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STRETCH YOUR FOOD BUDGET A BIT FURTHER A Few Tips |
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by griz  (October 2008) (rank 338th) |
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I remember reading on a member's blog recently that the only meat that seems affordable these days is mince and sausages. This is getting so true for those of us on a tight budget. So I thought I'd put a few of my old tips and tricks I've uses over
the years of feeding 6 kids. I hope that other members will do the same as I myself am always looking for new ideas.
There's no reason that you still can't eat reasonably healthy on a tight budget.
MINCE: try putting mashed pumpkin in with your savoury mince, spag bol etc. Don't tell the kids and put in as much as you can get away with. Mashed finely and with tomato sauce/paste it's hard to notice by sight.
Try getting a bag of dried beans, only a couple of dollars and add to your mince or meat dishes, Presoak and cook first. Adds a bit more protein and makes it go further.
Baked Beans, make a big pot of baked beans for the whole family, get a bag of navy beans, soak overnight, then boil till soft, add a tin of tomato soup. Makes heaps for a lot less dollars
A bag of flour tortillas costs around $3 for a 6 pack. My kids like 2 or 3 each so thats about 20 tortillas for everyone = $12. Take about 30 mins and make a batch yourself . 3 cups plain flour, 1.5 cups water, splash of oil and salt. Mix into a dough then start rolling out indiviually, Cook in a hot dry pan. Only takes a couple of minutes for each one to cook. Get everyone to help. Also make for school lunch. You can save heaps of money doing this.
When I buy meat I look for whats on special as I like to buy steak if I can. If there's nothing better I buy whole rumps from the supermarket and cut it up myself, and give the scraps to the dogs. It is about $8.99 kg that way.
I've always given my kids rolled oats for breakfast in the mornings. It fills them up, is very nutritious and good value for money.
These are just a few ideas. I hope some of you find them helpful. Be prepared to spend a little bit of time on preparations (if you have it) and save yourself some money. Don't forget to get the kids involved and helping you.
