This day and age, so many people are struggling to put food on the table, plus add in the complication of something there picky children will eat.  This is for you.  Not only will you learn tricks on how to stretch your grocery dollar with out spending days clipping coupons for items you don’t really want.  You also learn shortcuts for in the kitchen, which means more time spent enjoying life with your family.

Once a month I go to our local Sam’s Club and buy the majority of the meat for the month.  I spend between $80-$150 on that one trip.  Buying meat at your local discount bulk grocer store is a lot cheaper than getting it at your local supermarket.  You do not have to give up meat and you don’t have to live on just hamburger meat.  You also do not have to sacrifice taste by living on premade processed foods.  I hardly ever buy anything else from them, because when you are on a budget, every penny counts and most of there items are not a great savings.  I get some of my dried spices from the local dollar stores for 2 for $1.  Laundry detergent and toothpaste I make myself, and the recipes will all be included.

You can learn to preplan by making a meat one day that can be stretched to make 4 different meals.  Other ways you can save money- by making your own sauces, cooking with dry beans and making your own mixes.  Not only is it healthier for you and your family, but you can determined how strong or mild you want something.  Cooking on a budget does not mean you should have to give up foods you love because they are too expensive.  It means alter the way you think, so you can make it from scratch  for a fraction  of the cost.

A Food Saver is a great investment and something I could not live with out.  When you get home from the store, you can break up your meat into smaller sizes and vacuum seal them so they do not get freezer burn in the freezer.  Tupperware is also a good investment.  The majority of the containers at the stores have to be replaced every 6 months to a year.  Some of my Tupperware is over 30 years old.  You can also get your Tupperware free by hosting a party.

Here is how to make your own cream soups.

Start with the base, which in most of the Creamed Soups are nothing more than a white sauce with added ingredients. Not only is it cheaper, but it gives you better control of what you put in it.
Cream Soup Base
• 2 Tbs butter
• 2 Tbs flour
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
• 1 cup milk
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour over it and stir to incorporate. If you have trouble getting this to be smooth, try putting the flour in a cup and slowly add a little bit of the milk while blending with a fork. After you have it well blended and no lumps, slowly add it to the saucepan. Cook over medium low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk.

Cream of chicken
Substitue ½ of the milk for Chicken Broth. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat, barely simmering, for a few minutes until thick.

Cheese sauce
To make a cheese sauce, add grated cheese and stir until melted.

Cream of celery
Finely chop a ¼ cup celery and sauté in the butter before adding the flour and use half broth and half milk.

Cream of broccoli
Finely chop a ¼ cup broccoli and sauté in the butter before adding the flour and use half broth and half milk.

Cream of mushroom
Finely chop a ¼ cup mushroom and sauté in the butter before adding the flour and milk.
You can also add a little bit of beef or chicken bouillon to any of the above to change the flavor a bit.