As cooking budgets decrease, the importance of families eating together increases with 35 per cent of families eating together more often than they did five years ago, according to new research from the food brand, Maggi (full story here).
Parenting on Female First
Maggi asked parents across the UK how to save money on family dinners. Top tips given included batch cooking and buying more economical cuts of meat. Using cheaper cuts doesn’t affect the taste of the meal, for example, the delicious new Maggi Fresh Ideas Beef & Ale Casserole uses casserole meat, while the Chicken & Leek Potato Bake works best with chicken thighs.
UK mums' top recession-busting cooking tips:
1. Cook something that everyone will enjoy - to ensure you’re not making more than one type of meal an evening.
2. Batch cook and use leftovers - try and make little changes to ensure that the family don’t get bored e.g. Chilli Con Carne for two nights, one night with rice and one with a jacket potato
3. For older children, make individual portions of family meals - that can be frozen if necessary, so that they can eat when they get in from after school activities etc.
4. Plan ahead - by making a list of the week’s meals and sticking to it you will save yourself time and stress.
5. Don’t shop on an empty stomach - remember, your eyes are hungrier than your stomach so stick to the grocery list.
6. Search for the best deals in supermarkets - head to the shop later in the evening to make the most of special offers.
7. Bulk up meat dishes with vegetables - adds colour to the plate and is healthy for the family too.
8. Change from your weekly to monthly shop - this can help to encourage families to eat all the food in the fridge/cupboards instead of wasting.
9. Use more economical cuts of meat - e.g. Chicken thighs or drumsticks and beef casserole steak. - same great taste but easy on the purse.
10. Buy vegetables in season - for the best quality products.