Frugality in January

I'm sure everyone has been busy spending all their money, preparing for Christmas, and buying loved ones presents!

In January, it's good to save where you can and cook more frugally. Thankfully, this does not need to mean tasteless meals. Indeed, you can still make fabulous food while using some money-saving ideas. This could mean bulk making dishes to eat over several nights or using dried pulses and beans rather than fresh ones.

Remember vegetarian dishes are often a far cheaper option than expensive meat.

Here are some great ideas from Simplyrecipes.com:

1. Chicken: buy it bone-in, skin on. It’s cheaper. Buy thighs. More flavour and meat for the money. Save the bones, either before cooking or after a meal. Freeze and use later for making chicken stock. Not only is the marrow from bones incredibly good for you, but if you already have the bones, the stock you can make from it is practically free.

2. Mexican food. Corn tortillas and beans are cheap, and combined make a complete protein. The beans are especially economical if you buy them dry and cook them yourself, instead of using them from a can. Add some rice and salsa and you have a filling, nutritious, delicious meal.

3. Eggs. Great source of inexpensive protein. Make hard boiled eggs for sandwiches or scrambled eggs for breakfast.

4. Make stews with cheaper, tougher cuts of meat, like braising steak or pork shoulder. Low and slow braising completely tenderises the meat, and the flavour is amazing.

5. Turkey legs and thighs. Best deal out there. You can braise them or make turkey stew. Or make the most of your turkey leftovers if you still have some!

6. Make your meal go farther with potatoes, rice, pasta, or tortillas.

Keep your eyes peeled for some of our very own frugal recipes in the coming weeks!