Some Thrifty Creativity

Josh and I have been on a drive lately of using every item of food we have and not letting anything go to waste if we can help it. (Let me just say that a tight budget can really draw out your thriftiness and creativity :)). When we find ourselves here, I surround myself even more with those simple things that bring me pleasure and Josh really works his magic in the kitchen. We are always pleasantly surprised what fun we have with a little extra effort and imagination.

This week our "thrifty creativity" meant using left-overs to make a whole new creation:

Left-Over Potato Soup Cakes

Potato soup,or any soup for that matter, is very budget friendly as it can be stretched for several meals (we got at least 5) and can be made into yummy cakes!

First, find a willing sous chef as there is lots of "misking" to be done

Take:

*1-2 servings left-over soup (2-3C) and add 1.5C flour (we used whole wheat)

*Add 3 tsp baking powder

*Mix well

*Add 4 oz crumbled goat cheese (or available cheese)

*1/2- 3/4C milk, for consistency (think pancake batter)

*Tasting your ingredients is a must

*Fold in cheese

*2 tbs fresh chives

*1/4C chopped spinach (or other greens in fridge)

*1 helper to make sure it is all to her liking

*Stir in chives and spinach

Proceed like cooking pancakes:

*Medium heat skillet

*1 tbs oil

*Scoop 1/2C batter and spread to 1/4" thickness on skillet

*Cook cake until browned on each side (about 2-3 min each)

*Plate with small bunch of fresh basil to take cake up a notch
*Serve in bed with favorite disney movie

Orange, Clove, Rosemary Potpourri

If I close my eyes and breath in deep the scent of orange peel, cloves, and rosemary, I can imagine brisk winds outside and wooly scarves to keep me warm, bright reds and deep oranges falling from the trees, crackling fires.

*3 orange peels
*1 sprig fresh rosemary
*1 Tbs cloves
*Fill pot with water to cover
*Turn burner on low
*Close your eyes and breath in the warm and inviting scents of fall
*Potpourri can be stored in fridge and pulled out to enjoy over the next week

Indian Fries

As Josh was preparing the potato soup at the beginning of the week, he peeled the skins off 4 potatoes with knife about 1" thick
In bowl, mix together:
*1/4C olive oil
*Tbs of each: tumeric, coriander, cumin
*Tsp paprika
*2 tsp garlic powder
*Tsp onion powder
*1/8C parmesan cheese
*Add potato skin and mix skins and spices by hand
*Lay out single layer of fries skin down on cookie sheet
*Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 min