If you are like most people, you cook food and eat food daily. Also, if you are like most people, you want to know how to save money, so here are a few different ways to start saving money when you cook.
Use water instead of milk in some recipes. This is a trick that lactose intolerant folks use, and it can be a great way to save money when you are cooking. The flavor is not missed in most dishes and the consistency also remains the same. To save on buttermilk costs, mix together 1 t. lemon juice or vinegar with 1 c. of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. The flavor will remain the same when baked.
Substitute a non-hydrogenated margarine or a cold-pressed oil for butter. Because butter tends to be more expensive and fattening, this switch will not only change the size of your wallet, it may also change your waistline!
Select recipes that feature chopped meat as they tend to use less meat per serving. Substitute half of the meat for tofu, peas, or quinoa to save even more money, but keep the protein content high.
Eliminate the processed foods from your diet. Instead, try homemade bread, waffles, oatmeal, chicken broth, and chili. Not only will it save you money, you will also lower the amount of sodium you consume and your meals will taste fresh.
Save a bundle on expensive dried fruit by making it yourself. Fruit can be dried in your oven, in the sun or in a dehydrator.
Eat vegetables that are in season. This means that the vegetables will not only be fresher, but will also be cheaper because they have not been stored for months in refrigeration. During the winter, stock up on collards, kale, endive and chard, which grow during the cold months.
Need help buying food? Go to the how to apply for food stamps website to learn how to apply for Alabama food stamps, or find directions for any other US state.