This recipe was recommended by an internet friend and I looked it up on the youtube channel she found it on, It was supposed to be cooked in a slow cooker but I did ours in a 4 quart pasta pan on the stove top cabbage ramen beef in slow cooker 1 pound of ground beef, cooked in a skillet and drained 2 cups of chicken broth 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce 4 shredded carrots, about 2 cups cabbage , angel hair slaw mix 10 ounce bag but I cut up cabbage from a head (I also added diced onion and mushrooms as ours needed cooked) garlic as desired (I used just a little garlic salt as we are not big garlic fans) 1 T brown sugar black pepper cook on high for 2 hours or low 4 hours (after I browned and drained the meat in the pasta pot, I added the broth, seasonings and veggies. Brought to a boil, then covered and let simmer for 20 minutes or so) 2 packs of ramen, no seasoning packet tuck dry noodles down into cooked mixture and cover up with liquid and mixture. Cover and continue on low. check after 5 minutes. break up noodles and cook until noodles are done. maybe 10 minutes total The noodles cook fast so check as mushy noodles are not good. top with chili crisp and sirracha as desired Mandy in the Making is the Youtube channel. we think this is a really delicious recipe!

Yesterday I went to pick up a few items at Aldi. There was a worker in the meat section who was checking dates and marking items down. I asked what was the best bargains were so he showed me. Organic whole chickens normally 7.67 were 1/2 off. Best by date 7/2/26. Boneless skinless chicken thighs 1/2 off so I ended up paying around 3.00 a package of 6 thighs. Best by date 7/2/26. I put it all in the freezer. The date is the key. He explained that the night before the best by date they mark it down. I will start shopping first thing in the morning at 9:00 am when they open.

I have my raised bed garden set up but the rabbits ate my basil and 1/2 my tomatoes 🍅 I went to farmers market and replaced them. I’ll get them planted today. Gardening for me is therapeutic. It also saves $. I picked up a container of tomatoes at farmers market and it was $6 😳. I plant my tomatoes with basil and marigolds. This time I will sprinkle cayenne around my bed and it will keep rabbits and other critters away. We were given a flat of pepper plants. So those will find a home too. What are you planting in your garden?

What is everyone cooking for Christmas? We are having Ham and Turkey. Laura will make pies. The kids are bringing the side dishes. It is great when the kids are adults and can bring dishes. A lot less work for us. Please share your dinner menu and any Thrifty ideas to share. Blessings!