6 Good ways to stretch that buck…

Cooking for yourself can be the best way to start saving money. With the video above I hope you get some great ideas to get in that kitchen. 

Herbs and Spices: it sounds funny, but actually it helps me a lot with this saving money. I get them in the bulk sections from Whole Foods or Asian food stores. It is way cheaper to buy them from the bulk sections than the ones in the baking aisle. Generally fresher too because of the high turnover. I like to pick out jars or tins from thrift shops for them to go in, but it has to be air tight! Can’t let any of that goodness escape.

“How does this same me money?” you ask. The thing with herbs and spices is that they can take a very plain meal and make it pop! Not only that, but it can make the same dish in to two or three very different meals.

For example: Take a bowl of cooked chicken, rice, and peas, with a little salt.

For the first one mix in cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, coriander, and cayenne pepper. It takes on a curry flair, and will make you think of a spice market in India.

A second preparation could involve cumin, chili powder, dried onion, dried garlic, paprika and cilantro. Now it has a Mexican vibe.

For a third variation, add rosemary, oregano, garlic, lemon peel, and parsley. It hints at being Greek, and smells like a villa at the edge of the sea.

The best part? All of this is done with out and added sugars or fats, so the meal is still very healthy (remember, it’s just rice, chicken, and peas). With a creative mind, you can make your own blends that are best suited to your families tastes. I love them! I figured out in 2012 that I could make my own taco seasoning that is SO MUCH BETTER than what I can buy in a store.

You know the ones I’m talking about, the firetruck red super preserved packets of spices that are definitely not from Mexico. Say no to them. I have no doubt that you can do it, and will be happier that you did.

 Beans, try all types every type until you find some you love. It’s not just for chili anymore! They can stretch any ground meat, like turkey or beef. Since I do like to eat meat, this helps my family a lot. They also help with feeling fuller, so we often find ourselves eating less than we would if we just had meat. My husband loves it because many times we have leftovers for the next day, which become lunches for him.

I love chickpeas and one of my favorite meals is when they are thrown in a pan with bacon and onion, then fried up. They turn into the most creamy, dreamy thing I have ever had. Why? The chickpeas soak up all the bacon grease, and caramelize a little on the outside. It is so good, I could spread it on a tire and eat it. They’re best if you cook them yourself, and if you have a crock pot it is easily done. But who has time to wait 4-8 hours for the chickpeas to cook? Not this mom. So I do buy precooked canned ones. I have the idea to try freezing them in small batches once I cook them, but that is for a later date.

Flour, yes even if you are gluten intolerant or have celiacs disease (oat, rice, and any nut flours will work fine). You should have  at least 3 kinds of flour: A weak flour, a strong one, and a all purpose. Flour is a jack of all trades, with little to no other ingredients. It can be bread, pasta, or a thickening agent. It is a skill I am very happy I learned and quite happy to teach others. My family was poor, but with flour and a egg you always have pasta, and if you always have pasta, you will never go hungry.

Speaking of Eggs: that is the next thing on my list of how to stretch your money. Eggs and toast has been a staple dish in my house since I was a child. My father made it for me, and I make it for my kids now. It is a good meal, and the funny thing is most people don’t think of it as such. But it has protein and starch. Add some whole fruit, and you are sitting pretty.

But there’s more! Eggs can be whipped and boiled, separated and turned into very different things, from mayos to meringues. What a incredible little guy! Plus they are usually cheap too. I try to support local farms when I can, but right now I raise my own. Even so,  sometimes getting an extra dozen is inexpensive and well worth it. I feel like I can feed my family and it won’t cost us too much. Have as many servings of eggs and toast as you want.

Milk/butter. Straight up (don’t eat a stick of butter), or mixed in to something, these power houses can do a lot. They’ll add protein, calcium, and when added to the previous two ingredients, can grant you a crazy amount of recipes. Everything from breads, desserts, dinners, and sauces.

Learn to cook, clean, garden, and preserve. That is my final tip. It might seem obvious to some, but I know plenty of people who have no idea how to do any of these. It does not have to be extravagant or hard. But it does take practice, and I will help you along the way. It will benefit you in so many ways. A healthier life from the reduction in processed foods, things will last longer when you make them yourself, and getting outside (even if is it to a local farmers market instead of your own garden) is always a bonus. These will be some of the most important things you learn and share with people. Mastering these skills would be a great victory for your life.

If you need help, let me know. I research a lot of recipes before I make my own. I try to pull the best from each one and create something new.