Thursday 23 March 2023

Charity Shopping for Easter Holidays + V.R.E. Day 17

 Eldest Granddaughter is coming to stay for 2 days before Easter and like most 6 year olds she likes crafting and colouring so when I spotted this in a charity shop I bought it to add to the things I already have in the Easter Drawer - I knew when I got a whole bundle of Easter stuff from ebay during that first lockdown (Good Grief it was 3 years ago) they would come in handy........... eventually.



The second of the Tuna, Broccoli and Pasta Bakes, made for Day 9, from the freezer was the main meal for Day 17, served with some more of the Value Range mixed frozen veg.....which seems to be lasting forever - they are pretty tasteless and I'm still wishing I'd bought peas alone. Although none of the supermarkets do a Basic/Value range of frozen peas I noticed that Morrisons do  a pack of 'Wonky' frozen peas cheaper than their usual own brand and much cheaper than Bird's Eye. (Puzzled about how peas can be wonky?)



Forgot to say I used self-raising flour and baking fat to make a batch of  8 plain scones a couple of days ago when the sultana sponge was finished.

 Running total still at £60.58p

Back Tomorrow
Sue


24 comments:

  1. I've had those 'wonky' frozen peas, the peas are all different sizes and have bits of pod mixed in with them. They're alright, though not as nice as petit pois. I agree about the frozen mixed veg, tasteless - only palatable with a knob of butter and plenty of seasoning. I like your new header, blossom on trees is one of my favourite Spring things.

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    1. I might try those peas but then I really like Petit Pois best - sometimes the larger garden peas can be not so tasty

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    2. I use the cheap frozen veg for stir fries, but then I put a lot of seasonings in with them: chilli, soy sauce, maybe some garlic. Can also be used as a side dish quite successfully when made just with the veg. If I've got a bit of fresh something that needs using up, I will add that.

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  2. Beautiful header.
    You'll have lots of fun with your granddaughter. Six is a lovely age.

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  3. Enjoy the painting with grandaughter. I bought some ready to paint eggs from The Works for my craft group but we used Sharpie pens which seemed to work well. Catriona

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  4. She will love painting those eggs. :-)

    I always find I have to add lots of white pepper to the mixed vegetables, and sometimes I actually cook them in the water for just a minute or so and then add them to a frying pan to sauté with a bit of chopped up onion.

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    1. I think it's because there are too many carrots cut small they absorb the water too much - would never buy these cheap mixed veg again

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  5. I think the 'wonky' peas take longer to cook and I wonder if one spends more on the extra electricity then one saves on the 'wonky'.
    Have a lovely time with your granddaughter. xx

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    1. I hope granddaughter sleeps - she gets up very early at home!

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  6. I'd never bought frozen veg (apart from peas) until 3 years ago when I had to go into hospital for an operation and knew I wouldn't be up to going shopping when I came out. Like you, I found them totally tasteless. I've read all the arguments about frozen veg being cheaper, less wasteful and more nutritious as they are frozen so quickly after picking, but I'm afraid I wouldn't buy them again unless I had to. I am careful not to waste fresh veg and as I usually go to my local greengrocer, there is no plastic waste either. Pam

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    1. I normally only buy frozen peas and sweetcorn - and the chopped spinach balls which are handy for adding to curries. I'd never tried the value range mixed veg before and wouldn't buy again.

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  7. Oh, thanks Sue, for the good idea to check my local resale shops to get ready for Easter. I will stock up on simple gifts for my 4 youngest grandkids! They don't need much but do love to get a little surprise!

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    1. There's often all sorts of bits in the Charity shops, they keep things aside until the right time of year.

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  8. I've always meant to try baking scones. Thanks for the reminder. Perhaps this weekend.

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    1. I like making plain scones so I can eat them with jam!

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  9. Two days with your granddaughter sounds like fun. To this day, I have very fond memories of time spent with my grandmother. Gardening, bird watching and walks in the forest or on the beach while identifying birds. Making cookies together was great too. Frozen peas or mixed veg do need some help. I often add them to boiled rice to add a pop of color. They also work well inside a stir fry covered with sauce.

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    1. I'm hoping other granddaughter can visit for a while so cousins can play together.

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  10. That will be a tiring two days. Rest ahead in training. Then have a good time!

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    1. It will be very tiring, she's only stayed over just one night before. I shall need a quiet Easter afterwards!

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  11. I'm, sure your granddaughter will love painting the eggs. Crafting with Nan/ Grandma is so special.
    I love the new header too. The blossom is so beautiful to look at.

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    1. Hope I can find plenty to keep her busy.

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    2. One of my granddaughters used to love polishing when she was that age! It was worth a can of spray polish to keep her quiet! I made sure anything precious was well out of the way first… Sadly it didn’t last into the teens!! Karen S

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