by David Braybrooke

Created on: March 08, 2007   Last Updated: December 27, 2010

Cooking on a budget can be simple.  Begin with an effective shopping plan; the key being to save as much money as you can.  If possible, grow as much produce at home.  The more do-it-yourself gardening you do at home, the more you will save on grocery bills and the cheaper your overall cooking bills will be.  An added benefit is that the quality of your homegrown produce will add to the health and vitality of the entire family. 

One way to save on shopping is to buy in bulk.  Take note when specials are on certain items and stock up.  When buying cheap meat in bulk ensure that you divide into meal-sized portions at home and freeze, this can limit wastage.  Another shopping tip is to purchase generic brands.  Many foodstuffs are of a similar quality yet the price differs through elaborate packaging.  Try some of the cheaper items to see if they suit your taste.

When cooking food it sometimes pays to keep the recipe fairly simple as flavors and spices can be added by each individual.  Many times, a large hidden cost occurs with sauce bases and expensive condiments.  Dispense with them and grow your own herbs in pots. And try boiling your own sauces at home.  Utilize all ingredients well; meat carcasses and chicken bones can be boiled up for stocks. These make great recipe bases for other dishes and the flavor is fantastic!

When cooking for a family ensure that you prepare healthy sized portions.  If there are leftovers, refrigerate and consume promptly to avoid spoilage.  When an excess of fresh ingredients are available at low cost, cook large meals and freeze several portions.  If growing produce at home, be sure to freeze any excess or give to neighbors; the old saying, 'waste not want not' is very true.  Instead of buying expensive take-out meals, cook your cheaper version at home.  Pizzas, fish and chips and healthy hamburgers can be prepared with less expense.  The family needn't feel cheated of a good fry-up and you'll save by doing it yourself instead of buying at the fast food shop.

A nutritious diet is usually the most affordable one. Fresh fruit and vegetables should provide the basis of a Family menu.  Weekly trip to the farmer's market is a terrific way to contain spending; up to 70% less than a standard supermarket.  Finally, spend time talking with the whole family to learn everyone's favorite dishes.  Food that is enjoyed is rarely wasted so stick to recipes that please everyone.  Bon apetit!

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