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COOKING ON A BUDGET -
Save On The Ingredients (continued)
4. Try to cut back on meat. Most of us eat too much meat and there really are other dishes, with more variety, that can be just as good. For instance, does spaghetti sauce really need to have meat or meat balls in it? There are many recipes for great spaghetti sauce that skip this expensive ingredient. With other recipes, try using meat more as a seasoning than the main ingredient. Remember, staples such as beans, potatoes, rice and pasta are relatively inexpensive, and can be the main ingredients of a meal where meat plays a less dominant role.
5. Try to use less expensive cuts of meat. Instead of that prime steak or expensive roast, try meals that use less expensive cuts or less expensive meats. Chicken is usually less expensive than beef, and pork can also be a better buy. Pot roast can be made much less expensively than a round roast. And slow cookers can take most cuts of meat and make them a lot more tender. So find some recipes for less expensive meats and use them.
6. Sometimes identical foods are available that cost less because certain processing steps have been eliminated. For instance, if you need shredded cheese, consider using your shredder instead of buying that already shredded bag of cheese. Or buy whole chickens and cut them up, buy whole pickles and slice them, slice meat for cold cuts, etc. There are ways to save with just a little effort, and still enjoy the same food.
7. Pre-
8. For certain vegetables and fruits money can be saved by growing your own or,
at the very least, picking your own. Gardening can be fun and rewarding, as well
as educational. Going to a pick-
One of the best ways to save on your cooking is to waste as little as possible. Very little that you prepare needs to meet its end in the garbage disposal or waste can. Do not throw future meals away.
1. It is difficult to save leftovers that are already on someone’s plate. So the secret to not wasting here is not just insisting on everyone finishing their meal, but on not putting something on a plate that will go uneaten. Try serving smaller portions or putting smaller portions on your plate. You will have less waste and maybe even eat a little bit less. Saving money and weighing less is that rarely seen double benefit.
2. When you do have leftovers, make sure you use them in the near term, or freeze them for later use.
a. When appropriate, use leftovers to make up complete meals. Get a few containers where you can place a portion of the meats, potatoes, and vegetables in one container and either freeze it or refrigerate it for use in a couple of days. But make sure if it’s refrigerated that you remember to use it, and don’t end up discarding it when it spoils. Sometimes, putting a list on the refrigerator of leftovers that need to be used is a good idea.
b. Save those leftovers in the fridge and once a week have “leftover medley” for
the main course. Increase your dinner-
c. Use those leftovers for lunch. Sometimes they make great sandwiches or lunchtime snacks, particularly if a microwave is available.
d. And be sure to keep and freeze all of those odds and ends. When you accumulate
enough of these odds and ends make a meal out of them. Meats and vegetables can
be used for soups, chili, stews, stir fries, etc. You may also want to sprinkle
some of the meats and vegetables on your home-
3. Don’t let food spoil in the refrigerator or pantry. Almost everything can either be used fresh before it spoils, or frozen for later use. Go through your refrigerator and pantry weekly to determine what may be close to its “expiration” date and plan to use it. If you cannot use it right away, freeze it. Most everything can be frozen, including most vegetables, milk, bread, etc.
4. Part of not wasting is recycling. So, make sure you recycle. At a minimum, recycling is good for the environment and preserves resources.
a. Reuse those plastic containers used to package many foods you buy at the store. You might also consider reusing plastic storage bags and aluminum foil.
b. Use sponges and cloth drying towels rather than paper towels and disposable wipes. Items like aluminum cans can also be recycled while earning back a little bit of money. Many grocery stores have aluminum recycling centers where you receive money for your empties. And in many states, glass bottles can also be recycled for refunds. So be considerate of both the environment and yourself.
Enjoy That Home Cooking
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