hampers Galore

I wanted to share with you a great tip I tried this week.  I love sun dried tomatoes, but they are expensive to buy.  Recently I got told a really great way of making them yourself.  All you need is a warming tray, I have an electric one I use mostly at Christmas.  Lay some tinfoil or baking paper on it.  Slice some cherry tomatoes in half (cheapest you can find and no problem if they are over ripe).  Place on the tray and leave until the tomatoes have dried out.  Covering them with more tinfoil or baking paper will help speed up the drying process. 

These look great added to olives, covered with olive oil.  I added some chopped garlic, chillies and fresh herbs.  In jars these make great gifts and I added mine to the hampers I have been making for friends and family.

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Below shows the last few months have paid off as I have been able to create some great gifts at a fraction of the price you would pay in the shops

This will be my last post until the New Year but for some great ideas on how to use Christmas leftovers please see my earlier blogs:
http://www.grubonabudget.com/amandasblog/archives/12-2016
http://www.grubonabudget.com/amandasblog/what-to-do-with-leftover-cheese-from-christmas

In the New Year I will be giving you some ideas for healthy low fat recipes and how I reduced my cholesterol count from 7.2 to 4.2 in a matter of weeks!

Have a great Christmas and I will see you all in the New Year!!