Freezer Cooking News from Nanci

Where is the summer going? It happens the same way every year and yet every year it takes me by surprise. Seems like once the 4th of July comes and goes there is a counter going off in the back of my head.

So it’s time to kick things into gear and get that “to do” list pared down. I have already cleaned out closets, hauled bags to Goodwill, hosted several kid sleepovers, read 9 books, shopped for and purchased two used cars, defrosted my big freezer, taken my kids to Indiana Beach, attended a college registration weekend, tackled the maze of college funding for 2 kids, started paying all of my bills online, and updated our insurance and investments.

After all of that, it’s amazing that there is still so much left to do. Doctor and dentist appointments, that back-to-school cooking day, back-to-school supply shopping, and classes to prepare for. Oh – and there’s still that 20 lbs. that I was going to lose this summer. Ha!

As a part of my on again, off again diet plan (can anyone relate?) I have tested several low carb recipes. Here’s one that I just love. The spinach and cream cheese filling tastes great and you really don’t miss the pasta at all. Since I am really the only low carb eater in my household (and the only one who weighs more than 150 lbs.) I generally freeze my low carb foods in individual portions that I can take to school or eat while the rest of the family is enjoying their layers of noodles.

Click here to view/print a recipe for Low Carb Spinach Lasagna!

After last month’s frozen salad recipes, I heard from a woman who only lives about 10 miles from me. She emailed a frozen salad that sounded wonderful. I tried it and made a few adaptations. Thanks, Denise.

Click here to view/print a recipe for Pretty as Pink Frozen Salad!

Company and Website News

Last month I mentioned that we had been contacted by Mary Hunt’s people at www.debtproofliving.com. They have begun purchasing manuals from us to sell on their website. Mary has lots of great info there about all things finance related. Check it out. I especially like to click on the “Everyday Cheapskate” link on the left which links to Mary’s newspaper columns. The “Browse Tips” link takes you to reader tips for saving money.

One of my summer goals has been to get all of our finances “online”. Since Bob turns 50 next month, we have begun to get mail from the AARP. Ha – now that’s a wake up call! I have become more vigorous about our retirement savings while at the same time figuring out how to put 4 children through college. Since everything in the budget is “up for grabs” I am taking a look at how much money we are spending on food. According to an article on The Motley Fool website, “the average American household in 2003 spent an average of $3,129 on food at home and $2,211 on eating out, for a grand total of $5,340.” Wow! The article goes on to encourage us to eat less, save money and put that money toward our retirement.

I’ve been giving that idea a lot of thought.

Closing Comments

Enjoy the rest of your summer! I still hope to fit a big cooking day in before school starts! Why not join me?

         Nanci