Hannah at the Helm - 11 Year-Old Girl Feeds Her Family All Week

Three weeks of No Grocery Shopping recorded, and it is tedious but enlightening.  Like, we had 4 days with per person totals of $2 or less when all ingredients are counted.  With three meals a day (okay, we can't necessarily call hot chocolate, for breakfast, a meal) that is some CHEAP eating.  Also, if kids are home for a long weekend, like they were this week, or any weekend, for that matter, we may or may not have breakfast and skip straight to lunch.

On the flip side of the frugal coin, we had some weekend cheats of eating out, NOT grocery shopping.  But, because we were so good the rest of the week it didn't throw our goal off at all financially.  Also, this was the cheapest week so far, coming in $11 under our first week and $30 less than the second.  I have a hypothesis about why this is the case and it has to do with our favorite resident novice sous chef, Hannah, who is also a proficient baker.

                           

"Mom, I want to learn to make things besides cakes and treats.  I love potato soup and I want to do this risotto I saw on Pinterest."  Hannah is 11, and always full of elaborate plans.

"Potato soup is a great idea.  Risotto is pretty tough to make.  I haven't even mastered a good risotto yet." I tell her.  I'm the mom who is always trying to temper her plans.  I think when she grows up she may use the word "stifled."

"But, look, it uses ingredients we always work with. Rice, garlic, tomatoes, sage, basil.  It can't be too hard.  Let's try it."

"Okay, put it on the menu." 

That was two weeks ago, and all week she has been looking forward to making ever since.  Then, when the day came to make the risotto, she nearly backed out because we were short on time.  Not wanting to stifle her creativity in the name of expediency I encouraged her to try it anyway.  It was not our best endeavor.  It was also not our worst.  On the scale of making Top Ramen and Boeuf Bourguignon, it comes in somewhere toward the upper end near Molten Lava Cakes.  I'm sure that italian short-grain arborio rice makes a difference, but went multi-cultural and used Japanese short-grain instead.  Though everyone enjoyed the risotto just fine, I don't think Hannah or I would call it worth it. You have to stir it almost the whole time for 30 minutes.  Bag that.  Even Martha Stewart has a no-stir recipe, and we might just check that out next time.

                              

Having an 11 year old at the helm for dinner means lots of days look like this.

"Ugh, I am so exauhsted.  I had so much going on today, and I don't even know what I am going to do for dinner." Oh, wait.  That was me.  Here's Hannah:

"Mom, I have dance tomorrow. Do you think I will have enough time between school and dance to make my potato soup?" She asks.

"Yep, you will have just enough time, if you hurry with your homework."  She did it.

Another day, "Mom, I have art and dance today.  What is on my list that is super quick and easy to make.  I know I am going to be dying when I get home?" 

We decided on the frittata.  And, she was really tired.  But, she did it anyway and I think this is one of the best lessons she's learning, and teaching me: Sometimes, 90% of the meal time battle is won just by having in your mind what you are going to make for dinner. 

As a reminder, here is what we were striving for according to the SNAP Challenge: 

Goal 

7 Day Family Total = >$157.50

7 Day Per Person Total = >$31.50

Actuals

Week 3 Family Total - $121.36

Week 3 Per Person Total $21.18

Now, go see how we did it. 

Day 15 Monday, October 20

Lunches - kids home DIY for 4

Mac & cheese - $1

pb&j $0.70

leftovers 

Milk $1

Family Lunch Total - $2.70

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.67

Dinner - for 9, Grandpa's Bday

Frozen Ravioli - $3

Homemade Pasta Sauce - $2

Tomato salad: 4 tomatoes from the garden $0.40, basil from garden $0.10,  1/2 cup feta cheese $0.75, olive oil  $0.15 - $1.40

Homemade bread - $1

From scratch chocolate cake - $2

Family Dinner Total - $9.40

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.04

Day 15 Family Total - $12.10

Day 15 Per Person Total -   $1.71

                         

Day 16 Tuesday, October 21

Breakfast - for 5

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal - $1.20

Milk - $0.15x5 - $0.75

Family Breakfast Total - $1.95

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.39

Lunch - for 6

Sliced Apples - $3

Homemade Bread & 3 tbsp butter - $1

Leftover Pasta Sauce 

Family Lunch Total - $4

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.67

Dinner - for 6

Potatoes Cheese Soup

1 large onion, diced - $0.25

3 cloves garlic, minced - $0.15

4 tbsp butter - $0.37

6 medium potatoes, diced - $0.40

4 medium carrots, diced - $0.50

4 cups veggie broth - $2

2 cups milk - $0.30

2 tbsp corn starch - $0.05

1 cup cream + a splash - $1

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - $2

1 tsp garlic powder - $0.05

2 tsp seasoning salt - $0.05

Homemade Whole wheat Tortilla Triangels - $0.15

Family Dinner Total - $7.27

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.21

Day 16 Family Total - $13.22

Day 16 Per Person Total - $2.27

                         

   

Day 17 Wednesday, October 22

Breakfast - for 4

Toast w/ butter and jam - $0.75

milk - $0.60

Family Breakfast Total - $1.35

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.34

Lunch - for 6 

Potatoes - $0.40

Green Beans - $2

Applesauce - $0.50

Cupcake $0.55

Family Lunch Total - $3.45

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.57

Dinner - for 6

Macho Nachos

Chips - $2

2 cups Cheese - $2

2 cans beans $1

1 can rotel tomatoes $1

Homemade salsa - 6 med tomatoes $2, 1/2 bunch cilantro $0.30, 1/2 lrg onion $0.15, 1 spicy pepper $0.10 - $2.55

Family Dinner Total - $6.55

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.09

Day 17 Family Total - $11.35

Day 17 Per Person Total - $2

Day 18 Thursday, October 23

Breakfast - for 4

Milk/hot chocolate $0.15x3 = 0.45

Granola for 1 - $0.25

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Macho nachos revisited

All leftovers, all ingredients previously counted, except

1 cup cheese - $1

Family Lunch Total - $1

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.17

Dinner - for 5

Frittata

1 large onion, diced - $0.25

1/2 stick butter - $0.37

3 small tomatoes, diced - $1

2 potato hash-browns - $0.40

2 cups cauliflower florets, steamed - $1

9 eggs  - $0.90

1/2 cup shredded cheese - $0.50

Family Dinner Total - $4.42

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.88

Day 17 Family Total - $6.12

Day 17 Per Person Total - $1.22

Day 19 Friday, October 24

Breakfast - for 4

Toast w/ butter and jam - $0.75

milk - $0.60

Family Breakfast Total - $1.35

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.34

Lunch - for 4

Mac & Cheese - $1

Family Lunch Total - $1

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.25

Dinner - Cheat!

Sandwiches for 6 from Jimmy Johns - 20.25

Family Dinner Total - $20.25

Per Person Dinner Total - $3.38

Day 19 Family Total - $22.60

Day 19 Per Person Total - $3.97

Day 20 Saturday, October 25

Breakfast - for 4

8 Eggs - $0.80

4 pieces of Toast - $0.40

Milk - $1

Family Breakfast Total - $2.20

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.55

Lunch - for 7

Farmers Market Food

Korean Veggie Cup Bop - $11

Doughnuts $3

French Fries $6.50

Family Lunch Total - $20.50

Per Person Lunch Total - $2.92

Dinner - for 4

Date Night for 2 - pizza and dessert $13

Kids - Dinner for 2

Mac & Cheese $1, 1/2 lb Steamed Broccoli  $1, Ice Cream $1 - $3

Family Dinner Total - $16

Per Person Dinner Total - $4

Day 20 Family Total - $38.70

Day 20 Per Person Total - $7.47

Day 21 Sunday, October 26

Lunch - for 4

Ramen - 4 packs of ramen $0.40, 4 eggs $0.40

Family Lunch Total - $0.80

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.20

Dinner - for 8 with Great Grandma

Garlicky Herbed Risotto

1 large onion, diced - $0.25

4 cloves garlic, minced - $0.20

1/2 cup butter - $0.75

3 small tomatoes, diced - $1

3 cups rice $0.25

1 cup apple juice $0.20

5 cups veggie broth $1

Splash of cream - $0.20

2 tbsp basil, chopped - $0.10

2 tbsp sage, chopped -$0.20

1 cup mozzarella, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

$4.15

                        

  

Spaghetti squash - free from the neighbor

4 cloves garlic, minced - $0.20

1/2 cup butter, melted - $0.75

Salt and pepper 

$0.95

                        

Butter Braised Garlic String Beans 

1 1/2 lbs green beans - $2

2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.10

4 tbsp butter - $0.37

Salt and pepper

$2.47

Super Easy Homemade Whole Wheat bread

3 cups warm water

1 Tablespoon dry yeast - $0.03

1 Tablespoon kosher salt - $0.02

6 1/2 cups whole wheat flour - $0.35

$0.40

Brownies from a mix - $1.50

Family Dinner Total - $9.47

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.18

Day 21 Family Total - $10.27

Day 21 Per Person Total - $1.38

Week 3 Family Sub-Total - $114.36

Week 3 Per Person Sub-Total - 20.02

Adjustments

So, I quit counting snacks because they are too hard to keep track of.  But, here is a list of snacks and additional groceries I know we went through this week that may not be accounted for in the previous listing.

Misc Additional Snack Items - for 5

1 bag choco chips - $1.67

1 bag tortilla chips - $2

1 batch homemade salsa - $2.55

1 gallon milk - $2.40

1 box Mac $ Cheese - $1

3 packs ramen - $0.30

6 eggs - $0.60

Family Misc. Total - $7

Per Person Misc. Total $1.16

Week 3 Family Total - $121.36

Week 3 Per Person Total $21.18

Final Reflections

I am making a pact with fresh cilantro now: I will never treat you badly again.  Also, fresh bread is great, but ready-to-go-store-bought-sandwhich-bread is REALLY nice to have around.  Butter, you are safe this week, but I have my eye on you.  So grateful for the dairy and the farmers market.  Salad is officially off the menu until the end of the experiment.  Lettuce can not be found in my house any more.

Cheating Cheaters who Cheat

        

This Kroger brand Butterfinger ice cream could be a grocery item....or, it could be a prescription from KC's doctor, who, after looking in her throat proclaimed, "Yep, you've got a virus.  Tell-tale signs.  Cobblestone red throat. Strep looks like a bright red sheet.  This is not strep.  Test came back negative, and I concur.  It's a virus." I never knew those things abt the difference of the look in a throat with strep vs. a throat with a virus.

"So," the doctor continues, "hot, salty,  liquid foods are going to hurt.  Cold, sweet, soft foods are going to feel better.  Ice cream, yogurt, pudding are all your friend."  I honestly have not heard this particular perspiration before, either, but, the doctor seemed to know what he was talking about and who am I to argue with "ice cream."

As we are leaving the office, kc says, "We should go get gelato. That's pretty much what the doctor ordered." She has been pining over this new gelato bar that opened up a few towns down the road ever since the first time we went.

"Um, I'm pretty sure this little virus does not justify a twenty minute car ride for gelato.  How about we go over to the market, they sell gelato in the deli, it's not as good, but it will pass."  I know, this sounds very indulging, but I have a secret love of tending to not-very-sick kids.  I mean, when they're super sick it is no fun for anyone.  But, when they are just a little sick; low-grade fever, sorta-sore throat, general malaise, they are cute and cuddly and sweet to be with.  So, ice cream is okay by me.

"Alright," she says.  "Let's go."

"Okay, and it's not like grocery shopping, we'll just be in the deli, right? We aren't going to buy anything through the checkout or get any grocery items.  Just gelato.  and maybe some sushi." I say, all my rationale  lined up pretty, in a row.

"Sushi? Um, I don't eat fish, Mom."

"Hey, they have veggie sushi.  It's been a long since I've actually forgotten about any of you guys being vegetarian." That really happened, months into KC's choice not to eat meat I brought her a steak quesadilla from our favorite fresh-mex grill as a thank you for looking after her younger siblings while we were gone.  "Thanks, Mom," she said in a genuinely grateful tone. "But, I haven't eaten meat in a while, remember."  I did as she said it, and you can tell, I've never lived that one down.  Also, I once offered a berry shake, to my kid who doesn't eat sugar, in payment for weeding the garden.  Bad mom.

As the automatic double doors open, I am overwhelmed by seasonal smells.  I say, "KC, do you realize, this is like bringing me into a den of iniquity.  I don't know of I can do this," as I gently pick up the bag of cinnamon scented pine cones greeting me at the store's entrance.  I take a deep whiff, lovingly set them down and walk away from the display.

KC laughs, "it's just gelato, Mom." She reassures.  She is one of my trusted advisors, so I trust her and proceed.  Anyway, this was my idea.

As we approach the deli counter she spots a sign, "Tater Babies - $0.99/lb."

"Um, I might need tater babies, instead of sushi.  I mean, neither is really what the doctor ordered, but soft and warm is different than liquid and hot, right?"

"KC, I feel I'm on the edge of a slippery slope, now, and I'm not sure what is going to happen."

"May I help you?" asks the helpful employee behind the counter.

"We'd like a pound of tater babies," I say as he immediately starts scooping them into a deli bag for us. "And, then, she'd like some gelato."

"Oh, we're out of gelato.  Sorry about that."

"What?  For real?"  I ask looking over at the empty chilled gelato tins.

"Well, is your soft-serve working?" KC asks.

"Nope, that machine is down."

WHAT? She and I look at each other.  This is a moment of truth.  I do not pass.  My life is built on grocery store lies!

"That's fine, we'll just go choose something over in the freezer case."

KC doesn't spare a second thought.  She offers no, "Are you sure, Mom?  We said we weren't going to buy groceries for 40 days, and it's only been 23."  She just turns traitor and walks away before I could talk myself out of it.  So much for my accountability to the one person who can spot hypocrisy in the smallest justification.

I figured, while I'm here, may as well get my sushi and a deli diet coke, too.  I don't know how far this slippery slope goes, but I'm enjoying the ride.  As I step up to the checkout stand, the self-checkout-you-have-groceries stand, I spot kc down the freezer aisle, choosing her ice cream.  I innocently think,  "I should just go see what she's going to get...," when my phone rings.

It is one of my Most Trusted Advisers, my little sister, Katie. 

"Katie! You've caught me in the act!"

"What?" she says in great surprise.  "Are you in the grocery store?"

I feel myself flushing.  My breath is a bit short.  I am totally caught and I panic.  I might faint, and then I remember.  It's just Katie.  She's nine months pregnant, and if there is anyone in this world who is going to understand my ice cream purchase, it is her.  This is fate.  Any one of my other Advisors could have caught me in this moment and talked me down from the ledge, but they didn't. I am safe with Katie.  I trust her.  

"Yes.  Yes I'm at the store,.  Really, it was just supposed to be a trip to the deli.  Out on doctor's orders.  But, now kc is getting ice cream from the frozen desserts section and I just think I might go join her and choose one of my own." 

"Is KC sick?" She asks.

"Yes." i confirm.  one word answers are better at this point. 

"And the doctor told her to eat ice cream?" she asks.

"Yes," again.

"Then, it's medicinal.  Your fine.  This is a good cause for being at the grocery store."  She says it with such confidence that I am immediately reassured.

"But, if you go get your own ice cream, you've crossed the line.  Don't do it.  Just wait for her to come to you."

"Okay," I say obediently.  "Thanks for calling.  She's coming and I've gotta buy this stuff and get the heck out of here.  I love you."

"Love you, too.  Dont buy any more ice cream.  You can do this."  She hangs up.

We check out, leave the store, get home.

"KC, you need to give me your ice cream for a second so I can take a picture of it.  It's evidence."

"And, the tater babies and the sushi, too?" she asks, seeing some inconsistency in my isolation of the offending item.

"No way! Those are not groceries.  Those are just lunch."

"Ah, I see," she says, integrity intact after the legitimacy of the ice cream was sanctioned by sweet Aunt Katie.  "I was just wondering."

So, there you have it.  Lying, cheating, justifying, rationalizing, and everything else, short of stealing.  Oh well.  If your sick, you've got to follow doctors orders . And, ice cream? It's medicinal.

Farmers Market Find with a Recipe

In my quest for family meals under $5 I came up with this concoction.  Not beautiful, but everyone, Mom, Dad, teenagers, even our most discriminating palate enjoyed it.  $0.65 per person.  

Red cabbage is pretty much a super food.  Just a few ounces provide dozens of vitamins and minerals, is rich in antioxidants and other plant nutrients that support your digestive and cardiovascular systems.  You can read more about cabbage's exceptional qualities here.  

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19

Also, it's super cheap averaging $.47/lb. 

Here's the recipe.  Great for any meal of the day!

                         

Red Cabbage Recipe

4 tbsp butter $0.38 

1 large onion, diced $0.40

4 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced $0.75

12  eggs, fried over-easy  $1.20

12 pieces of toast $1.20

$3.93/6=$0.65 per person

Sauté onion in butter until beginning to turn clear.  Add cabbage.  Sauté until tender.  In a separate pan, fry eggs over-easy and get bread toasting.  Butter toast and layer with cabbage mixture, then the egg.  Easy Peasy!  An 11 year old can make this recipe.

Week 2 - SNAP/No Grocery Shopping Challenge

Reflections

I thought this week's totals would be totally high-jacked given the fact that we took a road trip through 4 states, including the one we live in, and ate out, or carried in a couple of pricey meals.  We stayed with friends in Idaho, but also visited Montana and Wyoming, ending up at Yellowstone National Park.   Staying with friends made breakfasts and lunches cheap and easy.  Dinners were a different story, but delicious and worth it in the end.  Following this plan just shows that if you are careful, even a couple of nights out to eat, or days that go beyond the budget, can be compensated for.  I am thrilled with the results.  Caleb, 13, gained a lot of new cooking and budgeting skills, and is thrilled to be done with his turn.

The best thing happened this week was on a busy evening when Caleb had to walk home from play practice, at 5 pm,  because I was off carting Hannah and her friend around for dance.  When I called home to say we were on our way, Gordon said, "Well, dinner's under way.  I don't know what he's making, but Caleb has it totally under control in the kitchen.  I could smell the garlic from the driveway."  And, when I pulled in, I could smell the garlic, too.  He had made Tomato Basil Bisque, something he'd never attempted before, and he mastered it on his first go.

Also, the night before our trip, the kitchen was crowded with a bunch of teenagers just hanging out,  and our newlyweds, trying to prep their dinner.  Caleb was asking about getting dinner ready and I said, "let's just..." 

He thought I was going to say, "go out to eat," or "go grab something at the store." So, before I could finish,  he interjected with "No, Mom. We are not going to the grocery store, or the convenience store, or anywhere else.  We're eating in...."

"I was just going to say, let's wait until Bren and Marissa are done making their food.  And, thanks for keeping us honest anyway."  

So, because we followed the plan, we stayed within the goals.  Yay, Caleb.

Goal - 

7 Day Family Total = >$157.50

7 Day Per Person Total = >$31.50

Actuals

Week 2 Family Total - $150.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $23.90

Day 8, Monday, October 13

Breakfast - This is our standard breakfast for 4

Milk/hot chocolate $0.15x3 = 0.45

Granola for 1 - $0.25

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Bagels - $2

Cream Cheese - $0.50

Apples - $2

Cheese Nips - $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $5.10

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.85

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 5

1.5 lb spaghett Pasta - $1

1/2 c butter $0.75

4 cloves garlic, minced $0.10

1 lb tomatoes, sliced - $1

1 zucchini, diced $0.50

Salt and pepper

$3.35

Salad

1/2 head green leaf lettuce - $0.50

1 cup carrots, diced - $0.30

$0.80

Dessert

Leftover Cupcakes - already counted on wk 1 budget

Family Dinner Total - $4.15

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.83

Day 8 Family Total - $11.05

Day 8 Per Person Total - $2.12

     

  

Day 9, Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Breakfast - Standard for 4

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Pears - $3

Hummus and crackers $3

Family Lunch Total - $6

Per Person Lunch Total - $1

Dinner - for 6

Tomato bisque

1 large onion, diced - $0.30

3 garlic cloves, minced, $0.15

3 cans petite diced tomatoes - $1.50

2 cans tomato sauce - $0.40

2 cups veggie broth - $0.60

1 cup cream - $1

1/2 cup grated Romano cheese - $1

Garlic Bagels buttered and toasted - $1.50

Family Dinner Total - $6.45

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.07

Day 9 Family Total - $13.15

Day 9 Per Person Total - $2.24

Day 10, Wednesday October 15, 2014

Breakfast - Standard for 4

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Samosas W/ homemade Flour tortillas

Leftover curry and Dahl  combo - recipes and costing counted on Week 1 menu

4 cups whole wheat flour - $0.30

3 tablespoons vegetable oil $0.15

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups warm water (not HOT)

Makes 15+, we only used 6 for lunch

$0.45/15 = $0.03 = $0.18

Riata Leftovers

Pears - $3

Family Lunch Total = $3.18

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.53

       

Dinner - for 6

Pizza crust for 2 - 12" pizzas

2 tbsp yeast - $0.10

2 tsp sugar $0.05

2 cups warm water

5 cups flour $0.40

1/4 c olive oil $0.55

2 tsp salt $0.02 

$1.12

Toppings for 2 pizzas

2 cups seasoned Tomato Sauce - $0.50

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - $2

1 cup diced Spinach - $1

2 Diced Tomatoes $0.40

1 diced spicy Pepper $0.10

- $4

Family Dinner Total - $5.12

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.85

Day 10 Family Total - $9

Day 10 Per Person Total - $1.55

                     

Day 11, Thursday, October 16

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 4 

Mac & Cheese - $1.50

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.38

Dinner - bagel Sandwiches/6

Bagels - $2

Butter - $0.40

Cheese/Eggs - $2.60

Cucumbers - $0.50

Baked Kale chips - $0.50

Tomatoes from the garden

Family Dinner Total - $6

Per Person Dinner Total - $1

Day 11 Family Total - $8.20

Day 11 Per Person Total - $1.55

       

Day 12, Friday, October 17, 2014

Brunch - for 6

Scrambled eggs - $1.20

Milk - $0.60

gifted bread

Family Brunch Total  - $1.80

Per Person Brunch Total - $0.30

Snacks - in the car for 6

Cheese crackers $2

Whole grain crackers - $2

Carrots, cucumbers and dips - $3

Family Snacks total - $7

Per Person Snack total - $1.16

Dinner - for 6

Homemade salsa w/ garden ingredients except onions & cilantro - $1

1 cup shredded Cheese - $1

1 cup Sour Cream - $1

Tamales from tamale lady $20

Family Dinner Total - $23

Per Person Dinner Total - $3.83

Day 12 Family Total - $31.80

Day 12 Per Person Total - $5.29

Day 13, Saturday, October 18

Breakfast - for 6

Cereal and Milk - $3

Family Breakfast Total - $3

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.50

Lunch - in the car for 7

Homemade Hummus and crackers - $3

Veggies and dip - $2

Chips and salsa - $2 (only counting chips as salsa was leftover)

Family Lunch total - $7

Per Person Lunch total - $1

Dinner - for 7

Pizza in Yellowstone! - $40!

Per Person Dinner Total - $5.71!

Day 13 Family Total - $50

Day 13 Per Person Total - $7.21

Day 14, Sunday, October 19, 2014

Breakfast - for 14

2 boxes waffle mix - $2

1 stick butter - $0.75

2 cups syrup $0.60

1 gallon milk - $3

Family Breakfast Total - $6.35

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.45

Lunch - for 6 

Pasta salad - 

1 lb pasta $1

1/2 lb carrots$0.50

1 cucumber $0.50

4 sliced string cheeses - $1.20

Italian dressing - $0.50

1 loaf homemade bread - $1

Family Lunch Total = $4.70

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.78

Snacks - in the car for 6

Cheese crackers $2

Whole grain crackers - $2

Carrots, cucumbers and dips - $3

Family Snacks total - $7

Per Person Snack total - $1.16

Dinner - for 6

Fried Ramen

8 packs ramen noodles, par boiled - $0.80

1 med onion, diced $0.30

2 cups carrots, diced $0.30

2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced $0.30

2 tbsp canola oil - $0.10

3 tbsp soy sauce - $0.56

Family Dinner Total - $2.36

Per Person Dinner Total - $0.39

Day 14 Family Total - $20.41

Day 14 Per Person Total - $2.78

                         

Preliminary totals

Week 2 Family Total - $143.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $22.74

Adjusted totals

Sometimes kids are eating when I don't see or track it.  Based on my inventory, here's what I think we need to add to our weekly totals for 6 conspirators:

Gallon of milk - $3

2 cups of salsa - $1.50

Bag of chips $1.50

4 bags of popcorn $1

Family Misc. Total - $7

Per Person Misc. Total $1.16

Week 2 Family Total - $150.61

Week 2 Per Person Total $23.90

First Time Pizza - Master Chef

                       

     

Caleb made his first pizzas tonight.  Dough from scratch, it was the best pizza crust to ever come out of our oven.  Here's how he did it and how much it cost.

Pizza Crust for 2 - 12" pizzas

2 tbsp yeast - $0.10

2 tsp sugar $0.05

2 cups warm water

5 cups flour $0.40

1/4 c olive oil $0.55

2 tsp salt $0.02 

$1.12

Toppings for 2 pizzas

2 cups seasoned Tomato Sauce - $0.50

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - $2

1 cup diced Spinach - $1

2 Diced Tomatoes $0.40

1 diced spicy Pepper $0.10

$4

$5.12/2 = $2.56 each

Directions 

1. Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer.  When a soft, wet dough is achieved, let rest covered for 15-30 minutes.  

2. Preheat oven to 500*.  With floured hands, divide dough into 2 parts.  Turn one mound of dough onto floured parchment, or floured baking pan.  Work dough into a circle using floured hands.  Finish shaping to desired thickness with a rolling pen.  

3. Cover with favorite toppings.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Repeat with second portion of dough.

Makes 2 - 12 inch pizzas.

Family Fed 7 Days (so far) By Teenage Boy - All Alive and Healthy

Week 1 Food - Monday, October 6 -  Sunday, October 12

Note: Every meal at our house has a different head count.  There are always 4 for breakfast; Gordon and the three younger kids.  For lunch, there are always 6; Gordon, the younger kids and our newlyweds.  I eat leftovers at lunch, food already counted.  Dinner is generally 5; me, Gordon, and three younger kids, unless it is a big event or Sunday, then it is 7+.  So, the end of day Per Person Totals will just be the sum of all per person meal totals, rather than a division of the daily total.  I know I am overcomplicating this.  Help me simplify it by leaving feedback.

I think this is the hardest experiment we have done so far just because of the tracking required.  Also, a 13 yo boy executed most of the plan.  Things derail a bit over the weekend, but get back on track for Sunday dinner.

Here was the goal considering $4.50/day or roughly $1.50/ meal for our family of 5 (or 7):

Goal - 

7 Day Family Total = $157.50

7 Day Per Person Total = $31.50

Actuals

Week 1 Family Total - $132.64
Week 1 Per Person Total - $26.04

Wahoo!  Scroll down to see how we did it.

Day 1 - Monday, Oct 6

Breakfast - This is our standard breakfast for 4

Milk/hot chocolate $0.15x3 = 0.45

Granola for 1 - $0.25

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast Total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Samosas - sautéed onions/potatoes $0.27, spiced homemade lentils $1, wrapped in 6 tortillas, baked in the oven - $0.90

12 tiny triangles of Flatbread - $1

12 oz spiced lentils - $1

Homemade Mint Chutney - $1

Grapes - $3

Family Lunch Total - $8.17

Per Person Lunch Total - $1.36

                

                          

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 7+

Note: Tonight's dinner was for the chili Cookoff. This chili fed the masses like loaves and fishes.  There were 88 people at our house tonight and several had a bowl of our chili.  I know for sure all of my kids had some because it was the only vegetarian soup there.  I'll just count our family 7. 

Chili

3 cans kidney beans $1.50

2 cans diced tomatoes $1

2 cans tomato sauce $0.40

Cumin, chili pdr - $0.10

1 large can rotel - $2

1 large onion $0.30

1 habanero $0.25

1 tbsp oil $0.05

Dish Total - $5.60

Per person total - $0.80

Cornbread 

3 Mixes on sale $0.75

3 eggs - $0.30

3/4 c oil - $0.60

2 cups milk - $0.30

Dish Total - $1.95

Per Person Total - $0.39

Doughnuts 

managers special $1.25x2 doz =$2.50

Per Person total - $0.45

Family Dinner Total - $10.05/7

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.44

                           

    

Day 1 Family Total - $20.02

Day 1 Per Person Total - $3.34

Day 2 - Tues, Oct 7

Breakfast - Standard

Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Hummus rolls - 12 tortillas - 1.80, hummus $2.50

Bananas - $1.20 

Cheese Nips $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $6.10

Per Person Lunch Total $1.02

Snack - for 4

Chips $1

Salsa $1

Family Snack total - $2

Per Person Snack Total - $0.50

Dinner

Baked potatoes

8 med Potatoes $0.50

2 cups Spinach $1.50

Leftover Chili $1.50

1 cup Cheese $1

Sour cream $1

Chives $1

1 stick Butter  $0.75

Family Dinner total $7.25/5 

Per Person Dinner Total $1.45

Day 2 Family Total - $16.05

Day 2 Per Person Total - $3.15

Day 3 - Wednesday, Oct 8

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunch - for 6

Baked potatoes - 6 med Potatoes $0.40

Leftover Chili $1

Sour cream $1

Granola bars $2.85

Family Lunch Total - $5.25

Per Person Lunch total = $0.87

Snack - for 4

Mac & Cheese - $1

Milk/Egg Nog - $1

Family Snack Total - $2

Per Person Snack total - $0.50

Dinner - for 5 

Frittata

Fried Potatoes - 2 potatoes $0.10, 1/2 med onion $0.12, 1 tbsp oil $0.05

Steamed broccoli - 2 cups - $1

2 cups Spinach, chopped $1.50

Two tomatoes - $0.67

1 cup Cheese $1

Family Dinner Total $4.44

Per Person Dinner Total = $0.88

                     

      

Day 3 Family Total - $12.39

Day 3 Per Person Total - $2.42

Day 4 - Thursday, Oct 9

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

Burritos w/ 3 Leftovers

Fried Potatoes - 2 potatoes $0.10, 1/2 med onion $0.12, 1 tbsp oil $0.05

Chili - 1 can beans $0.50,  can tomatoes $0.50, spices $0.10

Rice - 2 cups cooked rice$0.10, 1/4 c salsa $0.33

12 tortillas - $1.80

Pretzels $0.30

1 oz peanut butter - $0.60

Family Lunch Total - $4.40

Per Person Lunch Total $0.75/each

                      

Snack - for 4

Popcorn - $0.50

Milk - $0.60

Family Snack Total - $1.10

Per Person Snack Total $0.27

Dinner - for 5

Ravioli & homemade bread

1.5 lb frozen Ravioli $3

Tomato sauce $1

Garlic $0.50

Butter $0.75

Bread $1

Family Dinner Total $6.25

Per Person Dinner Total - $1.25

                         

Day 4 Family Total - $12.45

Day 4 Per Person Total - $2.44

Day 5 Friday, Oct 10

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17

Lunches - for 6

10 Homemade Burritos $3

1/2 bag tortilla chips $1.50

1 cup salsa $1.32

Family Lunch Total - $5.80

Per Person Lunch Total - $0.96

                         

Dinner - leaving the plan for grandma and the scouts

4 Girls - Dinner Out with Great Grandma - $20

2 Guys - Sandwiches on camp out with the scouts - $10

Family Dinner total - $30

Per Person Total - $5

Day 5 Family Total Blown - $36.50

Day 5 Per Person Total - $6.13

Day 6 Saturday, Oct 12

Breakfast - Standard

Family Breakfast Total - $0.70

Per Person Breakfast total - $0.17 

Lunch - Farmers Market 

Girls - tacos & quesadillas $1.75 each x 3 = $5.25

Guys - lunch with scouts - free

Family Lunch total - $5.25

Per Person Lunch Total - $1.75

Dinner - date night in for 2, all kids off with friends

2 Mini Bagels - $0.50

Eggs $0.20

Cheese $0.60

Butter $0.20

3 ice cream bars - $4.50

Dinner Date Total - $6

Per Person Total - $3

Day 6 Family Total  - $11.95

Day 6 Per Person Total - $4.92

Day 7 - Sunday, October 12 

Breakfast

All Fasting

Lunch 

All Fasting

Dinner - for 7

Coconut korma, whole wheat naan, Dahl,  Riata, cupcakes for 7

Note:  This meal was large enough that we had leftovers of everything for another whole meal.  That is seven family members of various ages and sizes eating their fill for two meals. Components will be counted free for a future meal or 2.

Coconut Korma

2 Tbsp butter $0.20

1 medium onion, diced $0.30

2 cups cauliflower  $1

1 tbsp garlic, minced $0.10

1 1/2  tbsp curry powder $0.10

1 1/2 tbsp garam masala $0.10

2 1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chickpeas $0.50

1 cup veggie broth $0.50

1 15oz can chopped tomatoes  - $0.50

1 15oz (regular size) can coconut milk - $2

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream - $0.50

1/2 c toasted cashews $0.65

1/2 c golden raisins $0.25

2 tsp chopped chilis of choice $0.10

3 cups rice - $0.25

$7.05

Best Ever Whole Wheat Naan

1 1/2 tsp yeast $0.05

1 tbsp sugar $0.03

1 c water

3 c whole wheat flour $0.60

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 c yogurt $0.20

3 tbs olive oil $0.35

$1.23

Riata

2 cup Greek yogurt $1.50

1 large cucumber, grated $0.50

2 cloves garlic, minced $0.10

2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro $0.10

1 tbsp finely chopped mint $0.10

1 tsp cumin powder $0.02

1 tsp curry powder $0.03

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

$2.35

Dahl

1 large onion, diced - $0.30

2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.10

1/2 c butter $0.75

3 cups lentils - $0.75

1 tbsp veggie bullion $0.30

1 tsp ginger $0.03

1 tsp cinnamon $0.05

2 tsp turmeric $0.5

1 tbsp garam masala $0.10

1 tbsp cumin $0.05

2 tsp salt

$2.48

Cupcakes from scratch and a mix 48 - $4

                     

Day 7 Family Total = $17.10

Day 7 Per Person Total - $2.44

Preliminary Totals

Week 1 Family Total - $126.64 (meets the goal of >$157.50)

Week 1 Per Person Total - $24.84 (meet the goal of less than $31.50)

Wait! True Confessions

In the spirit of full disclosure, I bet we went through a gallon of milk and a pound of butter that is somehow unaccounted for above.  So, I will add $6 to the family total, and divide that by 5, and add $1.20 to the per person total, though I'm pretty sure Caleb drinks a whole gallon by himself in a week.  Here's what the truer totals look like:

Week 1 Family Total - $132.64 (meets the goal of >$157.50)

Week 1 Per Person Total - $26.04 (meet the goal of less than $31.50)

I am thrilled about this!  Even with feeding the whole neighborhood, recreating a wedding feast, and eating out, we came in under budget.  No one felt deprived but it was A LOT of work!

Week 1 Reflections

I loved driving home at the end of a long day with 13-yo Caleb at my side saying, "I am so tired...What am I going to make for dinner?" And, every day I was in the kitchen with him, but he had to figure out, based on his plan, what we had, what he wanted to make, how much time and energy it was going to take.  It was more work than I think he realized.  Then, when dinner was done it was time to assemble lunches so they would be ready for morning.  It was awesome to watch him work creatively, through the fatigue of a busy day, to get dinner on the table and lunches somewhat prepped for the next day.  

                       

     

I also thought our little bit of eating out would derail the whole plan.  But, careful planning each day gave us just the wiggle room we needed for those little trips out.  

We did run out, of a few key things, namely: milk and pre-baked tortillas. I can go to the dairy for milk, but only once in two-weeks, and I have a limited budget for it.  Saturday's dairy day couldn't come soon enough for Caleb. 

                       

Finally, i wonder what can be done about breakfasts.  Kids sort of shun anything more than we are doing, because between a need for sleep and basic grooming, we always have a quick family prayer before they leave in the a.m.  They don't feel like eating early, either.  I dont have break-fast until noon, but im an adult and not going to school.  I feel like they need something more, but they aren't willing for it to be much more.  So, I will continue pondering this conundrum.

Whew! One week down, 5 more to go.  I'm excited to see what next week brings.

7 Ingredients. 5 Min Prep + No Hassle Rise and Bake Time. Whole WheatBread Recipe

                              

    

One of my favorite, cheap & easy, go-to whole wheat recipes.  $0.65/Loaf 

1 1/2 cup water (doesn't count as an ingredient on bread labels)

1/4 c local honey - $0.50

1/4 canola oil - $0.10

1 tbsp yeast - $0.05

1 tbsp vinegar $0.03

5 cups whole wheat flour $0.40

1/4 c vital wheat gluten $0.21

2 1/2 tsp salt $0.01

Total - $1.30/2 loaves

Mix wet ingredients.  Add dry ingredients.  Mix for 4 minutes using kitchen mixer. Shape into a ball.  Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 450*.  Gently divide dough into two loaves. Place on large cookie sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Bake for 30 minutes.  Top with butter.  

Note: Baking at 450*  with a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven will give a chewy, artisan crust.