Many of us are looking for new ways and new ideas to stretch our hard earned dollar.
When you really want to get the most bang for your buck the usual suggestions do get a bit
repetitive.
I have some fresh menu ideas and recipes to help take some of the boredom out of frugality and
give it the vitality it deserves.
Let's face it, grocery prices are perpetually on the rise and wages seem to be stagnant. There are
clever ways to fight the high cost of food with good planning and great recipes. Buying on sale and buying in bulk are beneficial for budgeting too.
Freezing is a great edge against spoilage for products such as milk, cheese, carrots, and all varieties of peppers.
These freezer containers are available for sale here:
I'd like to share a few of my family favorites with you.
One 5 lb sack of potatoes, 18 eggs, and 1 loaf of bread offers multiple meals and meal ideas. For less than $10.00 I can purchase these items and serve delicious food. While sparing the dollar, we have not sacrificed flavor or variety.
Oven fried potatoes with scrambled eggs and toast.
Egg salad sandwiches with baked potatoes.
Scalloped potatoes and deviled eggs.
Quiche with potato wedges.
One 3 lb package of Chicken leg quarters, a can of cream of chicken soup, and rice.
Chicken soup and barbecued chicken.
Chicken and rice in the crock pot.
Chicken pot pie.
Cook chicken with celery, carrots and onion in 2 cups chicken broth. Add 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup cream and thicken to taste. Pour in baking dish. Top with 1 can biscuits cut into quarters. Bake at 350 about 30 mins or until biscuits are lightly browned on top. Delicious!
The basic idea here is that no single food item is viewed as only one dish or one meal. Creativity and versatility keep the simple food items from becoming tiresome.
I will be sharing meal planning, shopping tips and recipes to cut costs, live well and stay lean and healthy!
Bring 2 cups dry beans to boil. Soak for 2 hours. Drain water, and cover beans with twice as much water. Bring to boil again, and simmer 3 to 4 hours til tender. Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, 1 large diced onion and 1/2 pound ham (optional) diced. Cook on low boil for 2 additional hours. Serve and enjoy!
Pinto beans are a staple item in our home. We love this dish and eat it often. The cost is always low and they keep fresh for a long time. Purchase in bulk here: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_id=114&ipn=icep&toolid=20004&campid=5338268218&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FAugason-Farms-Pinto-Beans-41-Lb-Pail-Gluten-Free-High-Quality-Natural-Flavor%2F272871269719%3Fepid%3D1801582497%26hash%3Ditem3f88652557%3Ag%3AHYsAAOSwqfNZ0mMJ
Here's another family favorite for delicious and easy potatoes:
Pour 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil into baking pan to coat bottom. Sprinkle with garlic powder seasoning and 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. Cut 3-4 whole potatoes into medium wedges leaving skin on. Season with salt. Bake in oven at 425 for 25 minutes. Turn over and bake additional 10-15 mins. Serve with sour cream or ketchup.
Bon apetite!
