How to Save Money By Eating at Home

My husband and I have been talking recently about how much food can cost in a restaurant and how much it costs to make the same thing at home. The difference can be crazy. Katie from Hefty has agreed to write this post for you about how you can save money by eating at home. 

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Restaurants are fun to frequent, but they also cost a lot if you go to them often.  Why can’t you have restaurant-like food at home, though?  There are plenty of dishes that are easy to make but can cost $10 at a restaurant.  Here are some ideas that can help you cut spending on going out without having to give up the delicious meals:

• Italian—Italian food can be very costly, but you can also make great Italian dishes in your own home.  Try making your own sauce by throwing in some diced tomatoes, tomato paste, browned ground beef, olive oil, and salt.  Spinach and mushrooms also taste good in a red sauce like this.  If you want a heavier red sauce, add more tomato paste.  If you want a lighter red sauce, then more olive oil should be added instead.  You can also always buy a premade sauce and add some of the previously mentioned ingredients (except for the tomato paste).  Just make your favorite dried pasta, and you’re ready to go.  Freshly grated parmesan always tastes really great with this dish.
• French—A simple French lunch would be brie cheese and good French bread.  Though these ingredients are not cheap when compared to other items in a grocery store, they make for a much cheaper lunch than going to a restaurant.  This lunch idea would go perfectly with a fresh pear to round out the meal.  You will most likely have leftover bread after having this for one meal, so make sure to put the rest in storage bags to keep the bread from becoming stale.
• Mexican—Quesadillas are so easy to make at home.  All you really need is corn or flour tortillas and shredded cheese.  You can always add black beans, salsa, and guacamole, too.  Fish tacos are also very simple to prepare at home.  Just cook your favorite fish and add tomatoes, salsa, lettuce, and cheese, and wrap it all up in a tortilla.
• Salads—There are many different types of salads that you can make.  Choose your favorite lettuce; whether it’s Iceberg, Bibb, or spinach, you can’t go wrong.  Chicken, turkey, hard boiled eggs, and cheese are all good choices for adding protein to your salad.  Walnuts, avocados, and hearts of artichoke add flavor and texture to this dish.  Top it off with your preferred salad dressing, and you’re good to go.  You could even just use olive oil and vinegar if you don’t have any salad dressing on hand.

Having meals at home can be even more fun than going to a restaurant sometimes.  It’s also often healthier, because you know what’s going into your food.  Light some candles for ambiance to make your house even more like a restaurant!

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Katie F. on behalf of Hefty®. Visit www.hefty.com to find products like trash bags and disposable tableware that can help you out with your busy life.