from the kitchen.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Watkins grapeseed oil, original or flavor of choice
1 cup popping corn
6 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp Watkins cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Watkins paprika
1/4 teaspoon Watkins garlic granules
1 tsp Watkins seasoning salt [click to continue…]
Technorati Tags: snacks, spices
