Cooking in Your Budget

Yesterday, I was on a Google Hang Out chat with a close friend who mentioned now was the time to get back on budget in light of COVID-19. I totally support her statement, and intentions, so it got me thinking... am I staying true to my budget?

During COVID-19, many day to day expenses fell to the wayside. My four day per week dog walker dropped to twice a week (not in person visits, but wanted to continue to pay her as I can't imagine my pup's life without her!), no dinners out, no travel, no happy hour. But, as the months of shelter in place / safer at home continue, my budget decrease is not quite as drastic as one might expect. We planned an #AirBnB drivable vacation for later this fall, so while everyone reimburses me, my credit card bill was super high. We rented a car for a week to go see my folks, so again, big expenditure.

With all this being said, I turn to my pantry to figure out what to cook for the night. Should I channel my inner 'meatless Monday' or turn to leftovers? What meat should I thaw out from the freezer? Here are a few of my favorite #cookinginyourbudget tips and tricks!

Tip #1 - Your Freezer is your new BFF: My boyfriend and I joke that during COVID, we are each other's best friends. All this to say, I would hope we are always each others besties, but you get the point. I freeze everything! Leftovers. Meat. Nuts. Fruit. Veggies. Bread. You name it, it is probably in my freezer. Take your appliance out on a date, and make it your goal to clean it out once a month. And then do yourself another favor, wipe it down .. crumbs and all!

Tip #2 - Veggies and Beans: I am a sucker for Garbanzo beans (salads, homemade hummus, curries galore) and really enjoy making fresh salads with 'triple' protein (meat, beans, and hardboiled egg). In the past, I found myself getting hungry (and a headache) mid afternoon, but once I swapped in the triple P, I was golden! Salads are a great way to clean out the fridge and create that Diner Garbage Salad you loved growing up! The Midwest gal in me also loves to buy Turkey Summer Sausage, and add that in too :)

Tip #3 - Fresh Salad Dressing: So easy, and so much better than store bought. In a recent #Goop blog post, the author wrote that one of the cooking 'blockers' is the prep - including making salad dressing. Enjoy homemade dressing for up to a week in the fridge (if it even lasts you that long). Below is one of my favorite recipes:

Dijon Vinagerette

1 part EVOO

1 part Vinegar or Citrus (fresh squeezed lemon juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, White Balsamic Vinegar)

1/4 part spicy or dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 handful fresh oregano (can swap rosemary, chives, mint)

1 small shallot, chopped

S&P to taste

Tip #4 - Herbs on Rotation: Another helpful tool is to grow fresh herbs. Living in an apartment? No problem! Pick up a few trusty pots from #CB2 and start growing! You can pick up pre grown herbs at your local market. Basil hates sun, but other herbs love it. Water as you need, and enjoy all year long!

Tip #5 - Leftovers 2x: I love my crock pot all year long. You can find me creating stews, soups, and slow cooking meat. I love it for a variety of reasons, but I am a huge fan of slow braised meat. They double as triple (or even quadruple leftovers). Here are a few ways to use slow cooked chicken or beef:

• Stir Fry

• Salad

• Quesadillas

• Nachos

• BBQ Sammies

A fun girls night in filled with Wine and Cheese!

Until Next Time and Happy Food Shopping,

AA

Note: The ideas above are strictly my own, and should not be taken as any sort of financial or investment advice. I am not a licensed financial planner, and these ideas do not guarantee any sort of return (or loss) in today's marketplace. Thank you!