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Family cooking on a budget is possible but only if one is willing to follow a disciplined set of rules.

Here are 10 tips to help you save money:

1) If it's not on sale, don't buy it. As a single parent, I only bought extras like ketchup and jam when they were on sale. When they were on sale, I'd buy a couple of containers.

2) Shop in bulk where possible. Buy 10 pounds of hamburger, separate into 1-2 pound chunks and freeze. These handy packets are easily defrosted and are perfect for stews, tacos and spaghetti sauces.

3) Use coupons, but don't get scammed. Coupons are only valuable when they help you save money on foods you usually purchase. Otherwise, avoid them.

4) Try to shop the perimeters of the store as the perimeter is reserved for fresh foods. Fresh foods are cheaper because no packaging was needed. Steer clear of fast foods. These foods are generally more expensive because they cost more in manpower to make and package.

5) Use "extenders." In the 50s, mothers used "extenders" like bread crumbs and cornflakes to bulk up meats like hamburger. Add bread crumbs and a bit of milk or water to your hamburger before mixing up your patties and you will have a bigger yield.

6) Be creative. You don't need pizza dough to make pizzas. Roll out a piece of bread instead, spread it with seasoned tomato paste, grated cheese, sliced meat and bake.

7) Avoid sugared foods, especially breakfast cereals. These foods only make a person hungrier and they are very costly. A great breakfast is a cup of good yogurt (one with active bacterial cultures) and sliced fruit (bananas or strawberries). Add a piece of whole grain toast with jam or honey, a beverage and you will have a well-balanced meal.
Be sure to buy your yogurt in a large container, not the individual servings.

8) When mixing frozen juices, add an EXTRA can of water. The kids won't know the difference or, if they do, they won't care after awhile.

9) When cooking starches like rice and noodles, make extra. Add them to a luncheon stir fry with veggies and pineapple.

10) Don't go shopping hungry; this is a recipe for disaster. Because of your hunger, you will grab more costly fast foods.

While this is not an exhaustive list to assist a family to stay on budget, it is a step in the right direction.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
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