10 Ways to Save Time & Money In the Kitchen

The economy has hit many people and whether you're looking to save money from choice or because you have to, there are many ways you can save time and money.

For many recipes that call for a can of soup or jar of salsa look at comparing generic or store brands. This is a way to save small amounts but if you save $1 300 times that $300 can pay electric. Small changes also often don't make a noticeable difference in taste. Be sure to comparison shop - compare the same sized cans or cost per ounce not just by can.

Get good quality appliances. Cheap $10 toasters that you have to replace 4-5 times aren't a bargain when a good quality toaster that lasts is cheaper in the long run. Find ways to use those small appliances - slow cookers are great ways to use tougher cuts of meat that are often less expensive. Rice cookers can also be used to make soups. These little hints are especially needed when there's holiday rush and only so many burners on the stove!.

Consider a view change - rather than a restriction, a tight budget is a chance to explore recipes and eating from around the world! Look online for recipes from other cultures where rice, potatoes and other simple and inexpensive ingredients dominate. Remember that meat can be a great accompaniment without having to be center stage every meal, and a little cheese can go a long ways.

Don't waste food. This sounds obvious but how many times is a cup of food tossed to the dog, or "science experiments" grow in the refrigerator because leftovers aren't used? Clean out an ice cream bucket and when you get that cup of leftovers put it in there. Use it later for a "surprise" casserole or soup. You can use leftover vegetables or meats - keep it in the freezer.

Remember stale bread can be used as bread crumbs or croutons - don't throw it out. Add a little seasoning and stretch the next ground beef meal you make.

Eat healthier and stretch meals with oatmeal. Add a few handfuls - I've used a handful per person as a guide - to browned burger when making sloppy joes or chili. You won't taste it. You can also use oatmeal in quick breads and even chocolate cakes. This is more filling and nutritious.

Shop smarter! Get a 3-4 pound of burger (usually less expensive than in one pound rolls) and divide it up at home. Look at chicken leg quarters rather than "boneless skinless chicken breasts" and other more expensive cuts. These can often be found at under $1 per pound - save the bones to make broth! When you see something on sale stock up. Discounted bread can be frozen as well as many other foods.

Plan for leftovers to save time and money. Brown a pound of ground beef and ground turkey mixed together for tacos then with leftovers tomorrow night you already have the meat cooked - dice potatoes, onions, peppers together and cook then mix in the leftover ground meat and top with a little cheese. Quick meal that is inexpensive.

Make your own convenience. In many areas you can get large 50 pound bags of potatoes for under $20. Most people won't use 50 pounds in a month, but consider this...what if it fed you for several months? Turn the television off one night and 'process' these at home - shred some (hash browns), dice some and slice some - blanch in boiling water for two minutes, remove and drain. Use the starchy potato water (you'll need to change it every so often) for breads or other dishes. Bag the cooked potatoes and put in the freezer - you have frozen potatoes that are already pre-cooked for those "too busy to cook" nights it's tempting to order out. Simply removed your premeasured potatoes and toss in the pan! There are other things you can do the same way. Look at the products in the stores - refrigerated cookie dough was done long before "slice and bake" companies! It takes but minutes to mix up cookie dough, roll into logs and wrap for later.

Plan your meals. This way you can get the most from your food budget - and implement those leftovers! Allow for three meals and snacks. This CAN be done on a budget. It may not be gourmet eating but with close attention to saving money it does allow for occasional "splurges" of a special meal. Steaks can sometimes be found marked down to clear them out - use or freeze them right away!

Eating well doesn't have to be expensive and doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Plan, get in a routine and even those who "can't cook" can plug in the slow cooker after school or work. Dig out that food dehydrator and make apple chips for snacks - there are several food lists on yahoogroups.com that are FREE and take penny pinching to new heights!

Eat better. Save money. Waste less. That's a win-win situation!