Kumama's Bread Pudding

Hello again!
The presidential debate is just finishing up-I change my mind everyday as to my vote.
Gas prices are down- but for how long ????
Today I’ll give you a few simple ideas for saving on groceries, the most important of which is- DO NOT WASTE ANYTHING! Think if ways to be creative with leftovers is an easy way to start. But first you have to purchase your groceries.
Do not shop without a list. I do not mean a list you write while in the grocery parking lot. Take inventory of what you have on hand; make a menu and construct you list from what you need to get through the week. Go over the ads in the newspapers a clip. Alter your list as needed to take advantage of the sales Pull the appropriate coupons and clip to your list. If at all possible shop alone! Kids and spouses slow down the process- and any added time in the store usually translates into more “stuff” or junk foods in the cart. I do not believe in going from store-to store unless there is a remarkable bargain that will result in a big saving on products that I need or will need in the near future. For example I was in a local Shoppers market to make a deposit at the bank inside the store. I noticed they had tomatoes in 29 ounce cans on sale for a dollar (89cent savings per can) .There were manufacturers coupons at the display .$1.00 off if you bought 3 cans. I bought 6 cans. When I checked out –the coupons were DOUBLED- 6 large cans of tomatoes for $2.00!!! I went to the service desk and asked if it was OK if I purchased more-“absolutely” was the reply. I bought an additional 18 cans for $6.00. So for a total of $8.00 I have enough tomatoes to last me well into spring and saved $37.36!
We need to think about how we spend, how we shop and how and where we eat.

I noticed tonight that there are a few slices bread leftover from last evening’s meal. It’s a bit dry- I could just toss it out to the birds .I could put it in the food processor to make bread crumbs for a casserole topping (store in freezer if you choose to do this) , or I can make dessert for dinner tomorrow. I choose the latter.

Kumama’s Bread Pudding

Serves 4-6

2 cups bread cubes- Any type- Italian, regular white, whole wheat or a mixture – Use the heels of the bread that always seen to go wanting in the bottom of the bread wrapper

½ cup raisins or other dried fruit or mixture .Cut up an apple if that is what you have
2 large eggs
¼ cup sugar (or Splenda that measures like sugar)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla or the flavor you like
1½ cups milk – whole, low fat, skim. If you use reconstituted powdered milk- that is also OK. Have chocolate milk that needs to be used up-give that a try !
Cut or tear bread into 1-inch pieces and place in a 1 ½ quart baking dish .Add raisins and mix . In another bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Add milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to the eggs. Mix well. Pour the mixture over the bread. Allow mixture to soak for 10-15 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife in the middle- it is done when the knife comes out clean. Serve warm or cold.