Home Cooking - 2009 Hot Food Trend
Cooking at home is trendy, economical, recession smart
Home cooking - using simple, comfort foods - can help reduce food costs while providing wholesome meals and more menu options. According to The Epi-Log on Epicurious.com, "Hallmarks of 2009 will include a return to families cooking together and eating at home more than they have in decades..." www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2008/12/epicurious-pred.html
Techniques to Simple Home CookingTake the extra time to make double recipes. One can be eaten immediately and the other frozen for future meals. For instance, macaroni and cheese is easy, economical, and freezes well. You are can thaw it and use it as is, or simply add something to the dish to change the flavor and appeal. Vegetable mixes, diced meat or shrimp are all delectable additions to a simple base casserole. Try topping the casserole with seasoned wheat germ or ground flaxseed meal rather than plain bread crumbs.
Focus on traditional, taste good, comfort foods for home cooked meals. Mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and breads are all family favorites. Many bakery thrift stores are now offering more gourment choices, like artisan breads, that can serve as a foundation for tasty treats and and even desserts like bread pudding.
Keep your pantry stocked so you can pull together a home cooked meal in a timely fashion. When you see bargain prices on cooking staples such as bouillion, cream soups, sauces and beverage, buy them and put them in storage. Shopping in your pantry is cheaper and easier than shopping at your local grocery!
Delegate Tasks
Involve your family in your efforts to balance the family budget. Toddlers may enjoy setting the table, older children can rip and tear lettuce, and who cares if a leaf or two hits the floor? If you are blessed by a spouse who enjoys cooking, be supportive and encouraging! On the other hand, if the family seems resistant to join you in this budgeting exercise, allow them that freedom of choice. Your goal is to use home cooking to save money.
Hire Some Kitchen Help
Think about hiring some help - the gadget kind. Now is the right time to dust off the crock pot or bread maker. These hard working helpers are available 24/7 and will earn you the title of Chef Supreme. Even the toughest bargain meats will tenderize in a crock pot, and the aroma of freshly baked bread is priceless.
Summary
- Home cooking saves money, provides healthy menu options.
- Planning will make cooking at home easy and cost efficient.
- Work once, eat twice (or more).
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