The American Frugal Housewife: Choice of Meat

If people wish to be economical they should take some to ascertain what are the cheapest pieces of meat, to not merely those which are cheapest in price but which go farthest when cooked.- pg. 43

As mentioned, the choice of meat is most economical when it is not only inexpensive but proves to be a good value-- one that goes far and can be used in multiple meals for your menu plan. In an effort to be careful in my meal planning, I recently started using a meal costing calculator to help me better determine which meals are truly a good value for ingredients.

Here are some figures for our two person family that I came up with for the new meal ideas I recently found:
Pork Chops with Parmesan Rice & Vegetables
Sage Pork Chops: 2.26
Brussel Sprouts: 0.26
Parmesan Rice: 0.47
Total: 2.99

Chicken with Tomatoes & Mushrooms
chicken breasts in sauce: 3.99
Parmesan Rice: 0.47
garlic bread: 0.33
Total: 4.79
(This meal would be less expensive with a different cut of chicken used)

Slow Cooker Macaroni & Beef
main dish: 2.16 garlic bead: 0.33
green beans: 0.33
Total: 2.82

Tortellini, Spinach & White Bean Soup with Crusty Bread
Soup: 3.14
bread: 0.67
Total: 3.81

Enchilada Casserole with Rice
casserole: 5.20
Rice: 0.30
Total: 5.50 Makes enough for two meals
Cost per meal: 2.25

Faith that Overcomes

It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky,
When the summer winds are blowing, and we smell the roses nigh;
There is little effort needed to obey His precious will
When it leads through flower-decked valley, or over the sunkissed hill.

It is when the rain is falling, or the mist hangs in the air,
When the road is dark and rugged, and the wind no longer fair,
When the rosy dawn has settled in a shadowland of gray,
That we find it hard to trust Him, and are slower to obey.

It is easy to trust Him when the singing birds have come,
And ther canticles are echoed in our heart and in our home;
But 'tis when we miss the music, and the days are dull and drear,
That we need a faith triumphant over every doubt and fear.

And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply;
Let us ask in faith believing-- on His promises rely;
He will ever be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way,
And will prove Himsefl sufficient for the needs of every day.

From Streams in the Desert

Homemaking Lesson in Film: Build A Little Home

Heriloom Traditions: Sunday Evenings

When I was a little girl had a special Sunday Night tradition in our family. We would eat popcorn and appleswhile snuggling up under blankets and watching a vintage musical that we picked out. These are some of my most favorite memories together with my family on the weekends. The Harvey Girls starring Judy Garland was one of our favorites!

The American Frugal Housewife: Motivations

This quote lays out some important principals in managing a household well and with a cheerful heart. We should be taking careful care of our resources so as to be able to be generous to others in need. Good stewardship involves carefully planning the use of our own monies so as to be able to be useful to others and also to our own families. Just think of how they ran their household in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott!

Of course, part of being ready to be generous with our resources is to be sure to be looking for those in need and how we can help. It takes a thoughtfulness that mere frugality does not take into account. Frugality without consideration of others leaves nothing to be desired. However, thoughtful stewardship of our resources takes others into account and not only notices them, but then takes action to help meet those needs.

I was personally blessed today after being invited over to Sunday lunch after church, when my friend's mother noticed she had more measuring cups than she really needed. However, she didn't keep this thought to herself, she immediately sought out from us younger ladies who might have need of it. Rather than just thinking of herself and throwing it out, she cheerfully took the extra time and effort to bless us by giving it away personally.

The American Frugal Housewife: Definitions

It is the character of true economy to be as comfortable and genteel with a little as others can be with much. - pg. 7

Raspberry White Chocolate Muffins

I made these yummy muffins tonight using a recipe from the Bisquick cookbook my wonderful mother-in-law gave me when we lasted visited Oregon. We can't wait for them to come visit in just a few weeks!

Ingredients:
2 cups Original Bisquick
1/2 cup white baking chips
1/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup milk
2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup raspberries

Method:
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease bottom of only 12 medium muffin cups, or line with paper baking cups.

Stir all the ingredients together except raspberries in large bowl just until moistened. Fold in raspberries. Divide batter evenly among cups.

Bake 15- 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly, remove from pan to wire rack.

Enjoy!