Good Cheap Eats

[days_unfolding]

I've been looking through a cookbook called Good Cheap Eats. I must have had a hidden yen to eat good meals because I've been flagging most of the recipes. The author said that eating rice and beans helped her family pay down their debts. I know that rice and beans are a standard meal down in New Orleans, but something about it makes me feel like I'm in jail. So I looked for a recipe that called for rice, beans, and chickpeas (I've been eating tons of hummus), and voila, Middle Eastern Rice with Black Beans and Chickpeas. I want to make it this weekend.

The author also recommends getting a bread machine. I like my Hamilton Beach food processor, and they also make a bread machine that doesn't break the bank. But because I bought the vacuum cleaner this month, I can't afford a bread machine. A long time ago, I used to make bread from scratch without a bread machine (there weren't any bread machines back then!), but I don't see myself doing that.

WalMart has some nice butternut squash, and I also want to make butternut squash soup in the crockpot. As soon as I figure out what I did with the crockpot cookbook, that is. However, I wasn't sure how to open a squash, but my dad recommended a carving knife.

I printed off some more annual reports. GE's report is 250 pages (really??), and it wouldn't print, even on our big printer/copier. Then I discovered that they have it online as Web pages as well, thank goodness. Finding the time to read it is another story.

I'm thinking of selling my violin on eBay to raise some cash. I don't play it (doing so hurts my hands), and I'm not likely to play it anytime soon. It might as well go to someone who will use it. And it would be one less thing cluttering up my living room. I also have some books that I want to sell on Amazon.

I'm planning on getting the ball rolling on acquiring my business license tomorrow.

I'm kind of tired tonight, so I might go to bed soon.

Comments

[theerik.livejournal.com]

Random drop-in note:
I used to make bread regularly using this recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-artisan-bread-325571
It's a no-knead bread that takes an average of 5 minute a loaf (not counting rising time). You prep the dough, let it rise, then leave it in the fridge. When you want to bake, you scoop out a handful, let it rise again, and bake.

That's it - no fuss, good taste. No bread machine needed, either.

Joe Bob sez, check it out!

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I was wondering how you were doing. I'd like to pick your brains sometime about what's been going on in the Valley.

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

My cheap eats involve garbanzo beans, too. And black beans. And lentil beans. Mostly-- there are others, but those are my go-to beans! haha

I've been on baked beans and mashed potatoes lately- not a healthy dinner, but "comfort food-y" and satisfying. Veg are pretty inexpensive and can make a variety of things, even added to beans. I'm getting ready to make some black bean soup, myself. I gave up long ago trying to chop up squash in this teensy kitchenette, so I buy my butternut squash soup (Pacific brand) and it's yummy. I did have a lot of watermelon this summer, so that was enough messy-messes for my so-called "kitchen" for a time! haha!

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

Just saw this. Thanks--I was less than thrilled with the Middle Eastern chickpea and black bean dish, but it was spiced to the hilt. i need to look for a less spicy recipe, although my place smelled good after I cooked it.

Baked beans sound good. I'll have to go get some.