Category Archives: Clever Cooks

Going vegetarian without going hungry

According to Sandra Reynolds, ‘[t]he easiest way to reduce your food bill is to have two meat-free meals a week. You will save a minimum of $30 or even more, every week, by doing so’ (via The $120 Food Challenge). My main … Continue reading

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It was too hot to cook, so I bought a chook

After what seemed like the gazillionth hot day in a row, I couldn’t face another session in front of the stove, so I picked up a roast chook from the supermarket. Buying premade goes against all things thrifty but I made … Continue reading

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The indestructible spring onion

Spring onions are hardy plants. Once established, they’re drought tolerant, snail resistant, and they grow back after a decent trim. It always baffles me whenever I see spring onion seedlings at a nursery. Why do people pay money for seedlings … Continue reading

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Bottled water: a costly convenience

When it comes to our favourite beverages, we know that it’s cheaper to DIY or BYO. For every caffeine hit, a DIY coffee will easily save you $3. And when it’s time to wind down, a BYO cleanskin will cost … Continue reading

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Striking betel leaf cuttings

It’s lunar new year this weekend and one of my favourite snacks to eat from the street-festival vendors is bò lá lốt, beef wrapped in betel leaves. I’ve recreated it at home, using Luke Nguyen and Mark Jensen’s recipe (via Secrets of … Continue reading

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