Post by benshelpmeet on Jul 20, 2006 9:02:02 GMT -5
Dear sisters,
I found this and thought it might be helpful!
Helpful ''Kitchen'' Tips!
It seems that every day the kitchen, and the job of cooking are never ending tasks. And that it is here that we spend a large part of our budget. Here are some of the things that I have found to help me spend less time and money in the kitchen.
One of the best assets I have for my kitchen is the freezer. Having a deep freeze is so wonderful. In the past I have done Once a Month cooking and loved it.
Now I do a version of it. If I make a chilli then I do a huge pot and freeze two or three zip lock bags full for later meals. I do the same with banana bread. I will make three or four loaves at a time, freezing all but one. Then if we have a morning that is rushed and I don't have time to make a larger meal ( or a morning that I need to keep the kitchen clean) all I need to do is reach into the freezer and there is breakfast. :-)
We buy our meat in large uncut quantities from the grocery store. Rich worked in the meat department of Albertson's for years. And he learned that you can buy the uncut sections from them (or any of the chains) for usually .20 to .30 less than the packages that are out cut. Then once they are home he cuts them and we freeze in zip lock baggies. I also buy chicken pieces and parts in large quantities and then separate them into the quantity I will be using them in. Remember to use a marker to let you know what, how much and the date that you froze it. So I would put: 4 Pork Chops 9\20\00 on the front.
I rinse out and re-use my baggies. But not the ones that have had raw meat in them. I always use new ones to freeze meat and then throw them away when I use the meat.
I have found that I can get three or four uses out of one baggie. When I figure that into the cost it is worth buying the name brand freezer bags rather than the less expensive store brands. Usually these I buy at Costco. The pack of three boxes will last me for almost 10 months (unless I am in the middle of freezing corn for the year, then I go through more). :-)
Meal planning is also very important. If I take the time to do a menu then we don't buy, and waste, food. Fruit's and vegetables are the worst. They are one of the most expensive, and yet fastest to go bad.
When fruit is at a good price I try to dry some. Then I have chips that are ready snacks all the time. And because I make my own granola, it comes in handy to mix into that.
If I have a menu when I go shopping I know what I need for that time period. It also allows me to go through my pantry and freezer using what I have first. This is great training for our daughters also. :-) If you have younger kids, ask for their input and try to include it. I would ask what things they wanted for lunch. It helps them to enjoy dinners that they sometimes don't love if they have some control over the meal at lunch.
Buying in bulk is a great option. But remember if you shop the warehouse stores, Costco or that type, know what you are going for. We also only take cash. Then even if we see something we just love, it will require another trip. Stops that impulse buying. :-) I have certain items that I always buy there. Going with a very clear list and knowing that we are only purchasing those items helps control the budget.
Also for some items we have found that we notice no difference between the national label and most store labels. For us checking prices is very important. Take the time to compare the prices. If it doesn't matter to you, or in most cases your husband, what the label says, then go for the private store label. If it does then by all means check the warehouse to get the best price you can.
Another great tool in the kitchen is the crock pot. Especially on those days I am not able to be home in the afternoons. Between my crock pot and bread machine I can be gone all day and still come home to a hot home cooked meal. Without calling the pizza man. :-)
I use the bread store, day old bread from major bakeries. Here we have Eddies. I can spend $20 and have bread for sandwiches, or french toast all month long. By putting them in the freezer I can be ready for extra lunches any day. :-)
We also have a Cheese factory just miles from our house. By buying end cuts of cheese I can save serious money. Sometimes more than half the price per pound. My family does not like cheese that has been frozen, so I will make two or three trips for cheese each month. For me it is not a big deal, as my mother in law lives just past the factory.
Each of us can find ways and places that are close for us. If you have a canned food outlet they can be a wonderful source for saving on food costs.
I hope this was helpful and a blessing! I sure enjoyed the advice given here!
Please feel free to add your helpful tips to this thread!
I found this and thought it might be helpful!
Helpful ''Kitchen'' Tips!
It seems that every day the kitchen, and the job of cooking are never ending tasks. And that it is here that we spend a large part of our budget. Here are some of the things that I have found to help me spend less time and money in the kitchen.
One of the best assets I have for my kitchen is the freezer. Having a deep freeze is so wonderful. In the past I have done Once a Month cooking and loved it.
Now I do a version of it. If I make a chilli then I do a huge pot and freeze two or three zip lock bags full for later meals. I do the same with banana bread. I will make three or four loaves at a time, freezing all but one. Then if we have a morning that is rushed and I don't have time to make a larger meal ( or a morning that I need to keep the kitchen clean) all I need to do is reach into the freezer and there is breakfast. :-)
We buy our meat in large uncut quantities from the grocery store. Rich worked in the meat department of Albertson's for years. And he learned that you can buy the uncut sections from them (or any of the chains) for usually .20 to .30 less than the packages that are out cut. Then once they are home he cuts them and we freeze in zip lock baggies. I also buy chicken pieces and parts in large quantities and then separate them into the quantity I will be using them in. Remember to use a marker to let you know what, how much and the date that you froze it. So I would put: 4 Pork Chops 9\20\00 on the front.
I rinse out and re-use my baggies. But not the ones that have had raw meat in them. I always use new ones to freeze meat and then throw them away when I use the meat.
I have found that I can get three or four uses out of one baggie. When I figure that into the cost it is worth buying the name brand freezer bags rather than the less expensive store brands. Usually these I buy at Costco. The pack of three boxes will last me for almost 10 months (unless I am in the middle of freezing corn for the year, then I go through more). :-)
Meal planning is also very important. If I take the time to do a menu then we don't buy, and waste, food. Fruit's and vegetables are the worst. They are one of the most expensive, and yet fastest to go bad.
When fruit is at a good price I try to dry some. Then I have chips that are ready snacks all the time. And because I make my own granola, it comes in handy to mix into that.
If I have a menu when I go shopping I know what I need for that time period. It also allows me to go through my pantry and freezer using what I have first. This is great training for our daughters also. :-) If you have younger kids, ask for their input and try to include it. I would ask what things they wanted for lunch. It helps them to enjoy dinners that they sometimes don't love if they have some control over the meal at lunch.
Buying in bulk is a great option. But remember if you shop the warehouse stores, Costco or that type, know what you are going for. We also only take cash. Then even if we see something we just love, it will require another trip. Stops that impulse buying. :-) I have certain items that I always buy there. Going with a very clear list and knowing that we are only purchasing those items helps control the budget.
Also for some items we have found that we notice no difference between the national label and most store labels. For us checking prices is very important. Take the time to compare the prices. If it doesn't matter to you, or in most cases your husband, what the label says, then go for the private store label. If it does then by all means check the warehouse to get the best price you can.
Another great tool in the kitchen is the crock pot. Especially on those days I am not able to be home in the afternoons. Between my crock pot and bread machine I can be gone all day and still come home to a hot home cooked meal. Without calling the pizza man. :-)
I use the bread store, day old bread from major bakeries. Here we have Eddies. I can spend $20 and have bread for sandwiches, or french toast all month long. By putting them in the freezer I can be ready for extra lunches any day. :-)
We also have a Cheese factory just miles from our house. By buying end cuts of cheese I can save serious money. Sometimes more than half the price per pound. My family does not like cheese that has been frozen, so I will make two or three trips for cheese each month. For me it is not a big deal, as my mother in law lives just past the factory.
Each of us can find ways and places that are close for us. If you have a canned food outlet they can be a wonderful source for saving on food costs.
I hope this was helpful and a blessing! I sure enjoyed the advice given here!
Please feel free to add your helpful tips to this thread!