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Saturday, September 14, 2024

Frugal Meal Time Suggestions for Times of Inflation. Again...

Does standing at the meat counter send you into shock? How about the dairy case or the produce counter? I have a few ideas that might help, and none of them include cents off coupons...and they do not require to you to give up your favorite meals or eating preferences. 




First let me clarify... 

There is nothing wrong with manufacturer or store coupons. But if you are taking a look at this post or a returning visitor to this blog, you will already know that for the most part, we are a DIY kitchen and the foods we cook on a regular bases, don't have coupons...But honestly I have used them in the past, and trust me, if I could find a coupon for a few cents off of what I currently purchase, I would use it! For many of us, this is not the first time weathering inflation, and just like before, we will get through it, and eat well in the process. And so can you!



The one area I do continue to take advantage of is the marked down rack... 

Especially for meat. In the stores that do offer yesterday's packaged meat at a discount, you must get there early in the morning...for the best selection. And yes we are meat eaters. Period. We do not (for the most part)  have a meatless meal on any day of the week. What we do instead is make sure there is no waste and cut back on the amount of meat being cooked. I have found it is quite easy to cut the amount of meat by half, and still enjoy our meals. This option helps to keep my food budget in control. 


Ironically some of the least expensive cuts of meat are also the easiest to use in a half measure for your favorite recipes. Or for a new one, for which I do have a few suggestions to offer. Serving half a slice of roast beef, is not what I am suggesting, because honestly it would only highlight the current inflation problem and how it affects us all. But ground beef and chicken thighs while still a decent price at the market. And are  perfect for reducing the amount of meat in your recipes. And even this small change can and will help save your food budget from exploding during times of inflation. 



Fortunately the prices of some of our favorite vegetables remains fairly stable.

Staples such as carrots, cabbage and potatoes are still affordable. So we eat more of these, prepared simply or in a new ways as well as revisiting old favorites. Rice has also remained affordable, even brown rice which is our favorite for the nutrition it offers. And while it might seem like a good idea to eliminate all the extras that we enjoy during the day, I have found that a frugal dessert goes a long way in making the meal seem like the old times before inflation took it's bite! So you will see a couple of dessert recipes also, because who doesn't like dessert at the end of a meal?

Let's start with meat:



The following ground beef recipes are just as delicious when using half the amount of meat called for in the recipe:

Do purchase ground beef with higher lean ratio, while more expensive, it will be the better choice. 


















These chicken thigh recipes are just as delicious when using half the amount of meat called for in the recipe: 

NOTE: When working with chicken thighs, instead of cooking them whole, cut the half measure of chicken thighs into one inch chunks.


















These pork and ham recipes are just as delicious when using half the amount of meat called for in the recipe:  

Added bonus, there are two recipes that call for a single ham hock.


















And a couple of extras!

For the Meatloaf fans out there: You may want to take a look at this idea for serving meatloaf, a slice at a time, as needed. 

Meatloaf is one of the easiest meals to help you be frugal in the kitchen. Why? Slice and sauté' my friends, slice and sauté!



If the your meal seems a bit sparse from the usual spread served at dinner time, add a Composed Salad: 

Which can be made from pretty much any vegetables you enjoy and already have on hand. 


How to make a Composed Salad


Salad Suggestions: 


Salads are a great way to full the family up. Many of these salads add a protein boost as well!




















Vegetables and Side Dishes: 



Eating more vegetables is always a good idea! And these side dishes will make sure no one leaves the table hungry! And like some of the salads offered, some are these also offer a protein boost. 

























And let's not forget Desserts:



And as promised let's consider dessert, even if you have made the decision to cut back to once a week. The following desserts are quite frugal and will be enjoyed by all who dine at your table.











These two links will offer delicious solutions for breakfast!

Of course dinner is not the only meal that will need a few frugal tweaks, breakfast is an important meal and one that may be a consideration to skip in order to save money. Instead I urge you to consider becoming a breakfast champion by making your own Granola and our favorite pantry staple, Whole Wheat Self-Rising Flour








And lastly, here are a couple of ideas based upon eating the #scratchmadefood! way:

Once a week have a pot of homemade soup for dinner. Soup is and always will be a frugal meal. 

And my husband's favorite, cook a pot of beans weekly, not only delicious, but they are good for you as well. 


#wholefoodingredients

#scratchmadefoodforyourfamily

This post featured at:

Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at You're The Star Link-up and Blog Hop.
Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at You're The Star Link-up and Blog Hop. 

Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at Full Plate Thursday Link-up and Blog Hop.
Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at Full Plate Thursday Link-up and Blog Hop.

Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at Tuesday Turn About Link Party and Blog Hop.
Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household featured at Tuesday Turn About Link Party and Blog Hop. 


This collection of recipes and great information, will, from time to time be updated with additional recipes and information and reposted for your convenience: UPDATED: 09.14.2024


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Would you like to comment?

  1. THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SUGGESTIONS!

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    1. You are so welcome, thanks for stopping by, I sure appreciate it.

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  2. Lots of great recipes and ideas. Thank you for all your input at your blog to share with all of us. I enjoyed my visit and wish you a blessed weekend.

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    1. I/we can't be the only family struggling with food prices lately. I think creative ideas during times of inflation are sometimes better than a new recipe...comfort comes with enjoying the foods that have become a family favorite.Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

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  3. I never thought about cutting my meat in half. That is a great idea and a good way to stretch the grocery budget. All of your meals suggestions look so good.

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  4. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner Party – hope your week is awesome!

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    1. Helen, you are welcome, have a great week ahead and as always, thanks for hosting!

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  5. I need to try the Chinese spaghetti. Yum.

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    1. Christy, I have been making that recipe for over 30 years! And now it is a family favorite of my daughter's household as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Thanks for stopping by, have a great week ahead.

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  6. Your awesome post is featured on Full Plate Thursday, 634 this week. Thanks so much for sharing with us and have a fantastic week!
    Miz Helen

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  7. Such an incredible selection of recipes. That Chinese Spaghetti has caught my eye for sure

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  8. I prefer to buy frozen veggies so they don’t ruin before I can use them up. I’ll buy fresh veggies if I’m making a specific meal that calls for them. I’ll have to try some of these meatless options.

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    1. Hi Christy, I like to keep both on hand, it is one way to get another vegetable on the table by way of a salad. But trust me, we eat a lot of frozen vegetables as well.

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  9. Everything looks delicious! I have beets in my garden I need to use up so your beet recipe will come in handy. I agree with you on coupons. I never use them because they are always for name brands foods and the off brand is always cheaper without a coupon, plus, they are usually for processed foods of which I don't even use anyway.

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  10. This is a wonderful and much needed post especially for young families with a lot of mouths to feed. The food prices have really escalated. I don't know how a family of four or five is managing. Food is taking a major part of the budget. You have offered some helpful suggestions. Thanks.

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    1. Judee, I agree, I don't know how families are making do with the high prices. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

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  11. Food prices really have shot up lately.
    I love getting bargains from the reduced section and tend to bulk things out with more vegetables.
    What great ideas!

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    1. Kim, thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it. Have a great day.

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  12. Love these suggestions: I tend to buy more chicken and use it in different recipes. I will buy larger packages and cook and freeze some. Dessert does help round up a meal!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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    1. Mireille I have to be careful or I will only have chicken in the freezer! When I make my grocery list I now try to say, pork for two meals, beef for 3 meals....thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.

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  13. These are lots of fabulous ideas! We definitely find soups and stews and casseroles a great way to stretch the meat into more portions.

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    1. Joanne, thank you. You will start what I call the "small down", in cooking. I think that was harder for me than cooking enough. But as our kids become adults and leave home for their own futures, the kitchen changes. I didn't necessarily spend less at the store however....

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  14. Great collection of frugal meals and suggestions, Melynda! I'm so happy to be featuring your recipe and post at this week's Tuesday Turn About!

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