≡ Menu

Tightwad Gourmet

This section began as a series of articles for the Jax Beach Journal on eating during the Great Recession. It continues with articles on eating good food economically.

Skunk’s Whole Wheat Biscuits

Skunk’s Whole Wheat Biscuits thumbnail

These biscuits are anything but low carb. They are an experiment in finding an easier way to cut fat into the flour. I remember my ex-mother-in-law sitting on a stool, kneading Crisco into her biscuit dough by hand. This method uses a food processor – and the key is using frozen butter. By using frozen [...]

Skunk’s Savannah BBQ Sauce

Skunk’s Savannah BBQ Sauce thumbnail

Real barbecue (slow-cooked, smoked) is a staple across the south with many regional twists. North Carolina has Eastern style – cooked in a pit, picked from the whole hog, and liberally doused with a spiced vinegar sauce. The sauce always reminds me of the Caribbean mojo sauce. In western North Carolina, there’s Lexington style, which [...]

Low Carb Beef, Broccoli, Egg

Low Carb Beef, Broccoli, Egg thumbnail

This post launches a new direction for the Tightwad Gourmet – a series of low carbohydrate recipes for the slow cooker. They will also avoid some of the common allergens, such as dairy, but not all. This recipe is for breakfast or an any time of the day meal that combines protein and roughage. Beef, [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Cooked bread

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Cooked bread thumbnail

(April 8, 2009) – Now 93, Clara shows us how to salvage a rock hard loaf of old bread, using a recipe she perfected during The Great Depression. First, she slices the bread into manageable hunks. Then she adds olive oil – it must be olive oil, not some other kind.  Add salt to taste. [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Peppers and eggs

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Peppers and eggs thumbnail

(April 1, 2009) – Clara was 92 when she made this video.  Once again, she reprises favorite, cheap, recipes from the depression. This time, it’s peppers and eggs. First, she cleans out and slices three large  bell peppers.  Be sure to get all the white stuff out of the inside -it’s bitter.  Slice them into [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Poorman’s Meal

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression cooking – Poorman’s Meal thumbnail

(March 25, 2009) – 91- year old Clara shows us how to cook meals she once made during the depression.  While the ingredients might make a modern day health nut cringe, the wholesome food kept people alive. As usual, she begins by peeling and dicing a potato and frying it in oil.  She uses a [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression Cooking – Egg Drop Soup

Tightwad Gourmet – Depression Cooking – Egg Drop Soup thumbnail

(March 18, 2009) – Once again, we turn to 91-year old Clara who teaches us about cooking during the depression.  Today’s recipe is Egg Drop Soup.  Don’t know how healthy it is, but this food kept people alive. First, you peel and dice a potato.  Add olive oil to a deep pot and toss in [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Pasta with peas

Tightwad Gourmet – Pasta with peas thumbnail

(March 11, 2009) – A 91-year old grandmother named Clara is reprising her favorite recipes from the depression.  We don’t make any health claims for these recipes, but the did fill many bellies during a true financial crisis. First, we’ll feature Pasta with Peas. Peal and dice one large potato, and fry gently in oil.  [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Make stock for soup

Tightwad Gourmet – Make stock for soup thumbnail

(March 4, 2009) – A good, inexpensive meal can center around soup.  With homemade soup you can control the ingredients – limit salt and sodium and leave out artificial ingredients. The taste can be far superior to canned soups, but the basics should be followed.  And basic to soup is stock.  Stock can be based [...]

Tightwad Gourmet – Make bread at home

Tightwad Gourmet – Make bread at home thumbnail

(February 27, 2009) – One way to save money is to make your food at home.  If nothing else, you save money by not driving to a restaurant.   You can make food that’s better for you, and if you have food allergies  or need to watch your diet,  you can carefully choose the ingredients in [...]