CUTTING THE CORD

There is much discussion these days about “cutting the cord”. 

Whether it is the TV cord or the phone cord, folks are looking for ways to be free of being tied to an electrical line and of course, saving money.

Back in the day, when Old Mother Frugal was a younger woman, cutting the cord was an endearing term used for fathers in the delivery room upon the birth of their newborn child. Their role in the birthing process was to “cut the cord”.

Fast forward into a new century and old phrases take on new meanings.

In Old Mother Frugal’s kitchen, CORD is an acronym not related to untying oneself from something or someone. CORD is “Clean out the Refrigerator Day”. It's done weekly and it does not mean throwing out food into the trash.

For a quick, economical and nutritious meal, cleaning out the refrigerator involves defrosting chicken stock from the freezer. Then, take inventory of what exists in the refrigerator. Combine a protein, leftover vegetables and a carbohydrate with some seasoning and soup is in the pot!

No two pots of soup will ever be the same because usually there are never the same ingredients that go into the pot of soup.

Any type of soup stock can be the base for CORD soup.

Bone soup comprises a bone or bones and enough water to cover the bones.

 

These can be beef bones, ham bone, pork bones or fish bones. No bones available? Try using vegetable peels. Bring to a boil then simmer, covered for 45 minutes to an hour. Strain the bones/peels, allow the broth to cool before storing in the refrigerator. Skim off any fat and freeze. Refrain from seasoning, except for a bay leaf or two, until ready to use the broth for soup meal.

The combinations are endless and are as varied as your imagination. There will be leftovers for lunch the next day and can be paired with your favorite grilled sandwich! 

SOUND THE BUGLE! Today’s tip: Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to your bone soup will draw out the calcium in the bone for added nutrition in your soup! Serving soup before dinner will fill your stomach, leaving you and/or guests less hungry for the main meal. By serving soup first, you will be able to stretch your meal!