DJ from Whangarei writes, “There is a movement called Time Banking. There are TimeBanks set up around the country. You might pay a small joining fee then list your skills, connect with others and request help on things and offer help to others in return. Everyone’s time is equal.” This is what Time Bank says […]
I have substituted applesauce for both sugar and liquid in making muffins. I made the applesauce when I could get eating apples super cheap, cooked them down to a puree and bottled it in jam jars. When I made my muffins, I just tipped in a jar of the applesauce to substitute for both sugar […]
I have substituted oil for butter in the bread I bake and there seems to be little to no difference in the resulting loaf. I substitute the oil at the same weight I have for the butter. – ie, 250 gram oil for 250 gram of butter. – Annette in Canterbury
Margarine can replace butter in just about every recipe, which makes it cheaper. It can be used in recipes where the butter is melted or softened or creamed. I’ve used it in scones, biscuits, slices, cakes, muffins and everything, really. Oil can replace butter in recipes where the butter is melted, but it won’t work […]
Laura from Paeroa has a question: I would like to do some baking however butter is so expensive at the moment. I would like recipes that use oil instead of butter. Unless someone knows how much oil to use to replace, for example, say 250 grams of butter in a biscuit recipe? Could you replace […]
There were quite a few ways of making butter go further by adding water, milk, and even cornflour. These days, the simplest way is to combine warm water and butter in equal parts by putting the butter into a mixer on low speed and slowly adding warm water until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Store it […]
Caron from the Waikato writes, Last Spring I bought an unusual yellow heritage tomato plant at a Farmer’s market. It grew very well and produced the most wonderful large bright yellow, delicious fruit. I cut a thick slice from the last one, placed it on a paper towel and let it completely dry out on […]
Caron from the Waikato has a tip for frugal shopping. “I discovered that I can make good savings by buying milk and yoghurt at my local ‘ethnic’ store: they have the best milk prices in my neighbourhood – if you buy 2. The same with 1-litre tubs of very good plain yoghurt. Next, I discovered […]
Caron from the Waikato has responded to our recent column about low-cost school holiday activities with some great ideas of her own. “I was in charge of my grandkids recently and was determined that they would not be glued to their devices the whole time. I went to my local Spotlight store and bought some […]
Doug writes, last week I brought some Brussel sprouts that were really bitter so put a teaspoon of golden syrup in with them made them really sweet. Sugar did not work on these ones as they were really bitter.