Philippine Newspapers - Philippine Asian News Today

The global financial crisis is in full swing - but for some of those who used to enjoy simple lifestyle and still keep 30-40 hours per jobs, this won’t make a differ­ence. Again, here’s the catch, notice about the daily groceries expenses. Basic commodities had gone up to 15-30%. And what are these “basics”? We’re talking about flour, beef, pork, chicken, rice, produce etc. Rising cost of food, gasoline, housing, and other everyday living expenses which some people are having trouble making ends meet just for day to day expenses.For a woman of the house who’s looking for a way to keep budget afloat and still keep your crew from jumping the ship? Let us start at our home-meals budget.

Start with your “little ones” cool school food allowance. Tots used to enjoy home-packed meals until they get into high school and asked for money to buy food in school or any fast-food chain where food preparation will not guarantee nutritious and safe.
Providing time to take your teenage son/daughter to the gro­cery store to shop your groceries will make them aware of the right food choices which means nutri­tious and sensible meals to enjoy without spending extra.

Here are some examples of recipes which will encourage the whole family to bring their ‘brown bag’ of lunch in school or at work.

1. Try ‘pocket bread’ to replace boring square or triangle sandwiches. Combine (soft cheese) cream cheese; diced holiday left-over cooked chicken breast or turkey (shredded or cubed); crushed pineapple or mandarin segments; prepared mustard; chopped celery or any nuts for crunch.Pack a pita half an a lettuce leaf in separate plastic bags or cling film.. Seal both tightly to make sure the lettuce stay crisp and the pita half stays soft.Pack the container of frozen filling. By lunchtime, the filling should be thawed, but still very cold to assemble the delicious fresh sandwich.
2. Save money , make your own salad! Do you know that for the price that your pay for pre­pack salad will serve 3-5 heads when made in your own kitchen? Speedy Tuna Salad  Ingredients:
   
   1 cup natural yogurt
   1 teaspoon sugar
   1/4 teaspoon onion powder
   1/4 teaspoon dried dill
   4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
   1 medium head lettuce
   1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or grated
   1 French beans, cut ½- inch; cooked;drained and chilled
   1 large tomato, cored and chopped
   1 can tuna, drained and chilled chopped nuts, optional
   
   Combine yogurt, sugar, onion powder, dill and parsley. Mix well, cover and chill.
   Core lettuce, wash and drain well. Tear lettuce into bite size portions. Place onto large salad bowl, toss cheese beans, tomato and tuna. Blend dressing and gently toss. Serve cold.
3. Consider the environment when planning pack meals. Buy recyclable containers or use washable containers which are readily available in the market. Small plastic containers with lids are ideal for single serve gravy and salad dressing.

 

Learn to stretch the meat with rice—not just rice but flavored rice that’s packed with herbs and spices. Remember, mixing rice makes plenty and popular to our palate.
More money-saving meals tips and recipes to stretch your shrinking food budget in 2009! Have Peaceful New Year!

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