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Budget Supper-Garlic Chicken
Here’s a quick supper, just a few ingredients, buy chicken when it’s on sale, make this dish and freeze it…the possibilities are endless. What you’ll need… 3 tablespoons butter 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon onion powder In a large skillet and over medium high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and the onion powder. Saute for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. You can serve this as is with a side dish or another idea is to cut the cooked chicken…
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Money Saving Tip-Homemade Salad Dressings
Salads make a great side dish or even a bargain main dish. One of the best things about salads is the dressing. And yes, you can pick up some bargains at the store but you’re paying for something that’s often loaded with preservatives and some not so good for you stuff too. Making your own is simple and most of the time, the most budget friendly way to go. Here’s a quick and tasty vinaigrette to try on your next salad. Mix ¾ cup of oil with ¼ cup of vinegar and season with salt, pepper and even some Dijon mustard. For other variations try adding honey, balsamic vinegar, orange…
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Budget Meals-SALSA CHICKEN & RICE
Here’s an easy meal that’s perfect to make when chicken is on sale. What you’ll need- 2 cups cooked white rice, kept warm 1 tablespoon oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into strips 1 medium onion, chopped 1 small red bell pepper, sliced 1 jar (16 oz.) Salsa 1/2 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese Sour cream (optional) Chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Over medium high heat and in a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the chicken, onion and bell pepper and cook stirring occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the salsa and bring to a boil then remove it…
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Money Saving Tip-Meal Plans
Don’t have a plan? Sometimes that can cost you money. Begin each week or grocery tip with planning what you’ll eat for the next 7 days. You’ll prevent overbuying and throwing random things into your cart and you can even plan future meals by using leftovers and similar ingredients. For example, use half a chicken for one meal, and the other half for another. Use leftover lemons to make homemade lemonade.
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Money Challenge-Day 23-Grow Your Own
Are you growing your own food? While you can’t grow everything, there are things like vegetables, herbs and fruits like strawberries, apples and cherries. Think about what you can grow this year and beyond. And another shameless self promotion from me. I just released the Budget Smart Girl Garden Planner. If you’d like the digital version, head to the BSG store via this link Or if you prefer a physical copy here’s the link to the book that’s on sell at Amazon-
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Don’t Throw Them Away
I love getting as much use out of stuff I buy as I can. My motto is nothing’s a waste of money if you use it wisely. You wouldn’t think vegetables fit into that category but they do. Each time I prepare a vegetable I keep the trimmings and pieces I don’t use in the recipe or meal. I use a freezer bag to put things like carrot peelings, onion roots, ‘ribs’ of kale, and anything that’s a little bruised into it. At the end of the week, I put them into a large pan, add water, a couple of bay leaves, some peppercorns and bring it to boil, then…
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How A Food Makeover Can Save You Money
Most people think that eating healthful foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle costs a ton of money, but it can actually save you money. First of all, you’re less likely to get sick, which cuts down on the price of health care and lost wages when you have to call in sick at work. And secondly, if you fill your grocery cart with junk food, your grocery budget starts to fill the pinch. Here are my easy steps to getting a food makeover Learn to Read Nutrition Labels An easy way to eat nutritious foods and save money is to learn how to read food labels. Learn what’s really low…
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The Budget Smart Cook Loves Pantry Standbys
The Internet has been abuzz with tips for trimming your food budget. An idea that seems to show up regularly is using up all the items that are sitting in your pantry. It’s a great tip but as we Budget Smart Girls know, stocking the pantry in the first place plays a major role in saving money. Here are some items to keep on hand for those impromptu meals. Pasta I keep a couple of different types of pasta on hand at all times. It might be spaghetti, penne, even a box of lasagna. One of the quickest meals to put together is any type of pasta dish. And I…
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Budget Meals with Pizzazz
Last week I told you about ways a Budget Smart Cook can add certain ingredients to jazz up foods. This week I thought I’d focus on actual recipes and foods that most people rely on when they’re watching their pennies. Spaghetti When someone says budget meal, spaghetti or any type of pasta, always is the first thing that jumps into my head. I also like pasta because it’s fast and easy to put together. And while you might immediately think spaghetti and a red pasta sauce, you can vary things now and then. For a change of pace, pick a white sauce. One of my favorites is the Ragu low…
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Why Should Budget Smart Cooks Love Their Veggies?
Well, actually everyone should love eating vegetables, but for those of us who watch the pennies, veggies offer great value. They pack lots of nutrition and can even help you stretch your food dollar. Here are some other reasons to love veggies. You Can Always Find Them at the Store Okay, some vegetables aren’t available year round, but stop by any produce department and you’ll always find items to make a low cost meal. Things like broccoli, mushrooms, peapods, peppers…all the basics for a stir-fry. And if you’re using beef, chicken or shrimp in that stir- fry, use less of these items and simply double up on the vegetables. I’m…