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Source of Recipe


Sandra Lee
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$ Buy Things in Season when You Can.

If it's out of season, shop for it in the frozen section. Fresh blueberries in season are $0.99 a pint; out of season, they are $2.99. If you buy them frozen, blueberries are only $1.99.


$ Sometimes You Don't Pay for Convenience.

Whole mushrooms cost the same as pre-chopped or sliced mushrooms. Boxed pound cake costs less than making from scratch (due to the amount of butter).


$ Shop for Inexpensive Cuts of Meat that Fit Your Budget.

Fish, such as tilapia, can cost $6.99/lb., cod $10.99/lb., and halibut, $14.99/lb.
In comparison to ground meat, 80% lean ground beef costs $2.99/lb., 80% lean ground pork costs $2.49/lb., and 90% lean ground veal or turkey costs about $2.99/lb.


$ Store Brand versus Name Brand.

Name brand products are on sale in the beginning of the month (when families have just been paid) and private label store brands go on sale at the end of the month (when families have less in their budget).


$ Expiration Date:

Fact -- The date is just a "for-sale-by" date. These items are good for five more days.


$ Invest in a Slow Cooker.

Running a slow cooker costs $0.02 per hour.


$ Know When to Sub Expensive Ingredients for Less Expensive.

For example, for my Slow Cooker Cheese Cake, I used ricotta -- costing me $1.67 versus cream cheese at $3.75. I saved $2.08 or 55%.


$ Measuring Ingredients Accurately is an Important Aspect of Saving Money.


$ Buy Staples in Bulk.

This saves you money and stocks your pantry smartly.
Buying items in bulk, such as a 5 pound bag of onions, will save you money. Buying a whole chicken and cutting it yourself will save you more than 50%. Buying meat in bulk is also a great way to save money; family packs of chicken or 3 pound bags of ground meat.
Keeping a few key items on hand, like seasonings, baking mix, condiments, and lean protein will ensure that a tasty meal is just a mixing spoon away.


$ Choose Double-Duty Foods and Beverages.

Many food garnishes and juices can serve as flavor enhancers. Using fruit juice in place of water in mixes -- white cranberry or white grape juice -- adds flavor without changing the color.