Ditching the Regular Grocery...

**HappyMama** · 09-11-2011, 01:45 PM

So again this year I am ditching the regular grocery store.

I have canned , froze, dehydrated, produce auctioned, bought in bulk and sold my extra produce I grew at the Farmers market till my heart is content and my fingers ache....lol

Have:

55 Gallons of sauce ( Marinara, Spaghetti etc) Mostly from heirlooms San Marzano and Roma tomatoes

48 Quarts of Salsa ( Hot , med, mild)

Pizza sauce

Peach pie kits

Apple pie kits

Apple cider

Applesauce

Peach butter

Strawberry Jam

Apricot Jam

30 quarts of green beans frozen

30 quarts of Sweet Corn

Sauerkraut

Frozen bananas, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries

Soup Starters ( Tomato)

Tomatoes ( crushed, diced, and tomato juice)

Frozen peppers,

Roasted Tomatoes, peppers

Dehydrated tons

and supplies for my

Homemade soaps, laundry soaps, etc

Soaps made

Lotions and salves made

Potatoes , onions and squash for root cellar

Chicken broth and beef homemade

Homemade bouillon

Dehydrated tons of veggies

Chickens and Beef bought in bulk

Paper products and personal products stored

Now have to stock up on hot sauce for wings,

I do make a lot of homemade cheese, or buy in bulk ( Cheddar, Feta, Mozzarella etc ) so always have tons of that or buy at the health food store

We make all of our own Artisan breads, pastries, desserts and cook from scratch.

We have to do this for health , but I do save tons of money as well.

Any one else do the same? Any thoughts? Anything I forgot?

**Mojjo** · 09-11-2011, 02:00 PM

My only thought is I wish I lived closer.

My next step is to start a garden next year. I've never really done it. Any advice for a beginner?

Great job.

**shoiji** · 09-11-2011, 02:34 PM

Wow. You are definately ready and really productive! The only thing I seem to do is dry herbs.

**Lady_V** · 09-11-2011, 02:34 PM

Can you share what is in the pie recipes? I am interested in finding a good way to make more shelf-ready foods.

**Maine Girl** · 09-11-2011, 02:49 PM

What an awesome job!!!

**pollypurebred39** · 09-11-2011, 03:11 PM

Holy Cow!

Happy Mama!!!!

You totally rock!!!!

I'm still following your advice and it's going well. I worked hard this Summer, still working, filling up the pantry and freezer with garden harvest. Your method totally works!!! Can't tell you how thankful I am you shared. I seriously NEVER would have believed that I could improve our food situation without increasing our food budget, but my pantry is quite healthy going into these Winter months, and that's with the cost of groceries going through the roof. I'll never go back to the old way of doing things. If I did I honestly think we'd have days we would go hungry. You're one smart cookie!

What I'd like to know

Chicken bouillon?
Pies?

Please share

**Ceashels** · 09-11-2011, 04:04 PM

Great Googely Moogely!

I'm in awe.

**frugalfoster** · 09-11-2011, 04:13 PM

ok...I feel totally inadequate now! WOW!!!

**brenda67** · 09-11-2011, 04:31 PM

WOW..I already thought you were quite the girl just by reading what you posted in the 'What's for dinner" thread..I would love to know how do you do it all? I would love to know what Polly is talking about? Thanks for sharing your bounty with us..HUGS,Brenda

**Sophiasmama** · 09-11-2011, 05:25 PM

That is beyond impressive...WTG!!!!

**Imarachne** · 09-11-2011, 05:55 PM

Yes, Polly--let us in on the ideas, please !

**HappyMama** · 09-11-2011, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Mojjo

My only thought is I wish I lived closer.

My next step is to start a garden next year. I've never really done it. Any advice for a beginner?

Great job.

Thanks everyone. Getting ready to do pumpkin puree, and cushaws for the freezer and dehydrate apples for the winter hopefully later. I have tons of produce to still work with.

Hi Mojjo,

Gardening has been so wonderful to our family. I love it. As for advice jump right it. Go to the farmers market now, find produce that is organic and heirloom and save seeds. This will save you tons.

For tomatoes: Cut the tomato scoop the seeds. Put in a cup or container with water. Let sit for a week. Take seeds out put on a plate to dry , put in seed envelopes and label . Make sure you get organic, non G*M*O so they will germinate and grow for you. Heirloom San Marzano or romas are worth their weight in gold. Mortgage lifters, Kellogg's breakfast , amish paste are a few of our favorites. We grew over 15 varieties this yr. over 100 plants, in a small area.

Look into square foot gardening.

Compost, and amend your soil before planting.

Think vertical if you have a small place or urban homestead. Grown beans , cantaloupe, cucumbers and even pumpkins vertical. I grew all these vertical this yr. People laughed but they turned out strong and beautiful.

Remove weeds, don't just dig them under, because they come back like Monsters in a bad B movie.

Don't plant seedlings too close together. They need more space then you think.

Anticipate your shade. Sunny spots in early spring disappear once the trees leaf out fully.

Keep an eye on vines. They will happily escape the trellis and wind around the roses and choke out your herbs.

Water hanging baskets everyday without fail

Will post the other recipes soon.

**HappyMama** · 09-11-2011, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Lady_V

Can you share what is in the pie recipes? I am interested in finding a good way to make more shelf-ready foods.

Yes will be glad to . Have to say my pie kits might not help you though as I have freezer pie kits. My family loves these better as they taste like orchard fresh when we make them. I do can but not many pie fillings. I can lots of jam, fruit butters, fruit, applesauce etc. and will try to include the pie kits in case someone wants. I have some pie ones I have done a few times and will try to put these up for you, when I find.

**HappyMama** · 09-11-2011, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Holy Cow!

Happy Mama!!!!

You totally rock!!!!

I'm still following your advice and it's going well. I worked hard this Summer, still working, filling up the pantry and freezer with garden harvest. Your method totally works!!! Can't tell you how thankful I am you shared. I seriously NEVER would have believed that I could improve our food situation without increasing our food budget, but my pantry is quite healthy going into these Winter months, and that's with the cost of groceries going through the roof. I'll never go back to the old way of doing things. If I did I honestly think we'd have days we would go hungry. You're one smart cookie!

What I'd like to know

Chicken bouillon?
Pies?

Please share

Thanks so much Polly you are so sweet and kind. I am so glad it works for you. Will be glad to share the recipes. Will try to put up later .