Tomato Relish & Three Different Pie Maker Pies

I've had a busy day in the kitchen today :o) I started by making tomato relish, Yum! The amount that I made, made just under 3 large jars. This will last quite a while, as you don't need very much of it. I usually put a spoonful on top of tofu which has been marinated overnight, then grilled and served with salad. It's great on burgers as well. :o) The jars are now sitting in the pantry where they will stay for 3-5 weeks.

Relish simmering away

I also made three batches of pies which, I will freeze and take to work for lunch - between leftovers. I may take one pie a week to work, as we usually have leftovers packed for lunches most days.

I made spicy mexican bean pies, yellow curry chicken & veg pies and chicken & veg which I made a gravy for. The ingredients were measured so that there wasn't any waste. I also purchased Coles brand pastry, it was $2 cheaper than the regular brand I buy. I have Frugal Queen to thank for this. lol I know it might seem like commonsense to buy the cheaper option, but I guess when you buy particular things/brands you are so used to buying them, that you don't look for a cheaper option. This is going to be about changing habits, changing the way we shop and looking more closely at prices.

Not my usual brand....But after today....

Anyway, so I purchased both puff and shortcrust in a five pack. I could have saved more had I bought a larger packet, but I wanted to try it first. The only difference that I noticed was that it was ever so slightly smaller in size, but honestly I made do and, to be able to save $2 a packet, I'm sold lol. So I saved $4 today, it doesn't sound like much, but if you calculate how many times a year this item is purchased, it all adds up.

Spicy mexican bean pies being assembled

Spicy mexican bean pies finished

I guess the best pastry sales pitch will be when I actually eat one of these pies, they are on a cooling rack now, waiting to be packaged and put into the freezer. I really love making pies, firstly because I love pies lol but secondly because I know what's in the filling is healthy and not some kind of 'filler'.

So here is my days work:- almost 3 jars of relish and 12 healthy pies.