September 15th, 2011
Review & Giveaway: The Frugal Foodie Cookbook
One of my favorite hobbies is making delicious food, and pair that with another passion of mine — saving money—and the result is one fantastic cookbook. Co-authors Lara Starr and Lynette Shirk are the talented individuals behind “The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook,” a book filled with inexpensive recipes and cooking tips for all occasions.
Gourmet recipes on a budget
For those who like to throw dinner parties on a budget, try the Peek-a-Boo Shrimp Rolls. This recipe makes 12 rolls filled with vegetables and noodles wrapped in rice-paper while only using 1/2 pound of shrimp, which can be a pricey protein when you’re feeding a large group.
If you’re planning a meal for a more intimate group, the Steak Au Poivre is an excellent option. To cut down on the cost of the expensive ingredients required for the sauce, the recipe suggests buying a cheaper mini-bottle of brandy or cognac instead of springing for an expensive bottle that you won’t use entirely.
By following these recipes and stretching expensive ingredients where you can, your finished product will taste great without emptying your wallet.
Money saving tips
Sprinkled throughout the chapters of recipes are “cents-able solutions” with advice from how to save money by planning meals a week at a time to staying on budget by growing your own produce at home.
One of the tips I found most useful discusses “Savvy Substitutions” to use if you run out of an expensive ingredient. To avoid an unnecessary trip to the store just to track down capers, try using finely chopped green olives instead. The section also suggests mixing water and sugar if you’re out of corn syrup.
By using ingredients you might have laying around at home instead of going out to buy specialty ingredients, you’ll save yourself time and money.
Frugal food for all
This cookbook has something for everyone, whether you’re a novice cook looking for frugal culinary inspiration, or a budding chef searching for ideas to cut down on your food costs. Starr and Shirk do a great job of mixing sophisticated recipes with frugal tricks and tips. From “Bankable Breakfasts” to “Dinners on a Dime,” this cookbook will keep hungry readers coming back to learn new and inexpensive ways to prepare meals.
Give credit where credit is due,
Danielle Belfatto, Karma Contributor
Want to win a copy of the “Frugal Foodie Cookbook”?
Listen up! All you have to do is answer the following question in ten words or less:
“What’s your best frugal food tip?”
Send your responses to blog@creditkarma.com! We’ll choose our favorites and randomly pick a winner! You have until 6pm PST on Tuesday, September 20.
**The “Frugal Foodie Cookbook” is available for sale at Amazon.com.
Buy in-season produce for fresh and frugal food.