Poorhouse Cuisine

This week, the budget around here is very tight. Meals will consist of things I have had in the freezer and pantry for a while, paired with whatever cheap ingredients I could scrape together the money to buy so we can eat (covering other bills might have to wait till I get paid on Friday!) Like most people right night, the cost of groceries has really been putting a squeeze on my budget—though thankfully, it seems prices on many things have finally started to drop somewhat.

Here’s a few cheap recipes we will be eating this week to keep starvation at bay.

Mackerel Cakes

1 (15 oz.) can Mackerel, drained with bones picked out

1 cup flour

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

black pepper to taste

Other optional seasonings, if you have them on hand,  include garlic or parsley

2 tbsp. cooking oil

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, adding more flour if needed to form a dough. Form into patties about 3 inches across and perhaps an inch thick.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the mackerel cakes into the pan and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally. I usually get about 8 patties out of a can.

Turkey and Stuffing Loaf

1 lb. ground turkey

1 box store brand stuffing

1 egg

1 packet gravy mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a small cookie sheet and set aside. Combine ground turkey, egg, and stuffing mix in a medium bowl. Form into a loaf and place on the pan. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or till a fork inserted in the center comes out clean and the loaf is done.

A few minutes before serving, make up a packet of gravy mix. Serve with gravy and mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. I usually get about 4 servings out of this recipe.

Homemade Beanie Weenies

I package cheap hot dogs, sliced into 1 inch thick pieces

2 (15 oz ) cans pork and beans

1 small onion, chopped

Ketchup

Combine hot dogs, beans and onion in a 2 quart casserole or baking dish, Top with ketchup. Bake at 350 degrees F until bubbly and heated through, about 30 minutes.

Good Old Shit on a Shingle

1 lb. hamburger meat

1 small onion, diced

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Toasted bread

Brown the hamburger and drain. Add in the onion and cook a few minutes, stirring frequently, till the onion is done. Stir in garlic powder and cream of mushroom, stir and cook till heated through. Serve over toast.

Bologna Salad

1 (1 lb.) package store brand bologna, diced

3 hard-boiled eggs, diced

¼ cup sweet pickle relish, drained

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp. yellow mustard

Black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill. Serve on sandwiches.