Next challenge: Spend nothing March

OK.  Time for a new challenge, and the cupboards/ freezer need a good clear out.  So, in March, we will not buy any new food - EXCEPT - the weekly organic vegetable box, milk and soya milk, and the jury is out about eggs.  We are working on a rules list for any other expenditure:-  allowed - animal food, cleaning products (minimum), essential toiletries (eg. loo roll, deodorant!).  I will declare any expenditure here to keep us on track.  As payday is not until Monday - this challenge will effectively start today, but I am scrabbling together a few pennies to get a few (not many) tins of tomatoes as we are completely out.

Beetroot and feta salad

Well, it was prettier, but gathered victims fell upon it (me included) as we were hungry.  Some carnage followed (see stain on tablecloth) but thumbs up all round. (recipe:  assorted leaves including bog standard lettuce, lamb's lettuce, rocket and watercress, beetroot in balsamic, feta, red onion... dressing with mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic).  Followed by boeuf bourgignon (with rice and mash (don't ask!), green beans and peas (again, don't ask).  Finally, apple and cherry spongey pudding with (and without) ice cream.  All gathered victims left VERY full, so we had to leave the Scalectrix tournament to the cats.

Root vegetable gratin

Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, swede and carrot in a rich cheddar and mustard sauce.  As you can see the top was slightly "caramelised" but the mixture of sweet and earthy root veg was really tasty.  Served with cabbage - which was a good idea - and a chicken, mushroom and wine stew - which was a bad idea.  Grilled chicken or sausages would be good, but fought against the wine sauce.

Chocolate beetroot cupcakes

This cupcake contains beetroot, and is deeply chocolatey.  It is more or less from here http://www.britishlarder.co.uk/velvet-chocolate-and-beetroot-cupcakes-with-chocolate-fudge-spread/#axzz1DCYCZNjB - using yogurt instead of buttermilk, and a handful of cherries chucked in.  Sadly they didn't rise as expected - I started in the baking oven of the Aga, but it was not at optimal temperature - might have been better to do them in the roasting oven today.  Still, they taste great, and are very moist.

Revenge of the organic veg box

Revenge of the organic veg box.  Romanesco cauliflower and green beans sauteed (with garlic, chili and shallots) with some braised salsify, roasted carrots and camargue red rice.  Hah... you think you can beat me veg box!  Tomorrow have to use up beetroot and aubergine!