Use Grandma's recipes for quick, affordable meals
Our grandmothers could tell us a thing or two about using money saving food ideas to keep the family feeling nurtured through tough times.
The first thing they might tell us is to keep our eyes open for opportunities. For example, have you noticed the great prices on pork in your local supermarket? We are all looking for bargains these days and pork is an excellent value for your money. So get shopping, pull out your grandmother's old fashioned recipes, and whip up some country style pork chops or a pork roast for a quick and inexpensive meal. Don’t forget the apple sauce!
We all have busy schedules. In addition to saving money, we are also interested in saving time. Many of us traditionally ate out regularly as a time-saver, but can no longer afford to do so. Not to worry! Cooking at home does not need to be time-consuming. There are plenty of quick food ideas both in the family recipe box and on the internet.
Stock up on low cost staples like potatoes, carrots, garlic and onions. Take advantage of seasonal squash, apples and root vegetables for affordable, delicious and nutritious side dishes. Leftover pork roast is great in a hash or added with your favorite dry white wine to a cassoulet for a hearty winter entree. Save some of that wine to have a glass in front of the fire along with your cassoulet. For a modern twist, slice extra roast pork over a beet salad. Or shred it for tacos. Ground pork is an inexpensive, flavorful addition to meatballs. Serve them with homemade pasta.
If you'd like to purchase a pasta maker, the old fashioned metal, hand cranked versions seem to be the most durable and easiest to maintain. Pasta, by the way, has got to be one of the best cheap recipe ideas of all time! All you need is flour, water and eggs. Make an extra batch of pasta and package it up in cellophane bags, available at your local craft store. Add some ribbon and you have a great holiday gift for your co-worker, your neighbor, or your child's teacher.
Modern recipes offer substitutions for cooks looking to avoid certain foods. At home, you control the ingredients. You can keep it simple, mixing fresh fruit or veggies with cubed pork, beef, chicken or fish for crowd pleasing kebabs. Make your resident barbecue fan happy with spare ribs, or go exotic with pork satay. For quick, hearty fare, combine meat or poultry with tomato puree and/or broth, some root veggies and your favorite spices in a crock-pot and turn your attention to your other tasks for the day. At dinner time, you'll be greeted with fabulous aromas and a traditional, affordable meal.
Remember, what we loved best about Grandma’s recipes was that she prepared them for us. So regardless of your cooking style and whether you are cooking for yourself, family or friends, you can continue her tradition of smart shopping and nurturing cooking.
