Homemade Yogurt--More Info

I have been experimenting with homemade yogurt for a few weeks now. I am satisfied with the results but am always looking for more information to improve my technique and product. Will be adding the information from the following two articles to my repertoire.

• WHY YOGURT?
• Flavored Yogurt Flair

Here's a nice article concerning the use of yogurt in the kitchen

Update: Homemade Yogurt

If you remember last night I made my first attempt at homemade yogurt. It has been a success, I highly recommend the recipe I followed.

Some points to consider based on my initial experience:

• would like a thicker yogurt so will be adding 1/4c. more powdered milk
• this is an "unsweetened" yogurt have been adding a bit of honey to each serving
• do not need such a large container of yogurt as my starter,,,will have to make quark cheese out of extra,,,duh!!!
• I used whole milk
• my incubation time was about 3 1/2 hrs which made a nice mild flavor, may up that to 4 hours
• would like to figure out how to make different flavors,,,going to try chocolate tonight buy adding some sugar and cocoa

Overall I am pleased. My goal is to make a batch of yogurt every week.

Homemade Yogurt

Tonight I am going to give this recipe a whirl. I am currently at the incubation stage which will last between 3-5 hours so I will have to update this on Friday at some point and let you know how it turns out.

I really have high hopes for this "experiment" as yogurt is a favorite food but the cost is a bit high. The health benefits (for me personally) of consuming yogurt far out weigh the cost, in my opinion. By making homemade the cost will be halved allowing me to eat the two servings I would prefer too eat daily.

As for the quark cheese it will be a revisiting of an old friend, alt ho I did not realize that until I was talking with my partner about my experiment(s). When I lived in Buffalo (about 12 yrs ago) I used to purchase organic yogurt in bulk and drain they whey. I never knew that their was a name to this item it was just something I learned to do as a substitute for cream cheese. I'm looking forward to doing this again.

On a side note: Al tho my partner and I have dis-similar taste in food, she is willing to taste my concoctions. She may not like all of them but at least she tries.

Update--Well it's supposed to be a recipe : /

I been playing in the kitchen again and I think I figured out some ways to use this "recipe" with good results.

I only had this ingredient list to start with--1 lb ground beef--3 c. macaroni--2 TBSP flour--salt--pepper--thyme--1/2 c. water. This is what I created:

• 1-2 TBSP Olive Oil
• 1 c. Pre-cooked Ground Beef
• 1-1 1/2 c. Cooked Rice or 1 pack of Ramen noodles cooked and drained (always save your seasoning packs for later use, they come in handy)
• 1-2 TBSP Onion Soup Mix*** or Beef Bouillon granules or 2 packs seasoning packs from Ramen noodle PLUS 1-2 TBSP Onion Flakes
• Oregano/Salt/Pepper to taste

Heat oil. Add ground beef and rice. Heat through stirring occasionally. Sprinkle onion soup mix over top stir to mix thoroughly. Add oregano/salt/pepper to taste. Continue heating till hot, enjoy!!

OPTIONAL additions:

• 1/2 can corn or
• 1/2 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 c. shredded cheese

This concoction came out really good. Almost like dirty rice.

*** I make my own onion soup mix in bulk will include the recipe in a later post.

Well it's supposed to be a recipe : /

I found another recipe floating around my computer, only problem is it does not look complete. Not sure what I was thinking when I saved this but I'm going to add it to my blog just for curiosity sake and in case I find the article it came from.

As I type this in I'm thinking that this was an easy way to use leftovers, or a quickie recipe. I like to play in my kitchen, cooking being one of my passions, so sometimes I write down recipes or ingredient lists that look good and then experiment. This recipe is for a hamburger skillet meal.

Ingredients I have listed:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 c. macaroni--I'm going to assume that this is cooked pasta, any type I think would work
• 2 TBSP flour
• salt
• pepper
• thyme--going to say 1/4 tsp to start
• 1/2 c. water

I know it's not much to go on but we all have made skillet meals before so this should assemble like all the rest.

I'm always looking for meals such as this, a few ingredients, 1 pan, good food. I'm a big fan of Hamburger Helper, but in trying to save money I am looking for lower cost options.

***Just a personal note: I spent 23 years in the food service industry in various capacities. Having been interested in cooking since I was a child it not unusual for me to just write down ingredients or seasoning combinations to experiment with. Al tho my range of experience runs the gamut I like food that is simple and easy to prepare; it also has to freeze and reheat well.

Sounds Yummy

Found this recipe floating around my desktop. Regretfully I do not remember where it is originally from (my apologies to the author).

MEATBALL STROGANOFF (5 servings)
1 (10 3/4-oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 cup mushrooms, sliced and cooked in butter until soft
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
In medium saucepan, mix together mushroom soup and sour cream. Gently stir in mushrooms and meatballs. Simmer until meatballs are heated through. Serve over hot cooked rice or over egg noodles tossed with melted butter and chopped parsley.

I Wonder if This is Still Possible

I keep this link, and a few others like it, handy just in case of a major disaster. But I wonder if it is still feasible with the way prices have gone up. (Please note that this article was written in 2001 and no update has been done.)

Just for kicks I'm going to do a bit of "research" this weekend when I do my shopping.

UPDATE 8/30/08: I just returned from W****** where I do a majority of my grocery shopping. Based on my findings, this emergency list is not possible at $10 if you have no items in your pantry (ie. an odd can of tuna, or a can of veggies). My cost for this list as written below was $18.30. BUT if you live in an area that sells smaller packaging you may be able pull this off or at least knock a buck or two off the total. (Keep in mind your unit cost will higher but your aiming for total cost.) I will highlight in green were you may be able to cut some costs. Also you may be able to beg, borrow, or steal small scale items like salt/baking soda from family and friends if your situation gets to this point.

Taken from "Surviving on a Budget: $10 Grocery List" By Liss Burnell © 2001.

Shopping List:

• Baking Soda (article has a link to make your own)
• $ .48
• Eggs (assuming 1 dozen/change to 1/2 dozen)
• $1.64
• Flour (assuming 5# bag/some stores may have a smaller convenience store size)
• $1.94
• Fruits (purchase what is on sale--I "purchased" 1-banana, 1-peach, 1-nectarine, 1-apple)
• $1.26
• Hamburger (assuming 1# ground beef)
• $2.43
• Rice or Ramen Noodles(assuming a 1# bag of rice)
• $ .88
• Margarine (assuming 1# sticks)
• $ .68
• Milk (assuming 1/2 gallon/quart or smaller)
• $1.91
• Potatoes (assuming 5# bag-only size available/would definitely look for smaller bag or even go with canned whole potatoes)
• #3.97
• Salt
• $ .33
• Vegetables (assuming canned-1-corn, 1-peas, 1-green bean)
• $1.50
• Tuna (assuming 2 cans)
• $1.28

The Menu: ***Please note: original article has links to these recipes

• Scrambled eggs in a Biscuit
• Fruit Smoothie, Hash Browns
• Muffins, many kinds...
• Pancakes, Fruit
• Potato Pancakes
• Tortilla with scrambled or fried eggs inside
• Donut Muffins
• Rice Pudding
• Tortilla with anything you have on hand in it
• Tomatoes/onions/hamburg etc.
• Shepherds Pie (Hamburger/gravy over mashed potatoes/corn)
• Veggies in gravy over rice
• Baked Potato and Vegetables
• Scalloped Potatoes and Vegetables
• Oven Baked French Fries & Salad
• Vegetable Soup w/ or w/o Rice
• Tuna/ Pea Wiggle (serve over toast or biscuits or saltine crackers)
• Scalloped Potato/Tuna Casserole
• Popovers fill with: tuna pea wiggle recipe or gravy/veggie mix
• Chicken Pot Pie

Will update this over the weekend after completing my research! Items "purchased" will be store band products.

***** Just for reference: an alternative $45 Emergency Menu for 4 to 6. As stated in HHW's article this menu more realistic as it does not assume you have any items already on hand. (Prices used are from 2006).

Have to share this recipe

I found this recipe the other day while searching one of my favorite sites. I was looking for something new to take for my lunch. YUMMY!!

The only changes/additions I have made: 1/2 can of tomatoe paste and 1 extra boullion cube. I used the bacon grease and it adds a nice rich flavor. I have also added 1/4 c. cooked ground beef or 1/3 c. barley which I liked even better than the meat. I increased the water content and just cooked the barley with the lentils.

This is a very easy recipe to make and it tastes great. I get 3-4 nice portions for my lunches at a low cost

Cleaning up some files or something like that

Have been cleaning up my favorites folder trying to finish file transfers from laptop trying to find something, altho now I dont remember what I was looking for in the first place. But I did find these little gems to share:

Preparing Nutritious Meals at Minimal Cost. This PDF file is from the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Published in 1999 it's a bit dated but still has loads of info. This report describes a sample of menus and recipes based on the Thrifty Food Plan (1999). Appendices 4,5 & 6 have menu planner, recipes, and menu lists that may be of some interest.

Thrifty Food Plan,2006, A bit of a "boring" read (for lack of a better word), but some interesting information. Included in this list for a reference point.

Official USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels, April 2008. See also Cost of Food at Home: US Average at Four Cost Levels for archival data.

Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty meals. Recipes and other useful information.

Fun little cookbook

My partner picked up this little cookbook for me. Knowing my affection for ramen noodles and my searching for something new and inexpensive for my lunches. I have tried a few recipes and have enjoyed them; it's a fun little book to have.

Been Learning Something New

Last year I received a $50 gift card for Walden Books. The store in our area is not very well stocked of books I prefer to read. So it was decision time on what to buy.

At the time I was working 2 jobs and did not have time to prepare home cooked food for my partner and I. I had a slower cooker but in the 5 years of owning it I had never used it. I had heard they are fairly easy to use but I had no clue as to how,,,so on a whim I purchased this book:

It was the best purchase I made. I highly suggest this book especially if you are a beginner with a slow cooker. And yes I do know all the negatives surrounding slow cooker meals (ie. use of canned/processed food, bland flavor, etc) but I have been able to improvise to make nice tasting food. The only problem I have discovered is that it's really really hard to sleep smelling good food cooking .

May not be Healthy, but Still My Favorite

What is it you may ask?? It's none other than Ramen noodles. I have been hooked on these since day one. I came accross the following site about a year ago and is one of my favorites when looking for something quick, simple and fairly cheap.

The Official Ramen Homepage

Recipes I have tried,,,

1] Bad-Ass Bacon Ramen
2] Almost Cordon Bleu Ramen
3] Chicken/Shrimp and Bacon Ramen

Recipes to try,,,

1] Broiled Noodles with Pork
2] Hyper Mega Ramen
3] Crunchy Ramen Salad
4] Cluck Cluck Crockpot Ramen
5] Chicago’s Chicken Ramen Noodles
6] Chicken Casserole (well… almost) Ramen

Other Raman sites that may interest you: World Ramen.net, the ramen blog & other goodies, Noodle Son, Journey into the World of Ramen

Yummy

Another family favorite that is fast and simple to make:

2 eggs beaten
2 8 oz frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 can cream celery soup (I prefer Campbell's but you probably could use any brand)
1/2 c. mayonnaise (I use Miracle Whip with great results) 1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 TBSP chopped onion
1/8 tsp worchestershire sauce

Mix the above together in a bowl.

1/2-1 lb cooked diced chicken. Add to mixture and pour into a casserole. Top with either breadcrumbs or cornflakes. Bake 30 minutes @ 350º.

A Household Favorite

Easy and quick recipe to try:

Following is the original recipe as printed--
1 egg beaten
1/4 c. plain bread crumbs
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2" thickness
2 TBSP vegetable oil
1 c ready to use chicken broth
1/4 lb muchrooms, cut in half
1/4 c. shredded Colby-Jack cheese
1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles broken in quarters

Place egg in a shallow dish. Place bread crumbs in another shallow dish and add the seasoning packet from the noodles; mix well. Dip chicken in the egg, then in the bread crumb mixture, coating completely. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink inside. Transfer to a platter and cover to keep warm.

In the same skillet, combine broth, mushrooms, and broken up noodles. Cover 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the noodles are tender. Reduce heat to medium-low and return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the top with cheese, cover, and cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve.

Below are the changes I have made to suit my partners taste and time constraints:
Substitute 1/2 bag frozen broccoli instead of mushrooms (either way this dish is delicious)
You can also use boullion instead of broth
I usually use 2 packs of noodles, and cut the amount of chicken (1 breast instead of 2 depending on the size)
This is also good without the chicken being breaded. I just pan fry the chicken and proceed as normal.
Italian bread crumbs also work well, I just leave out the seasoning packet from the bread crumb mixture.

This recipe is originally from Mr Food's EasyCooking Magazine, what year I can't remember. It will easily feed 2 people. Hope y'all enjoy!!

So Simple It's Awesome

I remember years ago my mom making homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. As I got older there was nothing like the feeling of coming home on the holidays to the smell of fresh baked bread. For as long as I can remember I have tried to duplicate the aroma and the feelings surrounding it; until recently I didn't have any luck.

Altho I am an cook by training with 20+ years in the restaraunt field I can't really bake to save my life. So many times my attempts to make homemade bread have failed; I couldn't even succeed with a bread machine!!

Until I found this recipe BASIC FRUGAL WHITE BREAD.
2 cups warm water
5 T white sugar or honey
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup oil
5-6 cups flour
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water: add yeast. Mix in salt and oil. Work in the flour until dough no longer looks wet. Knead on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, turning to coat dough with oil. Cover and allow to rise until doubles, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Knead again and divide in half. Shape into two loaves and place in well oiled loaf pan. Allow to rise for another hour.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Loaves with be golden brown and sound hollow when done.

This bread recipe as written has a sweeter flavor and is yummy with just butter/margarine on it. A nice thick slice makes great cinnamon toast.

Look What I Made

Actually found this recipe about 9 months ago and fell in love with it. I like to nibble during the day and this also makes a nice take along snack for work. It is very easy to make!!

This recipe is from Frugal Families web-site.

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened 1 c. packed brown sugar 1/4 c. sugar 2 T. honey (I also use karo syrup, makes them cruchier) 1/2 t. vanilla extract 1 egg 1 c. flour 1 t. cinnamon 1/2 t. baking powder 1/4 t. salt 1 1/2 c. quick cooking oats 1 1/4 c. crisp rice cereal (rice krispies) 1 c. chopped nuts 1 c. raisins or chocolate chips, optional (I used the chocolate chips)

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add honey, vanilla and egg; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats, cereal, and nuts. Add raisins or chocolate chips if desired. Press into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until top is slightly browned. Yield 2 dozen.