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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

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...


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, we just like before, we will get through it, and eat well in the process.


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...We are meat eaters. Period. We (for the most part) do not 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. 

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. 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 are in fact perfect for reducing 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 has stayed fairly stable. Staples such as carrots, cabbage and potatoes are still affordable. So we eat more of these, simply prepared in a new way 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 trip out 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?

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
















When working with chicken thighs, instead of cooking them whole, cut the half measure of chicken thighs into one inch chunks. These chicken thigh recipes are just as delicious when using half the amount of meat called for in the recipe: 

















And we have a few pork recipes that also work well with a half measure of meat. Added bonus, there are two recipes that call for a single ham hock:



















For the meatloaf fans out there, you may want to take a look at this idea for:
Basic Everyday Meatloaf, and now let's take meatloaf! Because 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 at dinner time, add a Composed Salad, which can be made from pretty much any vegetables you enjoy and already have on hand. In addition consider serving one of the following salads to round out a meal and many offer a protein boost:





















Eating more vegetables is always a good idea! And these side dishes will make sure no one leaves the table hungry! Some are these also offer a protein boost as well:


























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:











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. I urge you to consider becoming a breakfast champion by making your own Granola and our favorite pantry staple, Whole Wheat Self-Rising Flour

These two links will offer delicious solutions for breakfast!








#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.

This post updated 06.19.23


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Would you like to comment?

  1. THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SUGGESTIONS!

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    Replies
    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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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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