I like rules and I realized that over the years, I have compiled several rules for myself that give me some guidelines for being frugal in the kitchen. They are not hard and fast rules, just general ones and I go through times when it is all I can do to keep my kids fed.
-It is always cheaper to eat at home than at a restaurant.
-Plan ahead. One week at a time.
-Meal planning steps.
1. Check to see if I have any items that need to be used up. Google ingredients to find a
2. Check store circulars online.
3. Check my running list of favorites and choose what sounds good.
4. Choose one or two new frugal recipes online or in cookbooks.
-Learn to make convenience foods from scratch.
frozen breakfast foods
pizza dough and sauce
- Use dry beans instead of canned.
-Freeze chicken or turkey broth when it is available.
-Shop at Sav-a -lot.
-Beans once or twice a week.
-Only buy meats (other than hamburger and chicken) when they are on sale
-Get grocery money in cash and only spend that much.
-Only go out to eat if you have left over grocery money. ( Usually I don't want to spend the money I saved, so we don't go out to eat.)
-Don't serve a meal too often or it will become despised.
-Eat homemade popcorn instead of potato chips.
-Serve leftovers for lunch.
-Make snacks out of leftover ingredients. for example
-Get kids on board by showing them the money we save by the sacrifices they made, like eating beans instead of going out to eat. Occasionally, give one of them a bonus from the money saved and use the saved money toward a family treat, like a trip or electronic device.
-Always remember, a meal doesn't save any money if no one will eat it.
I would love to hear some of your "rules" in the kitchen.