What Do You Eat? Need Suggestions

[thyme4change]

What the hell? Discussion is disallowed? We aren't allowed to give an opinion anymore?

Sheesh! Your criticism of my opinion was also neither requested nor necessary. I'm allowed to believe that Rachel Ray is cute but a bad cook, just as you are allowed to believe that she is annoying but a great cook.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

If we want to talk bad recipes, how about Sandra Lee? I admire her personal story, but her Semi-Homemade recipes?

I do like her Money Savings Meals show for the cost saving tips.

[chiver78]

Apr 18, 2011 13:36:23 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

If we want to talk bad recipes, how about Sandra Lee? I admire her personal story, but her Semi-Homemade recipes?

I do like her Money Savings Meals show for the cost saving tips.

no kidding on Sandra Lee! I love that food network is having more shows about doing things on a budget. there's that $10 dinner one too, but I don't care for that host. she doesn't do a great job of explaining what she's doing as she goes.

[Deleted]

we don't eat as much beef as we used to when we were living with our parents. I will only buy 93% lean ground beef, and we only get it when it's on sale (not often). We also eat more vegetarian meals (cheese/veggie lasagna or ziti, bean and rice burritos, black bean and corn quesadillas with pico de gallo and guacamole, etc.). Luckily DH is not a picky eater so it's been working fine for us. And you certainly don't need meat to make a delicious meal.

[midjd]

OP, I have also been in a dinner rut - so thanks for starting this thread! Wastingthyme, your grid idea is a great one... definitely going to give that a shot. DH does the lion's share of cooking but he is also SUPER picky so we're pretty limited on meals we can both eat.

Currently the ones we seem to rotate through are 1) Homemade pizza (pretty cheap - $0.49 for a packet of crust mix, $1 for a jar of pizza sauce, $2-3 for mozzarella cheese... plus I am one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pizza types, so I can use up a lot of leftovers on pizza ;D); 2) Chicken tacos; 3) Spaghetti/ravioli; 4) Grilled cheese or burgers and french fries; and 5) Brinner (pancakes, frozen hashbrowns, eggs).

[Deleted]

midwestern - try some bean burritos too.

[bobbysgirl]

Most posters have addressed the type of meals they serve. So let me try to address the other question you had concerning reducing the food budget.

1. A big thing that was happening here was I was over buying fresh fruits and veggies. I saw what was happening and have reduced the amount I buy. For instance I would purchase a pound or more of grapes. Neither of us are big eaters and 1/2 of them would go bad. So now I buy 1/2 of the amount of each item.

2. I buy what is in season or on sale. Winter is celery and carrots whether it's on sale or not. Both of these are a good deal. I cut them up and have them for snacks. There's no need to be fancy to eat well.

3. Hard boiled eggs and egg salad for lunches or breakfast.

4. Walnuts are inexpensive, per serving. A hard boiled egg, a handful of walnuts and fruit of some sort makes a good breakfast. Oatmeal in the canister is yummy too. You can mix cinnamon and sugar in a jar or swirl jam into it for the kiddos.

5. Keep a clean refrigerator. use those leftovers or freeze them for soups.

6. Have a light night. Tomato soup and grilled cheese with a side of fruit is good. Buy the soup on sale and stock up long enough for it to last through the store cycle.

7. Use tuna in dishes.

8. Know what you have in the cupboards so you use them before the expiration date.

9. The good old watch the sales and match them with coupons thing is always good to do. It doesn't have to be extreme. Any dollar saved is in your pocket, not someone else's You can clip coupons during the ads of a good program.

10. Donate. It has great karma. You'll be surprised what comes back to you.

11. While you are cooking, serve a healthy snack like cheese and crackers or a sliced apple - or both. The portions you'll need for dinner will be smaller.

[Cookies Galore]

Apr 18, 2011 13:36:23 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

If we want to talk bad recipes, how about Sandra Lee? I admire her personal story, but her Semi-Homemade recipes?

I do like her Money Savings Meals show for the cost saving tips.

OMG! Have you seen her kwanzaa cake disaster?