Having a bushel of apples on hand put me in a creative mood. Would you believe I’ve devoted the day to tinkering with apple recipes? It’s true and it was so much fun. 

First up was Fried Caramel Apple Rings for breakfast. Definitely a sugar overload, with both caramel and powdered sugar, but very tasty. 

For lunch, I made an Apple-Glazed Roasted Chicken that turned out perfectly—no surprise since it was a Better Homes & Gardens recipes. Everything they make is always good. 

After such a big breakfast and a filling lunch, I left the house to do some errands, and then it was right back to the kitchen, to mix up some Apple Muffins, which will be for packed lunches and possibly tomorrow’s breakfast, too. I did adjust these slightly, by adding chopped walnuts and extra cinnamon. They came out moist and the kitchen smells heavenly.

And that, my friends, was my day—3 new-to-me apple recipes that I would definitely make again. 

Have you done any baking lately?

Living on a Dime is one of the frugal sites that I enjoy. They’re a mother-daughter duo that’s been writing for the last two decades and many of their tips and recipes are super.

One particular post, however, is just total nonsense. Cheap Healthy Family Meal Ideas – Feed A Family Of 4 For $26 Per Week is only partially true: Yes, it’s cheap, but it’s not healthy. 

Let’s take a look at their suggested Shopping List with prices:

• bread  $2
• ham – $2
• lettuce – $1
• rice – $1
• oatmeal – $1
• potatoes – $2
• bananas – $1
• apples – $2
• 2 packages frozen veggies – $2
• 1 bag baby carrots – $1
• 4-5 lbs. Chicken thighs – $3 
• 2 dozen eggs – $3
• spaghetti – $1
• spaghetti sauce – $1
• cream of chicken  – $1
• peanut butter – $2

Obviously, I would remove the ham and the cream of chicken soup to start. Otherwise, I don’t have a problem with the foods they recommend, but those items alone do not comprise a well-rounded meal plan, especially when they’re dividing the food to feed 4 people for 21 meals.

Can I buy a loaf of bread for $2.00? Yes, the high sugar Wonder Bread kind that’s low in fiber. Spaghetti sauce in the can is too salty and full of junk chemicals. Even the $1.00 lettuce, which would be iceberg, is the least desirable kind. $0.69/Lb. chicken is a rare sale. One bag of carrots and 2 bags of mixed veggies for an entire week is a terrible idea and does not meet nutritional guidelines.

If a family is on a very restricted budget, it would make sense to serve simple meals. Eggs and oatmeal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, chicken with potatoes or spaghetti for dinner are all good, as they suggested, but that’s not enough. The potions would be too small; the food is repetitive, and there is a major lack of produce.

$26 per week would be for a true emergency, not a normal budget. The USDA Thrifty Food Family Plan is 5 times higher—$130 per week—and most families are spending much more than that. To claim otherwise is just not logical, nor does it sound appetizing. 

If a family is willing to cook and eat the majority of their meals at home, buy food that is on sale and make a detailed menu plan, food doesn’t have to be expensive. I normally spend $75 to 100, unless I’m doing a major stock-up. We eat lots of fruit, veggies, whole grains, and lean meat and go easy on desserts, packaged foods, and snacks. 

Saving money is important, but not at the expense of our health and wellbeing. I’d prefer to spend a decent amount so that our meals are actually enjoyable. Food is supposed to be a pleasure, after all! There is a difference between being frugal and being a miser. Let’s not push an extreme mindset that’s impossible to follow long term and sacrifices our comfort and wellbeing. 

How low can you go when it comes to groceries?

Finding Kosher beef outside of a metro area can be a challenge. There are no specialty butcher shops and regular grocery stores don’t carry it. Prior to Trader Joe’s coming to town about 3 years ago, if we wanted it, we had to drive an hour to Boston. Now, it’s readily available.

If you have a hard time locating it, too, check out Trader Joe’s meat department. Not every location carries it, but most do. At mine, I found 4 different cuts—brisket, stew meat, ribeye and ground beef. 

The brand, which is certified Glatt Kosher, is Teva, and has good reviews. Of course, taste isn’t universal, so I figured after 2 or 3 pounds, I’d make up my mind. 😉

Cost-wise, it’s comparative to other Kosher brands, which is usually twice the price of conventional meat. Here’s the breakdown:

• • Stew Beef – $9.99/Lb.
  • Ground Beef – $8.49/Lb.
  • Ribeye – $16.99/Lb.
  • Brisket – $10.99/Lb.

Since we were having an unseasonably warm day today—85 degrees!—I dragged out the grill and got cooking. The ground beef was turned into burgers and the steaks were cooked plain. 

It’s hard to ruin a meat feast and these goodies did not disappoint. Everything came out tender and delicious. (I won’t say “juicy” because I prefer everything cooked well done.) Some Kosher meat can be excessively salty. I did not notice anything like that, just a good overall consistency and flavor. 

After such a hearty lunch, I wasn’t in the mood for more meat at dinner. The stew beef is presently in the crockpot, along with potatoes and carrots and will be on the menu tomorrow. From the look and smell, it should be equally good.

And, the brisket, which is my favorite cut of all, went into the freezer. When we’re ready to eat it, I will make Atlanta Brisket, either for Shabbos or we’ll save it for Hanukkah. (Brisket is my special occasion choice.)

Due to the high cost, we eat a lot more conventional meat, but for those who keep strictly Kosher or who want something extra nice, I can recommend Trader Joe’s beef selection. This is definitely a 5-star product.

Have you tried Trader Joe’s Kosher food?

Nothing tastes—or smells—as good as homemade bread, but who has time to bake every single day? (I sure don’t.) Because we enjoy having some type of bread served with dinner, I love the convenience of frozen rolls. On their own, they taste fine. With a brush of melted butter and some spices, they go from good to great. 

Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• Rosemary and Parmesan Cheese
• Italian Seasoning and Minced Garlic
• Sesame Seeds and Poppy Seeds 
• Fresh Herb Blend (Thyme, Sage, Oregano)
• Lemon Pepper and Dill

Rolls taste best when eaten slightly warm—to me. I do know a few folks who prefer cold bread, and cream cheese can be a great topper for that instead of the melted butter.