Converted But Still Frugal

Welcome to "The Budget Organic." I'm a mom of four who recently converted to "Organicism." Within the past year I've truly become horrified to discover what is happening in America's food system.

BUT before that, I'll be honest, I was your typical citizen. I would hear the horrors of processed foods and think, critically, "I would never feed my children bologna" (pat on the back). Little did I know that today, when we hear "processed" that could mean bread, oatmeal, yogurt, cheese - you name it, it's processed! I'm ashamed to admit it, but I actually thought "organic" was a conspiracy to charge more money for the same fruits and veggies I was already buying (sad, I know).

So flash forward to today, where although I want to feed my children the healthiest, least toxic foods, I'm still a bargain shopper that finds it very hard to justify paying twice the price for organic. I make choices, some of them probably not the same ones you might make, but it does take extra money to eat healthy, especially for a family of six!

This blog is about trying to "Go Organic" on a budget. I'll post coupons, post outlet stores that are selling organic items, and just rant about the complexities of what should be fairly easy - eating healthy, chemical free food (most of the time)! And I'll be honest - even when I slip and let the kids eat (gulp!) McDonald's!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Breakfast for Champions

We've all heard the saying a million times - "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."  I've always been a big fan of breakfast (okay, any meal, really, but breakfast is tops...)  Cereal is a favorite in our house, but I have to admit, the price for an organic box of cereal can kill me, especially knowing that between the six of us, it won't last long.  My kids also love frozen waffles and pancakes, and these are convenient breakfasts items for starting the school day.

I've found that making these items from scratch, with organic ingredients, costs a fraction of the cost of premade items.  Although I'm bummed to say I don't have a great recipe for organic Lucky Charms, here a few ideas:

Pancakes
1 cup flour (you can use half whole wheat/half white if you prefer)
1 Tbl sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 Tbl oil
1 cup milk

Combine dry ingredients.  Create well in the middle, add wet.  Stir - some remaining lumps are okay.  Drop onto hot griddle.  When you begin to bubbles, flip.  Serve warm with maple syrup!
You can mix the dry together ahead of time to have pancake mix on hand.  And these freeze great.  I make a double batch and freeze them for breakfast all week! 

Waffles
1 3/4 cups flour
1 Tbl baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup cooking oil

Combine all ingredients.  Stir until combined (might be a little lumpy).  Pour a cup of batter onto a preheated waffle baker.  Close lid quickly, and don't open during baking.  Bake according to your waffle iron directions.  When done, use a fork to life waffle off griddle. 
These also freeze great!

Oatmeal is an quick, easy (and cheap) recipe, too! 
1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup water

Microwave for 1 minute/30 seconds.  Add you favorite fruits!
Dice half an apple - add before cooking with 1/2 tsp cinnamon. 
Top with fresh peaches and 1 Tbl brown sugar.
Top with raspberries and 1 Tbl. honey.
This is much healthier than the oatmeal packets!!

Don't forget about eggs.  They take only minutes to make are an excellent source of protein.
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