Simply Frugal -- Herbs and Spices

Herb and Spices
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

The flavors you add to the basic foods can change a cornmeal concoction from Southern USA to Southern Italy with just a pinch of dried herbs.

If you live in a town with a food coop or a natural foods store, you can probably buy these in bulk at prices that are far less than the itty bitty jars on the shelf in the grocery store. If not, stock up first with cinnamon, chili powder, ginger, and vanilla extract, and add the rest as the budget allows.

Allspice
Basil
Bay leaf
Celery seed
Chili powder
Cinnamon
Cumin
Curry powder
Cloves
Dill weed
Ginger
Marjoram
Mustard, dry
Nutmeg
Oregano
Paprika
Peppercorns
Red pepper flakes
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme

Extremely Frugal recipes only use
Cinnamon, chili powder, and ginger.

Extremely Frugal Bread Pudding

Simple Bread Pudding
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

BREAD PUDDING
Buy: nothing

Milk	2 1/4 C
Sugar	1/2 C
Cinnamon	1 1/2 tsp
Eggs	2
Bread*	1/2 pound
Raisins	1/2 C

Beat milk, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs in large bowl. Stir in bread cubes and raisins.
Pour into greased casserole.
Bake uncovered at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean.

Serve with custard sauce or hard sauce.

*A slice of bread is about 1 ounce. Use 8 slices, or the equivalent in stale bagels, Italian or French bread, or any leftover yeast rolls. Muffins, biscuits, cornbread, and other quick breads don't work as well.

Baked Ham

Precooked Ham	3 lb
Apple juice concentrate	1/4 C
Brown sugar	1/2C
Dry mustard	1 tsp
Cloves	1/2 tsp
Cinnamon	1/2 tsp
Cloves, whole	18

Mix apple juice concentrate (or cider), brown sugar, dry mustard, cloves, and cinnamon into a paste. Spread over surface of the ham. Score ham surface with sharp knife, and stick a whole clove into the center of each diamond shape.

Bake in 425 F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until fat is crisp and coating has melted. Lower heat to 250 F and heat through, about 1 hour.

Buy: Ham, frozen apple juice or cider.
Pantry: brown sugar, dry mustard, cloves, cinnamon

Extremely Frugal Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Tart apples with a simple oatmeal, butter, and sugar topping.

Apples, tart	4 C
Lemon juice	2 Tbsp
Water	2 C
Oatmeal	1 C
Flour	1/2 C
Brown sugar	1 C
Cinnamon	2 tsp
Butter	1/2 C

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix lemon juice with water in 1 qt bowl.
Wash, core, and slice apples, dropping them into the acidulated water as you slice them.
Mix oatmeal, flour, sugar, and cinnamon well.
Cut or rub in butter until it is the size of small peas.
Place apple slices in greased casserole. Add 1/4 C acidulated water.
Cover with oatmeal topping.
Bake for 35-45 minutes.