Preparing Inexpensive Meals At Home

     Our spending on food is one of our larger expenses. As it should be. You know, food shelter and clothing. The amount you spend on food can have a large swing depending upon how and where you eat. Also of course what you eat. Do you eat at home all the time and packing your lunch for work? Do you eat out all the time? Do you mix it up?
     Our focus here is on home cooking. Even as I cook for a living I like to cook at home when I can. This will be a meat and potato thing. Not vegatatrian. As I am not one. That may be a good direction to go in in the future. Just like I need to quit smoking!
     As far as I can tell most meats have simular nutritional values. Not exact, but close. Your premium cuts of beef have the best taste. That is why they are premium. Heat and eat. Good taste. The lower priced cuts (notice I didn't say cheap) are lower in fat content. Making them tough if you cook them fast like on a grill. Have you ever heard the addage, tougher than a two dollar steak?
     When our store has a sale on London broil, sirloin, round steak or chuck I will usually buy it. They are usually packaged in larger portions than I can use at any one time. Then cut them into 8 ounce cuts. Cutting them with the grain. Put them in freezer bags. This is a modular approach. Take out as many 8 ounce portions as needed.
     The key to making this meat tender is marinading, dry seasoning and slow cooking. A little planning ahead is needed for a wet marinade. I have found that dry works and a little wet too from freezer to skillet. Take the meat form the freezer. Put it in an iron skillett on low heat with a lid. Apply your wet or dry seasoning. You have to give youself some time. But not as long as you may think. Again this is for beef.
     Pork, chicken and seafood have a simular process. But I found these work best is completely thawed out.
     Side dishes are easy too. Potatoes can be baked, fried or boiled. Again seasoning is what brings out a different taste in potatoes. Even the instant mashed taste good in a pinch. Side vegatables come fresh, frozen or canned. I tend to waste fresh unless used quickly. A side salad I make with cucumber, tomatoes and onions is good. I will last about a week. Slice the onions, tomatoes and cucumbers. put them in oil and apple cder vinagar. Put in fridge for a while. A nice side.
    Most of these things can be done while you are doing something else. After preparation you do not have to sit and stare at them while they are cooking. Again cook slow and season. You will be rewarded.