The second week of the Penny Pinching Pantry Raid is just about over. After two weeks, I am starting to get settled in with the challenge, and I think it is getting a bit easier. I really think that I must attribute my success with the challenge to my CSA, though. Without it, I would be struggling to stay on budget because I need to have my fresh produce.
Here are the veggies we received in our second CSA share:
- Romaine Hearts
- Green Cabbage
- Zucchini
- Yellow Squash
- Green Beans
- Golden Cherry Tomatoes
- Heirloom Tomato
- Basil
What I cooked last week…
This past week has been fairly busy. We have had dinner with friends and family a few times, so I didn’t do quite as much cooking as I usually do. I still managed to pull together a few dinners, though!
- Wednesday (July 8th) – Heirloom Tomato and Pepper Jack Quesadillas with Salad (made with leftover bibb lettuce from last week)
- Thursday (July 9th) – Ravioli with Marinara Sauce and Salad (still using up lettuce plus some frozen ravioli and canned tomatoes from my pantry)
- Friday (July 10th) – Burgers, Green Bean Salad (recipe coming soon), Jennie’s Zucchini Parmesan Hummus and Pita Chips (I was cooking for company…)
- Saturday (July 11th) – Dinner Out with Friends
- Sunday (July 12th) – Grilled chicken salads with fresh grilled corn
- Monday (July 13th) – Grilled chicken with my parents (Mom cooked) and Cranberry Apple Cole Slaw (my contribution, used up the cabbage from the CSA)
- Tuesday (July 14th) – Saucy Cheeseburger Sandwiches (similar to sloppy joes) with parents and friends… This one isn’t coming out of the budget because I’m cooking for a group.
The budget…
July is a busy month for my husband and I – lots of family events, picnics, etc. One of the decisions that I made when starting the challenge was that we would be allowed to eat out once a week (not included in the challenge) and that I wouldn’t let it interfere with spending time with our friends and family. We have a few planned events that I decided would not be included in the budget. That said, here’s what I bought this week (that I am counting towards the challenge):
- Fresh white corn (4 ears)
- 90% lean ground beef (for burgers on Friday)
- Whole wheat rolls (also for burgers on Friday)
- Lemons (3)
- Apples (2, for the cole slaw)
- Organic chicken tenders (50% off coupon)
The total this week is $12.54. Since I spent $10.95 last week, that means that I have spent a total of $23.49 so far, leaving $21.51 to spent until July 28th!
You don’t know how much my family has spent in two weeks compared to you. We have spent tons of money on food. I really don’t know how you are doing it! You are Ah-mazing!
Nicely done!! You’re doing better than I am, too. LOL.
You are doing great! Keep it up!
What a good job your doing with this! Your CSA this week is full of goodness!
you are stronger willed than me. I was thinking about trying this for myself but I am going to wait until the fall when there aren’t so many outside events taking place.