Table Talk: April 15

Eating well without breaking the bank

By Kim O'Donnel

April 13, 2010

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Last week, the chat topic here on Table Talk was tempeh and tofu; this week, it’s eating well through tax time — in short, eating well without breaking the bank.

This cheap-eats chat happened right here on Thursday, April 15, at 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Every week, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her live chats — right here at Table Talk, most Thursdays.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - April 15, 2010

(04/15/2010)

  

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9:50	Kim ODonnel:  Happy Tax Day! Now who wants to talk cheap? Belly up to the counter for an hour of chitter chatter about eating & cooking on a budget. It all starts at the top of the hour. Thursday April 15, 2010 9:50 Kim ODonnel

10:04

Kim ODonnel:  Hiya folks. Hope you're all well. Cloudy and cool here in Seattle. Today is Tax Day and also the day of a huge volcanic explosion in Iceland that's grounding air travel in much of Europe. Seems like a good day to stay put, reflect, maybe do a little cooking on a little bit of money. Let's talk tricks & tips that have saved the day -- food shopping, cooking, storage, tools & equipment. What do you do to ease the kitchen wallet? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:04 Kim ODonnel

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  A few of my go-to cheap vittles: Beans, canned or dried. Even if you buy fancier heirloom beans at $5 or $6 a bag, you're still getting a huge bargain, as 1 or 2 cups of beans makes 6 servings or more. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  And there are eggs: And again, even paying $5 a dozen at the farm market is a bargain. What else can you eat for less than 50 cents per serving? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:07

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  What fun - I'm finally able to be here during chat time and the topic is timely to our lives. We've just started trying to feed the two of us on about $70/week, just to try it. Menu is leaning toward healthy, vegetarian and fresh, with one big meat meal on the weekends that my guy eats for lunches during the week. Our favorite for saving money is anything quinoa based. We like the flavor and we find it fills us both so that even my guy doesn't miss the meat. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:07 Linear Girl

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Linear, this is an awesome idea. Are you seeing savings? Or too early to tell? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Hi from Utah, Kim! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:09 Linda

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Hi LInda! What's your cheapest trick in the book? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From jodies jodies : ]  Can you make dried beans in advance and then fridge/freeze? I like the idea and am intrigued by Rancho Gordo, but I only eat beans maybe once every 2 weeks, and I like to make things as easy as possible. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:09 jodies

10:10

Kim ODonnel:  Jodies, yes indeed you can cook up beans, then fridge or freeze. It's a great thing to pull out of the freezer when you've run out of ideas for dinner. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  On a similar note, lentils are CHEAP & they need no advance planning/soaking. You can have dinner in about 40 minutes, and it'll cost you just a few bucks, with leftovers for next day. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:11

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  It's too early to tell, but we generally spend about $120-140 so it's a big change. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:11 Linear Girl

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  Are you looking to bake more desserts & treats? Your own bread? These are huge cost cutters. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:12

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  I grew up in southern California when it was rural and everything we wanted was within reach on a tree, it seemed. Walnuts, oranges, lemons, avocado. I learned not to waste a thing. My family canned everything possible, especially the abundant fruit. Have been living elsewhere for 30+ years and have learned to find what's abundant in my area and can or freeze it. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:12 Linda

10:13

Kim ODonnel:  And if you can share the cost of canning jars/supplies with a friend or neighbor, the cost is even lower. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:13 Kim ODonnel

10:13

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Jodies - I make beans and freeze them. Generally I use the frozen beans in something where I'm less concerned with texture. Frozen white beans or garbanzos go into a quick homemade soup. Frozen pintos turn into refried beans. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:13 Linear Girl

10:13

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  We have 5 apple trees, so I dry apple slices, can apple butter and apple sauce. I bought a juicer last fall and it's made it possible for me to save apple juice from the apples I'm steaming down. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:13 Linda

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  Wow, 5 apple trees! What a treat. And homemade apple sauce is one of the easiest things to make. I'll make a batch on the fly for my husband in about 30 minutes, and he laps it up for breakfast. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:15

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  i already eat pretty cheaply, because i love pasta and beans and lentils. what adds up is the CHEESE. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:15 redweather

10:16

Kim ODonnel:  Cheese. Yes indeed, redweather. What other favorite pantry items take a toll on that wallet? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel

10:16

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Yes, I bake my own bread, I love to cook from scratch, and we're not big dessert eaters - except for strawberry rhubarb shortcakes this week. Yum. Another thing I do is roast a chicken about once a month so that I've always got homemade chicken stock. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:16 Linear Girl

10:16

Kim ODonnel:  Kim C.'s hub makes bread for the family at least once a week, and I know they've seen a cost savings on that. Makes a big difference for a family of 4. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel

10:17

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  I bake my own bread. 3 loaves per week of regular bread and 3 loaves of cinnamon bread because my granddaughters love it for breakfast. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:17 Linda

10:17

Kim ODonnel:  Linda, you're on fire! That is inspirational. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:17 Kim ODonnel

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  Growing a few pots of herbs is a big money saver. Rosemary, thyme, parsley. Having these on hands saves big time. Partic. the rosemary & thyme. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:18

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Linda - That's what I'm aiming for, but I'm not there yet. Anyone gardening yet this year? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:18 Linear Girl

10:18

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Wine is the budget breaker at our house. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:18 Linear Girl

10:19

Kim ODonnel:  But what if you were to buy wine by the case, which is often sold at a 10 or 15 percent discount at most supermarkets? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:19 Kim ODonnel

10:20

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  We live about 200 miles from Costco, but we get into the city a couple of times a year and stock up on cheese and other staples. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:20 Linda

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  And then do you freeze the harder cheese? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:20

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  $$$$$$$$ - chocolate and ready-made sweets, raw almonds, ice-cream, yogurt, juices, sometimes produce Thursday April 15, 2010 10:20 redweather

10:21

[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  I too cook with lots of beans and eggs to save money and eat healthfully. Fish is the big budget buster at our house. I try to buy some frozen fish at Costco for better prices, but if anyone else has better tips on how to get fish less expensively, please share! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:21 Guest

10:21

Kim ODonnel:  Guest, where are you located? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel

10:21

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  go fishing! :) Thursday April 15, 2010 10:21 redweather

10:21

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Yes, I'm gardening. We have a terrible problem with deer in the garden, so I'm starting all my plants in my new greenhouse and am going to grow under row covers. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:21 Linda

10:22

Kim ODonnel:  Re: gardening: Having a few pots of lettuce would def. be cheaper than buying at market, but I suppose it all comes down to how big the household is. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel

10:22

Kim ODonnel:  (and how much space you have to grow). Thursday April 15, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel

10:22

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  Sorry, I forgot to put my name in first post (about fish). I'm in Northern VA, near DC--became a fan of yours when you were with the Post. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:22 Guest--Amanda

10:24

Kim ODonnel:  Hi Amanda! Welcome. Fish is surprisingly expensive on that side of the country, given its proximity to so much water. When we moved to Seattle, I couldn't get over how much more affordable seafood is than what I was used to. Anyone on the east coast have some cheap tricks for Amanda? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:24 Kim ODonnel

10:24

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  i've been reading a little bit lately about aquaculture - interesting idea if you have the energy and resources - fish and produce! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:24 redweather

10:25

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  I find I don't have to freeze the cheese. It seems to keep well in the original wrappers in the frig. If I do want to keep cheese I've opened longer, vacuum sealing it seems to work. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:25 Linda

10:25

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I live near Morro Bay, CA, and we've got a great fish market that tells who caught the fish and where. Usually there is something on a good sale and as long as we're willing to try new things we can keep the cost down. Also, I try to treat fish (and meat) like the frosting on the cake - a little goes a long way. I add it into salads and stir fries and such. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:25 Linear Girl

10:25

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  When my kids were home our house was always the hub on the weekends for gatherings of teens and pre-teens. We always had the makings for pizza on hand and the kids made their own, including the crust. We never ordered in. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:25 Linda

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  Pizza is one of my favorite cheap tricks, and such a fun family activity. So gratifying, huge cost savings. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:26

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Our favorite simple meal since we started eating cheaply: Quinoa cakes (cooked quinoa combined with one egg and some pecorino romano and pepper, pan fried in olive oil) with steamed broccoli, fresh sliced tomatoes, with a lemon/olive oil dressing. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:26 Linear Girl

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  Oh I want to hear more about that, Linear! Details, please. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:26

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  Wonder where I could go fishing--I'd be terrified to eat anything that I caught in the Potomac! Re: deer--we have lots in our area, but they don't come near herbs (supposedly because they are too fragrant). I've also heard that planting marigolds near your veggies can keep animals away. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:26 Guest--Amanda

10:27

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Space to grow and time to garden, harvest and cook are problems for the younger generation. Motivation, as well, at times. These difficult economic times are great motivation to be more self sufficient. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:27 Linda

10:27

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I think herbs are great to grow to keep costs down but still have good, fresh flavor. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:27 Linear Girl

10:27

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Ethnic cooking is something I often turn to to save money and improve health benefits. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:27 Linda

10:28

Kim ODonnel:  and going meatless once or twice a week...and when you do eat meat, cooking bigger cuts -- a whole chicken, for ex., -- that can be repurposed over the week. Cheaper cuts of meat -- shanks, shoulder, that can be braised and coaxed into tenderness. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:28 Kim ODonnel

10:28

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  also, Amanda, i read something somewhere about fishermans' CSAs... they might be cheaper if you can find one, but then you have to accept the catch of the day, instead of having a lot of choices Thursday April 15, 2010 10:28 redweather

10:30

Kim ODonnel:  Buying a whole fish is always cheaper per pound, too. Great roasted in the oven or on the grill. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:30 Kim ODonnel

10:30

[Comment From jodies jodies : ]  I'd love to bake my own bread, but I can't find a recipe for 100% whole wheat that seems healthy (without vegetable oils or added fats). Any suggestions? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:30 jodies

10:31

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  Linda--can you give us some of your fave ethnic cooking recipes/meals? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:31 Guest--Amanda

10:31

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Trader Joe's often has acceptable wines in the $5 - 7 range, too. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:31 Linear Girl

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  I bet if we all put our heads together, we'd all come up w/ cheaper ways to cook & still feel nourished and satisfied. The key is getting organized & setting up a structure, as Linear Girl is probably discovering on her $70 for 2/week budget. How can we create these structures in a chaotic life? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:33

[Comment From jodies jodies : ]  I find it easier to be a cheaper eater in the summer when fresh produce can be grown in my (tiny) back yard. I at least get enough lettuces and squashes to last all season, and then I just need a few fillers. Without fresh produce in the winter, my food costs tend to creep up. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:33 jodies

10:33

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  I've found Greek cuisine is probably the most healthy I've encountered. I've had Filipino neighbors who taught me some of their amazingly inexpensive way of cooking. I grew up eating lots of homemade Mexican cooking, so am familiar with stretching meals with beans and potatoes. Anything can be rolled up in a tortilla! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:33 Linda

10:34

Kim ODonnel:  Interesting you mention Greek cookery, Linda. Next month (date TBA) we'll have a Mediterranean-themed chat. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel

10:34

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  What details do you want? Just cook the quinoa normally then fry into cakes. I put two cakes on a plate, topped with a bunch of broccoli and tomato so that it looks pretty and put the lemon dressing all over it. I think arugual would be good with this, too, or green beans, fresh peas, whatever you've got. Lemon dressing and quinoa seem made for each other. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:34 Linear Girl

10:34

Kim ODonnel:  Sounds terrific. I'm gonna try this. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel

10:34

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Here is my basic recipe for homemade bread: Thursday April 15, 2010 10:34 Linda

10:35

Kim ODonnel:  More from LInda on her bread recipe: 3 large loaves 6 cups ap flour now and additional 5 to 6 cups later [...]2/3 cup instant potato flakes 1 T Lecithin 1 T butter 2 tsp gluten 1 tsp dextrose 4 tsp salt 4 T sugar 2/3 cup oat bran 4 1/2 tsp yeast with dry ingredients Mix dry ingredients then add: 2 eggs 4 cups buttermilk, warmed 2 min in microwave Thursday April 15, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel

10:35

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  what is good recipe to cook quinoa, it comes out watery for me and not cooked somehow Thursday April 15, 2010 10:35 sherry

10:36

Kim ODonnel:  Sherry, how much water are you using for 1 cup quinoa? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:36 Kim ODonnel

10:36

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  It's finding the time to be organized, and sticking to things. We blew the budget this week by ordering pizza when I finally finished our taxes Tuesday night. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:36 Linear Girl

10:36

Kim ODonnel:  But that too is important to cut yourself some slack. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:36 Kim ODonnel

10:36

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  2 cups, then simmer 15 min? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:36 sherry

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  2 cups of quinoa will need about 4 cups of water. Simmer for 30 minutes, or more. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  From Linda: Greek: 1 cup Olive Oil juice of 1 Lemon [...]1 0r 2 cloves Garlic, minced or put through press ¼ tsp. White Pepper 1 teaspoon Greek Oregano Use to marinate steak, chicken, pork chops or shrimp. After meat is removed from marinade, marinade may be cooked in microwave and poured over cooked meat. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:38

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  one cup qunoa, then use 2 cups water, simmer for 30..will try that. thank you. rule of thumb how should it look when done? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:38 sherry

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  Cook covered, over low. It may need more than 30 minutes, so check and taste. Will look star-like, or with little tails... Thursday April 15, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:39

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  As important as organization is the EDF framework, employed year round. What do I have and what can I cook? I shop for things we like, have some recipes in mind, and then try to stay flexible for what we feel like. And, yes, definitely have to cut ourselves slack, too, when eating is edging into entertainment or celebration. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:39 Linear Girl

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  I hope to resurrect another EDF challenge, perhaps later in the spring. I've been so bogged down w/ various stages of cookbook editing that havent' been able to plan it. But the framework -- yes, that's key, Linear. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  Finding time to be organized is so crucial, and yet so tough to do. I've been trying use my lunchtime Friday's at work to look through grocery circulars online (while contemplating what I have at home) to prep a meal list and grocery list for the coming week. Then I go shopping Friday evening after work. Then I take a few hours on Saturday or Sunday to prep some of my meal items for during the week--can't premake everything of course, but if I can have a few components of each meal at least partially done, then making dinner each night doesn't seem as daunting (and hence I'm less tempted to just get takeout) Thursday April 15, 2010 10:40 Guest--Amanda

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  Prepping over the weekend is a great strategy -- or even doing the menu planning is a big head start. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From jodies jodies : ]  I find breakfast difficult to do cheaply, as I'm a big fan of cereal and milk (and try to buy natural or organic products). I think with some products, especially organic dairy, where healthy and cheap don't go together (whereas I've found that, recently, organic or local produce isn't much more than other produce). Thursday April 15, 2010 10:41 jodies

10:42

Kim ODonnel:  Cereal is a huge money suck. And making your own granola isn't exactly cheaper. Yes, pick the things that are no-brainer savers, then give yourself a little wiggle room for the things you love & just can't seem to save on. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:42 Kim ODonnel

10:42

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Cheap, flexible categories that can be made with endless variations: omelets and frittatas, tacos, risotto, stir fry, salads (including cooked bits) - what am I missing? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:42 Linear Girl

10:44

Kim ODonnel:  Lentils. Pizza. Fried rice. Pilaf. Pasta (including lasagna), whole roast chicken. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  For breakfast, you can make really healthy good muffins with beans as the base, instead of flour (my hubby and I can't do much white flour and sugar). And we've already said how nice and cheap beans are! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:44 Guest--Amanda

10:44

Kim ODonnel:  Amanda, what kind of flour are you using? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  love making a soup, mushroom and barley a favorite or anything with beans big pot, put in ind. container freeze til needed. to make quinoa patties, use egg or anything to bind? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:44 sherry

10:45

[Comment From Dawn Dawn : ]  I love this chat! I spend money where it counts--on fresh produce and sustainably and humanely raised meat. I also don't buy bread anymore. We're a family of two, and we generally don't eat a lot of sandwiches or toast. If I have a hankering for bread, I make it. I adore Marcy Goldman's recipes, and she has a whole wheat and a white that are perfect for me. I also practice cleaning out the fridge at least once a week. We'll have pasta, pizza, stir-fry, or fajitas with on-hand veggies thrown in. Unfortunately, dear hubby HATES lentils. We do eat a lot of other beans, though. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:45 Dawn

10:46

Kim ODonnel:  Dawn, sounds like you are on a roll. good for you. Re bread: Fun to make rolls or a loaf, and freeze for later. Such a nice treat. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:46 Kim ODonnel

10:46

[Comment From catsluvr catsluvr : ]  Hi Kim, while I am fighting high blood pressure I have found the most delicious garbanzo bean recipe with fire roasted diced tomatoes. So good I could eat it every day but the tomatoes are not low in salt. I am using fresh beans though. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:46 catsluvr

10:47

Kim ODonnel:  Catsluvr, surely you can get low-salt tomatoes (oh, but not fire roasted?) What about adding a little chipotle in adobo sauce w/ low-salt tomatoes? Or a little smoked paprika? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:47 Kim ODonnel

10:47

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I've become a big fan of oatmeal for breakfast (after hating it for 40 years). It's cheaper than cold cereal for me and I can tidy up the house and kitchen while it cooks. I toast pecans while it's cooking, add local honey, dried blueberries and milk. All of the pieces are expensive but they go far in these small amounts. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:47 Linear Girl

10:47

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  white wheat or reg whole wheat mixed with wheat bran/flax is my go to choice for muffins. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:47 sherry

10:48

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  freeze bread in portion slices, good to pull out when only slice or chunk needed Thursday April 15, 2010 10:48 sherry

10:48

[Comment From Guest--Amanda Guest--Amanda : ]  Here is my bean muffin recipe--they are much better warm, fyi. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:48 Guest--Amanda

10:48

Kim ODonnel:  1 can Great Northern or Cannelini beans, drained, rinsed well, drained 4 large [...]eggs 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon Optional: I also added a few grinds of freshly grated nutmeg 1 tsp. vanilla or other extracts 2 T. olive oil 3/4 c. Splenda chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) 1/4 c. almond meal/flour Thursday April 15, 2010 10:48 Kim ODonnel

10:48

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Sherry - I use one egg to a cup of quinoa and a little pecorino romano (or parmesan) to bind. They tend to break a little, so be gently with them. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:48 Linear Girl

10:49

[Comment From catsluvr catsluvr : ]  I have seen my food budget go way down since I started eating bean dishes which I love. Basmati rice, beans, spices, fresh veggies from the farmers market and I am good to go. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:49 catsluvr

10:49

Kim ODonnel:  I'm telling you, Beans are a budget eater's dream, even w/ all the trimmings. And I always feel satisfied. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:49 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  I buy old fashioned oatmeal when the local stores have their case lot sales. Great for breakfast cooking, and can also be used in making bread and cookies. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:50 Linda

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  And I suppose you all know it's a whole lot cheaper to buy spices in bulk -- and buy what you need? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From catsluvr catsluvr : ]  oooh great ideas, I will try that. Thanks Thursday April 15, 2010 10:50 catsluvr

10:51

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I've been wanting to make pilafs - what are some of the things you do? Thursday April 15, 2010 10:51 Linear Girl

10:52

Kim ODonnel:  Linear, possibilities are endless. Barley, bulgur, rice, quinoa...I like to start w/ an onion in a little bit of oil, then toast the grain. Add liquid, cook, THEN add additional flavors -- dried fruit, nuts, herbs, lemon zest, etc. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:52 Kim ODonnel

10:52

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Cooked rice, topped with stir fried veggies and tiny bits of leftover meats, with fresh lemon juice squeezed over it on the plate. The fresh lemon juice really does take the place of added salt. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:52 Linda

10:52

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I also find that sausage and bacon really stretch flavor and make something seem like it's got more meat than it does. A little bacon in a bean and vegetable soup is great, or a link or two of sausage crumbled into a whole pot of risotto. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:52 Linear Girl

10:53

[Comment From catsluvr catsluvr : ]  Hey for anyone who does want bread in the DC area Union Station now has a very small market right outside the door where Border is and the bread man sells the most delicious bread. It is to die for. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:53 catsluvr

10:53

[Comment From catsluvr catsluvr : ]  I have found that buying just what I need from the bulk spices makes all the difference in taste and cost. No more huge bottles from Costco that sit on the shelf and lose flavor. I can buy whole spices and grind them myself - love that Thursday April 15, 2010 10:53 catsluvr

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, a huge difference in taste, thanks for the reminder. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:54

[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Yes, toasting and grinding your own spices makes a world of difference in flavor! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:54 Linda

10:54

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  thank you linear girl, will try them sound wonderful Thursday April 15, 2010 10:54 sherry

10:55

Kim ODonnel:  Next thursday, April 22, is Earth Day. We'll take on cooking and food shopping w/ the environment in mind. I'll be typing to you from Portland, where I'm attending a conference. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:55 Kim ODonnel

10:55

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  You know, our pepper grinder broke last month and I've discovered how much more I like it pounded with sea salt with a mortar and pestle. I never knew I'd notice a difference, but I love it. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:55 Linear Girl

10:56

Kim ODonnel:  Interesting, Linear; our pepper grinder petered out recently as well. Viva the mortar & pestle! Still makes the best smashed garlic. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  new favorite condiment is Pomegranate Molasses, drizzled over salmon and chicken, awesome! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:56 sherry

10:56

Kim ODonnel:  And with Pom Molasses, a little goes a long way, a very good value indeed. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Sherry - that sounds great! I must find some . . . Thursday April 15, 2010 10:56 Linear Girl

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Mediterranean/Mideast markets for the Pom Molasses Thursday April 15, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:57

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  do you have to roast unroasted nuts or can or should they be eaten raw, Thursday April 15, 2010 10:57 sherry

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  Roasting nuts releases their oils, making more flavorful, but not necessary if you don't feel like it. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  As always, Thursday chat leaves me inspired and hungry. Thanks, All. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:58 Linear Girl

10:58

[Comment From sherry sherry : ]  this has been wonderful exp. first time on live chat..thank you everyone for info- Thursday April 15, 2010 10:58 sherry

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[Comment From Linda Linda : ]  Thanks for the chat! It's been fun. Now, out to the garden to dig and plant! Thursday April 15, 2010 10:59 Linda

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Kim ODonnel:  Great stuff, everyone. Thanks for stopping by. Stop back again, Sherry! It's always good to meet new cooks. Take care, eat well & I'll chat with you Thurs Apr 22 for an eco-minded hour. Thursday April 15, 2010 10:59 Kim ODonnel