Cooking On A Budget

In my previous article, Eating Well on a Tight Budget, I discussed ways to save money on groceries with out sacrificing quality meals. Knowing how to buy food is helpful yet only a part of controlling cost. Coupons and store sales go a long way in saving money but in addition, you need to learn budget wise cooking to boost savings.
Cooking with limited funds doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. By switching your shopping and meal planning habits you possibly can make inexpensive and satisfying meals. I recommend cooking in large quantities and freezing so that you always have simple to make or ready-made meals. Thaw breakfast, lunch or dinner items then heat for any quick meal. I like making breakfast burritos in the morning in our busy household. Other foods that freeze well are macaroni and cheese, stroganoff, stews, soups and chili.
I love to bake. I get better taste and I understand specifically what is during my baked goods.
Learn to buy food item that will both stretch your dollar and save time.
Hamburger: A staple for many budget crunching pantries, hamburger is versatile and delicious. This 'super power' is not just for hamburger patties. Try making meatballs, bake them then freeze. Make these in big amounts for a ready supply for spaghetti night. Try creating a master mix for any homemad Hamburger Fries & Shake Helper type meal. It's easy and takes inexpensive items.



Here is considered one of my recipes:
3 ?? Tbs. beef bouillon granules  ?? C instant onion 3 Tbs. onion powder 1 Tbs. garlic powder 2 Tbs. parsley 1 Tbs. paprika 1 Tbs. sea salt 1 ?? tsp. black pepper 1 2/3 C. dry instant milk
Mix together and store in sealed container. Use ?? cup for each and every pound of ground beef.
Use this mix with noodles, macaroni, or rice. Add a cup of sour cream as well as a can of mushrooms for stroganoff. Use your imagination.
Chicken: Always buy with the bone in; it can save you over a dollar per pound. Buy thighs, they are cheaper and more flavorful. Save the bones and freeze for later to make a flavorful chicken stock.
Eggs: A great source of protein. Use this wonder food for salads, sandwiches or breakfast. If you cook with egg whites, save the yolks and freeze them for future use. Once thawed, rely on them in homemade pastas, custard or even a glaze on various baked goods.

Roast: While a bit more pricy than the previous mentioned meats, you may use roast in a wide variety of different meals. After Sunday dinner, slice the leftovers for French dip sandwiches or mince and cook with potatoes and onions for hash. You can also come up with a great stir-fry together with your favorite vegetables. One large roast can provide 2 or 3 extra meals during the entire week.
Mexican Food: A cost-efficient meal, tortillas and beans are not only cheap but are a filling meal when combined. Buy dry beans and cook them yourself for your biggest personal savings. Just add some cheese, rice and salsa plus you've got a meal. Try making your individual taco seasoning to save even more money.

Mix together: 1 Tbs. chili powder 2 Tsp. onion powder 1 Tsp. paprika 1 Tsp. ground oregano 1 Tsp. ground cumin 1 Tsp. garlic powder  ?? Tsp. salt 1 Tsp. sugar (optional) I think the sugar helps to balance the spices
Mix ingredients together and store in airtight container.
This recipe is equal to 1 package of business taco seasoning
To use: Fry hamburger and drain. Add seasoning, mix will. Add ?? cup water, stir and simmer till done.
Ham: Another of the best meats for stretching this. Once you bake your ham, utilize left over for increasing scrambled eggs or omelets, ham steaks with French toast to get a quick evening meal or enhance macaroni and cheese to get a hearty supper.
Beans: When making this dish, make sure you double your recipe. With a pot of beans you possibly can make chili one night a Frito pie another night.

As you can see, by utilizing inexpensive ingredients and cooking large quantities you not only cut costs but you saving time as well. You really can eat good food on a tight budget.