I mentioned on a forum I belong to that I was preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, this coming year.
Our property taxes are going up again this year. Last year they went up 2% and this year will be the same. I had figured in a 5% increase last year, so I am leaving that budget line as is. We will still be under with a bit of leeway if it actually goes up a bit more.
Grocery prices are rising every week, so shopping sales will be very important as well as stretching whatever we can purchase. I am hopeful of growing more fruit and veg this year as well. I will be dehydrating more of what I purchase before it goes bad, and making lots of my own spice combinations (taco seasoning, sloppy joe seasoning).
Working towards a simpler life as well, even though right now that means decluttering what we don't need or haven't used in awhile.
More cooking from scratch, though I really already do a great deal of that. Must learn how to make pie crust and rough puff. Need to work on hotdog buns as well, my hamburger buns are just fine. Bagels are on the list to learn how to make as well.
I have gotten two batches of yogurt made, and I think I like it better with real fruit in it instead of jam. I will make granola one day soon and try it with that.
The machine is not large so will be easy to store as you can see in the first photo. The second photo is the yogurt poured into the strainer to thicken it up even more. This is my first "learning something new" this year and from the looks of my previous list, it won't be the last.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I am interested in your yogurt maker. I make mine in an Instapot which has a yogurt function (the only thing I use the machine for) and it comes out pretty well. Any ideas what to do with the whey that drains out? It seems a pity to throw it away.
ReplyDeleteI like your new yogurt maker. I do a lot of cooking from scratch too. I made scalloped potatoes from scratch for dinner tonight. They are much more affordable than buying a mix. Checking the sale prices each week will be critical to making our budgets work this year.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that the yoghurt maker is working well for you Jackie - it is something I would certainly consider adding to my appliances. And because it is not large that is perfect as I don't have lots of storage room. xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteBack in the 80's I made my own yogurt but it was fiddly with lots of cups. This machine looks interesting. I may look into it again, as I do enjoy yogurt.
ReplyDeleteHere in Yuma, I'm learning to make do with the groceries I have as I don't want to end up with a bunch of items I won't use up in the two months I'm here. Tonight I used chicken, (cooked in the slow cooker) pasta sauce, and rice for my dinner. To add more depth to the sauce I added in some sour cream and it tasted pretty good. I still have a half jar of pasta sauce, and I have a few pre-made meatballs in the freezer so I will use it for that as well.
Is this a new machine?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the yogurt experiment is working out well. I really wish we had room for another appliance (oh the joys of having a teeny apartment kitchen!). Our last grocery shop was over $300 so we really need to watch our prices more. That price included kleenex and some cleaning supplies which will last a long time but the rest was all food.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, we need to look for deals wherever we can. Glad you are enjoying the new yogurt machine.
ReplyDeleteI find it so strange that trying to live a simpler life can be so difficult.
ReplyDeleteI have a great pie crust recipe if you are interested. It’s no fail!
ReplyDeleteWell done with the yogurt - I prefer fruit too.
ReplyDeleteThings certainly are going up fast - I'm just waiting to heat about the rates and water charges. Gas and Electricity went up a few months ago but I bet it won't be long. xx
Your New Year seems to have got off to a very productive start. Well done. I've noticed that some of the food items we buy regularly are constantly increasing in price. It is a concern.
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