Cream of __ Soup

Tip of the day-Cream of __ Soup! Did you know that a can of cream of soups have about 250 calories, 2200mg sodium, and yet we just through it into our casseroles. The most shocking thing of all is that they contain MSG. Do you know the illnesses that stuff is linked to? Seizures, Brain cell death, Brain damage, Allergies, Headaches, Strokes, Hypoglycemia, and Brain Tumors!

So how can we make a better change for our families, make your own!
2 c. powdered nonfat milk
3/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. (or less) instant chicken bouillon (get reduced sodium and MSG free)
2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1 tsp. basil leaves
1 tsp. thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Store in an air tight container until ready to use. To substitute for one can of condensed soup: Combine 1/3 cup of dry mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened. Add to casserole as you would the canned product. Makes equivalent of 9 cans of soup. If your recipe calls for mushroom or celery, dice it up, saute a bit in your pan then add your mix and water!

Powdered Milk

Tip of the day-powdered milk! I know you are thinking, GROSS! But there are a lot of ways to use it that are tasty and nice to the wallet. Replace fresh milk with reconstituted in every thing but drinking it straight. Casseroles, quiches, baked goods, pancakes, pudding, yogurt, and some of my favorite drinks mixes like chai tea or cocoa.You can also make your own convenience foods like evaporated milk, whipped topping, sweet and condensed milk, and frosting. Buy the big box and it will last a long time, instead of running through those gallons so fast. One more note, it is fortified the same as fresh! You should mix in cold to room temp water to reconstitute. Go to hillbillyhousewife.com for all the recipes for convenience foods. Beware, you might get lost in her world of frugalness.

Ground Flax Seed

First tip of the day- flax seed! Buy flax seed, ground it, and store it in the freezer. Did you know that you can substitute it for eggs in baked items. Breads, pancakes, cookies ect. 1 tbsp ground flax and 1 tbsp water, whisk together, substitute for 1 egg. By doing this you are spending less money, buying eggs less often, and helping your health. Eggs are very good for you but flax has a ton of omega 3 fatty acids, can lower your blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduce hot flashes, and relive dry eye syndrome. Best of all it is soluble fiber!