Day 100- Finally Re-caffeinated

I love my Daddy. Not just because he loans me money (though he does), and not because he put gas in my car (and he did), but because he's my daddy.

And he bought me soda.

He also "paid" me to drive him around yesterday, though I'm tossing it all in with the loaned money. I keep borrowing like this and I'm gonna have to keep him in a manner above and beyond what he's accustomed to to make up for lost interest on retirement savings.

But the important part is the soda. Srsly.

I did take some of the money and replace the $4 and change I used for gas. I bought a tub (now 15 oz) of Earth Balance "buttery spread"- the original type, full of tasty soy. $3.53 including tax. Then I headed downtown for some veggies- I was already in the area, the veggies are best/ least expensive at the vegetable bin, and I just plain like it there.

Veggies are starting to come into season here! I got 1.31 pounds of (unknown source) sweet potatoes for .49/lb or $0.64, .56lb of local (john's island, less than 40 miles, even with the trip downtown) yellow summer squash for .99/lb or $0.55, and one tiny roma for 21 cents, total spent on veggies of $1.42.

So I'm a bit over on spending, but I found a dime under the drivers seat that came with the car (I don't lose dimes), so it's close enough.

Food wise, I had total fail. Still haven't cooked my challenge food, haven't cooked anything. After I got back from the library (after running errands for dad/ me) I locked the keys in the car. Finally called the local cops, who open doors for people, but it was after 7 before the officer came, popped the lock, and left. At which point I realized that all I'd had to eat was half a bottle of water, half a small bottle of diet soda, and an allergy pill. At which point I gave in to evil laziness and the power of cash in my pocket, and cheated with a bag of chips.

Which didn't taste as good as I remember them tasting. So next time hopefully I'll just make some blasted oatmeal, already.

Challenge-

Nancy F., who can't post comments, sent me this e-mail (edited for flow)-

Veggie/Nutburgers‏

1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded $1.50
2 Eggs $0.16
1 cup Cooked rice $0.50
1 cup Parsley, finely chopped $0.25
3 stalks Celery, minced $0.25
1/2 Onion, minced $0.50
1 cup Walnuts, finely chopped $1.76
1 Green pepper, finely chopped $0.50
1 teaspoon Salt $0.01
1 tablespoon Basil $0.50
2 teaspoons Curry powder $0.50
2 tablespoon Oil for cooking $0.50

Total
$6.93

Per pattie cost (based off of 10 patties):$0.69
Price for entire burger (bun, mustard, swiss cheese): About $1.50
Price for store bought veggie pattie: $1.00+
Price for restaurant veggie burger: $3.00+

I made 2 patties and gave the leftovers to a friend. Not sure how many she got, but probably 8 more. This makes a huge batch! I only had to buy the curry powder, basil & nuts, so I used less then $5.00…$2.76. Plus I could have cut the per pattie cost if I had bought whole nuts instead of already chopped. Could have saved lots of time with a SlapChop too.

I have not had too many veggie burgers, but this was the best by far. Maybe because I'm picky and knew exactly what was in here. Either way it was a winner in my book. Oh yeah, if anyone is interested; just combine everythingand mix well. Place enough batter for 1 pattie in hot oil, cook until brown and carefully flip and cook until brown on last side.

Next time I probably will add some garlic too. It was a pain having to hand "finely chop" and "mince" but I was very happy with myself once it was done. I was kinda proud of all those tiny pieces. Strange, I know. I made them last night and have been thinking about them all day. So yum! This weekend I'm going to try Ruby Leigh's bread! We always eat at home, but never this much from scratch.

Thanks,
Nancy

I admit, her email had a lovely table, but it won't transfer- it's either chrome, blogger, or open office causing the problem, and I'm not sure I'd be willing to lay bets on which. But the e-mail was prettier, I promise.

All right- tomorrow's the official end of the challenge. Guess that means I've got to actually cook today. With my motivation, what I've got in the fridge, and my to-do list, guess that means I *am* making tortillas. Black bean soft tacos with pan-fried summer squash, onions, and sliced tomato to dress them, anyone?

I do have to say, though- if someone were to do a local eating challenge, the Charleston area would be a good place to do it. Well, better than Wyoming, anyway. Man cannot live on beefalo, elk, and antelope alone, and vegetarians don't do well at all. I do miss the wild sunflowers, though. Maybe next year.

Ok, enough rambling. I need to go invent some more good luck. And tortillas, can't forget those.