Best painless "stretching things" budget tips?

[BuzzPrincessMom]

Try looking up JJNissen. They seem to have a ton of outlets around here.

Is the Pepperidge Farm outlet still in Kittery. Before mine closed in Nashua I would get loves of bread for $1. I miss that place. I will try JJ Nissen though

 

[abish19]

I really like the color-coding idea! We're constantly going through towels and glasses. Might as well make life easier and save myself some washing!

I can always use more frugal ideas. Keep them coming!

 

[CobraBubbles]

This was a tip that my mom got from Chef Ramsey on BBC. It's the way he makes broccoli soup and it was delicious and simple!

We made it and I have been craving it ever since!

Basically boil some broccoli in water (we just used frozen broccoli -- the kind you can get for like $1, but for a few bowls you might need a couple bags) When it is cooked strain out the broccoli and put it in a blender (what we used) or I suppose a food processor. Add some of the water you boiled the broccoli in and pulse until chunky and soup-like (however you like it I suppose).

That's it!

I added some cheddar cheese and salt, right in the bowl. DH like pepper and Parmesan. You didn't have to add the cheese but it was soooo good. Seriously better than any broccoli cheese soup I've had at restaurants and relatively good for you as you know exactly what's in it.

Also, super cheap with a salad and some bread for dinner, or half a sandwich!

 

[Mermaid02]

This was a tip that my mom got from Chef Ramsey on BBC. It's the way he makes broccoli soup and it was delicious and simple!

We made it and I have been craving it ever since!

Basically boil some broccoli in water (we just used frozen broccoli -- the kind you can get for like $1, but for a few bowls you might need a couple bags) When it is cooked strain out the broccoli and put it in a blender (what we used) or I suppose a food processor. Add some of the water you boiled the broccoli in and pulse until chunky and soup-like (however you like it I suppose).

That's it!

I added some cheddar cheese and salt, right in the bowl. DH like pepper and Parmesan. You didn't have to add the cheese but it was soooo good. Seriously better than any broccoli cheese soup I've had at restaurants and relatively good for you as you know exactly what's in it.

Also, super cheap with a salad and some bread for dinner, or half a sandwich!

I think I'll do this for dinner tonight! Thanks!

 

[Rogue26]

I have a question for those of you who make your own laundry detergent. I grated the fels naptha yesterday, but it took forever. I used the grater side that left it powdery. I'm wondering if I could have used the next size up. I guess what I'm asking is what size are your gratings?

Still trying to contribute a money saving tip, but you all have me beat.

 

[happycampers]

I have a question for those of you who make your own laundry detergent. I grated the fels naptha yesterday, but it took forever. I used the grater side that left it powdery. I'm wondering if I could have used the next size up. I guess what I'm asking is what size are your gratings?

Still trying to contribute a money saving tip, but you all have me beat.

I use the grater in my food processor first. Then I use the regular blade to combine all the ingredients. By the time the bar soap has been through both blades, it is pretty powdery. I think that helps it dissolve better.

 

[wovenwonder]

This was a tip that my mom got from Chef Ramsey on BBC. It's the way he makes broccoli soup and it was delicious and simple!

We made it and I have been craving it ever since!

Basically boil some broccoli in water (we just used frozen broccoli -- the kind you can get for like $1, but for a few bowls you might need a couple bags) When it is cooked strain out the broccoli and put it in a blender (what we used) or I suppose a food processor. Add some of the water you boiled the broccoli in and pulse until chunky and soup-like (however you like it I suppose).

That's it!

I added some cheddar cheese and salt, right in the bowl. DH like pepper and Parmesan. You didn't have to add the cheese but it was soooo good. Seriously better than any broccoli cheese soup I've had at restaurants and relatively good for you as you know exactly what's in it.

Also, super cheap with a salad and some bread for dinner, or half a sandwich!

I do this but boil the broccoli in chicken broth or add some chicken bouillon to my water if I don't have broth on hand.

Even better -- buy the stalks of broccoli FRESH. Cut up the entire thing - stalks and all. Keep the florets to the side when you pulse the stalks and a little broth in the blender. Stir in the florets when you are finished for a heartier soup. This works great for cream of cauliflower and also cream of asparagus too.

 

[MEM]

I have a question for those of you who make your own laundry detergent. I grated the fels naptha yesterday, but it took forever. I used the grater side that left it powdery. I'm wondering if I could have used the next size up. I guess what I'm asking is what size are your gratings?

Still trying to contribute a money saving tip, but you all have me beat.

I use the finest side of my box grater and I use Kirk's castile soap rather than Fels. DD12 does the grating while she watches TV and it takes her about 20 minutes to do 2 bars of soap.

 

[pampam]

I do this but boil the broccoli in chicken broth or add some chicken bouillon to my water if I don't have broth on hand.

Even better -- buy the stalks of broccoli FRESH. Cut up the entire thing - stalks and all. Keep the florets to the side when you pulse the stalks and a little broth in the blender. Stir in the florets when you are finished for a heartier soup. This works great for cream of cauliflower and also cream of asparagus too.

Thanks for the ideas. Now I know what I'll make for lunch. Only it will be celery soup. Of course I won't call it cream of celery, since I won't be adding any milk or cream to it. I suppose I could, but I will just sprinkle on some cheese on top instead. Yum, yum

 

[Mermaid02]

I use the grater in my food processor first. Then I use the regular blade to combine all the ingredients. By the time the bar soap has been through both blades, it is pretty powdery. I think that helps it dissolve better.

This is what I do too- I also use the Kirk's soap- I can't stand the smell of Fels Naptha!

I do this but boil the broccoli in chicken broth or add some chicken bouillon to my water if I don't have broth on hand.

Even better -- buy the stalks of broccoli FRESH. Cut up the entire thing - stalks and all. Keep the florets to the side when you pulse the stalks and a little broth in the blender. Stir in the florets when you are finished for a heartier soup. This works great for cream of cauliflower and also cream of asparagus too.

I'm going to use chicken stock! Thanks for the idea! I can hardly wait until dinner tonight!

 

[CobraBubbles]

I do this but boil the broccoli in chicken broth or add some chicken bouillon to my water if I don't have broth on hand.

Even better -- buy the stalks of broccoli FRESH. Cut up the entire thing - stalks and all. Keep the florets to the side when you pulse the stalks and a little broth in the blender. Stir in the florets when you are finished for a heartier soup. This works great for cream of cauliflower and also cream of asparagus too.

That's a great tip! I think it would definitely add a little something, and can't wait to try it! I am sure fresh would be the best I just used what was on hand.

I've never had cream of anything else but it sounds good

I'm really craving more...but I used up all my broccoli making soup a couple days ago...

 

[Rogue26]

I wanted to use the food proccesor to grate the soap, but I wasn't sure if I would be able to get the soap residue out. I used an old box grater that I don't use anymore. I'm not sure I want to grate the soap with the proccessor, but if I get a new, bigger one that I want I'll be sure to save the old one for my detergent.
The smell was a little stong, but I didn't mind it. It smelled very familiar and I can't place it.
Thanks.

 

[semo233]

I wanted to use the food proccesor to grate the soap, but I wasn't sure if I would be able to get the soap residue out. I used an old box grater that I don't use anymore. I'm not sure I want to grate the soap with the proccessor, but if I get a new, bigger one that I want I'll be sure to save the old one for my detergent.
The smell was a little stong, but I didn't mind it. It smelled very familiar and I can't place it.
Thanks.

I run mine through the dishwasher on the top shelf and have never had a problem with soap residue.

That reminds me....I need to make more too!

 

[Mermaid02]

My soup was awesome! I used fat free chicken broth and made a medium white sauce to thicken it a bit- then added some different cheeses that I had.

 

[wovenwonder]

Another budget way to thicken cream of soups is to use leftover mashed potatoes thinned with regular or canned milk.

 

[Plantlady]

Today, I refilled my swiffer wet jet.

I ran out of the liquid yesterday, and decided I didn't want to spend money on another one. I had some orange floor cleaner, left over from scrubbing my laundry room.

I had to use brute force to get the lid off, but I assure you, it DOES come off. Then, I filled it with a bit of floor cleaner, topped it off with water, and put the lid back on. I tested it for leaks, and there were none.

So, one container of floor cleaner costs about $3 at my local walmart, and it probably refill the wet jet container at least 10 times. This means it will cost 30 cents for each container, as opposed to the $4 per container it costs at the store. And, the lid will not be hard to get off ever again. Very simple way to stretch a dollar!

I've also read that people refill it with vinegar/water.. but i really can't stand the smell of vinegar. That would be even cheaper though.

 

[penguin087]

Today, I refilled my swiffer wet jet.

I ran out of the liquid yesterday, and decided I didn't want to spend money on another one. I had some orange floor cleaner, left over from scrubbing my laundry room.

I had to use brute force to get the lid off, but I assure you, it DOES come off. Then, I filled it with a bit of floor cleaner, topped it off with water, and put the lid back on. I tested it for leaks, and there were none.

So, one container of floor cleaner costs about $3 at my local walmart, and it probably refill the wet jet container at least 10 times. This means it will cost 30 cents for each container, as opposed to the $4 per container it costs at the store. And, the lid will not be hard to get off ever again. Very simple way to stretch a dollar!

I've also read that people refill it with vinegar/water.. but i really can't stand the smell of vinegar. That would be even cheaper though.

Did it twist off or pry off? Mine is almost empty. My husband just commented that that is the only cleaning gadget we have that actually works well. I said yeah but the refills are too expensive and I'm not buying them anymore. Now I'm going to give him the task of getting the top off it one piece!

 

[lttlmc3]

Today, I refilled my swiffer wet jet.

I ran out of the liquid yesterday, and decided I didn't want to spend money on another one. I had some orange floor cleaner, left over from scrubbing my laundry room.

I had to use brute force to get the lid off, but I assure you, it DOES come off. Then, I filled it with a bit of floor cleaner, topped it off with water, and put the lid back on. I tested it for leaks, and there were none.

So, one container of floor cleaner costs about $3 at my local walmart, and it probably refill the wet jet container at least 10 times. This means it will cost 30 cents for each container, as opposed to the $4 per container it costs at the store. And, the lid will not be hard to get off ever again. Very simple way to stretch a dollar!

I've also read that people refill it with vinegar/water.. but i really can't stand the smell of vinegar. That would be even cheaper though.

That's actually a really good idea.

 

[Plantlady]

Did it twist off or pry off? Mine is almost empty. My husband just commented that that is the only cleaning gadget we have that actually works well. I said yeah but the refills are too expensive and I'm not buying them anymore. Now I'm going to give him the task of getting the top off it one piece!

It twisted off. BUT, there are tiny pieces of plastic inside.. that stop it from twisting.. I took a knife, and broke them off. If you look at the inside of the cap, as you twist.. it will make sense. I was going to use pliers, but they weren't big enough.

Anyway, it does twist off, in one piece.

 

[hhartill]

Did someone on this board tell us how to make soup from a bag of frozen veggies? Please help!