You can live better with less

You can live better with less - less money, less stuff, less stress, less aggravation, less complication, less responsibility. In a world where fast food is the norm, we need to praise the virtues of slow food - food like your grandmother served, cooked from fresh basic ingredients at least some of which originated in that area, perhaps in her own garden.



This is not just about money. It's about having quality of life. Having control over your life. Fun, convenient, healthy and tasty meals. I'm not talking about feeling sorry for yourself, or going second class. I'd like to introduce you to many new tastes and food treasures, better ways to do food - ways that really are fun & once you get used to them they are convenient & easy.

Making meals after a hard day of working for someone else is, well, hard. For this reason food companies were delighted to discover they could prepackage part of a meal for the busy cook, making it easier for her and tons of money for the company. I was thinking today that my teens probably think that Bisquick, taco seasoning, Shake n Bake and instant oatmeal are staples. However they and lots more of the foods we take for granted are things that can be mixed up and packaged in the kitchen at a fraction of the cost. Storing the mixes in airtight containers like Ziplock bag or canning jars can keep them fresh for weeks or even months.

You can find recipes to use "master mixes", or Bisquick substitute, at  http://www.cooks.com/rec/story/73/.

There are dozens of recipes for everything from brownie mix to seasoning mixes to be found here  http://www.budget101.com/frugal/mix-recipes-166/

If you prefer a cookbook you can get these at Amazon.com.

Just one more thing. Did you know that you could substitute 1 egg with 2 tablespoons liquid + 2 tablespoons flour + ½ tablespoon shortening + ½ teaspoon baking powder (Recipe from Substituting Ingredients by Becky Sue Epstein and Hilary Dole Klein. Add one or two drops of yellow food coloring if desired.)

You can find lots of last minute substitutions at  http://www.foodsubs.com/