FoodBanter.com - View Single Post - Rising cost of living and food compromises

OmManiPadmeOmelet[_3_]

In article >,
(Stacia) wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet > writes:
>
> >Now that we've gotten used to eating a healthier diet, I'm refusing to
> >go back to eating crap just because it's cheaper!
>
> I feel exactly the same, but there's times when I'm forced to eat the
> cheaper foods. Chicken and fish prices around here have been
> astronomical. Organic veggies are expensive when they're not available
> at the Farmer's Market, too.
> My biggest problem is making the same old thing different every week.
> There are certain foods we buy all the time because of their cost, and
> it can get boring. Here's some of my ideas for side dishes but they're
> not all potato/pasta free.

So what do you do for protein?
It's generally not difficult to get chicken for under $1.00 per lb. here.
Eggs are a good source and they are probably one of the cheapest sources
of animal protein, and are very versatile.

>
> * Lightly steam asparagus, marinate in Italian dressing and tarragon for
> a couple of hours. Drain, and mix the leftover marinade with a little
> mayonnaise for dip. Serve chilled. I love this in the summer.

See, we love asparagus too, but it's generally over $3.00 per lb. here.
It's one of the most expensive veggies!

Brocolli, cauliflower, summer squashes, carrots and a lot of greens are
generally affordable.

>
> * For those who do eat potatoes, flavored mashed potatoes (wasabi, blue
> cheese, cheddar, etc.) change things up a little. Also using different
> spices (pre-mixed, even) for baked cottage fries really helps.

Sounds good, but I do that stuff with yams. ;-)

>
> * Toss some zucchini and peppers in a little balsamic in a non-stick pan
> until heated through, add a few tablespoons of thick spaghetti sauce,
> heat through, top with a hint of shredded asiago.

That works!

>
> * Rice pilaf, or rice boiled in stock, sometimes with veggies added.

Rice is a fantastic food expander. It's an item that goes, I think, with
just about anything. I just did a rice dish today.

>
> * Similarly, I like to saute onion and garlic in butter in a pan, add
> cooking sherry and some mushrooms, cook it down and toss with boiled egg
> noodles.

That sounds really wonderful!

>
> That's all I can think of right now.
>
> Stacia
--
Peace!
Om

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch"
-- Jack Nicholson