It's been quite fun, I promise. I'm sorry to leave you. But please understand, I have a new friend. Her name is wordpress.
Won't you join me?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
An “I’ve Learned The Hard Way” Recipe Review: Hungry Girl’s Cinnamon Rolls! (A Lesson In the Ancient Art of Mistake Making)
So in the weeks since graduation, I’ve been indulging in some of the finer things in life. Basically, I’ve been doing a lot of sleeping and eating. Mostly sleeping. But I’ve also been doing a fair amount of culinary exploration. Which brings me to my next point: Have you met the Hungry Girl?
Hungry Girl is the pen name and brand created by Lisa Lillien. From what I can gather, Lisa is just your average girl who’s been trying to create delicious, healthy food which tempt the taste buds without killing diet plans. Then, after becoming really successful on the internet(z) she decided to take her dog and pony show on the road, and voila! She’s created an internationally known brand. Since The Frugal Student is a true fan of the DIY spirit and all it entails, Lisa’s story is not just inspirational, but a good jumping off point for new recipe ideas. With that in mind, I decided to take a little bit of my grad cash and buy the Hungry Girl’s cookbook “200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories.”
Ok, before I go any further, let me just say that anyone who knows me is well aware that I am the modern definition of a book worm. I actually collect copies of “The Joy Of Cooking”, and have a fiction collection which requires the purchase of a new bookshelf. However, while I absolutely adore large, franchise bookstores like Borders and Barnes and Noble (c‘mon, who doesn‘t love sipping overpriced coffee while looking at wall-sized imaginings of Oscar Wilde?), I would not recommend that the average broke student/person patronize stores like this when money is tight and there are so many other options available for the purchase of books. For example, your local used bookstore is the best source for new books and, depending on the store, movies and music as well. I mean, think about it: why buy a new copy of a book when you can just wait for someone else to read it, and buy their gently used copy? Used bookstores are basically the ‘middle man’ version of putting up posters around town saying, “Hey! I read this book and don’t need it anymore. Do you want it?” For example, I got my barely used copy of “200 Under 200” for the bargain price of 8.00, including tax.
Now let’s say I couldn’t find a copy of “200 Under 200” that day, and/or I didn’t live in an area with a rockin’ used bookstore. This a time for the wonderful world wide web, specifically half.com or Paperback Swap. These are basically the internet examples of getting used books on the cheap. Paperback swap is especially awesome, as you gain credit by trading your own books.
Wow. Even for me, that was a pretty ridiculous tangent. Anyway, back to the Hungry Girl: so a few days ago I decided to try out her recipe for cinnamon rolls. Now, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but every once in awhile I enjoy a bite of something very sugary. The Hungry Girl swears by a number of products I don’t typically use, but I decided to stretch my mind so I could try this recipe while maintaining some of its integrity. But of course, because I’m The Frugal Student, I did make a few adjustments.
HG’s Gooey Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Icing
For Dough
1 package Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls refrigerated dough
16 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Spray
For Filling
¼ cup dark brown sugar (not packed)
¼ cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
½ tablespoon light whipped butter or light buttery spread, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
For Icing
¼ cup Cool Whip Free, thawed
3 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese, room temperature
1 tablespoon Splenda No Calorie sweetener (granulated)
Ok, FIRST OF ALL: I don’t believe in only buying name brand products. And trust me, it’s not just because I can’t afford them. Ok, that plays a giant role. But also, there are many house brands which taste just as good as big name products. For example, I found the Harris Teeter brand crescent rolls to be just as tasty as Pillsbury, for a fraction of the price. Also, for those of you who don’t know, splenda is really F****** expensive. Also, I don’t typically buy no-cal sweeteners (I prefer to use honey and/or agave nectar.) But I did invest in a giant bag of Great Value no-cal sweetener. And I’m not convinced splenda is that much better*. The point is, there are some house brands (Great Value, Harris Teeter, Fit and Active**, Trader Joes) which rival the most commercialized products out there. So even if a recipe calls for a very specific brand, don’t be afraid to try out the less expensive alternative. Just for fun, I’ll include which brands I actually used as I go through the recipe so you can see what worked (and what should possibly be upgraded*.)
*Um, we’ll revist this topic later in the recipe review.
**Fit and Active is an incredible house brand at Aldi. There are a wide variety of Fit and Active products, and they are all really awesome (especially the dried fruits, and whole wheat pasta.)
Ok, so STEP ONE in this recipe: “Preheat oven to 375 degrees.”
Yes, I included this step because this is something I tend to forget about until I’m ready to start baking. Anyway, preheat your fracking oven.
STEP TWO: “To make filling, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring well to make sure the butter gets mixed in evenly. Set aside.”
Ok, prepare yourself for my first screw up (the first of many, might I add.)
Now, in my opinion, I have a very well stocked kitchen and “pantry” (the term pantry is being used loosely to define the singular cabinet into which my roommate and I cram all of our dry ingredients.) I have multiple forms of sugar, but guess what I don’t have? Dark brown sugar. However, I do have light brown sugar. Which, of course, is hard as a rock because it’s been sitting in the back of a cabinet for several months. Hm. What to do? Well, I’ve actually read extensively about salvaging crunchy brown sugar from a life of crystallized rock-hood, and after a bit of reconstructive work (hyperlink), I brought my bag of sugar back from the dead and was able to use it in this recipe. The result? Um, I’m not a pastry chef or any sort of food scientist, but I am of the personal opinion that there’s a distinct reason why recipes call for a specific type of ingredient. In fact, this is not the same as substituting store brand ranch for Hidden Valley- ultimately, light and dark brown sugar are molecularly different and can’t be used interchangeably. I’m not saying this caused a huge problem, but in the future I will definitely be using the correct type of brown sugar.
Also, I made this recipe before I invested in my bag of no-cal sweetener. I’m sure you can guess that the results of this recipe had something to do with my decision to buy a new product. Just for the record,
DOES NOT EQUAL
However, my filling did eventually come together, in spite of my haphazard ingredient renovations.
STEP THREE: “To make icing, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth and blended. Place in the fridge to chill and set.”
Time for the second screw-up- No, the problem wasn’t the Harris Teeter fat-free whipped topping I used (which, in my opinion, is just as good as Cool Whip brand.) It was the DEFINITELY NOT room temperature cream cheese I attempted to beat with it. If a recipe calls for something to be room temperature, take it out of the fridge more than five minutes before you need it. Also, again, agave nectar is not the same as splenda. Texture is more important than I can say. Now, after my very interesting experience with the filling, I knew I couldn’t get away with the agave method again. So instead I decided to use ½ tablespoon regular sugar combined with ½ tablespoon agave nectar. First of all, the addition of agave nectar and regular sugar dramatically alter the caloric intake of this recipe. But also, the texture of the icing was slightly off. Not really ‘bad’, but definitely different.
This went smoothly enough. Since our kitchen space is about 5’x3’ (I wish I were kidding), there’s not nearly enough counter space for me to roll out dough without risking the dough touching other non-dough items. Therefore, I always use these awesome, super cheap cutting boards from ikea as a rolling surface. Oh, and my rolling pin? Definitely came from target, at the price of $2.50. I’ve had it for quite some time, but before that I’m not ashamed to admit I swore by the canned food rolling pin. I have to say, though, an actual rolling pin is a serious upgrade. Also, I used Parkay spray instead of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! and couldn’t tell a definite difference.
So do these look a little extra gooey to you, like maybe the filling is oozing out of the top a little too enthusiastically? Uh, yeah. Once again: don’t use agave nectar AT ALL.
STEP NINE: “Cover pan with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil and return pan to oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cinnamon rolls have risen and are slightly browned on top.”
During step nine I whipped up an easy egg white omelette to enjoy with my cinnamon roll.
STEP TEN: “Evenly distribute icing over cinnamon rolls and then enjoy!”
Finished product?
All in all, I though the rolls tasted pretty delish, even with my slight recipe malfunctions. But trust me, the fun wasn’t over after I’d put my cinnamon rolls in some regifted tupperware and stored them in the fridge. Then I had to deal with this:
I bet the Hungry Girl doesn’t have to put up with s*** like this.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Yard Sale-ing For Dummies: A Financial Masochist's Guide
I have a serious problem. It’s called “I can’t resist yard sales.” Look, is it my fault that I get a high from the acquisition of new possessions? Ok, maybe it is my fault. But really, what’s better than grabbing a cup of coffee, throwing on an old sweatshirt, and wandering through neighborhoods, rummaging through someone else’s belongings? It’s unbeatable, my friends. Second only to receiving gifts.
In fact, my entire apartment should be called ‘yard sale/Craigslist/thrift store/dumpster dive*.’ Personally, I don’t really believe students should purchase brand new housewares when money is tight. I mean, really, you can find something just as awesome as that Urban Outfitters chaise at a yard sale, or on Craigslist. Or even by dumpster diving*. And while some people might turn up their nose, yard sales are an especially great place to find kitchen necessities which might be a little too pricey for the average frugal student. You see, an adult living on a budget of more than $20 per week can afford things like food processors, blenders, stand mixers, rolling pins, juicers, and other items which make the creation of culinary delights a snap and a half. But for the rest of us who are broke, it’s time to stop turning up your nose and get down with secondhand.
Secondhand belongings can take many forms. Sometimes it’s as simple as waiting for one of your family members to get tired of their belongings and hand them down (this is how I got my blender, coffee maker, and toaster.) But sometimes you just need to wake up early, and be prepared to peruse several yard sales without finding anything. But for every five yard sales you attend, you’ll probably find something so spectacular that you can get over your exhaustion. Plus you’ll probably pick up about 7429409209 items you don’t actually need.
For instance, last summer I came upon this Cuisnart mini-prep food processor at a yard sale in NW Greensboro. I’d been looking for a food processor for quite some time, and (even though I’m now looking for a much larger one) it’s perfect for small scale cooking experiments.
This food processor retails for between $25-50 on amazon.com. How much did I pay for it? $2. That’s right: Two Freaking Dollars. Yeah, it’s pre-owned. But, hello: if you can buy a car pre-owned, you can buy a food processor. Plus, it’s in near perfect condition.
So anyway, on Saturday I managed to wake up at the crack of dawn and stumble over to a yard sale at Taryn and Zack’s apartment. Taryn and Zack are doing it big post-graduation: they’re dipping out of the GSO and heading for the coast. The west coast, that is. I’m sure they’d love to take all their worldly possessions with them, but 3,000 miles is a long way to carry excess belongings. Hence the yard sale. Now, I’m pretty poor these days, but I felt it was necessary to shell out for some new mixing bowls. Zack and Taryn were hustling some very good condition NESTING** bowls.
I love amazon.com. I really do. But the exact same bowls I bought from Zack and Taryn are on amazon.com for the (fairly low price) of $28.50. How much did I pay for the exact same set of KITCHENAID bowls(yeah, that’s right, no off brand for me)? $3. THREE!
Point being? Don’t be a slave to retail prices. Yes, sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to buy brand new items. But when you’re working with a shoestring, painfully tight budget, don’t be afraid to love it two times.
* I only dumpster dive under very specific circumstances. Usually, it’s not an actual dumpster, but I have been known to help a friend pull a perfectly good futon out of pile of discarded furniture. Actually, it’s more like picking things up off the side of the street, and it’s how I found my awesome coffee table. So suck it.
**Anything which nests (bowls, tables, cups, pans) is a favorite in the Frugal Student household. Saves space and money? Give me some.
In fact, my entire apartment should be called ‘yard sale/Craigslist/thrift store/dumpster dive*.’ Personally, I don’t really believe students should purchase brand new housewares when money is tight. I mean, really, you can find something just as awesome as that Urban Outfitters chaise at a yard sale, or on Craigslist. Or even by dumpster diving*. And while some people might turn up their nose, yard sales are an especially great place to find kitchen necessities which might be a little too pricey for the average frugal student. You see, an adult living on a budget of more than $20 per week can afford things like food processors, blenders, stand mixers, rolling pins, juicers, and other items which make the creation of culinary delights a snap and a half. But for the rest of us who are broke, it’s time to stop turning up your nose and get down with secondhand.
Secondhand belongings can take many forms. Sometimes it’s as simple as waiting for one of your family members to get tired of their belongings and hand them down (this is how I got my blender, coffee maker, and toaster.) But sometimes you just need to wake up early, and be prepared to peruse several yard sales without finding anything. But for every five yard sales you attend, you’ll probably find something so spectacular that you can get over your exhaustion. Plus you’ll probably pick up about 7429409209 items you don’t actually need.
For instance, last summer I came upon this Cuisnart mini-prep food processor at a yard sale in NW Greensboro. I’d been looking for a food processor for quite some time, and (even though I’m now looking for a much larger one) it’s perfect for small scale cooking experiments.
This food processor retails for between $25-50 on amazon.com. How much did I pay for it? $2. That’s right: Two Freaking Dollars. Yeah, it’s pre-owned. But, hello: if you can buy a car pre-owned, you can buy a food processor. Plus, it’s in near perfect condition.
So anyway, on Saturday I managed to wake up at the crack of dawn and stumble over to a yard sale at Taryn and Zack’s apartment. Taryn and Zack are doing it big post-graduation: they’re dipping out of the GSO and heading for the coast. The west coast, that is. I’m sure they’d love to take all their worldly possessions with them, but 3,000 miles is a long way to carry excess belongings. Hence the yard sale. Now, I’m pretty poor these days, but I felt it was necessary to shell out for some new mixing bowls. Zack and Taryn were hustling some very good condition NESTING** bowls.
Point being? Don’t be a slave to retail prices. Yes, sometimes it’s absolutely necessary to buy brand new items. But when you’re working with a shoestring, painfully tight budget, don’t be afraid to love it two times.
* I only dumpster dive under very specific circumstances. Usually, it’s not an actual dumpster, but I have been known to help a friend pull a perfectly good futon out of pile of discarded furniture. Actually, it’s more like picking things up off the side of the street, and it’s how I found my awesome coffee table. So suck it.
**Anything which nests (bowls, tables, cups, pans) is a favorite in the Frugal Student household. Saves space and money? Give me some.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Spice Up Your Life (Look, I Couldn't Resist An Obvious Opportunity to Quote The Spice Girls)
I know what you’re thinking: this chick spews some really inspirational stuff about getting her act together and trying not to fail at blogging then what does she do? She goes completely M.I.A. on the internet. Whatsupwiththat? Someone needs to give this girl a kick in the ass!
Ok, but here’s the deal. I was eaten by the academic student monster. Have you heard of this terror? It chases students mercilessly from dawn till dusk, and then when they least expect it (usually while they’re taking a teensy break to peruse blogs and watch old episodes of Glee) it snaps them up, chews them up, and spits them back it out in some lonely corner of an ancient library. In my case, the library was dim, lonely, and led to periods of slight insanity. I didn’t see my friends for weeks, and the only people I regularly conversed with were the security guards who were either
A. kicking me out of the magna-computer lab or
B. catching me in the act of “borrowing books with the intent of return but without a library card” because my library card was both physically shredded (yeah I read books THAT frequently) and maxed out.
Pretty much, I’ve been to hell and back since last we spoke. But then, last Friday, a freaking miracle occurred:
I graduated! That’s right, your frugal student is no longer a frugal undergrad. True, I am starting graduate school in the fall. But for the time being I can relish in my lack of homework and the fact that studying until the wee hours of the morning can be just a not oft-thought of nightmare (which will promptly resume in the fall. Wait, what’s my point?)
However, in the last few weeks there have been several culinary improvements to both the frugal student and her home, many of which came courtesy of very generous graduation donations to the “Jessamyn is so poor she may need to move into a tent“ foundation. Seriously, if you are reading this right now and you are one of my prized donors, please know that I could never tell you how grateful I am for what you’ve given. This also goes to everyone who sent greeting cards, gifts, or physical support. I love you so much, my heart could truly explode from all the love it’s emitting.
First thing on the list of things I needed: groceries. Because I’ve got to tell you, this girl’s pantry/fridge was looking bleak. But this wasn’t your average grocery trip: in honor of graduation, I decided to take a trip out of my hometown and drive 45 minutes to the mecca of frugal healthy eaters. That’s right, kids: I drove to Trader Joes.
In the mean time, I will continue to make treks to the far reaches of North Carolina in search of fresh ingredients at an even fresher price. Among typical Frugal Student pantry staples, I bought a couple of new items I’ve been itching to try.
1. Soba noodles
Still on the fence about these. I did really enjoy them (by that I mean, I had difficulty telling the difference between buckwheat noodles and my usual whole wheat), but the texture/visual effect left much to the imagination. I probably overcooked them, but mine came out looking less like the package and more like “How To Eat Fried Worms: The Sequel.” Also, I ate them with palak paneer and tofu, and the visual effect was kind of startling.
2. Artichokes
And yes, I’ve eaten artichokes before. I’ve even cooked them. But have I ever tackled a full globe artichoke in its rawest form? The time has come, the walrus said. Later this week I’m going to go all Julie and Julia in my kitchen, and make my own personal take on artichokes with dipping sauce.
3. Whole-wheat Couscous
Ok, I’m officially a convert to the church of couscous. Really, this is god’s gift to pasta addicts. Unbelievably filling yet you’ve only eaten a tiny quantity? Um, sign me up.
Now while there were many awesome gastronomical findings at Trader Joes, my real ‘AHA’ moment came this morning at Deep Roots Market in Greensboro, NC.
Deep Roots is an owner-based co-op located here in the green burro which sells a variety of natural foods, and many locally produced delicious bites. They also have really fresh produce, and they carry some of my favorite local vendors like Goat Lady Dairy, Zaytoon, and Totally Nuts! I could do an entire blog about how Deep Roots is changing the fabric of Greensboro, and one of these days I’ll get around to telling you guys about just how awesome these individual companies are, but for right now I need to alert you to a way your local co-op can save you major, MAJOR green.
Now I know, when hearing about something you should buy at a health food store, you automatically think it’s going to be expensive. And I’m not going to lie: some things in your local health food store are FREAKING EXPENSIVE (even when they are worth the money), and are totally out of some price ranges (like, say, the Frugal Student’s price range.) But one thing that’s not expensive are spices.
Now I’m willing to admit that not every student is trying to retool and/or recreate every recipe they see on the food network (not YET, anyway.) Therefore, not everyone needs to have a fully stocked spice rack at all times. But let’s say you read about this really delicious recipe. You have been dying to try this recipe for ions, and now that school’s out, you’re going to pull out the baking sheet/stockpot/hand mixer your mom bought (or re-gifted) you for Ayya-Miha (or ChristmaHannaKwanzakah, as the case may be) and make it happen. You notice that you need a few ingredients, and so you grab your wallet, jump in the car, and head over to the nearest mega-grocery store.
However, upon entry to the spice aisle, your mind goes into a tailspin. How can a teensy bottle of cumin cost upward of $4? Not to mention that the recipe only called for ½ teaspoon. Before you know it, you’ve scrapped your recipe in favor of a DiGiorno pizza 2 for 1 deal, and you’re vegged out on the couch before anyone can say “Ninja Turtles.”
While I do enjoy some of these $4 per spice companies (*cough* MCCORMICKS *cough*), there is no need for you to fall prey to the proverbial seasoning company pusher man. Here’s what you do: go to your local co-op and buy your spices from bulk sellers. When the spices only average at $1.50/ounce, you can get every spice your heart desires without having a conniption fit.
For instance, today I bought:
-bay leaves
-chili powder
-cardamom
-coriander
-Herbes de Provence
-turmeric
The grand total? 5.10. No, really. FIVE DOLLARS AND TEN CENTS. Yes, that includes tax. It also includes the sea salt and grits I bought. The savings to be had at the co-op are extreme, my friend. Now, as I’m on the verge of moving out of my urban abode and my kitchen storage space leaves a lot to the imagination, most of my spices stay in the little plastic baggies I put them in at the store. But if you’re looking for cheap spice containers, check out ikea: they have great deals on perfect spice sized containers, some of which can be easily magnetized and put on the wall nearest your stove for easy access.
For another take on the spice/cost equation, check out at Aleta at Omnomicon's take on this same issue: How To Buy Spices.
If you don’t know where your nearest co-op is, check out organicconsumers.org or http://www.ncga.coop, two sites which will point you in the right direction. Supporting your local co-op is an awesome way to keep money in the local economy, which is a FANTASTIC way for individuals to help boost the national economy out of its comatose state.
Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a bowl of couscous in my kitchen and it’s screaming my name. I’m telling you, man, get thee to a grocery store and try this ish immediately.
Ok, but here’s the deal. I was eaten by the academic student monster. Have you heard of this terror? It chases students mercilessly from dawn till dusk, and then when they least expect it (usually while they’re taking a teensy break to peruse blogs and watch old episodes of Glee) it snaps them up, chews them up, and spits them back it out in some lonely corner of an ancient library. In my case, the library was dim, lonely, and led to periods of slight insanity. I didn’t see my friends for weeks, and the only people I regularly conversed with were the security guards who were either
A. kicking me out of the magna-computer lab or
B. catching me in the act of “borrowing books with the intent of return but without a library card” because my library card was both physically shredded (yeah I read books THAT frequently) and maxed out.
Pretty much, I’ve been to hell and back since last we spoke. But then, last Friday, a freaking miracle occurred:
I graduated! That’s right, your frugal student is no longer a frugal undergrad. True, I am starting graduate school in the fall. But for the time being I can relish in my lack of homework and the fact that studying until the wee hours of the morning can be just a not oft-thought of nightmare (which will promptly resume in the fall. Wait, what’s my point?)
However, in the last few weeks there have been several culinary improvements to both the frugal student and her home, many of which came courtesy of very generous graduation donations to the “Jessamyn is so poor she may need to move into a tent“ foundation. Seriously, if you are reading this right now and you are one of my prized donors, please know that I could never tell you how grateful I am for what you’ve given. This also goes to everyone who sent greeting cards, gifts, or physical support. I love you so much, my heart could truly explode from all the love it’s emitting.
First thing on the list of things I needed: groceries. Because I’ve got to tell you, this girl’s pantry/fridge was looking bleak. But this wasn’t your average grocery trip: in honor of graduation, I decided to take a trip out of my hometown and drive 45 minutes to the mecca of frugal healthy eaters. That’s right, kids: I drove to Trader Joes.
Now for those of you who haven’t met Joe, Trader Joes is pretty much the best grocery store chain, mmm, in the world. Ok, I’m not going to make that claim as there are several other grocery stores I absolutely adore (I’m looking at you, Whole Foods and Earth Fare.) But as far as merging great prices with unbeatable quality, Trader Joes consistently comes out on top. Which is probably why they don’t have one in my town: to make us triad-ers long and wish for the magnificent day when “Joe” will stroll into town and make all right with our food-addled minds.
In the mean time, I will continue to make treks to the far reaches of North Carolina in search of fresh ingredients at an even fresher price. Among typical Frugal Student pantry staples, I bought a couple of new items I’ve been itching to try.
1. Soba noodles
Still on the fence about these. I did really enjoy them (by that I mean, I had difficulty telling the difference between buckwheat noodles and my usual whole wheat), but the texture/visual effect left much to the imagination. I probably overcooked them, but mine came out looking less like the package and more like “How To Eat Fried Worms: The Sequel.” Also, I ate them with palak paneer and tofu, and the visual effect was kind of startling.
2. Artichokes
And yes, I’ve eaten artichokes before. I’ve even cooked them. But have I ever tackled a full globe artichoke in its rawest form? The time has come, the walrus said. Later this week I’m going to go all Julie and Julia in my kitchen, and make my own personal take on artichokes with dipping sauce.
3. Whole-wheat Couscous
Ok, I’m officially a convert to the church of couscous. Really, this is god’s gift to pasta addicts. Unbelievably filling yet you’ve only eaten a tiny quantity? Um, sign me up.
Now while there were many awesome gastronomical findings at Trader Joes, my real ‘AHA’ moment came this morning at Deep Roots Market in Greensboro, NC.
Deep Roots is an owner-based co-op located here in the green burro which sells a variety of natural foods, and many locally produced delicious bites. They also have really fresh produce, and they carry some of my favorite local vendors like Goat Lady Dairy, Zaytoon, and Totally Nuts! I could do an entire blog about how Deep Roots is changing the fabric of Greensboro, and one of these days I’ll get around to telling you guys about just how awesome these individual companies are, but for right now I need to alert you to a way your local co-op can save you major, MAJOR green.
Now I know, when hearing about something you should buy at a health food store, you automatically think it’s going to be expensive. And I’m not going to lie: some things in your local health food store are FREAKING EXPENSIVE (even when they are worth the money), and are totally out of some price ranges (like, say, the Frugal Student’s price range.) But one thing that’s not expensive are spices.
Now I’m willing to admit that not every student is trying to retool and/or recreate every recipe they see on the food network (not YET, anyway.) Therefore, not everyone needs to have a fully stocked spice rack at all times. But let’s say you read about this really delicious recipe. You have been dying to try this recipe for ions, and now that school’s out, you’re going to pull out the baking sheet/stockpot/hand mixer your mom bought (or re-gifted) you for Ayya-Miha (or ChristmaHannaKwanzakah, as the case may be) and make it happen. You notice that you need a few ingredients, and so you grab your wallet, jump in the car, and head over to the nearest mega-grocery store.
However, upon entry to the spice aisle, your mind goes into a tailspin. How can a teensy bottle of cumin cost upward of $4? Not to mention that the recipe only called for ½ teaspoon. Before you know it, you’ve scrapped your recipe in favor of a DiGiorno pizza 2 for 1 deal, and you’re vegged out on the couch before anyone can say “Ninja Turtles.”
While I do enjoy some of these $4 per spice companies (*cough* MCCORMICKS *cough*), there is no need for you to fall prey to the proverbial seasoning company pusher man. Here’s what you do: go to your local co-op and buy your spices from bulk sellers. When the spices only average at $1.50/ounce, you can get every spice your heart desires without having a conniption fit.
For instance, today I bought:
-bay leaves
-chili powder
-cardamom
-coriander
-Herbes de Provence
-turmeric
The grand total? 5.10. No, really. FIVE DOLLARS AND TEN CENTS. Yes, that includes tax. It also includes the sea salt and grits I bought. The savings to be had at the co-op are extreme, my friend. Now, as I’m on the verge of moving out of my urban abode and my kitchen storage space leaves a lot to the imagination, most of my spices stay in the little plastic baggies I put them in at the store. But if you’re looking for cheap spice containers, check out ikea: they have great deals on perfect spice sized containers, some of which can be easily magnetized and put on the wall nearest your stove for easy access.
For another take on the spice/cost equation, check out at Aleta at Omnomicon's take on this same issue: How To Buy Spices.
If you don’t know where your nearest co-op is, check out organicconsumers.org or http://www.ncga.coop, two sites which will point you in the right direction. Supporting your local co-op is an awesome way to keep money in the local economy, which is a FANTASTIC way for individuals to help boost the national economy out of its comatose state.
Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a bowl of couscous in my kitchen and it’s screaming my name. I’m telling you, man, get thee to a grocery store and try this ish immediately.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Fraternal Twin Love: An Unlikely Match Made In Heaven
Now, before we get "cooking", I feel it's important to note a key detail.
Ever since I was a young warthog I've lived, played, and pranced in the foothills of North Carolina. If you know anything about the Southeastern region of the United States then you probably know eating is considered a sacred art form by most Southerners. This may be the bible belt but the most important place of worship is the United Church of Collard Greens.
However, though my extended family bleeds shrimp and grits, my mother is our family's ultimate black sheep. She's a vegetarian with raw foodist sympathies who loves to cook- therefore, she's spawned a meat eater with vegetarian sympathies who loves to trick her friends into eating soy protein and cauliflower. This paired with a re-dedication to Weight Watchers means all of my cooking is really just an attempt to blend my fraternal twin loves: deep fried down home cookery and heart healthy eating. Seems impossible, right? The thing is, I really don't think it's a true stretch of the imagination. There are many cooking styles and ingredients which can be both homey and decadent while not breaking the metaphorical caloric bank.
Here comes the ultimate conundrum: how the hell does one not break the metaphorical caloric bank while still not breaking the totally NOT METAPHORICAL bank? The answer? I'm still trying to find an answer to this question which doesn't make me and my wallet the final punchline. Even more troubling? Trying to make eating healthy and on the cheap not break the ever present morality bank (for those of you who don't know, Wal-Mart might actually be evil. And not just because there's only ever one cash register open.)
My ultimate recipe? Finding the perfect mix of healthy eating which is tasty and accessible for all taste buds and economic profiles.
Ever since I was a young warthog I've lived, played, and pranced in the foothills of North Carolina. If you know anything about the Southeastern region of the United States then you probably know eating is considered a sacred art form by most Southerners. This may be the bible belt but the most important place of worship is the United Church of Collard Greens.
However, though my extended family bleeds shrimp and grits, my mother is our family's ultimate black sheep. She's a vegetarian with raw foodist sympathies who loves to cook- therefore, she's spawned a meat eater with vegetarian sympathies who loves to trick her friends into eating soy protein and cauliflower. This paired with a re-dedication to Weight Watchers means all of my cooking is really just an attempt to blend my fraternal twin loves: deep fried down home cookery and heart healthy eating. Seems impossible, right? The thing is, I really don't think it's a true stretch of the imagination. There are many cooking styles and ingredients which can be both homey and decadent while not breaking the metaphorical caloric bank.
Here comes the ultimate conundrum: how the hell does one not break the metaphorical caloric bank while still not breaking the totally NOT METAPHORICAL bank? The answer? I'm still trying to find an answer to this question which doesn't make me and my wallet the final punchline. Even more troubling? Trying to make eating healthy and on the cheap not break the ever present morality bank (for those of you who don't know, Wal-Mart might actually be evil. And not just because there's only ever one cash register open.)
My ultimate recipe? Finding the perfect mix of healthy eating which is tasty and accessible for all taste buds and economic profiles.
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