Tuesday’s Tip
It seems like this time of my year my cupboard is a little more bare as I haven’t grocery shopped as much. I still want to make an amazing meal, yet keep it affordable.
This is where meal planning comes into play and thinking ahead is key.
Last week I wanted to make something with fresh basil. Fresh basil costs about $2.49 a container. In order to justify it, and so I would use it all, I came up with at least three meals.
I made a basil mayonnaise to dip my panko chicken in.
1/2 cup Mayo
bunch of fresh basil – I like lots, like 1 cup
1 garlic clove
Tblsp lemon
I use a hand blender to blend together. Dip panko chicken in the basil mayonnaise.
I use the leftover as a spread on my kids’ turkey sandwiches for school. It makes it feel more gourmet that way.
I also made a fresh Basil Pesto.
The last meal I make is using fresh basil with marinated mozzarella and grilling them on crusty bread. In the summer I actually put them on the grill, but in the winter I use the George Foreman or a skillet with a weighted pan on top.
Not only are my meals affordable, but they are delicious and before the basil even goes bad, I use it completely.
I do the same with a bottle of wine if I am cooking with it. Although it will last much longer, I just plan my meals around using up the whole bottle of wine.
Just because you can’t save a ton a money, doesn’t mean you can’t make a great, affordable meal.
What are your tricks?
With the economy the way it is, it seems like everyone is cutting back and trying hard not to spend money aimlessly on things. I think this is great. This is something that many people have needed to do for years now. But with so many blogs out there filled with all types of money saving tips, which I too will share, there comes a point where you feel guilty buying something that you truly want or enjoy, but you need to know, it's ok to splurge every now and then.
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