Economizing on Groceries

For many families with kids, grocery shopping eats a huge chuck of change each week.  Of that weekly bill, a large portion goes to meat.  This source of protein and vitamins is one of the most expensive components of most meals.  So you’re not ready to go vegetarian?  Here’s a couple of tips for cutting the cost while still incorporating meat into the menu.

• Buy less expensive cuts.  Use the crockpot to slow cook and tenderize.
• Learn how to braise meat.  It’s pretty simple- pop a chunk of meat (a pork or beef roast) into the oven at a high temperature; cook for a short period.  Lower the temperature and cover the dish and cook for a longer period, depending on the meat- it makes for moist and tender meats.  This works for inexpensive roasts and is great to add inexpensive root veggies like potatoes and carrots.
• Incorporate meat into larger dishes, rather than making it the main attraction.  Stir fry chicken breasts and cut into slices- add to a salad or stir fry veggies.  Toss chicken or shrimp into pasta with alfredo sauce.  Pan fry a few fish filets, break into pieces, and make fish tacos.  Make regional specialties like shrimp and grits; chicken and dumplings; gumbo; green chile and pork stew.