Tell Me What You Think (food box related)

thejennigirl

For those of you that remember my WIC post, here is what is in my box (we're all delivering our boxes tomorrow):

25 lb bag of flour (9.50 at the bulk foods store!)
(2) 5 lb bags of sugar
1 jar of unsulfered molasses
1 can of powdered cocoa
1 bag of marshmellows
1 box of rice crispies
1 lb stick butter
1 boneless ham
10 lbs of gold potatoes
2 bunches of fresh brocoli
5 lb bag of organic carrots
1 tub sour cream
3 lb bag of red onions
1 box of whole wheat beer bread mix
1 bottle of beer
10 oranges
2 cans green beans

 

Does this seem like something that they can make 2-3 meals out of?

 

hamilton.ja

It seems like the only things that you're "heavy" on are things that will keep: carrots, potatoes, red onions and flour.

That said, maybe some stock - I bet you could make a good soup with the ham but I doubt the majority of people are up to making their own stock from the ham bone... I'd probably throw in some dried beans for that.

satreece

It sounds really good to me.  I guess (based on reading the previous WIC post) they will have oatmeal, milk, cheese, eggs (right?)

Maybe some pancake mix - I guess I'm thinking Bisquick so it can be used to make pancakes or dumplings or biscuits?  Apples? Maybe brown sugar?

Really, it sounds delicious and generous. Good job!

mooeta

That sounds extremely generous.  I think it sounds fantastic and she should be able to make a few good meals out of it.  I'd throw in maybe a head of cabbage.  My favorite meal with ham leftovers is boiled dinner with cabbage, ham, potatoes and carrots.  YUM

thejennigirl

hamilton.ja:

It seems like the only things that you're "heavy" on are things that will keep: carrots, potatoes, red onions and flour.

That said, maybe some stock - I bet you could make a good soup with the ham but I doubt the majority of people are up to making their own stock from the ham bone... I'd probably throw in some dried beans for that.

Would you do veggie stock or chicken stock?  I don't *think* I've seen ham stock on the grocery store shelves.

I'll pick up a bag of beans tomorrow on my way there.  There's a bean soup mixture that would probably go over well.

 

thejennigirl

satreece:

It sounds really good to me.  I guess (based on reading the previous WIC post) they will have oatmeal, milk, cheese, eggs (right?)

Maybe some pancake mix - I guess I'm thinking Bisquick so it can be used to make pancakes or dumplings or biscuits?  Apples? Maybe brown sugar?

Really, it sounds delicious and generous. Good job!

I'll add oatmeal & brown sugar to my list for tomorrow.

Thanks, Ladies!  I was sitting here, staring at the box, and thinking that we could add a few more things, but I wasn't sure what.  This really helps!

 

thejennigirl

mooeta:

That sounds extremely generous.  I think it sounds fantastic and she should be able to make a few good meals out of it.  I'd throw in maybe a head of cabbage.  My favorite meal with ham leftovers is boiled dinner with cabbage, ham, potatoes and carrots.  YUM

Mmmmmm!  Cabbage!

Okay, cabbage is added to the list.

 

satreece

Yeah, the soup idea is really good.  I guess I'm just in the mood for pancakes right now - with brown sugar apples.  Mmmm...

Maybe a box or two of herbal tea?  I love, love tea in the winter time. 

thejennigirl

satreece:

Yeah, the soup idea is really good.  I guess I'm just in the mood for pancakes right now - with brown sugar apples.  Mmmm...

Maybe a box or two of herbal tea?  I love, love tea in the winter time. 

Ever had a German Apple pancake?

NomNom.

 

Lady Galadriel

I second tea. Nothing like giving up all caffeine suddenly because you can't afford it sucks.

jennterrell

pancake mix is good because you can use WIC milk to make it (of course you can easily make it with flour and leavening instead of mix, but not many people do that)

at least in my state, oatmeal is NOT a WIC food, only cold cereals like Life or Shredded wheat. So if you want to get that, do, but they likely get a lot of boxed cereal.

i buy a 10 bean soup mix that comes with a seasoning/stock envelope. (I actually throw it out since we don't do pork products) But the beans and any stock + some carrots or onions or celery make for a tasty soup.

only other thing i can think of is baking powder/soda to make cookies/quick breads.   Oh yeah, jelly would be nice too -- to go with the WIC peanut butter and bread. I'm sure you have some good home-made preserves sitting around

nsees

All the PPs suggestions are great but I just wanted to say that this brought a tear to my eye because they are going to be so appreciative!  You did an awesomely generous job!

 

ETA:  Maybe some Crisco?  I know a few of my favorite old school recipes call for it and I know you said she wanted to make cookies (not that she couldn't substitute).  Oh and I'd assume she has baking powder and soda?  Maybe a bag of choc chips? Powdered sugar?

CABunny

nsees:

All the PPs suggestions are great but I just wanted to say that this brought a tear to my eye because they are going to be so appreciative!  You did an awesomely generous job!

Yes, pretty awesome.   

thejennigirl

Lady Galadriel:

I second tea. Nothing like giving up all caffeine suddenly because you can't afford it sucks.

I just looked in my tea cupboard (yes, I have a cupboard dedicated to the stuff =P), and I have a large unopened box of signature Earl Grey that I can add. 

 

GiGi1221

I think that all sounds awesome and super generous.   Maybe a box of pasta and a jar of spaghetti sauce - a quick fulfilling meal...

thejennigirl

jennterrell:

pancake mix is good because you can use WIC milk to make it (of course you can easily make it with flour and leavening instead of mix, but not many people do that)

at least in my state, oatmeal is NOT a WIC food, only cold cereals like Life or Shredded wheat. So if you want to get that, do, but they likely get a lot of boxed cereal.

i buy a 10 bean soup mix that comes with a seasoning/stock envelope. (I actually throw it out since we don't do pork products) But the beans and any stock + some carrots or onions or celery make for a tasty soup.

only other thing i can think of is baking powder/soda to make cookies/quick breads.   Oh yeah, jelly would be nice too -- to go with the WIC peanut butter and bread. I'm sure you have some good home-made preserves sitting around

I figure oatmeal for oatmeal cookies or something hot for breakfast these cold mornings.

Good idea on the jam!  I know she likes my jam & jellies, lol!

 

Lady Galadriel

thejennigirl:

Lady Galadriel:

I second tea. Nothing like giving up all caffeine suddenly because you can't afford it sucks.

I just looked in my tea cupboard (yes, I have a cupboard dedicated to the stuff =P), and I have a large unopened box of signature Earl Grey that I can add. 

 

Thats ok, we have 2 shelves full of it too.

emolee84

thejennigirl:

jennterrell:

pancake mix is good because you can use WIC milk to make it (of course you can easily make it with flour and leavening instead of mix, but not many people do that)

at least in my state, oatmeal is NOT a WIC food, only cold cereals like Life or Shredded wheat. So if you want to get that, do, but they likely get a lot of boxed cereal.

i buy a 10 bean soup mix that comes with a seasoning/stock envelope. (I actually throw it out since we don't do pork products) But the beans and any stock + some carrots or onions or celery make for a tasty soup.

only other thing i can think of is baking powder/soda to make cookies/quick breads.   Oh yeah, jelly would be nice too -- to go with the WIC peanut butter and bread. I'm sure you have some good home-made preserves sitting around

I figure oatmeal for oatmeal cookies or something hot for breakfast these cold mornings.

Good idea on the jam!  I know she likes my jam & jellies, lol!

 

i second the oatmeal.  here we can get oatmeal but the only kind that is approved are the packets which i think are pretty useless.  we do get quite a bit of cereal on wic but i'd def. keep the rice crispies because at least here they're not approved. 

Genevieved

I think it looks great, it is wonderful that you are doing this.  I think I would add another lb of butter.  I know you said she wants to make cookies and I know when I bake I go threw butter like crazy

Dobie_Mama

thejennigirl:

Lady Galadriel:

I second tea. Nothing like giving up all caffeine suddenly because you can't afford it sucks.

I just looked in my tea cupboard (yes, I have a cupboard dedicated to the stuff =P), and I have a large unopened box of signature Earl Grey that I can add. 

 

Perfect!  Sounds like a great box.

hamilton.ja

I'd do chicken stock. That is what I always use when I make soup w/ ham but don't have a bone to make my own.And a lb. or two dried beans - probably just white beans (maybe navy?). 

I agree, another lb. of butter if you can swing it would probably be good. IT is just so versatile for cooking, baking, putting on toast, etc. 

The only other thing I could think of is maybe instead of stock if you can get the big cans of msg free stock cubes - they last a lot longer and go a lot further for the money. We can get them at costco but I have seen the same product at the regular grocery store just in a smaller quantity.