Food waste just seems to be one of the most intractable problems of the Frugal Experience. So, I’ve thought a lot about this issue, mostly because of the money angle.  And, not to mention, the I-Love-To-Save-Money angle. Now I will share with you some of these thoughts.

Shopping

A great way to save money on groceries is to bulk buy.  However, bulk buying can also open the door to bulk throwing away.  If “cheap” bulk bargains spoil before they can be used, then they will just end up as not-so-cheap trash.

A better approach is to figure out what groceries are actually loved, wanted, and used.  For instance, if you hate bananas, it’s best to pass up that .25/lb bargain.  Yep, that’s a great deal, and bananas are a nutritional powerhouse, but if you won’t eat them, they won’t do you or your wallet any good.

Now you may think that this bit of advice is so obvious that I shouldn’t even mention it.  But I should mention it because sometimes the Frugal Zeal takes hold so strongly that it is hard to pass up an exceptionally good deal, even when you know perfectly well that it’s an item you don’t even like. (more…)

Bali Nutra Coconut Syrup is made from the nectar of the coconut palm. It has been used as an alternative for traditional white and brown sugar for decades. It’s widely known as one of the perfect alternative sweetener. From health standpoint, it’s safe particularly for diabetic and effective as a baking ingredient..

Coconut nectar has become one the most admired natural sweeteners because of its sustainability, taste and health benefits when compared with regular cane sugar. It is a nutritious, coconut sweetener looks and tastes like common sugar, but it is completely natural and unrefined. As long as its flavor and taste is concerned, it is smoothly sweet like brown sugar but with a little hint of caramel. Sweetness and taste will also depend on several other factors as it’s not greatly processed with artificial colors. (more…)

Most people spend a lot of time outside during the summer months. They are spending time at the beach or going to theme parks. The 4th of July is one of those holidays that people like to spend time outside. It is common to invite your family over to celebrate. Read on to find out how to choose an affordable menu for a backyard barbecue.

Serve Hamburgers

If you are feeding a crowd, then food preparation can be strenuous. (more…)

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of sweet french toast with warm blackberry syrup.

My dad always made my brother and I French toast when we were growing up, and he is a master at it; it’s only natural that I have an almost-constant craving for it during the weekends. With a golden, buttery-sweet crust and a moist, fluffy and creamy center, this French toast is not only satisfying and decadent, but also guilt-free.

The blackberry syrup is a breeze to make and contributes an element of brightness in this traditionally heavy dish. Not only that, but purple is my favorite color, making me love the look of this dish even more! French toast never fails to make me feel happy and to make me feel like I can conquer the day ahead of me! (more…)

As I have mentioned in a few previous posts, I was lucky enough to go to California with my father over Spring Break 2012! We went up to visit my aunt and uncle (where we got to eat a delicious meal!), but before that we went to San Francisco.

My god.

So. Many. Fantastic. Restaurants.

I was super excited to try some ethnic food in Chinatown, and so my father and I decided to visit this little restaurant, Golden Star, which was right by a beautiful park. I love Vietnamese food, especially when it is done well, and so I was super excited when they brought out a huge bowl of Beef Pho.

Now, you may be asking what Pho is. To simplify it, it is basically a Vietnamese Noodle Soup with your choice of toppings and a flavorful, deep broth. I was inspired by the complexity and flavor of the broth, which is meaty and contains spices such as star anise, corriander, and clove. If you have it with beef, the boiling broth actually cooks the meat (which is super cool!). You get the broth, thin noodles, and other toppings (such as bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, Hoisin, etc)! When I got back, I decided I would try to make Pho. (more…)