Post by twinks on Oct 13, 2016 19:41:53 GMT
I have a binder with information about my cooking/household needs.For example, I have a list of recipes that is in our regular rotation - things we like to cook. I have made a list of ingredients to make those meals. I also have a page of the usual cost of the regular items. When things are on sale, I know if it is a good buy and how many I need. I try to keep at least 3 months worth in my pantry - aim for 6 months. I know that we usually go through 8 cans of dices tomatoes every 3-4 months in the Winter because of soups. So when case lot sales are on or Kroger has a buy 10 for $10/loss leader, I will pick some up. My binder has exactly what is in my pantry.
I menu plan and shop bi-weekly and the in between week will get fresh produce and milk.
I make a lot of candy around Christmas time. Surprisingly, prices seem to go up around Thanksgiving for baking/cooking items. I know how much I need and have already started picking things up. For example, I purchased a gallon of Karo Light Corn Syrup for $9.99 when it has been as high as $15.99. I notice the expiration dates on butter and watch for it to go on sale (I will purchase about 16 pounds of butter so this means a lot to me to keep track of).
The biggest cost/time savings that I do is when I get home from grocery shopping, I will prep my salad mix (I buy a head of lettuce, etc. and make my own), veggies (wash, cut them up, etc.) and fruit. I also purchase my meat from the meat market. I will purchase a lot of chicken breasts with the skin and bone in. I will cook them up and cut/shred the meat (removing the skin and bone) and freeze in 2 cup portions for casseroles, soup, pasta, etc. I will purchase ground beef when it is on sale and fry up some for taco meat, spaghetti sauce, soups, etc. I will make meat loaves, spaghetti sauce, meatballs, lasagna, and sour cream noodle bake to stick in the freezer. About every 3 months, I will "bulk bake" like this. One weekend is chicken the next is beef. I bake my own cookies and usually have 3 kinds in the freezer at all times.
I menu plan and shop bi-weekly and the in between week will get fresh produce and milk.
I make a lot of candy around Christmas time. Surprisingly, prices seem to go up around Thanksgiving for baking/cooking items. I know how much I need and have already started picking things up. For example, I purchased a gallon of Karo Light Corn Syrup for $9.99 when it has been as high as $15.99. I notice the expiration dates on butter and watch for it to go on sale (I will purchase about 16 pounds of butter so this means a lot to me to keep track of).
The biggest cost/time savings that I do is when I get home from grocery shopping, I will prep my salad mix (I buy a head of lettuce, etc. and make my own), veggies (wash, cut them up, etc.) and fruit. I also purchase my meat from the meat market. I will purchase a lot of chicken breasts with the skin and bone in. I will cook them up and cut/shred the meat (removing the skin and bone) and freeze in 2 cup portions for casseroles, soup, pasta, etc. I will purchase ground beef when it is on sale and fry up some for taco meat, spaghetti sauce, soups, etc. I will make meat loaves, spaghetti sauce, meatballs, lasagna, and sour cream noodle bake to stick in the freezer. About every 3 months, I will "bulk bake" like this. One weekend is chicken the next is beef. I bake my own cookies and usually have 3 kinds in the freezer at all times.
