My mother taught me well when it came to feeding a large family of seven. How she was able to take one chicken, a few potatoes plus a few left overs and whip it all up to be one of the best tasting, nutritious meals I'll never know. She often told us how hard it was growing up in the depression in St. Louis and how she would stand for hours in a soup line to bring her sick mother something to eat. For many of us it seems like we are going through the same thing. There is hope out there in stretching your grocery dollar and at the same time making meals that will appease you pickiest eater.
My mother's steadfast was beans (twice a week). Penny for penny you will not find a cheaper meal or a tastier one. Chalked full of fiber ounce for ounce, bowl for bowl you just can't lose with a piping hot bowl of bean soup. Served with a box of cornbread or our family favorite, homemade corn pone you can actually feed a family of 4 for $1.85! Try to get that at McDonalds! For a dollar more you can make some fresh coleslaw to go with it. In these hard economy times you have to get creative. You also have to do some ground work. For instance, I use a local market for my meat cuts. I got to know the butcher and remembered to call him by his name and asked for his opinion on meal ideas and cuts of meat. He remembered me and would often let me know if he was cutting a certain type that day and if it was on sale. Having a friend and ally behind the meat counter can be a big plus for you.
Chicken has now become the new hamburger, meaning it's cheaper to buy chicken then it is to buy hamburger. Sloppy Joes, meatloaf, and tacos were the foundation of my meals when my children were in school. Now it's all about the chicken. It pays to shop around, don't throw your money away by buying at the nearest store. There can be sufficient savings at one store for meats and another store for produce.
Always keep your stables in stock. I have found after a long and stressful day a hot grill cheese and a piping hot bowl of tomato soup will fill anyone up and just for pennies on the dollar. Learn to make large meals and freeze leftovers to be used when you are in a pinch for time and money. They will be your best investment of your time in the kitchen.
Remember that your cooking is like the seasons. There will be times where you will be able to create time consuming elaborate meals and times where a sandwich and a cup of soup will suffice. No matter what you bring to the table with a little time and presentation it won’t break the bank and your family will reap the benefits of a nourtish meal.