How I Try New Recipes for Cheap

I admit I am a cooking channel junkie. I love trying new cooking techniques and working with exotic ingredients but my tasty hobby can really drain my pocketbook. That's bad news when I'm trying to save money. I'm not giving up my love for the culinary arts; instead, I've adapted some cheaper ways to try new recipes. Look out Rachel Ray and Paula Deen! I'm mastering southern fried chicken and pasta Bolognese next.

I buy small packets of seasonings. Recently seasoning suppliers like McCormick began offering smaller portions of seasonings. This is the perfect option when you aren't sure you'll need a whole bottle of turmeric or saffron. I don't buy seasonings in bulk except common ones like salt, garlic powder and black pepper.

I pool my cooking friends before I shop. Being a food lover, I have made loads of new culinary friends. Before I head out to specialty stores for hard to find Asian or Middle Eastern food products, I make a few calls. We chip in on products like tahini and wok oil. It saves me money and I get to try new recipes.

I invested in food-saving equipment. First, I bought a vacuum seal machine. Now I can I wash, seal and save fresh herbs and vegetables. I mark the freezer bags with permanent marker so I can easily identify all my ingredients. Next, I bought an extra freezer to store all my goodies in. I don't lose money when I buy too much celery or peppers.

I started a cooking club. For years, I was a lousy cook. Just ask my kids! Now, I know that you can learn to cook, and cook well, with some practice. I started my own cooking club, not just to share what I've learned with others but to save me money. Our cooking club meets once a month. Everyone brings a certain ingredient. Together we cook a fantastic meal then take it all home to serve our families. We save money, expensive on pricy meats and spices and get to try something new. Another perk of my cooking club is the wine tasting we enjoy too.

I earn a few bucks posting my favorite, tweaked recipes on my blog. Sometimes a recipe is a huge success, sometimes not so much. Whatever the results, I blog about it. I'm not quitting my day job but my meager earnings do help offset some of my cooking costs.

Cook half portions. Sometimes, when I'm not sure how my audience (aka. the family) is going to react I try a half recipe instead of the whole thing. This way I get to try something new but I won't waste money by tossing out an experimental lasagna.

You don't have to give up your favorite hobby to save a few bucks. Cook smarter and cheaper with these sensible tips.

More from this Contributor:

Easter Business Opportunities for Kids

Tips for Starting Your Own Magazine

Three Good Promotional Ideas for Your Makeup Business