Lots of friends ask me how we manage to feed such a large family. Sometimes they ask me what my grocery budget is each week. They are really surprised when they find out my grocery bill is MUCH smaller than even a family of four's. Some friends have suggested I write a cook book. I will pass on that, but I will post a few CHEAP recipes and some good tips.
Tips for feeding a large family on a small budget:
1. Buy generic when it doesn't matter. We buy generic for most things, however, there are some things like Jiff peanut butter which can't be beat on taste. And we always splurge on Holy Guacamole. That stuff is a staple in our house. We put it on everything. We buy cheap toilet paper, shampoo and diapers, but the most expensive paper towels. If it is a quality issue, buy the good stuff. Most generics are totally fine these days, though.
2. Plan your menus (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) for at least three days in detail before you walk into a store. With your list in hand, check your pantry and fridge and cross out things you already have. When you get to the store, stick to the list and don't shop with children if you can ask an older child to babysit.
3. Do not cut coupons. You will end up buying things you don't really need just because they are on sale. If you are buying more than you normally would to save money, that is not saving money.
4. Buy meat on Mondays, that is when it is cheaper in most stores. If not, ask the grocery store manager when the best time is. Buy meat all at once and freeze what you don't need right away.
5. Keep several prepared frozen items, like pizza, veggie burgers, chicken tenders, or lasagna in your freezer for those evenings when something unexpected comes up and you need something super easy. They are more expensive, but cheaper than going through a drive thru.
Quesadillas
Here is a dinner my whole family loves, even Nicholas who is picky. Jolie and Sydney are vegetarians, so this pleases them too. It only takes a few minutes to make, so it's no wonder we have this once a week in the midst of football practice and play rehearsals.
Whole wheat tortillas
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Non fat re fried beans
Margarine or butter at room temp
toppings:
Salsa
Sour Cream
Guacamole (try the Holy Guacamole, it comes in a bag inside a small yellow and green box in the produce section)
Butter one side of tortilla and smear re fried beans on the other side (messy) place in the cast iron skillet and sprinkle cheese on top. Lay another tortilla (butter side up) on top. Flip when ready, just like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Cut into wedges and serve with a salad.
Viola! Super cheap!
Catalina Chicken
3 Chicken breasts
Half a bottle of Kraft Catalina Honey Dressing
Cooked white rice
In a Crock Pot, put the chicken (raw) and the dressing in and stir to coat.
Set on medium for about four hours or until chicken in fully cooked. Shred with two forks and serve over hot rice with steamed vegetables on the side. Left overs can be eaten like sloppy Joes on rolls or buns with cole slaw. It is the bomb!
Chili
One can of:
black beans, navy beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, and corn, all drained and rinsed
One extra big can of diced tomatoes, not drained
One can of diced green chilies
One can of black olives
One packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
One packet reduced sodium taco seasoning mix
Place all in a big pot and stir over medium/ high heat until blended nicely, cover and simmer on low until ready to eat
Ladle helpings in a bowl over corn tortilla chips or corn bread (we use Jiffy mix...only 50 cents!) and top with shredded cheese and sour cream. Yummy!
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