Expensive Groceries? Meals & Treats for Cheap

 Good day to all. Hoping this finds you well.

It is a very refreshing morning here.  Looks to be pretty nice out today.  AC off again, and the windows open this morning.  My 'surprise' lilies have popped up, waiting for them to open.  I always think of mom and dad when I see them.  They had hundreds of them at the old home sight, and this is some I brought home over 20 years ago.  Still going strong.

I know many places are paying a lot more for groceries.  Yes, I have seen increased prices, but I generally don't buy full price items.  I deal with clearance and manager's mark downs.  Saying that, I know not all have that option, as they have smaller stores and live more rural where there aren't a lot of options.

We can adjust our eating by WHAT we make.  Meat doesn't have to be a daily option (I know!!)

It is also very hot many places, and people just don't like the idea of heating up the kitchen making food.

I suggest using toaster ovens, air fryers or crocks or fast cooking pots along with the stove top.

SNACKS - popcorn is very inexpensive and easy to make.  It makes for a great and filling snack.  Fresh fruit or veggies are also good for snacks.  Veggies and some dip.  PBJ, a small salad, maybe make some no bake goodies.  Pudding, Jello, no bake cookies, Krispie bars, etc.  You can make a simple crisp and not use the oven, but one of the other options of baking.

Maybe a tomato sandwich or a cucumber sandwich.

When it comes to bread - use what you have.  A hamburger or hotdog don't have to have buns - use bread (that is all we had growing up).  You can sub a bun in almost all sandwiches if that is all you have - maybe toast them to be different.  Turn a bun into a sub sandwich, or use for tuna /egg salad, even a bologna sandwich!  They are interchangeable.

I know many of you like cottage cheese and I thought this chart was interesting.  You can add anything to it and jazz it up.  Or it can be as simple as a tomato or peach added.  It is good for you (not me!) and you can really add any type of items.

Fresh produce cut up and added to pasta and dressing for a quick and simple pasta salad.

Have some older fruit that needs used?  Peel and cut up and make a little fruit salad.

Drink water or homemade iced tea.

Sandwiches - can be hot or cold.  Hot ham or beef or pork with leftovers would be great.  Make cold meat spreads or egg salad.  PBJ or pimento cheese sandwiches are great.  Fried egg sandwiches are always a quick and healthy go to.  The use of bread with sandwiches also helps fill one up.  Throw in some veggies or fruit and you have a nice little meal for easy.

Even add a bowl of soup if desired.  A can of soup can be all jazzed up by adding some rice, pasta, leftover veggies or meat.

Make a quick and easy cabbage/sausage and potato skillet. Can be done in one pan and the flavors all work together.  Taco skillet - use either rice or pasta/taco meat - maybe some corn or beans.  I am a huge fan of skillet meals.  I do a couple with zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage, pasta.................

Individual pizzas are cheap and easy - you can use tortillas, bread, Ital. bread, Naan, whatever you have as a crust.  Top with bits and pieces just hanging out in the frig or crisper. Add some cheese - don't need an oven.

Roll-ups or wraps - super easy.  Can be hot or cold.  Breakfast/lunch/dinner.  Also easy is quesadillas, taco or burritos (burritos can be turned into enchiladas).

Some items are just super filling.  Great to add to meals, when trying to keep costs down.  Potatoes are such a versatile veggie and can be fixed a hundred ways!!!!!

Add those bits leftover or hanging out in the crisper together to make a stir fry and serve over rice.

Fried rice - doesn't get much cheaper or easy than this.  Rice - whatever odds and ends you have - throw in an egg and some seasoning and BOOM you have dinner.

Good food, inexpensive cooking, fast cooking, little effort and FILL the BELLIES!!!!!!

It can be done.  You have to be willing to use everything ALL up and maybe in a new way, look for all the bargains you can find, maybe throw in some home-grown goodies and get CREATIVE!

Also if it is just you - you can do whatever your little heart desires!!!!  Eat a meal, snack on items, whatever floats your boat.  I have times I just have meat/cheese and crackers and maybe a salad or piece of fruit.  There really are NO rules.

Do you have a special easy, yummy and affordable dish you make?  Share your ideas!

Have a beautiful day!