Hello Dairy Francesca Ann

Hello Diary,

 Today, I'm thinking about how expensive food has become and how it's changing the way we shop, including me and everyone else. I also want to share some tips and recipes that could help us save money.

 Food costs a lot everywhere, and it's a big problem for many people, especially those who don't have much money. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization says that in May 2021, the cost of food around the world went up by 40% compared to the same time last year. This is the highest it's been since September 2011. There are a few reasons why food costs are going up so much:

 The sickness called COVID-19 messed up how food gets to stores. It made it harder to grow and trade food. Also, more people wanted to buy basic foods, so they cost more.

 The weather is changing a lot because of climate change. This is causing problems like too much rain or not enough rain, which makes it hard to grow good food.

 Some places have fights and disagreements, which makes it unsafe. This can lead to not having enough food, prices going up, and bad things happening to people.

 Oil, which helps move food around, costs more now. This makes transporting food, making fertilizers, and keeping bugs away from plants more expensive.

 When food costs a lot, it's not good for people, especially us seniors. It can make it hard to have enough food, be healthy, and feel good. It might even cause people to be poor, hungry, and unhappy. To deal with expensive food, we might need to change how we shop and eat:

 We could try buying less food or cheaper kinds of food. But sometimes, cheaper food might not be as good for us.

 Eating the same types of food might help save money, even though it's not as exciting.

 We shouldn't skip meals, but eating a bit less could save money. This doesn't mean we should go hungry.

 If we have space and tools, we can try growing some of our own food or raising animals for food.

 It's okay to ask for help from the government or groups that help people if we need it.

 To save money and not waste food, here are some ideas:

 Think ahead about what meals to make and write a list before going shopping. This can stop us from buying too much.

 Look at different stores or online for deals, sales, or coupons before buying.

 When food is in season, buy more of it. This can be cheaper and fresher.

 Make food at home more often. We can also use extra food from one meal for another meal.

 Keep food in the right places so it stays good for longer.

 If we have extra food, we can share it with family, friends, neighbours, or others in the community.

 The high cost of food is a big challenge, but we can find ways to manage and save money. Let's remember that taking care of ourselves and each other is important.

Journaling yours,

Aunty Frances (Francesca)

Nota Bene:  Let me know how these recipes turn out? 

 

Here are some recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that are easy, delicious, and budget-friendly. They use common ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge. 

Breakfast: 

Banana Apple Oat Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 small apples, peeled and cored.
• 2 eggs
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
• 90 g (3/4 cup) rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 
• healthy oil of your choice do not use Vegetable oil it's not healthy nor safe to consume.
• Maple syrup, honey, or your favourite toppings

Directions:

• In a blender, combine the bananas, sliced apples, eggs, milk, oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and well combined.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil. Drop about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of batter onto the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve the pancakes with maple syrup, honey, or your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

Lunch: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 250 g (1 cup) cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) mayonnaise
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) plain yogurt
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 30 g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries
• 30 g (1/4 cup) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 slices of whole wheat or gluten-free bread
• Lettuce leaves

Directions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, celery, green onions, cranberries, and walnuts (if using) and toss to combine.
• Spread about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of chicken salad over four slices of bread. Top with lettuce leaves and another slice of bread. Cut into halves or quarters if desired.
• Serve the sandwiches with fresh fruit or vegetable sticks. Enjoy!

Dinner: Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce

Ingredients:

• 450 g (1 lb) spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
•  1 whole jar of Mutti Passata with basilica (basil)
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) dried basil
• 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

• Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions. Save a cup of pasta water and then drain and return to the pot. Keep warm.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and cook the garlic for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the Mutti passata,  basil, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning. Spoon the sauce over the spaghetti and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano cheese and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!

Snack: Peanut Butter Apple Pie Jam** with Chocolate Chip Super Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 250 g (1 cup) creamy peanut butter
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) honey
• 2 tablespoons of CuGinas Flavors Apple Pie Jam**
• 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
• 180 g (1 1/2 cups) rolled oats
• 60 g (1/2 cup) flaxseed meal
• 90 g (1/2 cup) mini chocolate chips

Directions:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, apple pie jam, honey, and vanilla extract. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until melted and smooth. Stir well.
• Add the oats, flaxseed meal, and chocolate chips and mix well. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm enough to shape.
• Shape the mixture into balls of about 30 ml (2 tbsp) each. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Enjoy!