While at the store today I realized that I've been eating quite stupidly, wildly overestimating the cost of some ingredients (e.g. eggs) and keeping my food budget at the same level it was at before I became a techie and, you know, worked ten hours a week.

It was actually a pretty great moment � I got to walk out of the Co-op with some of the baking luxuries I'd long denied myself: chocolate chips, molasses...

But I didn't buy any vanilla extract. Don't waste your money on vanilla extract when it's actually more economical (and fun) to buy alcohol. 1 teaspoon extract = 1 tablespoon rum, brandy, or any vanilla-flavored liqueur. Best substitution ever.

This has been a public service message.

I lingered by the expensive spices but didn't have the cash or the temerity to pay $5 for allspice or $4 for cloves. Instead I went next door to Walgreens and picked up a few $1 bottles of various basic spices which I now have no idea what to do with.

My first revised-budget dinner adapted a recipe from How to Cook Everything, probably the best "first cookbook" for your money.

I think we can all agree that close-ups of scrambled eggs are not for the faint of heart or full of stomach, so I've removed the photo.

Here's the recipe.

Best Scrambled Eggs

In a medium bowl, beat:
5 large eggs

Mix in:
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper
salt (to taste — I used none)
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon (kinda expensive, but since tarragon is such a strong herb one bottle will last you forever)

Remove skins, chop, and add to egg mixture:
2 sticks of pepperoni-flavored venison summer sausage
(This step is of course optional.)

In a medium skillet with the stove set on medium, melt:
3 tablespoons butter

I used 4 tablespoons of butter today and found the eggs a bit too greasy, which is why I've reduced it to 3 tablespoons here. Turn the heat down to low once the butter is nearly melted, so it doesn't get too foamy. With the heat still on the lowest setting, mix in the contents of the bowl.

Keep stirring occasionally every few minutes for about 15-20 minutes, until the eggs are how you like them. Makes 2-3 servings.