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Latest Tips & Recipes 

Here you'll find the latest tips and recipes added to the Tip Store and Recipe File during 
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Save Energy While Cooking

​So my Dad would say if you're cooking something in the oven, 5 minutes before its finished turn the oven off, but don't open door. The remaining heat inside the oven will finish cooking your dish. The same thing for on top of stove, if you are boiling say potatoes or veg, turn hot plate off a few minutes before but don't lift the lid. Your food will finish cooking with the residual heat and you'll save a few cents. And a few cents here and a few cents there, especially when cooking, adds up quickly.
Contributed by Judith Eaton
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​Fajita Seasoning Mix

​Ingredients:
3 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp chili powder
4 chicken or vegetable or beef stock cubes
1-1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp cumin

Method:
Combine all ingredients. Pour into a glass or plastic container and store in a cool dry place.
Contributed by Annette Fraser
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​Another Must Have 'Grab Bag' for the Whole Family

​Still reeling from a friend who was raced to hospital in a critical condition. Thankfully survived. 

Same b.f. (best friend) always had a hospital bag ready to go. This time, for some unknown reason, it wasn't even half complete. Having what is needed doesn't matter when you are critically ill, only when you remain in the land of the living are those personal items wanted. 

B.F. not a Cheapskater! We have the greatest fun picking at our very different lives. 
Me " how can you spend that sort of money on that", my b.f. " what! You'll wait until you have the money/researched/ see if you really want that", me "sure am and need to be". 

So how to prepare for an unexpected hospital stay? Working now on one bag for the family, with interchangeable items from the op shop, like the dressing gown which is even wearable by a young one = shorter for an adult = o.k. for over 12 year old. Same logic for a nightie. One deodorant, one pair of no heel non slip sox. Applying that sort of an idea, one toothpaste etc. 

My items wrapped in gladwrap: comb, tweezers ( I couldn't exist without...no not money ...my tweezers :) , toothbrush, a couple of pairs of undies. 

So that's the idea, individual needs wrapped separately, amid the "everyone" could use essentials. Easy enough to take out which wrapped little lot doesn't apply at the time of the bag being needed, if ever. The bag is a decent one; a carry bag black with pretend leather handles $2 at the local op shop. Dressing gown P.&O one quite lovely from the op shop. 
Contributed by Carol Ryan
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​Wiping Down When Shopping

After wiping down the supermarket trolley or basket with the wet wipes provided by the store I drape the wipe over the handle. This conveniently allows me to moisten my fingers and open a plastic bag when shopping for fruit and veggies. It is also very handy if I wish to wipe my hands while shopping and can easily be disposed of after use.
Contributed by Maureen Saunders
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Soil Improvement 

​I have never been successful with making compost but have now found a way to improve our poor soil without having to continually purchase bags of compost. I put all peelings, trimmings, remains of salads etc. in the vitamiser and puree it all in water. That is then put on the garden and turned in. By working in sections l have been able to greatly improve the organic content of the soil.
Contributed by Louise Drummond
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Freezer Organisation with Benefits

​I use the zip up chiller bags (that you get cheap at the supermarkets), for organising my chest freezer. I have frozen bread in one, boxes of fish fillets in another, spaghetti Bolognese sauces, etc. in another and so on. It allows me to know exactly where everything is but also protects the foods from freezer burn, giving me better quality on thawing and less waste.
Contributed by Ally Catt
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Recyling Wrapping Paper

​I am lucky enough to be able to bring home bunches of flowers that would normally get thrown out. The flowers get put in a vase and the pretty paper that they are wrapped in gets folded up and used for presents .Came in handy for Christmas as I did not have to buy any paper, I just reused bags from previous years and the flower paper.
Contributed by Karen Mozsny
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Don't Waste the Oil, it Adds Flavour

​My daughter buys the feta cheese in the oil, so once that's finished I freeze the remaining oil. Then when making chicken schnitty (using homemade breadcrumbs ) I add this to the oil. Adds so much flavour. Also you don't need to use as much of the ordinary oil.
Contributed by Karen Mozsny
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Tuff Scrubbies for Nix

​Cath you inspired me! After watching your show on trimming back the budget, you talked about making scrubbies. I have been hesitant in the past but now that I too need to be more careful, I decided to have a go. I didn't want to buy cotton yarn (no spend) so searched the internet for a solution. BINGO I found an old tatty net skirt in my daughter's dress up box, cut the netting into strips about 3cms wide and created a yarn of sorts. The result is fantastic. I managed to make 2 double scrubbies. They are soft enough on my hands but work really well on my pots. It only cost me my time.
Contributed April Wright 
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Learn Your Limits

​My son is a junior ‘elite’ level athlete, who is currently on a high protein/low carb eating plan. He requests oven chicken breast a lot and I would do one for him and one for me, until I was able to read the finer details of the plan when I realise he had to have 150 gm (uncooked) which shrinks once done. I was surprised at how little his actual meat portion was. He trains a minimum of 2 hours a day, and is eating less than 150 gm of chicken a day, and regular serving of porridge in the morning and that’s considered HIGH. Which got me thinking, are set serving sizes correct? My mothers tip was always ‘the size of your palm’ . Could reducing your serving to what you need, instead of what you see, change your grocery bill? 
Contributed by Tee-na Apted
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Potato & Bacon Salad 

​New, cooked potatoes, spring or red onion, three rashers of cooked bacon and mayonnaise to taste.
Or new potatoes, cooked sausage, red onion and mix with mayonnaise.
Contributed by Patricia Twitchett
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Pasta Delight

​Amount of cooked pasta to suit. I cool mine under running water. Add one red and one yellow pepper, red onion and tomatoes to taste, half an avocado and a chunk of cucumber.  Mix with two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Contributed by Patricia Twitchett
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Always Getting a Refund on Spoiled Fruit

​So you get home from shopping with all your fresh product. Two days later you cut open an avocado and it’s rotten inside. Then you cut the other two with the same result. Most people would be annoyed, say ‘Oh well’ and put them in the compost. How do you get a replacement or your money back? Take a photo of the spoiled goods, the next time you go to the same shop, show the photo and the receipt with the item highlighted, if possible, and get a replacement. I have done this with avocados and stone fruit, sometimes without the receipt, and never had a problem. As I live one hour from one major supermarket, and only visit every 6 weeks, it’s a great way to not be out of pocket. A win/win for the customer.
Contributed by Carolyn Fox
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Rewards $, Convenience and Original Gift Bags

​Each month I do a big online 'Direct to Boot' shop with Woolworths and participate in their Rewards program. 
- Neither cost me anything AND
- I love the ease of shopping online whenever it suits me, not trekking the aisles, buying only what I need and having someone place the shopping in my car boot for me. 
This year I took advantage of Rewards point offers, 
- saved $250, AND
- chose to use it in December to buy the majority of our Christmas shop and a couple of gifts from BWS and Big W. 
For the shop, you can elect to use:
- no bags (free) OR 
- reusable plastic bags or paper bags for $1.50 per shop.
I choose paper bags for my big monthly shop and I collect ~10 strong brown bags (15c each).
I decorate these bags using whatever craft supplies I have to create original, strong gift bags:
- I glue a square of brown paper over the Woolworths images. 
- I cut a shape out of newspaper or wrap (eg a flower, Christmas tree, Bunny Ears or whatever suits the occasion) and glue it on the bag - plain is nice too. 
- I tie up the handles with string, wool or recycled ribbon and tie on a matching gift card.
- And if the gift is delicate I wrap it up in a new t-towel (that I buy in bulk and on sale).
Contributed by Lyn B.
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Bless the Stockpile

​So thankful today that I have a stockpile! Was able to supply my daughter with about 10 days supply of meat and staples after she had to pick up her children from her ex who tested Covid positive and has the kids for some of the holidays. One of the children has lung issues and luckily I had a stockpile of medications as well. My daughter is not good with money and never plans ahead and my booster isn’t due until tomorrow so I want to stay out of the supermarket. These are exactly the times we stockpile and plan ahead for! For me Cheapskates is not about being “cheap” it’s about being organised and practical and saving time and money by doing so. 
Contributed by Margaret Collinson
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​Swiss Chicken

Picture
Ingredients:
2 chicken fillets, skin off
4 - 6 slices Swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 small tin sliced champignons (or about 1 cup sliced fresh button mushrooms)
1-1/2 cups toasted, seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tbsp oil

Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Heat oil in a frying pan. While the oil is heating, slice the chicken fillets into tenders. Brown in the hot oil. Grease a baking dish and place the chicken tenders in the bottom. Cover with the champignons, and then a layer of Swiss cheese. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the cheese. Sprinkle with the toasted seasoned breadcrumbs. Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumbs. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through. 

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Taking Control of Impulse Buying 

​Whenever I feel the pull of an impulse purchase (because, let's be honest, we all do from time to time) I have a list on my phone which I add to instead of purchasing the item immediately. Then every 1-2 months I review and purge the list. And it's amazing how much, which on cool headed reflection, you just remove from the list. And some of what's left I keep as gift ideas for when family ask what I would like. 
An easy way to save money, save the environment and feel the satisfaction of delayed gratification!
Contributed by Kate MacDougall
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Supermarket Time, Energy & Money Saving

​This is my tip, that I have been using for quite a few years as I had to work out a way I could get in and out of the shops quickly with my disabilities, and being on a pension I only have a limited amount to spend on food and with kids makes it harder. Whichever supermarket I shop in, I have written which items I use and what number aisle it is in, so when I have to go in, I only need to go to those aisles on my shopping list. I save my energy from not having to go down each one looking for the items and also remove the urge to buy things that are not needed. This has saved me a great deal of money, lessened my time in the shop and helped my energy levels.
Contributed by Fiona Sewell
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Add Some Glamour with Floral Ice Cubes

​Edible flowers in ice cubes make even a glass of water look something special. Just add a flower to the ice cube tray before adding the water and freezing. Edible flowers include borage, cornflowers, nasturtiums and calendula. Sprigs of herbs like mint, lemon balm or rosemary also look pretty in an ice cube. Or half a strawberry or a wedge of lemon, lime or orange add a glamorous twist to a cool drink. If you can, pick the flowers or herbs early in the morning, wash and freeze straight away. If your strawberries are small, use a whole berry in the ice cube pod. Slice the lemon or lime and cut each slice into small wedges, they'll look so refreshing in the glass and add just a hint of flavour to the drink.
Contributed by Cath
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Chicken Enchilada Skillet

​Ingredients:
1 cup rice
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tsp MOO Taco Seasoning
2 cups water
500g chicken fillet,  (or one pint jar of Ugly Chicken)
1 tin corn kernels
1 jar enchilada sauce (or equivalent MOO Enchilada Sauce)
1 cup grated cheese

Method:
In a large frying pan,  cook the chicken fillet. Remove from pan and shred. Add  the oil to the pan and warm over a medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat. Continue stirring until the rice becomes translucent - about 3 minutes. Add water and taco seasoning to the rice, stir to combine. Put lid on pan and bring to a simmer. Turn heat down and simmer about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and almost all the liquid is absorbed. Drain the corn and add to the pan along with the shredded chicken and half the enchilada sauce. Stir to combine. Spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkle with the cheese. Put the lid on and cook a further 5 minutes until the cheese has melted. Serve with corn chips or mini tortillas on the side. 
Contributed by Cath
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​Making Jam with Tart Fruit

​Fix acidic or under ripe fruit by adding a tiny bit of bicarb soda to the cooked fruit. Do it before adding the sugar to neutralise the acid. Go light on the bicarb soda: 1/2-1 teaspoon to 1- 1.5kg of fruit should be plenty. Add a bit at a time because too much has an aftertaste. I recently did this to home-grown blackberries that were really tart even though they were ripe. Added the usual amount of sugar and it worked out fine. Save $ and don't toss that tart fruit out!
Contributed by Valeria Coscini 
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A Fun Playhouse From a Table

​My grandchildren have had tons of fun from a cover I made for our dining room table to make a cubby. I had some scraps left over from years of sewing so I made a flat piece to fit the top of the table and then joined large squares together to make the walls to reach to floor level. I split the front in the centre for the door and put some tulle in for two windows either side. Flower fabric underneath the “ windows“ was the garden, and hours of fun followed. No cubby to fall over in the rom and very easy to put out and take a way and wash.
Contributed by Mary O'Neill
Tip Store

​MOO Apple Cider Vinegar

This is really easy to make. Save your apple peelings, in freezer if not enough.

You will need:
Apple peelings and cores (green or red)
Boiled Water
One sterilized small jar with lid (big enough to hold compacted peelings)
Sugar
One weight or small sandwich size zip lock plastic bag

Instructions:
1. To every cup of apple peelings add one tablespoon of sugar.
2. Add apple peels and apple cores to sterile jar.
3. Fill with water to cover apple peel and cores.
4. You can add 1 tablespoon vinegar starter if preferred.
5. Fill zip lock bag with water, zip up. Place water weight bag on top of apple peel to keep apples peel submerged in water. If peel above water surface, mould likely to grow.
6. Cover with cheesecloth or cotton material NOT plastic. Vinegar needs to breathe to let out gas that may build up.
7. Place on bench or cupboard, out of sunlight.
8. Leave for a couple of weeks, remove zip bag and cotton cover.
9. Discard peels into your compost heap, bokashi bucket or urban composter.
10. Use normal lid or after one month bottle in sterilised bottle.
11. Check odour every few days as peel solution should start to smell vinegary after one week.
12. IF ANY mould or foul smell occurs - throw out and start again.
Contributed by Ann Dalton
Recipe File

​Gluten Free Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients:
1½ cups shredded zucchini
1 cup almond butter- but you could use peanut butter instead
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup honey
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp allspice

Method: 
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease and line a 9×9 inch pan, set aside. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until well blended. Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before cutting. Makes 16.
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Tracking Your Groceries for the Year to Stay on Budget

​Hi fellow Cheapskaters, Happy New Year to you all. I decided in January 2021 after purchasing Cath's 'Living the Cheapskates Way Budget Planner (which I highly recommend) to record ALL of my grocery costs for the year. I diligently listed all of the costs in each day of each month, even if it was only $5. At the end of each month I totalled the grocery costs and knew exactly how much I had spent on groceries for the month.
At the end of December 2021 I knew exactly how much my groceries had cost me for the year. Some months I spent less and others I spent more especially during the lockdowns but I managed to keep within my budget for 4 adults, 2 being men who have healthy appetites. I have a very healthy stockpile which was continually restocked during the year of 2021 and I have every grocery receipt from 2021 to help me keep an eye on the rising cost of groceries. I know that the supermarkets play games with their prices, so the receipts will help me to keep track of it all during 2022 where there are price increases. It was a fun way of keeping myself accountable and also keeping up to date with grocery costs. Happy Cheapskating.
Contributed by Michelle
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