Shopping and Cooking on a Budget for a Family of Two

High food prices and two member families are a difficult combination, especially when the twosome is not enthusiastic about leftovers. In many instances, large grocery packages and prepackaged "family combinations" of meat are the most economical buys, but the amounts border on overwhelming for two people. But with a mix of ingredients such as planning, careful shopping and willpower, it's possible for a couple, both good eaters, to keep the food budget in line.

Shopping for specials, also known as buying when the price is right, is a basic skill needed during a slow economy. Stock up on staples such as pasta, frozen orange juice, cereals, canned soups and baking needs when supermarkets are having "sales." It may be wise to follow a food plan geared to keeping the budget down, buying treats such as ice cream when it is a special and choosing fresh vegetables when they are available at reasonable prices. Buying bunches of broccoli or green peppers when they are not in season would not be on that list no matter how attractive they look on a wintry day. Instead, the list would recommend buying vegetables such as carrots, usually available at attractive prices all year round.

To save on your gas bill (assuming you have a gas range), you can plan one or two dinners each week around dishes that can be cooked in the oven at the same time. When beef stew is the main dish, enough for six generous portions can be prepared because stew gains flavor from a few days in the refrigerator. Pasta dishes can be an important part of your money-saving strategy. So are less expensive cuts of meat. If you want to save money, don't buy strip sirloin steaks. Instead buy chuck steak and prepare it with peppercorns for an economical version of the French steak au poivre. This method, in which the peppercorns act as a tenderizer, was devised several years ago when beef prices started to rise. As a general rule, the meat is tender and the flavor excellent, rivaling porterhouse or sirloin. Here's how you can make it for yourself. You will need: Chuck steak, about 2 pounds with bone, an inch or more thick, with some marbling and whole peppercorns ground in a peppermill.

Grind peppercorns over surface of one side of steak. Broil from six to nine minutes, depending on thickness and degree of doneness desired- Turn steak, add peppercorns to second side, and broil another six to nine minutes. Salt your steak to taste and serve on a heated platter. Glazed carrots make a good accompaniment in winter.