Eating organically can cost more, though I like to think the health benefits pay for themselves in the long run. However, there are places to find cheaper products if you look around. In our area, there are several businesses that sell overstocks, hurts, and out-of-date products.
One of them is Ocean State Job Lot. I don't go there often, but the last time I did I stocked up on organic noodles, semolina and whole wheat in various shapes for $1.25 a pound, considerably less than the buying clubs I belong to even when they are on sale. I also found a variety of fancy dried mushrooms for $2.00 a package. These can be soaked and produce a large quantity for the money. All of these were perfectly fine and weren't even out of date.
Last night I thought I would try to use the strange looking WOODEAR MUSHROOMS. They were a dark gray curly jumble and appeared to be cut in long strips, as if they were a type of pasta themselves. Unsure of their taste and texture, I threw caution to the wind and soaked them in water to cover, heating it somewhat and then walking away for about half an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
1 package — organic whole wheat linguine
Large pot — boiling water
Sprinkle — salt
Woodears with Greens
1/2 package — woodear mushrooms (1 package makes a LOT)
Warm water to cover (reserve for later)
5 large — collard green leaves
3 chopped — green onions
5 large chopped — garlic cloves
1/4 cup — arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch
1 Tablespoon — olive oil
1 teaspoon each — vegan Worcestershire sauce, toasted sesame oil, hot sauce, and balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon each — tamari and sweetener
Tofu
1 package — extra firm tofu, squeezed, if needed
1 Tablespoon — olive oil
1 teaspoon each — turmeric, nutritional yeast, tamari, and paprika
