Cash Savers

Okay, so I started this while on my summer study abroad and I don't really have much access to my recipe book. But, I thought I'd do a quick post on some good ways to save cash if you are willing to take the time. In a few weeks when I get home, prepare for recipes galore.

1. Cut coupons and stock up during sales. If you live in a cramped apartment look into finding a large airtight bin that you can put things like cans and pasta boxes in. Store this under your bed or anywhere there is some space. Stores often have good sales on pasta and bulk items. Buy a few more than you need next time there is a sale, and you can save money in the long run.
2. Make your meal plans after looking at the sales. For internet savvy people, most stores post their weekly sales online. If fish is on sale, cook fish for the week. If ground beef is on sale, look into something that uses beef.
3. Learn to make bread. It doesn't take nearly as long as you would think, and if you
make a large enough batch and freeze some of the loafs you can have bread for the next month. Buying bread at the store often costs anywhere from three to five dollars depending on brand and where you live. Making a loaf of bread costs fifty cents per loaf. So, if you eat a lot of bread, this could be a good way to go.
4. Cook from scratch. This also takes less time than you would expect and you'll be much happier with your results. Also, the less processed your food is, the healthier you will be.
5. Look into joining or forming a dinner group. This can be a good way to save cash and time. Depending on the size of your group you can cook as little as once a week and still have a hot dinner ready in the evening.

Beef Broccoli

"Round steak and broccoli are quickly cooked in a soy ginger sauce. Serve over hot over rice or noodles."

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
* 2 tablespoons white sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 pound boneless round steak, cut into bite size pieces
* 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root (can be doubled)
* 1 clove garlic, minced (can be doubled)
* 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, broth, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until sugar and flour are dissolved.
2. In a large skillet or wok over high heat, cook and stir beef 2 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Stir in broth mixture, ginger, garlic, and broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes, or until sauce thickens.

For Amber

After much encouraging from friends I have started this blog. Hopefully it will become a discussion between myself and other college students who want to eat better, but don't want to spend too much. I will try to attribute these recipes as best I can, but many of them I have had for a long time and couldn't tell you where I found them. So, if I do use a recipe that you have seen before and know where it came from, feel free to tell me! Many others I will attribute to my mother because I got them from her, and I've learned all I know about cooking from her so I feel she deserves most of the credit.
With each recipe I will try to include a price along with how many it feeds. If I remember to think about how long it takes to prepare I'll add that to, but don't hold your breath. Also, I already have many of the spices I will list, so those won't be included in the cost.
Finally, if anyone finds this and would like to start adding recipes feel free to comment and I'd love to add you.