As we get closer to the end of November, it is slim pickings out in the gardens. Right now, we only have fresh herbs, celery and carrots still growing. I had this idea yesterday, to utilize what I had growing in the gardens to make soup. With the cost of groceries, this is what I am doing to keep my grocery bill down and utilize what is growing outside.
utilize what is growing outside and Gathering ingredients
I already have my onions and garlic that I saved from the summer harvest. I used a jar of corn that I canned in September. The only store bought item that I used was the beef broth, dairy and seasonings. I have not had the beef bones available yet to make homemade beef broth. The beef, we purchase in bulk from a local farm.
I went out to the garden and harvested both the celery and carrots. My carrots are hilariously small. We have clay soil, so I never get large carrots. Regardless, I grabbed a handful and brought them inside. Cleaned them up and had more than enough to use in our soup. I could have also cut up some Thyme and Rosemary from the garden to add to the soup, to provide good flavor.
Baking fresh bread
To pair with my soup, I decided to pull out my bread machine. Threw the ingredients all into the basket and set it to bake. 3 hours later, we had a beautiful loaf of fresh bread to eat with our soup. Yes, I do make lots of bread by hand, but it is so nice sometimes to utilize the bread machine.
Utilize what is growing outside
For the next couple of weeks, my meal plans will contain a lot of carrots, celery and herbs. We will be trying to use up everything that is out there so it does not go to waste. I might even see if I have enough carrots to can. That ways it is shelf stable and then we can add it to soups, casseroles and roasts later this winter.
Before you go to the store
With how high inflation is and the cost of groceries is ridiculous, it is important that we try to keep our costs down and utilize what we have already at the house. Before you go to the store, take an inventory of what you have inside your house and if you have a garden, don’t forget to use what you still have outside. It will make your list smaller and help keep your grocery cost down. Pinterest is a great resource to look up new recipes to help you use the ingredients that you have on hand. I use Pinterest often when I get in a rut or have specific ingredients to use. We also have a wide variety of cookbooks to look through.
While at the store, stick to your list. If that is hard for you, give yourself grace. Possibly give yourself permission to get one or two items that is not on your list. That way you do not feel deprived and left out. It will help you stay on track.
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