Mighty Money Savers

January is always a tight month, but die to some unexpected bills and rather lax invoice payments is is harder than normal for us this month.  So we are trying to stretch what we have in the fridge, freezer and cupboards. Monday - Toad in the hole, mash, leeks and peas Tuesday - chicken noodle soup (made with homemade stock) and dumplings Wednesday - Garmon, egg and chips Thursday - Homemade pizza Friday - Jacket potatoes with cheese and beans Saturday - Bolognese with quorn mince from the freezer Sunday - Roast chicken dinner Next week will be even more of a mashup as we will be eating mainly from the freezer.  We are lucky I have a well stocked larder and we have a sack of potatoes from the father in law (who is a farmer)

Since Christmas is an expensive time of year anyway, so many families on low incomes are currently struggling with high heating bills and cannot heat their home affordably or effectively. There is a scheme available to help those households that meet the qualifying criteria obtain a free grant to put towards replacing old and inefficient or broken gas boilers. This could be of huge benefit in terms of energy efficiency and saving money on those all-important fuel bills. If you are a homeowner or private tenant (with permission from your landlord), on tax or pension credits or income related benefits, you could qualify. More about the scheme  The government ECO (energy companies obligation) scheme launched in 2013 is still providing grants to help low income households become more fuel efficient and heat their homes more affordably. There is a legal obligation placed on large energy suppliers to meet targets of improving energy efficiency in low income households. If you meet

Slow cooker  Bolognese One of our favorite family meals is b olognese  and it is even better that I can make in in our slow cooker or crock pot.  It is perfect for Sundays when we have junior football, as I can prep it in the morning and we can come home to a warming, delicious hearty meal and even better one that leaves me with empty dishes and full tummies.  You will need: 15g  Flora Buttery 1 carrot , very finely chopped 1 onion 1 celery stick , optional , chopped 55 g (2oz) mushrooms , cut into quarters 350 g (12oz) lean beef mince ground black pepper 400 g tinned tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp worcestershire sauce 3 tbsp beef stock 225 g (8oz) spaghetti or pasta of choice 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese This week, we had our b olognese  without the mushrooms and celery, but with added peppers. Method: Heat the Flora Cuisine in a large non-stick frying pan and season the beef with salt