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Food Stamp Challenge Day 23: Bread and Weeds

dandelion-nutritionToday we did something that we have not done on the challenge thus far. We foraged for food. We grabbed some dandelion greens (in the dark using flashlights – quite a sight, I’m sure) to be a part of tonight’s dinner. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out.

The image on the left shows some basic nutrition facts about dandelion greens and as you can see, they’re packed with Calcium, Vitamins A & C and Iron. They also have dietary fiber, and they are free.

All this from a weed. Pretty crazy, huh? That’s why we’re saving seed and will be growing dandelions intentionally next season. The greens can be eaten raw in salad, though they may be a bit bitter for some palates.

dandelion greens

Baking happened…with three separate recipes: sourdough, white/wheat and a pocket bread recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook found on a recent thrift store trip. The result were two single slicing loaves and 6 pocket breads intended for dinner that ended up more like flat bread but were enjoyed just as much.

MEALS

BREAKFAST: $1.09
coffee
sugar
creamer
egg & cheese sandwiches on sourdough

LUNCH: $.91

chili (leftovers from Day 5)
1/2 pound ground beef/turkey

PITCHER OF TEA: $.61
LOAF OF SOURDOUGH BREAD: $0.68
LOAF OF WHEAT BREAD: $0.62
6 POCKET BREADS/FLAT BREAD: $0.49

DINNER: $2.25
one pan sauté including:
1/2 pound ground beef/turkey
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup green pepper
1/2 cup red pepper
1/2 cup onion
leftover kale sauté (Day 21)  
foraged dandelion greens
sour cream
shredded cheese

 dinner saute

NOTE: We really had no idea how this meal was going to turn out. We were using leftovers and making up the combination as we went. There’s something to be said for years of experience in the kitchen though, because this was so delicious that we made a point to remember the recipe.

  • Consumed Today: 5.74 [+3.26 for the day]
  • Consumed To Date (week): 8.10 [+9.90 for the week]
  • Consumed To Date (month): 102.05 [+95.95 for the month]
  • Spent To Date: 208.48
  • Remaining Balance: $70.70

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY: Have you ever foraged for food? Dandelion greens, berries, etc.?

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