The Story of Three

One of the least expensive ways to feed people is………….pasta! Now, if you know how to make lots of sauces offhand, it can also be one of the easiest ways to feed the masses. Now to those who are scared to make a sauce from scratch in favor of the (eck, should I even say it) the jar of pasta sauce, fear not! It is so easy and sooooo much tastier.

Sauce #1—–Marinara/Bolognese Sauce
Think equal parts tomato sauce and water, diced onion, 1 TBS of italian spices (basil, parsley, organo) per can of tomato sauce, and lots of time simmering. I use 3 cans of tomato sauce, 3 TBS spices, half an onion, lots of garlic!, and an hour of simmering time. Now I personally like bolognese much better than marinara, so I also add 1 lb of browned (grease drained before adding) ground beef. So tasty! You can also add a lot of parmesan cheese after serving, and it tastes so good.

Sauce #2—–Red Wine Sauce Florentine
Half a cup butter/soy butter, one cup red wine (I use chianti), 1 TBS of each marjoram & basil & parsley, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (dry packed and cut into quarters), 1 cup fresh spinach…….Now add the first three ingredients and let simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the wine is halved. Now add the parmesan cheese and sundried tomatoes. Let that simmer for another 5 minutes. Lastly, add the spinach and let it sit in there for only about a minute until the spinach is slightly wilted.

Sauce #3—–Creamy White Wine Sauce
One part butter to two parts white wine–This is smoother if you have clarified butter/ghee, but it will work either way. Let simmer until the butter is melted and the wine has had some time to boil out the alcohol. Add in one part half and half (or cream if you want it really creamy!), 1 TBS herbs (parsley, tarragon) per cup of wine and one part cheese of choice. Parmesan will give a more alfredo-ish flavor, but you can use anything that will melt and taste yummy. Let it come to a boil for a minute or two so that all the fats and flavors can combine. Serve over a penne or other pasta that will allow sauce to sit in hidden crevices and such.

Well, enjoy your frugal friday and all that pasta!!!

About 9 months ago, the Trader Joe’s nearby us posted two posters comparing costs between their store and Safeway (although they didn’t say which store–I could tell). They did they exact same brands on many items and as close as possible on the rest. It was a full list of groceries that covered all kinds of food and household items. The amazing thing was that, by shopping at Trader Joe’s, you could get the exact same foods for 52% less! I was astonished, so I began to try this on my own. I wouldn’t actually buy two of everything, but I did start buying at Trader Joe’s and comparing prices. It was true!!! I couldn’t believe it.

Well, needless to say, I have started shopping there for most of my groceries. I hit up either Target or Nob Hill about once every month and a half for items that aren’t sold at Trader Joe’s, and I also shop at Whole Foods for my dairy (it’s the cheapest organic dairy I’ve found anywhere!), bulk grains (like rice, oats, beans, etc), peanut butter (old fashioned, fresh style–mmmmm!), some canned goods and some produce. That sounds like a lot, but I really do most of my shopping at Trader Joe’s.

Anyhow, if you are anywhere near a Trader Joe’s, you should give it a try! I can almost guarantee that it will save you money!