It's been too long...

Well it definitely has been too long since I have added a new post to this blog.  Since that is the case I am just going to add stuff is major themes.  That's right, themes.  It has been that long that I now can just add multiple sections.  First off all, since most of you know that since living here in Denton I have been a dutiful house-husband.  What I have realized with doing this is that I REALLY enjoy cooking.  Not only that but I have taken on the art, and yes it is an art, of grocery shopping.  For those that are just getting into cooking and, especially, learning how to grocery shop I would definitely recommend "The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook" by Erin Chase.  This book has been transformational for me in my appreciation and confidence in traversing the dreaded aisles of the supermarkets.

So back to my main point.  I have really loved learning how to cook better.  However, buying groceries on a Dave Ramsey budget has been the most rewarding thing.  I have loved buying my meats and vegetables on-sale and learning how to batch cook.  For those that do not know what I am talking about, which I am assuming most of those who read this blog probably do, batch cooking is cooking large batches of food and freezing them for later use.  The following pictures are some of my endeavors in batch cooking and baking.

Typically for me I go through the week's circulars and find the deal and cut some coupons...

Circulars and Coupons

Of course the coupon organizer

(Yes, I know it is girly, it was free, get over it)

 Once I have bought the food I prepare my food, so I can put it in the freezer till I need it...

Blanching my broccoli before I put in the freezer

Cutting my potatoes and sweet potatoes to mash and put in the freezer

Bagged and ready for the freezer 

Freezing my bell pepper!

Bagged and ready to put in the freezer

I LOVE SWEET POTATOES!!

As you could tell I like freezing things.  Another thing I have come to love is baking bread.  There is just something about kneading bread that is very relaxing.  The next few pictures are of me making Chocolate Bread, French bread (with a bread maker), and Honey-Wheat bread (from scratch)

My ingredients for my chocolate bread

Of course what chocolate bread is complete without brown sugar on top

Pretty sweet don't you think?

My ingredients for my French bread

Looks pretty good

However, I didn't realize just how small the bread pan was and yes it did rise all the way.

Delicious!

My favorite...the Honey-Wheat bread!!

Well I hope you all enjoyed reading this.  Thanks for letting me go on about some of the things I have learned to love doing!!