Thursday, June 25, 2009

Cooking from "Scratch"

When my husband retired our income "downsized". So I decided to do what I could to s-t-r-e-t-c-h the family food budget and make it fit to our monthly income. As long as the "basics" are in the cupboard its not too difficult to make meals.

For example I cook BBQ Pulled Pork. I freeze the extra to use for another meal. (I'll post the recipe at the end of this article.)

Growing up on the farm, we had a garden to help with the groceries. My back yard is too shady to grow veggies. Since I live in town I use the farmers market downtown and I discovered a produce stand about 2 blocks away on 8th Street which is very good.

We eat our main meal at lunch and our light meal in the evening. Over the winter I made many different kinds of soup. Delightful! Baked bread, yummy. I do use the all grain frozen rolls too. Very good and easy to use!!! With our stove in the living room we use to help heat the house; I set the rolls to raise and bake in time for lunch. Plus the house smells good too.

It takes some planning meals out and watching the weekly sales in the local grocery stores. We hardly eat out any more and don't miss that luxury either.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

1 onion
2 garlic
1 hot pepper (smoked) *I never used this in my recipe
1 small bunch cilantro
I can tomatoes (fire roasted tomatoes) I use whatever
4 pounds pork shoulder (I used whatever I have around)

Cook on high 6 hours

Sour cream cuts the spice

*We use Sweet baby rays bbq sweet ‘n spicy sauce on sandwiches