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Soup makes for "soup-er"  grocery budget savings!
October 4, 2010
In This Issue
From the Blog
Molly Members
Hey, I Can Make That!
Ideas From Around the Web
In the Kitchen
Molly's Money-Saving Digest
My Slow Cooker E-Book Is on Sale This Week!
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Molly Green Fresh
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You asked, we listened! You want great, tasty recipes with simple, fresh ingredients. Get ready then to "freshen up" and bask in the best of summer.

Enjoy 22 pages of fresh and easy recipes, fabulous household tips, and more! Full-color, eye-catching photos with each easy-to-use recipe!

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A Look Back at the October 2009 Digest
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You're not afraid of the big bad wolf are you?

During the time of the Great Depression many people closely identified with the story of the Three Little Pigs. Today, many are comparing that time period with the economic downturn of the present day. Regardless of how accurate the comparison is . . .

"This really is a season of opportunity to re-think our resources and re-evaluate our needs, repair what we can, and rejoice in all that we've been given."

This month's Molly's Digest explores the resourcefulness and ingenuity that are still alive and well in 2009. The special feature for October is:
What Can We Learn From the Great Depression?



Order this past Digest today by clicking HERE.
 
12-Week Holiday Planner

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Don't wait until the last minute! Use this planner to start October 1, and prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas without all the rush. This planner lets you focus on the meaning of the season without being overwhelmed by the stress of it.

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Greetings!

soup 1
Marianmoca... | Dreamstime.com

Last week we talked about chili and cornbread. This week we are going to talk soup!

My idea of soup used to be straight from the can. . . until the first time I made a huge pot of soup from scratch. It was simple and easy and tasted so much better!

Making soup from scratch is a great way to use leftover meats and garden vegetables. If you have the time, you can also preserve some soup by canning it (see my August Digest on canning and preserving) for a yummy winter treat.

Soup is a great way to stretch your grocery budget. A big pot of soup provides leftovers for the next day, and hubby will love to take a thermos along for lunch!

I always keep a plastic container in the freezer that I throw any leftover meats, veggies and broths into. When it's full, I heat it on the stove, add some spices, and enjoy "refrigerator stew." I learned this tip from the Tightwad Gazette, and it really works. I was skeptical about how it would taste at first, but I haven't had a bad batch yet.

If you have some great soup recipes, I would love to share them on the blog next week. Simply email me your recipe and permission to use it on the blog. If you have a photo, send that as well.
From the Blog

Here is a list of our weekly blog posts--just in case you missed one or two.
  • Check out this creative way to let friends and family know what you're on the lookout for. Create a "Wants" bulletin board.
  • I've been studying up on  hospitality and entertaining and will be speaking at the Schoolhouse Expo next week. The Reluctant Entertainer perfectly voices my philosophy!
  • Have you lost or gained weight? Is your wardrobe feeling a bit "blah"?  Click this link to find out how to use the thrift store to your advantage in both situations.
  • Do you ever wonder what to do with those little vegetable ends and pieces of bone and meat? Kelly the Culinarian stopped by to let us know what she does.
  • Freebie Friday has lots of great freebies.
  • Lisa stopped by to share her thoughts on simplicity and the bakery bucket.
  • If you have been wondering what a gift closet actually looks like, read this post and you can see what my latest "thrifty gift" will be.

Molly Members
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My October Digest, Socks, Suds and Savings, is in your member account awaiting download. Hope on over and enjoy!

Not only that, we've got several free downloads as well as links to printables, recipes, decor and so much more! Here's a sneak peek at one of the freebies for this month.

See you there.

If you haven't joined us yet, be sure to check it out!
Hey, I Can Make That!

Homemade Crackers



Photo courtesy of Recipe Tips

Would you like to make homemade crackers to go with a big pot of steaming, hot soup? I am really glad that I found this tutorial because I have wanted to try my hand at making my own crackers for some time, but just never have. It seems very easy and not very time consuming either. I'm thinking I can do this!

Just visit this link at Recipe Tips to learn how you can make homemade crackers as well!

Ideas From Around the Web
Here are a few recipes and websites I found that have lots of "soup-er" tips you'll enjoy.
In the Kitchen

Pumpkin Soup

pumkin soup
Fredredhat | Dreamstime.com

With fall rolling in, I thought I would share one of my absolute favorite seasonal soups. . . Pumpkin Soup!


Ingredients:

6 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups cubed fresh pumpkin
1 teaspoon fresh parsley
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
5 whole black peppercorns

Directions:

Cut pumpkin into 1/2-inch cubes.

Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.

Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender. Return to pan and bring to a boil again.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream.

Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Molly's Money-Saving Digest
September

No domestic subject is too dirty for Molly to tackle!

Put more than crisp clean clothes into your time and money-saving basket!

It's not just laundry lessons included in this helpful issue. It's all about home and family-repurposed projects, raising responsible children, creative cooking, investing wisely, enjoying and appreciating God's gifts, and encouraging one another. 

  • Kids can learn laundry basics too!
  • Spend as little as 3 cents per soap load!
  • Repurpose planned leftovers into brand new meals!
  • Feather your nest with a fabulous feathered friends' wall hanging!
  • Make plans for International Frugal Fun Day-October 2nd!
  • Fashion a sweet dress for sister, sewn from two salvaged shirts!

 October's special feature is: Socks, Suds, and Savings

Do your kids play leap frog over the soiled mounds at your house? Get them involved in a practical way. Approach it with the right attitude and maybe something good will emerge. And if you think you can't learn something new, think again!

  • Learn to love the laundry; is it possible?
  • Investigate three things that helped Molly simplify and reduce the time and money spent on laundry.
  • Learn to manage the endless flow; find what works for you.
  • Alter your laundry room's personality and make room for a change!
  • Discover essential knowledge about laundry appliances! Enjoy links including a laundry cost calculator and how to make your own off-grid washing machine!
  • Research homemade laundry soap; get links to lots of basic economical formulas!
  • Find favorite recipes for homemade stain removers and fabric softeners from around the internet.
  • Want more than one way to dry clothes? Try out a few of these frugal indoor drying ideas!
  • Need an ironing alternative? Try this unique time-saving trick!
  • Thought of green cleaning gift giving? Implement nifty laundry-related projects and thoughtful gift ideas!

Click HERE to view a sample of this item. Buy it HERE.

Want to save even more? Subscribe to a Molly Membership! For only $3.95 a month (cancel any time!), you receive not only the monthly Molly's Money-Saving Digest, but also much more! Purchase NOW!


Don't forget, you can download a free Molly binder cover from the Schoolhouse Store!