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	<title>GettingFreedom.net &#187; Kitchen Tip</title>
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	<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net</link>
	<description>Getting Freedom from Debt.  Loving the Unconventional Life.</description>
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		<title>Using a Meat Slicer to Save Money on Meat</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/using-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/using-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:34:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2542</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Many families are trying especially hard this year to get their grocery budget under control.  I know for our family, meat expenses tend to be the biggest portion of our grocery budget {with fresh produce and dairy close behind}.  I&#8217;ve mentioned that using a meat grinder can help you cut your meat costs, but [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/using-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html">Using a Meat Slicer to Save Money on Meat</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Fusing-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Meat+Slicer+to+Save+Money+on+Meat'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Fusing-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Meat+Slicer+to+Save+Money+on+Meat'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Fusing-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Meat+Slicer+to+Save+Money+on+Meat'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Many families are trying especially hard this year to <a title="8 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Budget in Half" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/05/finding-freedom-cutting-grocery-costs.html" target="_blank">get their grocery budget under control</a>.</strong>  I know for our family, meat expenses tend to be the biggest portion of our grocery budget {with fresh produce and dairy close behind}.  I&#8217;ve mentioned that <a title="5 Benefits of a Meat Grinder" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html" target="_blank">using a meat grinder</a> can help you cut your meat costs, but <a title="Saving Money On Meat" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2010/04/saving-money-on-meat.html" target="_blank">that&#8217;s not the only way</a>!</p>
<p>In addition to <a title="5 Benefits of a Meat Grinder" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html" target="_blank">using a meat grinder</a> and these <a title="Saving Money On Meat" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2010/04/saving-money-on-meat.html" target="_blank">7 tricks to save money on meat</a>&#8211;you should also know that a <a title="Electric Food Slicer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00196VYY0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00196VYY0" target="_blank">meat slicer </a>can save you, as well.</p>
<h2>Cut your Meat Expenses with a Meat Slicer</h2>
<p>I never really gave much thought to <a title="Electric Food Slicer Pro" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00196VYY0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00196VYY0" target="_blank">meat slicers</a>, until I began paying attention to the cost of lunch meat, and the quality of what I was paying for. I don&#8217;t even want to begin to think of what is in them.  It was then that I realized that I<strong> could make my own quality lunch meat at home, for a fraction of the cost!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a title="Alpha's cold meat platter - photo by Julia by avlxyz, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/4063479636/"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3498/4063479636_7cc4d155b1.jpg" alt="Alpha's cold meat platter - photo by Julia" width="500" height="335" /></a></p>
<p>Consider this example::</p>
<p>Around Thanksgiving, it isn&#8217;t uncommon to find<strong> whole turkeys for right around 98¢ a pound</strong>.  You decide to cash in on the deal, and you buy a couple.  After the holiday madness subsides&#8211;cook them up,<strong> slice on your meat slicer and use for lunch meat.</strong>  <strong>You can freeze the sliced lunch meat and use at a later date</strong>.</p>
<p>This works for all sorts of meat, obviously.  To maximize your savings, stock up when there is a sale.</p>
<p>Not only does it make for frugal lunch meat&#8211;it makes jerky making a snap!</p>
<h2>Not Just for Meats!</h2>
<p>But it doesn&#8217;t have to stop there!  Think of cheeses.  You can buy in bulk {or not}, and <strong>slice your own cheeses for deli trays and appetizers for a fraction of the cost!</strong>  All exactly as you want them.</p>
<p>Most meat slicers will also slice various vegetables such as onions, carrots, cabbage {great for coleslaw or <a title="Homemade Egg Rolls" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2008/09/cashew-chicken-recipe.html" target="_blank">homemade egg rolls</a>}, or for evenly sliced potatoes.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/meatslicer.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2632" title="meatslicer" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/meatslicer.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<h2>Meat Slicers Aren&#8217;t <em>That</em> Expensive</h2>
<p>I always had it in my mind that purchasing a meat slicer was never for the frugal kitchen.  But I couldn&#8217;t have been any farther from the truth.  Truth is that <strong>you can get<a title="Meat Slicer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00196VYY0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00196VYY0" target="_blank"> a quality meat slicer</a> for around $50-$60</strong> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;x=0&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;y=0&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=meat%20slicer&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">going up from there</a>.  When you factor in the amount of money you could save in your kitchen&#8211;I&#8217;d say it&#8217;s a good investment!  I know we&#8217;ve put ours to good use. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How do you put your meat slicer to work?</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/using-a-meat-slicer-to-save-money-on-meat.html">Using a Meat Slicer to Save Money on Meat</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
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		<title>Reduce Food Waste with a Vacuum Sealer</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/reduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/reduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:22:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2551</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve seen plenty of vacuum food sealers and wondered to yourself if they were actually worth their purchase price.  I wondered the very same thing.  After owning one now for almost a year&#8211;I have to say it is one of my favorite frugal kitchen gadgets.  The Basics Vacuum food sealers remove all of the air [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/reduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html">Reduce Food Waste with a Vacuum Sealer</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Freduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html' data-shr_title='Reduce+Food+Waste+with+a+Vacuum+Sealer+'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Freduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html' data-shr_title='Reduce+Food+Waste+with+a+Vacuum+Sealer+'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2Freduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html' data-shr_title='Reduce+Food+Waste+with+a+Vacuum+Sealer+'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve seen plenty of vacuum food sealers and wondered to yourself if they were actually worth their purchase price.  I wondered the very same thing.  After owning one now for almost a year&#8211;I have to say it is one of my favorite frugal kitchen gadgets. </p>
<h3>The Basics</h3>
<p><strong>Vacuum food sealers remove all of the air from their packaging to better preserve the contents</strong>.  This makes their shelf life much greater, as their is no oxygen breaking down your foods.  Using a vaccuum sealer <strong>allows you to stock up when there are great sales and buy in bulk</strong> without having to worry about using up your food before it spoils.  Therefore maximizing your grocery budget and immediately reducing your food waste!</p>
<p>They do require <a title="Vacuum Sealer Bags" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=foodsaver%20vacuum%20sealer&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;sprefix=FoodSaver#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias=aps" target="_blank">special rolls </a>that can sometimes run a bit high.  But don&#8217;t let that discourage you!  Generally the generic bags work just as well. </p>
<h3>Vacuum Seal Canning Jars</h3>
<p>If you aren&#8217;t wanting the added expense of the special rolls &#8211;<a title="FoodSaver Mason Jar Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005TN7H/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005TN7H" target="_blank">you can purchase the attachment </a>that will remove all the air from your canning jars.  <a title="Ten Reasons to Switch to Glass" href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/02/ten-reasons-to-switch-to-glass.html" target="_blank">Using glass jars for storage is a favorite of mine</a>&#8211;but with this tool, their uses truly are endless!  Reducing your food waste has just gotten easier!</p>
<h2> Uses For Your Vacuum Sealer</h2>
<h3> </h3>
<p> <br />
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FreshHerbs.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2554" title="FreshHerbs" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FreshHerbs.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="247" /></a></p>
<h3><strong>Fresh Herbs </strong></h3>
<p> Stored in canning jars in the fridge.</p>
<h3><strong>Preserve extra garden produce.</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Lettuce/Fresh Veggies</strong></h3>
<p>Chop up and store in canning jars in the fridge.  It&#8217;ll maintain it&#8217;s freshness for weeks and be readily available for salads.</p>
<h3><strong>Dried Fruits</strong></h3>
<p>Catch a good deal that you just can&#8217;t pass up?  Put your dried fruits {raisins, too!} <a title="FoodSaver Mason Jar Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005TN7H/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005TN7H" target="_blank">in mason jar&#8211;remove the air </a>and store.  Your fruits will stay fresh for many months.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GrainJars1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2553" title="GrainJars" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GrainJars1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="209" /></a></p>
<h3><strong>Keep Your Fresh Ground Flour Fresh</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Rice and Other Grains</strong></h3>
<p>Preserve their freshness and prolong their shelf life.  You can either freeze them or store on the shelf once all air is removed.</p>
<h3><strong>Keep crackers from going stale {nuts and cereals, too!}</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Leftovers </strong></h3>
<p>Dont&#8217; throw them out!  Freeze them if you don&#8217;t think you&#8217;ll get to them before they spoil, and they&#8217;ll be ready the next time you&#8217;re caught without a meal.</p>
<h3><strong>Make convenient meal size portions to freeze. </strong></h3>
<p>Save your budget and resist the temptaion to eat out.  <a title="Homemade Convenience Foods" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html" target="_blank">Homemade TV Dinners </a>are the best!</p>
<h3><strong>Lunch Meat</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Cheese</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Meats</strong></h3>
<h3><strong> Quick and Efficient Marinator</strong></h3>
<p>You can add your marinade to your meat and freeze right in the bag.  Or you can purchase<a title="FoodSaver Quick Marinator" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005OTXS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005OTXS" target="_blank"> the Quick Marinator </a>{around $20} and marinate your meats in less than 30 minutes!  Marinating your meat not only adds additional flavor, but can sometimes tenderize it&#8211;allowing you to purchase cheaper cuts.  We use ours a lot during the summer months when impromtu barbeques are the norm.</p>
<p>Keep track of everything you stash in your freezer with this <a title="FREE Freezer Inventory Printable" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/freezer-inventory-printable.html" target="_blank">FREE Freezer Inventory Printable.</a></p>
<h2><a title="FREE Freezer Inventory Printable" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/freezer-inventory-printable.html" target="_blank">Pricing</a></h2>
<p>Peronally, I&#8217;m only familiar with the FoodSaver Brand of vacuum sealer.   You can get <a title="FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FBQR3S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005FBQR3S" target="_blank">FoodSaver Vacuum Sealers starting at around $80 with a Starter Kit</a> and go all the way up to <a title="FoodSaver Smart Seal" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O54YDO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001O54YDO" target="_blank">$200 for the Smart Seal</a>.  The <a title="Vacuum Sealer Bags" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=foodsaver%20vacuum%20sealer&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;sprefix=FoodSaver#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias=aps" target="_blank">cost of the vacuum sealer bags vary greatly</a> and there are often promotions or coupons available.  So while there is money out of pocket to utilize this great frugal kitchen gadget&#8211;there is potential to save hundreds more!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How has your vacuum sealer saved you money? </h3>
<p><small>This post is part of <a href="http://lifeasmom.com" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a>.</small></p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/reduce-food-waste-with-a-vacuum-sealer.html">Reduce Food Waste with a Vacuum Sealer</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
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		<item>
		<title>5 Benefits of a Meat Grinder</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2476</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I met my husband over 10 years ago, he introduced to me to a world I never knew.  The world of hunting and fishing.  My father wasn&#8217;t a hunter, and I can count on one hand how many times I seen him actually fish.  I&#8217;m not talking about him leisurely playing with the fishing [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

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Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
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<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html">5 Benefits of a Meat Grinder</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2F5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html' data-shr_title='5+Benefits+of+a+Meat+Grinder'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2F5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html' data-shr_title='5+Benefits+of+a+Meat+Grinder'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2012%2F01%2F5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html' data-shr_title='5+Benefits+of+a+Meat+Grinder'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>When I met my husband over 10 years ago, he introduced to me to a world I never knew.  The world of hunting and fishing.  My father wasn&#8217;t a hunter, and I can count on one hand how many times I seen him actually fish.  <em>I&#8217;m not talking about him leisurely playing with the fishing rod in his personal pond, either!</em></p>
<p>While hunting is definitely a frugal way to meet your family&#8217;s meat needs, if you&#8217;re not careful you can end up spending an arm and a leg in processing costs.  Thankfully my husband had the basic knowledge and did the majority of the processing himself.  The only processing fees we paid for were to make venison burger.  <em><strong>Until now.</strong></em></p>
<h2>Benefits of a Meat Grinder</h2>
<h2> <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ground-Meat.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2478" title="Ground Meat" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Ground-Meat.jpg" alt="" width="434" height="276" /></a></h2>
<h3>Take Advantage of Cheaper Cuts</h3>
<p><strong>See a cut of meat on sale for a great price?</strong>  Consider grinding it.  Sometimes I&#8217;m able to find Sirloin marked down, making ground sirloin a good price!</p>
<h3>Mix and Match Your Burger Blends</h3>
<p>With the flexibility of owning your own meat grinder, <strong>you are able to make up your own burger blends for chili, tacos, grilled hamburgers</strong> {sneak in a bit of ground venison to stretch your hamburger a bit further.}.  Not only does this let you add additional flavors, but it helps you to make the most out of what you have on hand.  Think outside the box&#8211;ground pork, ground chicken, ground turkey, and for hunters like my husband&#8211;ground pheasant.</p>
<h3>Repurpose Different Cuts</h3>
<p>When I was doing my <a title="FREE Freezer Inventory Printable" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/freezer-inventory-printable.html" target="_blank">Freezer Inventory </a>for the <a title="January Pantry Challenge" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/category/pantry-challenge" target="_blank">Pantry Challenge</a>, <strong>I found a Venison Roast and some other unlabeled cuts</strong>.  I knew that we would get more use out of them as burger, so I quickly ground them up and created 8 pounds of Venison Burger. </p>
<h3>Make Your Own Sausages</h3>
<p>Whether it be<strong> breakfast sausages or dinner sausages</strong> like Bratwurst. </p>
<h3>Use Up Those Scraps</h3>
<p>When you butcher your own meat, you end up with some <strong>odds and ends that are perfect ground up and combined with other cuts of ground meat</strong>.  While you&#8217;re at, throw in the fat you&#8217;ve trimmed from other meats.  The addition of fat adds a bit of flavor, but don&#8217;t go overboard.  Season it up and no one is the wiser.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/manualmeatgrinder.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2477" title="manualmeatgrinder" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/manualmeatgrinder.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<h2>Types of Meat Grinders</h2>
<h3>Manual</h3>
<p>We currently own <a title="Norpro Manual Meat Grinder" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002I5QHW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0002I5QHW" target="_blank">a manual meat grinder</a>, and we like it.  If we continue to use it a bunch, though, we&#8217;ll definitely <a title="Kitchenaid Meat Grinder Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SGFH/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=B00004SGFH" target="_blank">upgrade to the kitchenaid attachment</a>.  It&#8217;s not near as difficult to do as I had envisioned, either. <em> The added arm workout is fantastic. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </em></p>
<p>You can easily <a title="Manual Meat Grinders" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;x=11&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;y=24&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=manual%20meat%20grinder%20&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">purchase a manual meat grinder anywhere from $20 and up</a>.  You&#8217;ll save that within the first few months!</p>
<h3>Stand Mixer Attachment</h3>
<p>Oh how <a title="5 Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html" target="_blank">I love the flexibility of my Stand Mixer</a>!  <strong>Make good use of the work horse engine and put it to work grinding your meats</strong> with the meat grinder attachment.  All of the major brands offer the meat grinder attachment, like <a title="Kitchenaid Meat Grinder Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SGFH/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00004SGFH" target="_blank">Kitchenaid </a> {only $44!}, <a title="Viking Food Grinder Stuffer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ULTVBS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000ULTVBS" target="_blank">Viking</a> and <a title="Cuisinart Stand Mixer Meat Grinder Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MTIJGG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000MTIJGG" target="_blank">Cuisinart</a>.</p>
<h3>Electric</h3>
<p>If you do not <a title="5 Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html" target="_blank">own a stand mixer </a>and are not interested in having <a title="Manual Meat Grinder" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;amp;x=11&amp;amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;amp;y=24&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;field-keywords=manual%20meat%20grinder%20&amp;amp;url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">a manual meat grinder</a>, you also have <strong>the option of<a title="Electric Meat Grinder" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=electric%20meat%20Grinder&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank"> a stand alone electic meat grinder</a></strong>. You have many different models to choose from, but keep in mind&#8211;<strong>the motor is all you&#8217;re after</strong>.  Unless you plan on grinding your own meat on a daily basis and doing a ton of it, the more elaborate models probably aren&#8217;t what you are after.   For the average user, <a title="Back to Basics Electric Meat Grinder" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G6KE8U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001G6KE8U" target="_blank">this meat grinder from Back To Basics </a>would fit the bill nicely.</p>
<p> <strong>Have you ventured into grinding your own meat?</strong></p>
<p><small>You can find more frugal ideas over at <a href="http://lifeasmom.com" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a>.</small></p>
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<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
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Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
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<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/01/5-benefits-of-a-meat-grinder.html">5 Benefits of a Meat Grinder</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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		<title>5 Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:19:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2360</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My Kitchenaid Stand Mixer is probably my most beloved Frugal Kitchen Gadget.  I cannot even begin to figure out how much money it has saved us. Initially, I had a very hard time justifying the purchase of an appliance that cost a couple of hundred dollars.  Especially since we were desperately trying to save money [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html">5 Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2F5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html' data-shr_title='5+Reasons+to+Own+a+Stand+Mixer'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2F5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html' data-shr_title='5+Reasons+to+Own+a+Stand+Mixer'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2F5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html' data-shr_title='5+Reasons+to+Own+a+Stand+Mixer'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>My <a title="Kitchenaid Stand Mixer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Z2KNG4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005Z2KNG4" target="_blank">Kitchenaid Stand Mixer </a>is probably my most beloved Frugal Kitchen Gadget.  I cannot even begin to figure out how much money it has saved us.</p>
<p>Initially, I had a very hard time justifying the purchase of an appliance that cost a couple of hundred dollars.  Especially since we were desperately trying to save money and grow our debt snowball.  <em>How in the world could a stand mixer be worth that much money?</em></p>
<p>Let me count the ways!</p>
<h2>Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/whole_wheat_bread.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-963" title="whole_wheat_bread" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/whole_wheat_bread-500x333.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<h3>Makes Bread Making a Snap!</h3>
<p>My <a title="Kitchenaid Stand Mixer" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Z2KNG4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005Z2KNG4" target="_blank">Kitchenaid Stand Mixer </a>is an absolute work horse!  My first model was the Classic, and then Mom and I traded, and I now have a Professional Series.  Even with the Classic, I was able to mix up {and knead} 2 loaves of bread&#8211;with no effort!  Now, I can mix up 4!  Because of this, I use my Kitchenaid exclusively, completely eliminating the need for my bread machine. {Our favorites:: <a title="100% Whole Wheat Bread" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/05/100-whole-wheat-bread.html" target="_blank">100% Whole Wheat Bread </a>{pictured above}, <a title="Tri-Color Bread Braid" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/07/recipe-tri-color-bread-braid.html" target="_blank">Tri-Color Bread Braid </a>and <a title="Homemade French Bread" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/01/french-bread-recipe.html" target="_blank">French Bread </a>{or <a title="Homemade Bread Bowls" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/02/make-your-own-bread-bowls.html" target="_blank">Bread Bowls</a>}</p>
<h3>Hands Free!</h3>
<p>It&#8217;s so nice to not have to babysit whatever I&#8217;m mixing, or hold onto a heavy mixer when mixing up stiff doughs.  This gives me the flexibility to do other things like <del>check facebook and email</del> clean up dishes. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h3>Meringue and Whipped Cream</h3>
<p>The various speeds make it so simple to make homemade whipped cream and meringue.  And since you don&#8217;t have to sit there and babysit it&#8211;it makes it even better!</p>
<h3>It&#8217;s Attachments!</h3>
<p>Oh how I&#8217;ve drooled over <a title="Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Attachments" href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search?_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=kitchenaid%20stand%20mixer%20attachments&amp;url=search-alias%3Dgarden&amp;sprefix=kitchenaid%20stand%20mixer%20%23" target="_blank">the various attachments available for the Kitchaid Stand Mixers</a>.  <em>I really, really, really want <a title="Kitchenaid Pasta Roller Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SGFS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00004SGFS" target="_blank">the pasta roller attachment</a>, and <a title="Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IES80/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0002IES80" target="_blank">the ice cream maker</a>.</em>  I just haven&#8217;t given in to <em>those</em> temptations yet. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/KaitinKitchen.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2365" title="Kait" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/KaitinKitchen-500x375.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<h3>Simple to Use&#8211;Even Kids Can Use It!</h3>
<p>Our daughter LOVES to help in the kitchen.  She&#8217;ll help me cook all day before she&#8217;ll clean her room.  <em>And oh how easy it is to let her</em>!  She loves to man the Kitchenaid&#8211;and can frequently be found making up <a title="Quick Homemade Pizza Dough" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/04/quick-homemade-pizza-crust.html" target="_blank">Quick and Easy Pizza Dough </a>in it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Do you own  Stand Mixer?  What is your favorite way to use it?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/5-reasons-to-own-a-stand-mixer.html">5 Reasons to Own a Stand Mixer</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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		<title>Must Have Kitchen Gadgets for Pastries</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/gadgets-to-make-pastries.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/gadgets-to-make-pastries.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:14:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2192</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; The Christmas season is upon us&#8211;which for a lot of us means lots of baking!  Many pies and other pastries will be made in this kitchen over the next few weeks&#8211;and I wouldn&#8217;t want do it without my favorite kitchen gadgets by my side.  Must Have Kitchen Gadgets for Pastries Pastry Blender Pastry Blenders make [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/gadgets-to-make-pastries.html">Must Have Kitchen Gadgets for Pastries</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2Fgadgets-to-make-pastries.html' data-shr_title='Must+Have+Kitchen+Gadgets+for+Pastries'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2Fgadgets-to-make-pastries.html' data-shr_title='Must+Have+Kitchen+Gadgets+for+Pastries'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F12%2Fgadgets-to-make-pastries.html' data-shr_title='Must+Have+Kitchen+Gadgets+for+Pastries'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Christmas season is upon us&#8211;which for a lot of us means lots of baking!</strong>  Many pies and other pastries will be made in this kitchen over the next few weeks&#8211;and <strong><em>I wouldn&#8217;t want</em></strong> do it without my favorite kitchen gadgets by my side.</p>
<h2> Must Have Kitchen Gadgets for Pastries</h2>
<h3>Pastry Blender</h3>
<p>Pastry Blenders make it super easy to cut the butter into the flour.  <em><strong>Now what does that mean exactly?</strong></em> Oftentimes when making biscuits and pastries the recipes call for cold butter.  The reason being is so that when it cooks, the butter melts and leaves air pockets behind, creating the flaky texture we all desire. <strong>Pastry Blenders make short work out of &#8220;cutting up the butter&#8221;. </strong>I prefer the pastry blenders that have the longer handles {<a title="Pastry Blender" href="http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=13839&amp;words=pastry blender" target="_blank">I got mine from Pampered Chef</a>.  They are a bit pricey, but it&#8217;s cheaper than the 3 I got rid of!}.  I&#8217;ve tried the &#8220;traditional style&#8221; and I&#8217;ve been sorely disappointed each time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/DSCN0770.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2170" title="Cutting Out Crescent Rolls" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/DSCN0770-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<h3>Pastry Mat</h3>
<p>I originally purchased my <a title="Silicone Pastry Mat with Measurements" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00112499E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00112499E" target="_blank">pastry mat</a> when I was making cakes on a regular basis, and I needed a measurement to go by for rolling out my fondant.  I rarely use fondant these days, but my <a title="Silicone Pastry Mat with Measurements" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00112499E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00112499E" target="_blank">pastry mat</a> still gets plenty of use! For whatever reason, I never can remember how big a 12&#8243; circle is from this time to the next.  Because of this, I either end up guessing {and being way off} or hunting down a ruler {I used to have one in my kitchen drawer until my boys found it!}.  To me, it justs <strong>easier to roll my dough out on a <a title="Silicone Pastry Mat with measurements" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00112499E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=B00112499E" target="_blank">pastry mat </a>with the measurements already there.  Then I don&#8217;t have to worry about dough stuck to my counter.</strong>  Although, I do have <a title="Cleaning Off Stuck on Dough" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/05/cleaning-stuck-on-dough.html" target="_blank">a handy tip for getting that off </a>. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h3>Quality Rolling Pin</h3>
<p>Before I cooked on a regular basis, I always believed that any rolling pin would work.  Now that I use my rolling pin semi-regularly, <strong>I realize just how big of a difference a quality rolling pin makes.</strong>  <strong>I&#8217;ve found that <a title="Marble Rolling Pin" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SMOBT6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000SMOBT6" target="_blank">Marble Rolling Pins </a>stick less, and they roll the dough out easily</strong>.</p>
<p>  <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1203" title="pecan_pie" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/pecan_pie-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Pastry Wheel</h3>
<p>The <a title="Wilton Pastry Wheel" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BO76HO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001BO76HO" target="_blank">pastry wheel </a> is one of those kitchen gadgets <strong>you never knew you needed until you got it.</strong>  <strong>It&#8217;s perfect for cutting off excess dough once you&#8217;ve rolled it out, and for making lattice pie crusts</strong>.  Not to mention that the scalloped side of the blade is <strong>perfect for making ravioli, or lasagna noodles</strong>!</p>
<h3>Pastry Brush</h3>
<p><strong><a title="Silicone Pastry Brush" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080FPWU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00080FPWU" target="_blank">Pastry brushes </a>are used to add that finishing touch onto your pastry</strong>.  They can be used to brush on melted butter, an egg white glaze, or even milk to give it that glossy finish.  <strong>After brushing on the glaze of your choice, you can also sprinkle come cinnamon or sugar for that added sparkle</strong>.  I also use my <a title="Silicone Pastry Brush" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080FPWU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00080FPWU" target="_blank">pastry brush </a>to coat the inside of my <a title="Homemade Bread Bowls" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/02/make-your-own-bread-bowls.html" target="_blank">bread bowls</a> so they won&#8217;t leak.  I choose to use a silicone pastry brush versus one with natural bristles to reduce flavor contamination {if I were to use my brush for basting and then to brush  my pastry}.  Plus, y&#8217;all know how much <a title="Benefits of Silicone Bakeware" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2010/03/benefits-of-silicone-bakeware.html" target="_blank">I love using silicone in the kitchen</a>!</p>
<p> <strong>What are your favorite tools for pastry?</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>I&#8217;m excited to tell you that I&#8217;m also offering my Family Pie Crust Recipe </strong>{you know, the one I&#8217;ve always teased you with?}<strong>for FREE download to all subscribers for the month of December!  So if you&#8217;ve not <a title="FREE Updates" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=CentsToGetDebt-free">signed up for FREE Updates</a>, be sure you do so you won&#8217;t miss out!</strong></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/12/gadgets-to-make-pastries.html">Must Have Kitchen Gadgets for Pastries</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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		<title>Using a Hand Blender to Save Time &amp; Money</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/hand-blenders-save-time-money.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/hand-blenders-save-time-money.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:07:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2180</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#62; A few years ago I was absolutely clueless as to what a hand blender {also known as an immersion blender} was.  And now, I&#8217;m fairly certain that I wouldn&#8217;t make it through canning season or attempt to make a pumpkin pie without one.  Their not only good for making apple butter, and pumpkin pies&#8211;their also perfect for [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/hand-blenders-save-time-money.html">Using a Hand Blender to Save Time &#038; Money</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fhand-blenders-save-time-money.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Hand+Blender+to+Save+Time+%26+Money'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fhand-blenders-save-time-money.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Hand+Blender+to+Save+Time+%26+Money'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fhand-blenders-save-time-money.html' data-shr_title='Using+a+Hand+Blender+to+Save+Time+%26+Money'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p style="text-align: center;">&gt;<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2140    aligncenter" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>A few years ago I was absolutely clueless as to what a hand blender {also known as an immersion blender} was.  And now, I&#8217;m fairly certain that <strong>I wouldn&#8217;t make it through </strong><strong><a title="Is Canning Frugal?" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html" target="_blank">canning season</a></strong><strong><a title="Is Canning Frugal?" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html" target="_blank"> </a>or attempt to make a pumpkin pie without one</strong>.  Their not only good for <a title="Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/10/making-crockpot-apple-butter.html" target="_blank">making apple butter</a>, and <a title="Homemade Pumpkin Pie" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2008/11/i-was-really-torn-on-which-recipe-to.html" target="_blank">pumpkin pies</a>&#8211;their also perfect for whipping up a smoothie right in your glass {using manager special fruit, of course}!  <em>You&#8217;ve got to appreciate less dishes!  </em>Or even for pureeing soups, <a title="Creamy Mashed Potatoes" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/11/creamy-mashed-potatoes.html" target="_blank">mashed potatoes</a>, or <a title="Homemade Refried Beans" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2010/03/refried-beans-recipe.html" target="_blank">homemade refried beans</a>. </p>
<p><strong>There are so many uses for such a simple machine!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN0778.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2182    aligncenter" title="Pureeing Pumpkin" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN0778-e1322708643328-300x400.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Hand Blenders come at a pretty reasonable price&#8211;</strong><a title="Hamilton Beach Hand Blender" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KSD2OO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B004KSD2OO" target="_blank"><strong>many of them hovering around the $20 mark</strong></a> {they make great Christmas gifts for that very reason!} and it&#8217;ll do everything you need it to.  Or you can choose to go for a pricier option that&#8217;ll do even more, like this <a title="Kitchenaid Hand Blender" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QIYJA8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B005QIYJA8" target="_blank">Kitchenaid Hand Blender </a>that &#8221;Performs beyond regular immersion blenders with 5 speeds, 8&#8243; removable arm and 3 interchangeable bell blades for task-specific precision. Includes &#8220;S&#8221; blade to puree, blend, shred or crush ice for drinks or smoothies Multipurpose blade quickly chops or minces dense foods. Beater blade blends pancake batter, whips cream or froths.&#8221;*</p>
<h2>Save Time and Money</h2>
<p>Most of the time you are able to <strong>use your hand blender in the same dish you cooked in </strong>{or are drinking from in the case of the smoothie.  This not only saves time, by not having to move your food to another appliance&#8211;{or use a gadget that does a less than stellar job&#8211;inevitably taking more of your precious time}, but it saves you from doing any extra dishes.  <em>Can I get an Amen?!  </em>Plus, hand blenders do their stuff in no time at all. With nothing more than the touch of a button.  <em>Time is money, right?</em></p>
<p><strong>Hand Blenders also make it easy peasy to make homemade dishes</strong>.  We all know that homemade is generally the more frugal option&#8211;not to mention more flavorful! I don&#8217;t know about you, but I&#8217;m much more likely to make food from scratch if it isn&#8217;t overly labor intensive.  <em>I love kitchen gadgets that do all the work for me!</em> </p>
<p>For all it&#8217;s uses and time and money saving potential&#8211;<strong>a Hand Blender is a Frugal Kitchen Must</strong>!</p>
<p> <em><strong>How do you put your Hand Blender to good use?</strong></em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>This post does contain affiliate links.  Thank you for continuing to support this site!</em></p>
<p><small><em>*Product description from Amazon.com</em></small></p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/hand-blenders-save-time-money.html">Using a Hand Blender to Save Time &#038; Money</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>To Can or Not to Can?</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:25:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Canning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you&#8217;re trying to cook as many meals as you can at home, you find that you need more and more kitchen gadgets.  Or at least I did.  Being the frugal person that I am, initially I had a very hard time shelling out money for those gadgets, when my goal was to save money, [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html">To Can or Not to Can?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fis-canning-frugal.html' data-shr_title='To+Can+or+Not+to+Can%3F'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fis-canning-frugal.html' data-shr_title='To+Can+or+Not+to+Can%3F'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F11%2Fis-canning-frugal.html' data-shr_title='To+Can+or+Not+to+Can%3F'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2140" title="KitchenGadgets" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/KitchenGadgets.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>When you&#8217;re trying <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html" target="_blank">to cook as many meals as you can at home</a>, you find that you need more and more kitchen gadgets.  Or at least I did. <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   Being the frugal person that I am, initially <strong>I had a very hard time shelling out money for those gadgets, when my goal was to save money, and not spend it. </strong> However, <strong>I&#8217;ve found that sometimes you&#8217;ve got to spend money, to make saving money easier.</strong></p>
<p>Case in Point::  Kitchen Gadgets.</p>
<p>One of the top questions I am asked about is my variety of kitchen gadgets, and what I cannot live without in my frugal kitchen.  Over the next few weeks {or however long it takes me to run out of gadgets <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> } I will <strong>share with you my favorite kitchen gadgets that <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/05/finding-freedom-cutting-grocery-costs.html" target="_blank">help me to maintain a minimal grocery budget</a>.</strong></p>
<p>First up is one of my favorites-and probably the one that has saved me the most money.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1120047.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2148" title="Canning Supplies" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1120047-500x396.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="396" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p><strong>My canning supplies.</strong></p>
<p>When I first realized that home canning was something that I was interested in, I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001UZL8A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0001UZL8A" target="_blank">the water bath canner</a> that is pictured on the right and later invested in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYCFU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0000BYCFU" target="_blank">pressure canner</a> {well hubby bought it as a Christmas gift}.  This time of year, many merchants have their canning supplies on sale&#8211;and you just might be able to score a deal.</p>
<p>In addition to my canning pots I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BF1WY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0002BF1WY" target="_blank">a funnel, magnetic wand and a jar lifter</a>.  Neither of these are essential, per se, but they do make the process a bit easier.  Before purchasing them, I relied heavily on my awesome pouring skills {ha! more like my awesome wiping-the-edge-of-the-jar-skills}, my silicone oven mitt, and a pair of tongs.</p>
<h2>Cost Breakdown</h2>
<p><strong>Oftentimes you can find canning supplies from garage sales, consignment stores, auctions or even on clearance at major retailers.</strong> Just keep your eyes open!  I have more canning jars than I will probably ever use at one time {although that would be one fantastic pantry!}, and I&#8217;ve probably only paid retail for half of them.  I&#8217;ve decided to do a cost breakdown of my out of pocket expenses for my canning supplies, versus what it would cost me for one years worth of buying canned goods.  This is obviously my best guesstimate, so may not be completely accurate, but will atleast give you number people like me something to compare to.</p>
<p>Water Bath Canner:: $8</p>
<p>Pressure Canner:: $90</p>
<p>Miscellaneous Tools:: $14</p>
<p>Jars:: $100 {our current stash is roughly200-250}</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYD38/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0000BYD38" target="_blank">Lids for ONE canning season</a>:: $60</p>
<p>Total:: $274</p>
<h3>What would it cost to purchase one year worth of canned goods?</h3>
<p>Roughly $365, based on 2 canned goods a night at 50¢/can.</p>
<p>More often than not the produce I use to can with comes from my very own garden, or bought on manager mark down at the grocery store for next to nothing.  According to the figures above, I break even in the first year, even if I were to spend $91 on produce.</p>
<p><strong>Sounds like canning is a frugal kitchen must!</strong></p>
<p><em>Want some canning inspiration? Check out <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/recipes/canning" target="_blank">these recipes</a> and <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/06/canning-getting-started.html" target="_blank">this post to help you get started</a></em>.</p>
<p><em>This post does contain affiliate links.  Thank you for continuing to support this site!</em></p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/11/is-canning-frugal.html">To Can or Not to Can?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
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		<title>Our Propane Cooktop</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/10/propane-cooktop.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/10/propane-cooktop.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:46:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2090</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After 3 months of not having one {again!}, my {working} propane cooktop  is a sight to celebrate!  Let the cooking and canning resume! Which means that me and my best friend, the Electric Skillet, won&#8217;t be seeing quite as much of each other these days. Now let&#8217;s just hope that this one doesn&#8217;t decide to [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/10/propane-cooktop.html">Our Propane Cooktop</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F10%2Fpropane-cooktop.html' data-shr_title='Our+Propane+Cooktop'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F10%2Fpropane-cooktop.html' data-shr_title='Our+Propane+Cooktop'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F10%2Fpropane-cooktop.html' data-shr_title='Our+Propane+Cooktop'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>After 3 months of not having one {again!}, my {working} propane cooktop  is a sight to celebrate!  Let the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/recipes" target="_blank">cooking and canning</a> resume!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCN0696.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2091" title="DSCN0696" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCN0696-e1318599510788-300x400.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></a></p>
<p>Which means that me and my best friend, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007XRTDG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B0007XRTDG" target="_blank">Electric Skillet</a>, won&#8217;t be seeing quite as much of each other these days. Now let&#8217;s just hope that this one doesn&#8217;t decide to blow up like the last one!</p>
<p>This post is part of <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/nothing-finer-finer-things-friday" target="_blank">Finer Things Friday.</a></p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/10/propane-cooktop.html">Our Propane Cooktop</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
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		<title>Salvaged Sunday-Homemade Frappacinno</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/08/homemade-frappacinno.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/08/homemade-frappacinno.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:50:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=2000</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[{It&#8217;s SO very good to be back into the swing of things!} I love me some coffee first thing in the morning.  But I&#8217;m not one of those coffee drinkers that drinks an entire pot daily.  To the contrary, since I am the only one in this house that enjoys a nice cup of joe, [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/08/homemade-frappacinno.html">Salvaged Sunday-Homemade Frappacinno</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='button_count' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F08%2Fhomemade-frappacinno.html' data-shr_title='Salvaged+Sunday-Homemade+Frappacinno'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='medium' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F08%2Fhomemade-frappacinno.html' data-shr_title='Salvaged+Sunday-Homemade+Frappacinno'></a><a class='shareaholic-tweetbutton' data-shr_count='none' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettingfreedom.net%2F2011%2F08%2Fhomemade-frappacinno.html' data-shr_title='Salvaged+Sunday-Homemade+Frappacinno'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>{It&#8217;s SO very good to be back into the swing of things!}</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LOGOSS.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1966" title="Salvaged Sunday" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LOGOSS-500x271.jpg" alt="" width="364" height="181" /></a></p>
<p>I love me some coffee first thing in the morning.  But I&#8217;m not one of those coffee drinkers that drinks an entire pot daily.  To the contrary, since I am the only one in this house that enjoys a nice cup of joe, I only make 4 cups worth of coffee every morning.  And generally, I&#8217;m lucky if I drink all of that before I get busy and distracted and forget all about it.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m no fan of dumping out good coffee though.  So what&#8217;s a frugal girl to do?</p>
<p>When life gives you extra coffee&#8211;Make Frappacinno!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/p4250071.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2003" title="Homemade Frappacinno" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/p4250071-500x375.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>Many weeks back, I finally took the plunge and bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JCGUDK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B000JCGUDK" target="_blank">Snow Cone Machine </a>using <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/02/earn-free-stuff-with-swagbucks.html" target="_blank">Swagbucks.</a>  We&#8217;ve not stopped using it since!  As a matter of fact, <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/07/dear-friends.html" target="_blank">when we were gone to my mom&#8217;s house over the last few weeks</a>, my kids were deeply saddened that I forgot to pack it up!  Like I didn&#8217;t have enough to worry about!</p>
<p>There&#8217;s nothing quite like treating myself to a nice iced coffee, or frappacino every now again.  It&#8217;s just the price that kills the budget.  <em>Not these!</em>  While I&#8217;ve not done the exact price conversion&#8211;I would wager to bet that <strong>these come in <em>under</em> a dollar,</strong> easily.</p>
<blockquote><p>Homemade Vanilla Hazelnut Frappacinno</p>
<p>1/4 cup vanilla syrup {could also use caramel}</p>
<p>2 cups cold coffee; brewed strong</p>
<p>Couple Tablespoons Hazelnut Creamer {or flavor of your choice}</p>
<p>16 ice cubes {more or less depending upon your desired consistency}</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/p4250069.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2001" title="Snow Cone Machine Frappacinno" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/p4250069-500x666.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="666" /></a></p>
<p>For <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JCGUDK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=cetogedefr-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B000JCGUDK" target="_blank">my Snow Cone Machine</a>, I placed the coffee and syrup in the lower bowl chamber.  When I shaved my ice, it goes directly into this chamber and mixes it all together for me.  Once I reached my desired consistency, I added in the creamer and indulged!</p>
<p>If for some reason you should have leftover Homemade Frappacinno, just pour it into a freezer safe container and freeze until you want some again.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Another great way to re-use coffee? Freeze it in ice cube trays. </strong> You can then thaw them out for recipes calling for coffee, or toss it in your hot coffee for a quick cool down {this is perfect for those flavored coffees.  It adds just a bit of the flavor and cools it down in the process.}.</p>
<p><strong><em>What have you salvaged from the trash recently?</em></strong></p>
<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/08/homemade-frappacinno.html">Salvaged Sunday-Homemade Frappacinno</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Do It Yourself Convenience Foods</title>
		<link>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:01:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>GettingFreedom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frugal Ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grocery Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kitchen Tip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.gettingfreedom.net/?p=1656</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever taken a step back, and thought of your kitchen as a grocery store? A few weeks ago as I was doing my normal grocery shopping, a thought popped in my mind that has really changed the way I view my kitchen.  Not only the contents, but the way it functions&#8211;or atleast the [...]<p><b><em>Have you purchased your copy of the <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/store/planners-and-ebooks">Home Management Binder</a> yet?  It's not too late!</b></em><br><br>

<b>Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!</b><br><br>

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet!  <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1018358&c=ib&aff=182738&cl=114298">Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=124318&BID=8040"><b>{Mountain Rose Herbs</a>}</b>--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}<br><br>

Visit the <a href="http://cleverhousewife.com">Clever Housewife</a> for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
<br>
<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html">Do It Yourself Convenience Foods</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


</p>
]]></description>
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<p><strong>Have you ever taken a step back, and thought of your kitchen as a grocery store?</strong> A few weeks ago as I was doing my normal grocery shopping, a thought popped in my mind that has really changed the way I view my kitchen.  Not only the contents, but the way it functions&#8211;or atleast the way I want it to function.  I want my kitchen to be it&#8217;s own little grocery store {well, without the store part!}.  <strong>I want those conveniences that the grocery stores offer, without leaving my cushy, comfortable home, </strong><em>because it&#8217;s not all that easy with a baby on the loose!</em></p>
<p>Think of it this way:: <strong>Your kitchen cupboards are full of nothing more than what the grocery store sets forth to provide</strong>{talking in terms of mostly convenience food here}.  <strong>Food.  Quick and Easy Food.</strong> If the grocery store sells it, you can grow it, farm it, or make it {generally}. <strong>Just exactly how much you do is up to you.</strong></p>
<p><em>{I know, I know..My mind is a bit crazy at times! <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> }</em></p>
<h2>Easy Homemade Convenience Foods</h2>
<h3></h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2010/01/easy-meatball-recipe.html" target="_blank">Frozen Meatballs</a></h3>
<h3><a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/pizza-pockets" target="_blank">Pizza Pockets</a>/Taco Pockets</h3>
<h3>Pudding Cups/Dry Pudding Mixes</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Remember my grandmother&#8217;s cookbook? It is chock full of homemade puddings of all sorts of flavors. From scratch, not the box, using on hand ingredients. When I found them, I was eager to try them&#8211;but moreso now that <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2011/03/how-to-make-homemade-pudding.html" target="_blank">Lynn makes it look easy!</a></span></p>
<h3><a title="Homemade Roasted Garlic Hummus" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2012/02/homemade-roasted-garlic-hummus.html" target="_blank">Homemade Hummus</a></h3>
<h3>Family Sized Meals/TV Dinners</h3>
<p>Freezing cooking is all the rage around blog land.  Many of your favorite meals are freezer friendly.  <strong>If you need ideas&#8211;take a walk down the frozen section of your grocery store!</strong> After all that&#8217;s what you&#8217;re going for.  You can package them in single serving portions with various side dishes to achieve the modern day convenience of TV Dinners, or as one big Family Sized Entree.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/02/biscuit-mix-substitute.html" target="_blank">Biscuit/Baking Mix</a></h3>
<h3>Frozen Biscuits/Bread Dough</h3>
<p>While Pillsbury tries hard, nothing can compare to <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/recipes/breads" target="_blank">homemade biscuits, rolls, or bread</a>.  Don&#8217;t sacrifice flavor, just for convenience, when you can create convenience without sacrificing! The next time you find some extra time, or you are already making {insert bread product} for dinner&#8211;make up some for the freezer.  Most recipes can either be frozen as a finished product, or after the first rise {After shaping, pop in the freezer on a cookie sheet.  Once frozen, toss in a freezer bag.  Thaw completely, let rise, bake as normal.}.</p>
<h3>Oatmeal Packets</h3>
<p>I buy my oats in 50 pound bags mostly because we go through it like water.  While I don&#8217;t make them up quite often enough, <strong>oatmeal packets are handy! </strong>I take sandwich bags and add about ¼-½ cup of oats, 2-3 teaspoons brown sugar, a handful of dried fruit {our favorite is cranberries} and another handful of walnuts {I don&#8217;t always add in the nuts}.  When needed, just add some hot boiling water and let sit until it&#8217;s absorbed.</p>
<h3><a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-healthy-poptarts" target="_blank">Homemade Poptarts</a></h3>
<h3>Frozen Waffles/Pancakes</h3>
<p>So easy!  Mix up your favorite recipe.  Let cool.  Throw on a cookie sheet, pop in the freezer and flash freeze.  Once frozen&#8211;toss &#8216;em in a freezer bag and remove all the air.  Put them back in the freezer, and you are good to go! Don&#8217;t forget <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/03/secret-ingredient-pancake-syrup.html" target="_blank">your homemade syrup</a>, too.</p>
<h3>Cake/Brownie Mixes</h3>
<p>All you&#8217;re buying is a box with pre-measured dry ingredients at an inflated price.  Use your own recipes and make them at home! Mix up the dry ingredients, store in ziploc bags and attach a list of the wet ingredients and the instructions.</p>
<h3>Hashbrowns/French Fries</h3>
<p>When I find a steal of a deal on potatoes, I like to stock up {as with everything else}.  We really don&#8217;t eat a lot of potatoes, so before they go bad I like to make and freeze up some hash browns and french fries.</p>
<h3>Frozen Smoothie Cubes</h3>
<p>We eat a lot of smoothies, especially during the summer months.  We&#8217;ve never followed an actual recipe, but instead just thrown some of this fruit, some of that fruit, some yogurt and some milk and blended away.  This method, while easy and wonderful, can create a lot of smoothie!  Instead of throwing it away, <strong>we started freezing it in ice cube trays for a quick snack bite, or in single-serve sized containers.</strong></p>
<h3>Refrigerated/Frozen Cookie Dough</h3>
<p>I&#8217;ve been guilty myself of purchasing ready made cookie dough before. But truly?  Nothing compares to homemade!  If you&#8217;re looking for convenience, the next time you make cookies, make a double or triple batch and freeze the cookie dough.  I&#8217;ve frozen in it one big ball, or as already measured out cookies.  Either way is fine.  Makes a great snack, too! <img src='http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h3>Spice Mixes</h3>
<p>Grocery stores have many different spice blends available for purchase.  Really, they are nothing more than various spices mixed together with a new name slapped on the front.  Cut your costs, and make up your own!  One of the easiest and most popular spice blends to make is <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2011/02/homemade-taco-seasoning.html" target="_blank">Taco Seasoning</a> or even <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2008/05/fajita-seasoning.html" target="_blank">Fajita Seasonin</a>g.  This sane concept rings true for <strong>meat and vegetable marinades</strong>, too.  They can easily be mixed up and stored in the refrigerator <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/02/ten-reasons-to-switch-to-glass.html" target="_blank">in a glass jar</a> for a couple days.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/02/quick-tip-making-cream-sauce.html" target="_blank">Cream Soups/Gravy Mixes</a></h3>
<h3>Chicken Broth</h3>
<p>The next time you cook up a chicken, reserve the bones for homemade chicken broth. <strong>Added Tip:: </strong>When you&#8217;re chopping up vegetables&#8211;save your celery and carrot pieces {and whatever else you think of}.  You can store these in the fridge, or even the freezer until the next time you make broth.</p>
<h3>Granola</h3>
<p>We eat a ton of granola!  Whether it be on top of some fruit and yogurt, by itself, or as a cereal.  However, store bought granola is out-right pricey!  Not only is<a title="Homemade Granola" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/10/homemade-granola.html" target="_blank"> homemade granola</a> easy on the budget, it&#8217;s also fun to play around with the ingredients.  You can even make <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/01/yummy-granola-bars.html" target="_blank">granola bars</a> for a portable treat.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2009/09/making-croutons.html" target="_blank">Croutons/SeasonedBread Crumbs</a></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Refried.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1929" title="Canned Refried Beans" src="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Refried-500x375.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/recipes/side-dishes" target="_blank">Various Side Dishes</a></h3>
<p>Grocery store shelves are lined with all sorts of side dishes in cans, boxes and even in pouch.  Don&#8217;t fall for their inflated price&#8230;make them at home.  I rarely purchase <a title="How to Can Beans" href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/how-to-can-beans.html" target="_blank">canned beans </a>anymore for this very reason!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>This is only a sample of what you can make at home. Your possibilities are endless </strong>{as you can tell by the ever changing grocery store shelves}.</p>
<p>While making your own convience foods may seem like a lot of effort, in the end you benefit greatly.  <strong>Not only does it decrease what you rely on the grocery store for {in turn reducing your grocery expenses!}</strong>, but it also gives you more control over what your family is putting in their mouth.  <strong>I spend less time preparing my grocery list, grocery shopping, and putting away groceries. </strong>To me, it&#8217;s worth it!</p>
<p><em><strong>What are your favorite convenience foods? How about your favorite homemade convenience items</strong></em><strong>?</strong></p>
<p>This post is part of <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2011/06/fun-frugal-bedtime-tents-for-children-frugal-friday.html" target="_blank">Frugal Friday.</a></p>
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<a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net/2011/06/homemade-convenience-foods.html">Do It Yourself Convenience Foods</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.gettingfreedom.net">Getting Freedom From Debt</a>


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