On a different thread people shared some money saving tips/ideas that I found interesting.  My biggest problem has been going to the grocery store with no clue as to what to buy or make for the following week.  I walk up and down the aisles and just blindly put things in my cart.  Some of you may have read in that thread I was able to make some meals and freeze them which has been a big help (seriously never thought of that).  I just wanted to share with you what happened this weekend.

My in-laws came over and I made this delicious chicken receipe that calls for using thighs.  I needed to par-boil the check with some chicken broth,  a bay leaf and some other spices.  When I took it out of the pot I was going to throw away this broth.  DH says...why don't we make chicken soup with it for tomorrow?  What? I seriously wasn't even thinking that.  So, Sunday night we added some carrots, potatoes, green beans and mushrooms with some of the leftover chicken and a little more water.  Wow - was that good!  In fact we were even able to take left-overs for lunch today.

Ladies - I think the light-bulb is finally going off over my head.  I really hadn't shopped with ideas on meals and/or what to make with my leftovers.  The chicken soup was so easy! I made a side salad and some biscuts and it was done.  Now I know why my grandparents would alwasy take home the turkey bones & carcass after Thanksgiving....they would make a delicious soup with it! 

Many of you probably already do this but for me this was an accomplishment.  I am starting to change the way I think about preparing meals.  I love this forum about saving money because I can get some tips and suggestions for folks here that I never thought about.  Keep them coming please

Wendy, I used to have that problem too.It took me years before I used a list, and I was constantly forgetting what was needed to prepare meals.

The Taste of Home/Quick Cooking books are really good.Many times I can prepare a meal with what I have in my pantry, and avoid another expensive trip to the store.

This is what helps me: Go through your recipes and cookbooks and plan a few meals.Make sure you have all necessary ingredients for the recipes you have chosen.Also check your local flyer for sales for the stores/store you do most of your shopping.If the store/stores have good loss leaders, and you are able stock up!

My grandmother always saved her chicken stock(in the freezer) .She wouldnt touch canned soup.

This one probably sounds crazy, but we love it....we serve wide egg noodles in chicken broth over mashed potatoes.  Some carbliciousness on a plate! :)

If we only have a little leftover chicken broth, we cook rice in it (instead of using water).  It adds a nice flavor to the rice.

Aren't homemade broths the best?  You can also use leftover ham bones and venison bones to make stock.  I once used bear bones.... it was.... different, LOL. 

I always save any chicken stock for just that purpose. It makes great soups.  I also have learned to freeze it in 1 and 2 cup measures in a freezer bag. I use the one cup and add it to potato water for mashed potatoes. Makes them yummier. Also cook rice in the chicken stock as well.  And I freeze it in ice cube trays as well. This way if you only need a few to add flavor to sauteed chicken breasts or pop into a rice dish they melt quickly.

these are great idea.

You can always freeze it in ice cube trays so its in small portions for a little flavor here and there