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Tip Store: Cooking: Snacks
Freeze Your Donuts
I buy a packet of 8 donuts from Woolies. I keep a couple in the fridge to be used by the next day. The rest I freeze in freezer bags. They last for weeks and when you microwave them 1 for 30 seconds, 2 for 1 minute. They come out nice and soft and warm. Leaving the remaining donuts in the fridge they goe stale.
Contributed by Peter Amabile
Contributed by Peter Amabile
This is a Cool Treat Saver
Approximate $ Savings: $20 - $30 a week
I save $20 - $30 a week by freezing poppers, long yoghurt sticks, cheese fingers so that my kids cannot eat them before the school week is out.
Contributed by Felicity
I save $20 - $30 a week by freezing poppers, long yoghurt sticks, cheese fingers so that my kids cannot eat them before the school week is out.
Contributed by Felicity
MOO Fruit Jelly Slurps
My son loves to take those fruit jelly slurps as a treat a few times per week in his lunch box. The cost of each one is about $1.20 so it is not very cost effective. I have discovered however that you can easily make your own and have them conveniently ready for the week. I had my son save a weeks worth of squeezy jelly containers and washed them. They I made up and Aldi jelly mix in a small jug and blew up the slurp container then filled it with the jelly. I put into the fridge to set. Once set I take them out and squish them around to break up jelly and then leave them out of the fridge. This gives them and same consistency as the ones from the shop. One jelly will make 2 to 3 jelly slurps depending on size saving me around $3.20 per week.
Contributed by Nena Zammit
Contributed by Nena Zammit
Cute Ice Blocks Keep the Kids Happy and Save Money
Approximate $ Savings: $10.00 per week
Now that the warm weather is approaching my kids love to have an ice block (everyday if they could) I decided that buying the conventional iceblocks was becoming quite an expensive exercise so I decided we should make our own. We bought the iceblock containers (Ikea has some great ones, only $2.99 and makes 6). We fill them with whatever we have on hand, juice, milk, the occasional soft drink and stick them in the freezer. They work a treat plus the kids love making them.
- Contributed by Rachel, Quakers Hill
Now that the warm weather is approaching my kids love to have an ice block (everyday if they could) I decided that buying the conventional iceblocks was becoming quite an expensive exercise so I decided we should make our own. We bought the iceblock containers (Ikea has some great ones, only $2.99 and makes 6). We fill them with whatever we have on hand, juice, milk, the occasional soft drink and stick them in the freezer. They work a treat plus the kids love making them.
- Contributed by Rachel, Quakers Hill
Simple Dips
Soup mix into cream. Leave in fridge for half hour or so to enhance texture and flavour. Continental Spring Vegetable is very hard to say no to!
- Contributed by Clea, Currajong
- Contributed by Clea, Currajong
Popping for a Snack
Approximate $ Savings: $40 per month
My husband loves his potato chips and can eat a pack in one or two days. He is trying to lose weight and started making his own popcorn bowl when he feels like a nibble. Not only is popcorn good for digestion, but I buy the 500g pack for about $1 (at Aldi), which translates into about 7 serves of popcorn. One pack of chips lasts may be one or two nights, so the bill for chips can be as high as $10 dollars a week. Literally we save 90% when buying 500g of popcorn instead of potato chips.
- Contributed by Ursula, Nelson Bay
My husband loves his potato chips and can eat a pack in one or two days. He is trying to lose weight and started making his own popcorn bowl when he feels like a nibble. Not only is popcorn good for digestion, but I buy the 500g pack for about $1 (at Aldi), which translates into about 7 serves of popcorn. One pack of chips lasts may be one or two nights, so the bill for chips can be as high as $10 dollars a week. Literally we save 90% when buying 500g of popcorn instead of potato chips.
- Contributed by Ursula, Nelson Bay
Jelly Rice
It's a great dessert, children love it and it has a low cost base. Cook up a quantity of rice that suits you, (one cup dry rice is rule of thumb), strain. Add your favourite flavoured jelly crystals and stir. Eat hot or cold, great with ice-cream or cream.
Contributed by Valerie, Cooloola Cove
Contributed by Valerie, Cooloola Cove
Pizza in a Fry Pan
After reading the tip on making your own pizzas I remembered how I made them for my kids when they were first fashionable about 38 years ago. I pressed my pastry out into the electric fry pan and added my toppings, then placed the lid loosely over the fry pan so they wouldn't go soggy but the cheese would melt. If you have an old fry pan you can cut them right in the pan if you don't mind the scratches.
Contributed by Rayna, Hilton
Contributed by Rayna, Hilton
Pies in the Sandwich Maker
Approximate $ Savings: $50
I have been reading about all the delicious mixtures that can be used for pie fillings for people with pie makers. I have a sandwich toaster, the ones that make square toasties. By cutting a sheet of pastry in half and using one piece in each side of the toaster, adding filling and lapping the pastry over you can achieve the same result. I often make apple pies in this way as well. This is a saving of whatever a pie making machine would cost you and also finding somewhere to store yet another gadget.
Contributed by Beverley, Camillo
I have been reading about all the delicious mixtures that can be used for pie fillings for people with pie makers. I have a sandwich toaster, the ones that make square toasties. By cutting a sheet of pastry in half and using one piece in each side of the toaster, adding filling and lapping the pastry over you can achieve the same result. I often make apple pies in this way as well. This is a saving of whatever a pie making machine would cost you and also finding somewhere to store yet another gadget.
Contributed by Beverley, Camillo
Pressed for Cooking Time
I am always pushed for time with a busy lifestyle so I regularly use my sandwich press to cook food. It cooks both sides at once, is faster cooking and in summer the kitchen does not fill up with hot air. You can cook sausage rolls, pies (if these are frozen I microwave first then crisp pastry), hash browns, crumbed fish, fish fingers, sausages, hamburger patties even steak in my sandwich press.
Contributed by Toni, Warwick
Contributed by Toni, Warwick
Football, Meat Pies, Happy Mum and Happy Boys...
Approximate $ Savings: $15 per meal at least
My boys love meat pies and apple pies on cold winter nights, after football training. They cost approx $8 for a packet of 4 so I now buy 1/2 kg mince for $4, cook it up with grated carrot, zucchini and onion, add some bbq and tomato sauce, and dig out my pie maker. I buy no frills pastry and get cutting. 1/2 kg mince usually makes 12 pies, to stretch further add more vegies, or top with mashed potato. then as the pie maker is on, i cook up those sad apples in the crisper with some cinnamon and sultanas, and make up apple pies in the same manner, two apples will make 4 pies. I freeze what we don't eat that night, the boys always have a snack on hand and I know what is in the pie they are eating (and i sneak in some vegies).
Contributed by Pam, Bacchus Marsh
My boys love meat pies and apple pies on cold winter nights, after football training. They cost approx $8 for a packet of 4 so I now buy 1/2 kg mince for $4, cook it up with grated carrot, zucchini and onion, add some bbq and tomato sauce, and dig out my pie maker. I buy no frills pastry and get cutting. 1/2 kg mince usually makes 12 pies, to stretch further add more vegies, or top with mashed potato. then as the pie maker is on, i cook up those sad apples in the crisper with some cinnamon and sultanas, and make up apple pies in the same manner, two apples will make 4 pies. I freeze what we don't eat that night, the boys always have a snack on hand and I know what is in the pie they are eating (and i sneak in some vegies).
Contributed by Pam, Bacchus Marsh
El Cheapo Afternoon Tea for Kids, on the Run
Approximate $ Savings: per serve about $3.00
I work, and often have to grab my children from school and go somewhere else. Grab a packet of popcorn kernels from the supermarket, and a packet of brown paper lunch bags. Pour about 1cm high of popcorn into bag, fold over and place fold-side down in the microwave. Depending on the wattage, cook on high for about 1 minute, 50 seconds. If burnt try 10 seconds less next time. Bingo; one fresh, healthy serve of popcorn for around 20 cents! Three of these bags do a large bowlful that satisfies my 3 hungry pubescent daughters. For a more cinema-like variation on taste, add a teaspoon of salt to the uncooked kernels, shake the bag then add a tablespoon of butter. Cook for an extra 10-20 seconds. This costs an extra 30 cents, or 50 cents a serve, which is equal to the size of a medium popcorn at the movies. I do 3 serves in the morning while making lunches and getting ready for work, and place in a large container. The children have this, and a pop-top of chocolate milk; another of my tight-ass favourites; made up in batches of 6 and frozen- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 200 ml milk per serve at a total cost of about 80 cents, or $2.40 for 3 iced chocolates. The total cost of afternoon tea for 3 children is $5.00!
Contributed by Julianne, Cranbourne North
I work, and often have to grab my children from school and go somewhere else. Grab a packet of popcorn kernels from the supermarket, and a packet of brown paper lunch bags. Pour about 1cm high of popcorn into bag, fold over and place fold-side down in the microwave. Depending on the wattage, cook on high for about 1 minute, 50 seconds. If burnt try 10 seconds less next time. Bingo; one fresh, healthy serve of popcorn for around 20 cents! Three of these bags do a large bowlful that satisfies my 3 hungry pubescent daughters. For a more cinema-like variation on taste, add a teaspoon of salt to the uncooked kernels, shake the bag then add a tablespoon of butter. Cook for an extra 10-20 seconds. This costs an extra 30 cents, or 50 cents a serve, which is equal to the size of a medium popcorn at the movies. I do 3 serves in the morning while making lunches and getting ready for work, and place in a large container. The children have this, and a pop-top of chocolate milk; another of my tight-ass favourites; made up in batches of 6 and frozen- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 200 ml milk per serve at a total cost of about 80 cents, or $2.40 for 3 iced chocolates. The total cost of afternoon tea for 3 children is $5.00!
Contributed by Julianne, Cranbourne North
Buy in Bulk and Package at Home
With 8 kids at home and going to school its not always easy to get out of the expensive snack packs kids want in their lunches like cheese dipits and jelly and fruit. To save money on this I found that buying a heap of little plastic containers for $2 for 6 at discount stores and then buying bulk of items really saved money. Things like Homebrand dip and boxes of crackers and jelly packets and tins of mixed fruit and even large containers of yoghurt as opposed to the expensive little tubs, big bottles of custard are great. I dish these out into little containers put them in the fridge, then they are easy to grab in the morning for variety in lunchboxes for a fraction of the price.
Contributed by Kacey Leach
Contributed by Kacey Leach
Keeping the Philly Chilli for Less
Approximate $ Savings: $1-2
I was introduced to Chilli Philly at a family gathering but found it did not fit in with my budget so after looking around I now get a generic brand cream cheese spread, grab the bottle of sweet chilli sauce out of the pantry and just pour the sauce over the cheese on a plate and there is really no difference. Also you can choose what strength of chilli you prefer.
Contributed by Pauline, Gailes
I was introduced to Chilli Philly at a family gathering but found it did not fit in with my budget so after looking around I now get a generic brand cream cheese spread, grab the bottle of sweet chilli sauce out of the pantry and just pour the sauce over the cheese on a plate and there is really no difference. Also you can choose what strength of chilli you prefer.
Contributed by Pauline, Gailes
Kids Jelly Cups
Approximate $ Savings: $2 - 3
With kids at school who always like surprises in their lunch box it is hard to find cheap snacks. They really enjoy the fruit and jelly but at almost $5.00 for four 100ml cups it is quite expensive. Now I make my own. I use 5 small plastic containers and evenly divide a large can of fruit (i.e. two fruits)between them. Then cover with jelly. At approximately $1.50 for a can of Homebrand fruit and 30 cents for Homebrand jelly, this makes 5 containers of about 200ml in size for a fraction of the cost of ready made.
Contributed by Debbie, Ingle Farm
With kids at school who always like surprises in their lunch box it is hard to find cheap snacks. They really enjoy the fruit and jelly but at almost $5.00 for four 100ml cups it is quite expensive. Now I make my own. I use 5 small plastic containers and evenly divide a large can of fruit (i.e. two fruits)between them. Then cover with jelly. At approximately $1.50 for a can of Homebrand fruit and 30 cents for Homebrand jelly, this makes 5 containers of about 200ml in size for a fraction of the cost of ready made.
Contributed by Debbie, Ingle Farm
Make Your Own French Onion Dip
Buy a tub of sour cream and one packet of French onion soup mix. Combine all in a bowl and give a really good stir. You get double the quantity and it tastes far better.
Contributed by Joanne, Greenacres
Contributed by Joanne, Greenacres
Salsa Substitute
Approximate $ Savings $200
I love salsa and instead of buying expensive prepacked varieties which can cost up to $5 per carton I used a can of flavoured tomatoes. You can get many different varieties in flavours (Mexican is of course my favourite) but you can mix them and match them to the meal you are serving too. I probably eat at least 2 cans of tomatoes a week just for salsa and it saves me over $200 per year (and is much healthier than buying creamy dips too).
Contributed by Danielle, Ellerslie
I love salsa and instead of buying expensive prepacked varieties which can cost up to $5 per carton I used a can of flavoured tomatoes. You can get many different varieties in flavours (Mexican is of course my favourite) but you can mix them and match them to the meal you are serving too. I probably eat at least 2 cans of tomatoes a week just for salsa and it saves me over $200 per year (and is much healthier than buying creamy dips too).
Contributed by Danielle, Ellerslie
60% Savings on Low Fat 2 Minute Noodles
Approximate $ Savings: $150 per year Instead of buying the name brand 99% fat free 2 minute noodles at up to 70 cents per packet, try CHANGS noodles in the Asian section of the supermarket. They contain only 1 gram of fat per serve. There are 4 blocks (serves) per packet and cost 26 cents per serve. As these don't come with flavour sachets, I simply add BBQ sauce, sweet chilli sauce or 1 teaspoon chicken stock. My children have 5-6 serves per week as snacks and I am saving over $150 per year!
Contributed by Sharee, Woodville Park
Contributed by Sharee, Woodville Park
Portioned Mudcake Makes Morning Tea Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $15 - $20 per week
I have 3 children and they love cakes and muffins in their school lunch boxes, but they can be very expensive. So instead of buying a pack of individual cakes/muffins at $4 -$5 for 6, I now buy a chocolate mudcake from Coles/Woolworths for $4 and portion it into individual pieces, wrap pieces in Clingwrap and freeze. Each morning I simply put one in each lunch box, by morning teatime the cake has defrosted and tastes really fresh. My husband and I also take a slice to work.
Contributed by Kylee, Mudgeeraba
I have 3 children and they love cakes and muffins in their school lunch boxes, but they can be very expensive. So instead of buying a pack of individual cakes/muffins at $4 -$5 for 6, I now buy a chocolate mudcake from Coles/Woolworths for $4 and portion it into individual pieces, wrap pieces in Clingwrap and freeze. Each morning I simply put one in each lunch box, by morning teatime the cake has defrosted and tastes really fresh. My husband and I also take a slice to work.
Contributed by Kylee, Mudgeeraba
Homemade Jams in Winter Using Tinned Fruit
Approximate $ Savings: $2 per month
Did you know that you can use tinned fruit to make jam in the winter months when fresh summer fruits aren't available? I recently made a gorgeous peach and passionfruit jam using tinned peaches ($1.30 per 440g tin). The only concern is the tinned fruit doesn't contain pectin, the agent in fruit that causes the jam to set. But no fear, this can easily be overcome by adding the rind (and pith) of a lemon to the jam while it is cooking down. Alternatively you could use a crystal jam setter from the supermarket. I made a big jar (250mL) of jam for approximately $1.50, saving me $2 on even the cheaper supermarket jams. And because I made it myself, I know that my jam is 90% fruit with no additives or preservatives. The final product is so delicious and flavourful that a little bit goes a long way, so I am using it up much slower than I would a commercial product, saving me even more money.
Contributed by Belinda, Leederville
Did you know that you can use tinned fruit to make jam in the winter months when fresh summer fruits aren't available? I recently made a gorgeous peach and passionfruit jam using tinned peaches ($1.30 per 440g tin). The only concern is the tinned fruit doesn't contain pectin, the agent in fruit that causes the jam to set. But no fear, this can easily be overcome by adding the rind (and pith) of a lemon to the jam while it is cooking down. Alternatively you could use a crystal jam setter from the supermarket. I made a big jar (250mL) of jam for approximately $1.50, saving me $2 on even the cheaper supermarket jams. And because I made it myself, I know that my jam is 90% fruit with no additives or preservatives. The final product is so delicious and flavourful that a little bit goes a long way, so I am using it up much slower than I would a commercial product, saving me even more money.
Contributed by Belinda, Leederville
Delicious Dips
Instead of buying dips I make my own by blending left over food and not throwing it away eg lentils and feta cheese blended together, canned chickpeas with lemon and olive oil, eggplant roasted, feta and olive oil. If you haven't got a blender you can make tzatziki Greek yoghurt dip instead of buying it. I mix with a spoon left over yoghurt and cucumber grated finely, add 1 or 2 cloves garlic grated, teaspoon olive oil and cider vinegar from the bottle or left over salad. I like to spread dip on bread instead of buying butter which is not as healthy and I'm saving money. I make sandwiches with left over chicken, beef or vegies from the night before. I chop up the meat in little pieces, add herbs/spices and fry in little oil & put in a bread roll or sandwich to eat at home and work. Instead of buying dips and crackers to take to a party I take my homemade dips and lavash bread that I've cut in squares and have put in oven. The lavish bread turns crisp like a cracker and it's all healthy and filling.
Contributed by Joanne
Contributed by Joanne
Pappadams Instead of Savoury Biscuits
I'm keeping a file on Christmas food, which is the time of year that we do most of our feeding the hoards. As I was sorting through what went on over Christmas, what worked best, what not to bother with again....the simplest things are the best and they were a big hit. Light on the wallet, light on the waist, light on cupboard space with no waste. Being frugal means to me waste is not acceptable. I no longer have the 1/4 filled packet of biscuits needing to be used after the family has left. 1 packet of small spicy pappadams, cut the uncooked pappadams in half or even quarters, paint with oil and microwave for approx. 40 seconds or as per the directions and there it is. The spicy flavour allows for simpler cheaper to make toppings, a little dip on top with a parsley leaf and you're done. Don't cook to many at once, as they will take on the moisture of the topping. These are no waste as you can do as and when needed. Well worth keeping on file.
Contributed by Carol, Mudgegonga
Contributed by Carol, Mudgegonga
Popcorn
I bought a box of butter flavoured microwave mini popcorn (5 bags in a box) for around $3.00.When the bags are empty I save them and refill with 1 tablespoon butter and quarter cup of frozen popcorn kernels (frozen makes more kernels pop) then put into microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. When done add a sprinkle of salt. My kids like this better than the original stuff in the packet. So far we have used the same bag 5 times and when not using, freeze the bag for next time.
Contributed by Sian, Mackay
Contributed by Sian, Mackay
Ice creams in Plastic Cups
Ice cream will last longer if you dish it out in disposable plastic cups. Half fill then add a topping, then ice cream flavouring and nuts. Wrap glad wrap over top. I get 10 ice creams out of two litres of cheap ice cream and flavouring. The kids think they are like take away ice creams and there's no washing up! I buy the cups at the junk shop $2 for a pack of 50. The kids can plant a seed to grow in the cup when finished. I make a lot up and freeze then when I'm busy I can just take them out of the freezer.
Contributed by Sharon
Contributed by Sharon
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds - A Frugal Snack
Toasted pumpkin seeds make a great snack. Separate the seeds from the stringy membranes that surround them. Rinse and spread on a baking sheet; coat with no-stick spray and sprinkle with a small amount of soy sauce or salt, to taste. Bake at 180 degrees for 45 minutes, or until the seeds are golden brown and crunchy. Store in an airtight container.
Contributed by Myrna, Nunawading
Contributed by Myrna, Nunawading
Frozen Treats
If you can't afford to buy the containers to make your own frozen treats, just use plastic cups. Just buy one package of small ice-cream cups, and recycle the containers. Buy frozen juice when it goes on sale. Make it up and be sure to add any liquid that you have saved from canned fruit. Or you can use pudding, pureed fresh fruit, yoghurt, milk, etc.
Budget Snack Packs
I bought eight 1/2-cup size plastic containers with lids from my local $2 shop. These containers are the exact serving size of the store-bought pudding and jelly snack packs. Now I can buy one large packet of jelly crystals for $1.12 and make eight servings for the kid's lunches. I also use instant pudding mix (generic, of course) to make puddings for their lunches. I can make four puddings for $0.88 cents as opposed to buying four 'snack packs' for $2.97. The lids on the containers are spill-proof and the containers are dishwasher safe.
Contributed by Emily, Caroline Springs
Contributed by Emily, Caroline Springs