Cookbooks are a handy accessory in the kitchen, and they can make meal planning a much more pleasant experience. In addition, nobody in the family will get tired of eating the same old thing day after day. But how can cookbooks really save you money in the long run? Here are a few ideas.
First of all, limit the number of cookbooks you purchase. It is ridiculous to own 10 different cookbooks if there is only one or two recipes in each cookbook that you actually use. Unless the cookbooks were hand me downs, there isn’t a cookbook worth its money. Check out the cookbooks at the local library, and photo copy or hand write the recipe or recipes that you enjoy.
If you do find a cookbook you absolutely must have, which I am certainly guilty of. Be sure that more than half of the recipes in the book are either something you would eat, something you would like to try or something you already make with perhaps a variation. I own dozens of cookbooks and most of them were hand me downs. However, the few that I just “had to have” are actually serving me well. They were purchased on clearance at our local book retailer and we try several new recipes during any one month time.
When you are meal planning, look through your cookbooks for meals, snacks and other recipes that you can incorporate to into your weekly meal. This will save you time and money and you might just find a new recipe your family loves.
Also be sure and use the Internet as a resource for recipes. I am definitely a recipe addict, but have curbed that addiction by locating great recipes on the Internet or sharing amongst friends. It’s a great way to save and get some new meals too.
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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