If you have kids then you probably hear this question at least several times a day: "What are we having for dinner?" Come to think of it, you really don't even need children to be subjected to that question continuously. Your spouse could be the well-meaning bombardier delivering those words, or perhaps you yourself are the culprit. Whoever the bearer, everyone wants to know what to expect at the dinner table before they arrive. But with today's busy and fast-paced lifestyle, it's become more and more difficult to put down a well-rounded meal each and every day of the week. That's why frugal planning for the kitchen is now more important than ever before.
Planning ahead for meals not only means less time spent in the kitchen, it can also save a significant amount of money on your weekly food bill. Today's trends generally move toward the preparation of a complete meal with as few ingredients as possible. Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction:
Plan a menu. This will stop the family from asking that haunting question every evening and it takes the guesswork out of dinner. The list should include not only the main dish but the side dishes, too. What's more, it can form the basis for your grocery list. Be sure to ask the family for their input.
Keep it simple. Elaborate meals can be kept for special occasions, such as dinner parties or other events. Of course, everyone's palate craves a little change now and then, so feel free to make use of 'add-ins.' These are spices and foods that can complement your meal in such a way that they provide a new taste sensation. For example, lasagna is typically made with ground beef, cheeses and sauce. But, for a different taste, try substituting chicken or sausage in place of the beef. As added filler, dice in a few vegetables such as onions, carrots or zucchini. With just these few simple add-ins, the possibilities can be virtually endless – and there are many more ideas you'll likely be able to come up with.
Keep your pantry stocked with the basics. What items do you find yourself using over and over again? Stocking up on these staples when they're on sale is a prudent idea. For instance, your household may quickly go through such things as rice, bread crumbs, barbeque sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, pasta, etc. Whatever you use heavily, keep a ready supply on hand.
Cook from scratch. This sounds like something that our grandmothers did, but it's actually both a time- and money-saver as well. A value pack of hamburger from your local grocery store can be made into four or five burgers, a meatloaf and meatballs for spaghetti. Three meal ideas in one package, and each one is different enough so that your family won't mind having hamburger in some form three times in one week.
Make as many things as you can ahead of time. Anything that can be prepared and stored without risk of spoilage decreases the time that you must spend in the kitchen. Thaw your meat for the week in the refrigerator so that it's ready whenever you decide to use it. Prepare a large pot of rice or pasta on Monday and heat up what you need for meals throughout that week. Remember, frugality in the kitchen means saving both money and time.
