Much manure.......

It's been a busy week! The baby shower went well. One of the most poignant moments was when our daughter's friend had arranged for us all to write letters to the baby. These were kept private and handed to the Mum-to-Be, to be read at her leisure. In 21 years they will be displayed at baby's 21st birthday-what a lovely momento! To say nothing of the thriftiness!

In addition, over the weekend we ordered 6m3 of topsoil for the garden-it was duly delivered and moved via wheelbarrow by His Lordship and two helpers!

The soil is being used for raised strawbery beds ( mixed with our heavy clay soil, horse manure and partially composted straw-thanks to our hens!) and in garden beds across the front of the house. We bought the basic topsoil because the "enriched" soil cost nearly double the price-which would have cost us nearly $180 more! We have access to horse manure for $1/bag- and will only need 20 or 30 bags to toss on top before mulching....it's worthwhile taking a moment to research what you can access locally for your garden to save money.

I have ordered a self-pollinating almond tree and strawberry plants to replace the ones which baked in the clay soil over our unusually dry Summer. The Strawberry plants are Cambridge Rival-a small yet exceptionally intense flavoured strawberry with a short summer picking season; and Aromas...a more modern type which provides large berries over a longer season. We have the garden ready to go as soon as the plants arrive.

Thursday Thrift..........

The past week has been a busy one-which included a quick trip to Sydney to enjoy a few days with some dear friends. I came home mentally refreshed-which is just what "the doctor ordered!".

Just as well, because this weekend we will be hosting a baby shower for 30+ people! Our youngest daughter is expecting a girl and requested that the baby shower be held here..along with " Mum, can you do a little bit of cooking?" Which brings me to today's thrifty topic...catering for a crowd!

I've come to realise over the years that with a little planning and a few "tricks", catering for a crowd can be reasonably cheap. I try to keep the foods available bite size-which avoids a lot of crockery and cutlery being required...napkins will be needed.

Menu planning which utilises everyday ingredients will keep the cost down. For example, 4 eggs will provide egg whites for individual pavlovas and little meringues..... 18 individual pavs plus 30 mini meringues were made from the 4 egg whites I used....

...the yolks can be used to make custard for individual trifles-which will also utilise some cupcakes which didn't hold their shape when being baked.

Wine glasses are perfect for individual trifles. For the individual pavlovas, I find it easy to use a jar lid the size you want your pavs to be and draw around it on baking paper. Turn the paper upside down ( just in case any of the ink bleeds into your pavs) and pipe or scoop the meringue mix onto the circles.







Strawberry babycakes will also be on the menu....

and because we have sufficient ( OK, more like enough to feed the starving hordes in the Third World)  zucchini supplies, I will use the mini cupcake pans to make individual zucchini and bacon muffins.

We will also be having various games on the day...such as "Sniff the nappy", Guess the girth ( if the Mother to Be agrees! ;) ), Guess what the baby bottle holds, Spit the Dummy and Team Jigsaw Challenges.

I'm looking forward to an enjoyable day with the knowledge that I haven't had to spend exorbitant amounts of money for catering!