Stretching the Budget

Unfortunately with travel prices and numerous debts to be paid, we are stretching thin this month money wise. To keep from using the credit card too much on groceries, I have been using up our food storage that will soon pass its one year mark of being in our possession.

So, what is a girl to do when she has a husband who used to live off of the Wendy's value menu, she is vegan, and she is trying not to go shopping all that often? Well, to me the answer was casserole! The good ol' family go to meal.

I went to the store this morning and managed to only spend 5 dollars on our groceries! Yes, you heard right. The reason? Because I only bought bananas, celery, and romaine. The plan: Make a filling, delicious meal that even T will love.

I have tons of mashed potato mix from our food storage. The stuff is good and you don't really have to add a lot to them. I have lots of vegetable stock. I have tons of carrots, celery, and onion.
So, chop chop and a little saute and I came up with a make due Shepherds Pie that anyone will love.

Ingredients
2 Tbsp margarine
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, medium dice
1 celery stalk, medium dice
1 carrot, medium dice
2 Tbsp flour
1 cup vegetable stock
1- 1-1/2 cups mashed potatoes
salt and pepper tt

1. Cut all the veg and put in a pan coated with margarine over medium heat.
2. Saute until the veg is soft.
3. Add the flour and 1 Tbsp margarine.
4. Stir like crazy.
5. When it becomes nutty smelling add the veg stock 1/4 cup at a time.
6. Season to your taste.
7. Put in a small casserole.
8. Top with the mashed potatoes.
9. Heat the oven to 400 F.
10. Cover the casserole with foil and place in oven for 10 minutes.
11. Uncover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are crispy.
12. Enjoy!