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Menu Planning

Meal Planning

A Little Chat About Using Recipes

Written by Aunt Brenda

Recipes From Family and Friends

I was asked a question the other day. "Why do you use recipes when you already know how to cook delicious food?"

That seemed to be a very valid question, and I wasn't sure how to answer, so I took a little time to think about that. (by the way, I do some of my best thinking while pulling weeds) Here's what I came up with:

Top Reasons I Use Recipes When Cooking

1. I know alot, but I don't know everything

2. Recipes encourage me to use a flavor combination that I might not necessarily think of on my own

3. Recipes help me with timing (like, what should be added right at the end for the best flavor)

4. Recipes for baking are a must! I can't be guessing when it comes to a flour/baking powder/salt combination, you know

5. I use recipe cards, cookbooks, etc. to help me decide what to plan for the week's meals. Just flipping through the cards will typically inspire me enough to plan for the entire week.

6. Recipes help me to make my grocery list. Everything I need to prepare the meals I selected will be listed on the recipe. It's so easy to just transfer the items to my list. Then I get the extra satisfaction of knowing that my entire week is "covered."

And now, here are the

Top Reasons YOU Should Use Recipes When Cooking

1. Recipes will help you to learn new techniques, such as making classic sauces that are smooth and creamy

2. Recipes will help you learn about the kitchen utensils mentioned, and help you decide what you should keep close at hand (toolwise)

3. After using recipes for a while, you will find your favorites, and it will be easier to keep the pantry items needed on hand for last-minute meals. (you know, every once in a while it's good to try to eat just what you have, giving your pocketbook a little break, and inspiring you to create new dishes out of what's already around)

Here's a great tip that I learned

Look at the backs of the items already in your pantry. Most likely, there's a recipe there. If it looks interesting to you, make it and see how you like it. I found some of the best dishes this way.

You can also visit the company's website to find new and interesting things to do with your "old standbys." Another great place to find recipes is a user-submitted website.

The one I found that I like the best so far is Aldi's grocery store. You can submit your recipes to their database. Then when you want to make one of your dishes, you just add the recipe to your shopping list, and all the ingredients you need will be categorized by store section. (most stores are basically the same) Print it out, and go shopping!

'Til next time,

Aunt Brenda

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Saving At The Grocery Store - Meats

Written by Aunt Brenda

Meat GroupBuying tips:

• Look for specials at the meat counter. Buying sale cuts can mean big savings for you. Some higher priced meats may fit your budget when they are on sale.

• Cut up meats and chicken yourself. For example, stew meat usually costs more than a chuck roast. You can cut the roast into cubes and save money. Chicken parts often cost more than whole chickens, too.

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Saving At The Grocery Store - Dairy

Written by Aunt Brenda

DairyBuying tips:

• Select the largest container you can use without waste. Larger containers are usually less expensive.

• Grate cheese yourself. Packages of shredded cheese cost more than the same amount of the same cheese in wedges or blocks.

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Saving At The Grocery Store - Breads and Cereals

Written by Aunt Brenda

Breads and Cereals

Buying tips:

• Choose whole-grain or enriched products for good nutrition.

• Buy cereals in large boxes instead of small, individual packages.

• Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products.

• Add your own seasonings and sauces to rice and pasta.

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Saving At The Grocery Store - Fruits And Vegetables

Written by Aunt Brenda

fruits and vegetables

Choose low-cost foods most of the time to save the maximum amount of money.

Buying tips:

• Watch for good buys on fresh fruits and vegetables in season.

• Buy plain canned or plain frozen vegetables instead of those with added seasonings and sauces or boil-in-the bag packages.

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Time-Saving Steps for Thrifty Meals

Written by Aunt Brenda

cute timer

Time-Saving Steps

Not everyone loves to cook. Even those who enjoy cooking do not always have the time or the energy. And buying convenience foods or eating out can be costly. But there are ways to eat well at low cost without spending hours in the kitchen. Again, planning ahead will help you.

Consider these ideas—

• Use the lower cost convenience foods. Examples of some that are usually good buys are frozen orange juice concentrate, canned and frozen vegetables without seasonings or sauces, and cake mixes.

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Healthy and Frugal Meal Planning

Written by Aunt Brenda

Menu PlanningEach day's meals should have foods from the following food groups—

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES -

Foods in this group give you most of your vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin. It helps you see well, too. Vitamin C keeps your gums healthy, and it helps you resist infection. Citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables are especially good choices.

Plan to have about four servings each day.

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