This week, the theme is largely "use it up". Even though we've had to live on our $161 a month in food stamps, plus what we get on WIC, for a while, this is the first time in a really, really long time (like ever) that there is no backup at all. If I go over even a couple bucks, we are out of luck, because we just don't have the couple bucks to spare. (The sick and twisted part of me thinks that would make it an excellent time for a "food stamp challenge" because I can't "cheat" and spend a bit more, like closer to what the "average" family of 5 would get on food stamps, which is what the vast majority of food stamp challenges use as their limit. More on that soon? Maybe?) That breaks down to $38 a week to feed 5 people, 6 when my bottomless pit of a twelve year old son is around for the holidays. I really, really hope they up that number soon, just for my sanity, if not because we actually can't get by without it!
Monday: Thanksgiving leftovers (from my family's dinner on Friday)
Tuesday: turkeyherder's pie (last of the leftovers from Friday's dinner)
Wednesday: pasties (I have some rutabaga, onions, and carrots that really need using up, so no more putting this off!)
Thursday: broccoli, cheddar, and potato soup (need to make bread, so why not make bread bowls at the same time?)
Friday: meatballs in venison gravy on rice with green beans on the side
Saturday: homemade pizza (????? This would involve attempting to make mozzarella for the first time most likely as well as finding a pizza crust recipe that looks promising, so I might just serve up nachos instead if that fails or if I chicken out)
Sunday: creamy turkey & rice casserole
Mozza is the most forgiving cheese you'll ever make, it's an AMAZING science lesson for kids, and the stuff left over? You make it into ricotta which tastes an awful like whipped cream but is WAY better for you. You can make it with whole milk, pasteurized milk, half and half, whatever. It's easier with animal rennet than veggie rennet, but regardless, it's still easy. It's sort of like pulling taffy (*grin*). Also, if you want to get really adventurous you can look up online how to smoke it, giving it an incredible flavor.
ReplyDeleteI admit, I cheat and buy pizza crust mix at the store (but at 99cents for two crusts large enough to feed our family of five, I figure that's not too bad).
I wish there was more I could do for you :(
Have you talked with your caseworker? You should be able to get the amount of food stamps increased now that your husband is no longer bringing in a wage. Even a temporary increase will be very helpful, and you can still limit yourself to $161/month and use the extra to stockpile basics like flour, sugar, herbs and other seasonings.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to your food stamp challenge!