The Paula Deen Forums

Storing Potatoes & Onions In Hot Weather?

2009-03-17T08:25:40-05:00

Our hot dry summers are fast approaching and my bag of onions and potatoes just go bad really really really fast. In cooler weather no problems but when it gets hot and dry…..Yikes. I started last “summer” (it’s Southern california) storing them in the refrigerator but they take up sooooo much room. Buying them singly as I need them gets a bit expensive plus I don’t know how to drive so a quick trip to the grocery store involves packing up my 3 year old and taking public transportation and about 2 hours of time.

Invest In A Food Saver

2009-01-21T13:48:39-05:00

We invested in a FoodSaver Vacuum pack machine. The bags are a bit much even at Wal-Mart (box of 5 rolls of 2 sizes for $39 here in southern California) but they really go a long way. You can vacuum pack almost anything and no freezer burn and stuff lasts months and months. We buy in bulk then vacuum pack and freeze. It was a lot of $$ initially but we have SAVED so much in the long run. I buy the 5 lb. bag of pre-shredded cheddar, vacuum pack it and freeze it. It saves so much money since it costs $13 AND I don’t have to shred or grate it myself. After defrosting, I do have to crumble it between my fingers to get it back to it’s normal texture but really not a big deal. We buy meats at Sam’s Club in bulk and do the same thing and do not have to buy any meats for about 3 months. You can also buy the canisters separately and things last in the fridge seemingly forever. Besides my cast iron dutch oven, it’s the best most used item I have.

Spices

2009-05-09T11:28:51-05:00

What does every one about spices, it seams every recipe calls for a different spice I don’t have

Veggies from the Garden

2009-07-24T14:17:52-05:00

Does anyone else grow vegetables in your own garden? It’s a good way to save $$$.........unless you get into buying everything it takes to do some freezing and canning, especially. Then I’m not so sure! I’ve canned green beans, pickles and frozen corn and lima beans…....so far. Still have more cucumbers to “pickle” and will have late corn, okra and peas to freeze. We also have loads of squash but my family only likes them fried so haven’t found a good way to freeze them to be fried later. Any ideas? We’re getting tomatoes also but not enough to can or freeze…....just enough for those good “mater” sandwiches!!

using coupons…......

2009-01-22T20:03:57-05:00

i use alot of coupons. do you?

Garlic

2009-03-08T14:11:10-05:00

Does anyone have any ideas on how to preserve garlic gloves? I bought a couple of bulbs because I needed some for some recipes, including Paula’s Lots ‘o Meat Lasagna, and it was GREAT!!!! Anyway, I have cloves that I haven’t used, and I don’t want them to go to waste. What can I do if I’m not going to use them immediately?

Great way to save on ground beef!

2009-01-15T18:14:21-05:00

A year or so ago I read this suggestion online and I love it. When I buy ground beef in the store, I choose a 5 lb. package (or more) of the cheapest ground beef that is available. When I get home I put it in a big dutch oven or stockpot and fill the pan with water to cover the ground beef. Bring it to a boil, breaking up the ground beef as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink (usually a matter of minutes, not long at all), pour it into a colander and drain off all of the water (and the fat!). I then measure 2 cups into a bag and seal it with my vacuum sealer. 2 cups is equal to 1 pound of cooked ground beef. Having this is the freezer has save me so much time. You don’t even have to really thaw it ahead of time because it thaws so quickly while your recipe is cooking. It works great for soups, sauces, sloppy joes, casseroles…...whatever you would use cooked ground beef for. You save on money since you can buy the cheapest form of ground beef in the store (even better if you buy it when it’s on sale), not worrying about the fat content since you will be draining it away, and you will save on time later. I hope that this helps some of you as much as it has helped me.

Nancy

homemade laundry detergent

2009-01-24T21:38:19-05:00

recipe for homemade detergent
http://simple-needs.blogspot.com/2008/08/soap-fat-goodies-and-yard-sales.html

Saving on the fresh vegetables….no waste!

2009-01-14T15:29:44-05:00

Instead of letting fresh veggies go bad sitting in the fridge, I use my electric chopper and chop the remainder of them up and put in small ziploc bags, mark the bag, then freeze. When I need chopped veggies such as onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, fresh herbs, etc. I grab the bag out of the freezer and add to the recipe I’m making. Really comes in handy when I can’t run to the market AND….you don’t waste what you’ve already paid for!

A “Southern” northern resident

depression cooking

2009-01-24T21:30:23-05:00

i thought you all might enjoy these videos. this lady is 93 years old and wow! what a great inspiration!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuMkW35BwK8
Great Depression Cooking Ep:1 - Pasta with Peas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yREFkmrrYiw&feature=related
Great Depression Cooking Ep:2 - Egg Drop Soup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OPQqH3YlHA&feature=related
Great Depression Cooking Ep:3 - Poorman’s Meal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4IjNV3lZkQ&feature=related
Great Depression Cooking Ep:4 - Peppers and Eggs (part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEWJmm4Tms&feature=related
Great Depression Cooking Ep:4.5 - Peppers and Eggs (part 2)