skmcdade

Thanks! That makes sense, and reminds me that there is actually a recipe for bread in which you are supposed to try to make the top pop off!

Matthew, would it be OK to put a Tupperware seal on the bowl instead of wrappy stuff, or does it need to breathe a bit?

Oh my. I will clean as I go IF I am already fairly caught up on cleaning. If we've been out at church functions and stuff for a couple of days (which is where I am now) and haven't been loading or unloading the dishwasher, then I'm likely to just pile stuff up as I cook. Then I have to do crisis cleaning! But if all is normal, and the dishwasher and sink are empty, I'll clean as I go. Yes, I often have guests who want to help clean up, and frequently I would rather just let it sit until they are gone. If it's family, we usually clean up together. Now if I could just get my husband to pick up after himself...

Great thread! You might also want to read the Tightwad Gazette books by Amy Dacyzcyn (I hope I spelled that right). It's not all about food, but she advocates cooking from scratch, and does include a lot of recipes, including recipe equivalents for some packaged mixes. She also includes at least one or two articles comparing the cost of scratch vs. mixes, and pieces on how to figure out whether it's really worth your time to make something from scratch (for instance, she decided that homemade tomato paste just wasn't worth it).

I agree -- toast/saute the barley. Or put the barley in later and don't cook it so long. Or use more liquid. HTH!

Anyone tried silicone cake pans? I've seen them but haven't bought any yet.

White rice -- I bought a 25 lb bag a while ago, and then last time dh quit his job my folks went grocery shopping for us and bought some more. I haven't got Tupperware big enough for it! I have a fairly large amount of split peas -- organic bulk split peas were on sale a few weeks ago. Powdered sugar -- forgot I had some and bought more.

Soup, soup, and more soup. Green lentil, red lentil (my fave), split peas (green or yellow), beef and vegetable, turkey noodle. Also spaghetti sauce. This is especially good, since I can take time to make a really good sauce with good ingredients and then freeze it for quick use later, instead of making packet sauce or using jarred sauce because I am too lazy!

LOL, if anyone is still reading this, I am the sister-in-law! I only just got to read the article. Mamster's two principles are exactly the two principles that Tupperware Modular Mates uses! Nothing round cuz it wastes space, and nothing stays in the original packaging unless said packaging works better. Well, there are actually round Mod Mates for those who want them -- but mostly we just use the round Spaghetti Dispenser and that's it. Modulars also come in different shapes so that you can get ovals for pourable goods and large squares or rectangles for scoopable items. Tupperware is now pulling out of Target; it was announced June 17. But we do have mall kiosks/Showcases, as well as websites. The party is alive and well! We use the mall kiosks to get leads -- find people who like Tupperware, and get them to have parties. Tupperware does sell container labels, pre-printed with the most common dry goods people are storing -- from flour and sugar to snack mix, pretzels, and chocolate chips. And tea bags and such too! Yes, Rubbermaid is cheaper -- but Tupperware has a lifetime guarantee. If your grandma's Tupperware bowl from 1957 is broken, cracked, chipping, or peeling, you can take it to any Tupperware consultant (no receipt needed) to get a new bowl or credit towards a purchase. Same goes for the stuff you buy now. Great article!