An acquaintance sent me this website today.  I don’t get it?  Is she being serious, or funny?  I’m confused, yes, please Chef Joanna come in to my home and cook me a plate of gross looking pasta with a weenie, and how about some eggs with that?  And what’s up with the girls feeding each other?  By the way, if I ever cook for you, don’t expect me to wear one of those floppy chef hats.

Every week the consulting dietitians write articles for my newsletter (I have learned a lot this year).  I asked each of them to write an article on how to save money while still eating healthy in these crazy times of escalating food prices and uncertain economic climate.  I am going to put them together for  a mini-report for people that sign up for the newsletter (sometime in the next few weeks).  Here is part 1 of Tamra’s article.

Money Saving Tips:  Healthy Grocery Shopping on a Budget
By: Tamra Hammett RD, LDN
Grocery prices are on the rise. In fact, the price of a dozen eggs has increased by 38 percent and the cost of one loaf of white bread has jumped 19 percent, according to American Farm Bureau data.
Finding ways to eat healthy while staying within your grocery budget can be very difficult, but by following these simple suggestions you can maximize your grocery dollar and still maintain healthy eating habits.
Use your slow cooker – Slow cookers not only cut down on your cooking time, but also allow you to use less expensive cuts of meat. Less expensive cuts of meat usually need to be cooked longer and lower temperatures. You will save on your energy bill by using your slow cooker rather than your oven.
Think vegetarian – Meat is usually the most expensive part of the meal. Choose pasta, bean, rice, or vegetable based dishes at least once a week.  These are great ways to stretch a meal for just pennies. They add bulk to your meal and can provide protein as well.  You’ll also be cutting down on some of the unneeded saturated fat.
Make it yourself – Breakfast items such as pancakes, biscuits, waffles and instant oatmeal can be quite pricey, so buy the ingredients and make big batches. Freeze them individually and they can be reheated in minutes.  This could also be a good time to use that bread maker you bought and never use.
Buy in Season – Buy produce that’s in season.  Fall is a great time for apples, pears, and squash such as spaghetti and butternut.  Check your local produce stand, you’ll save money and support your local farmers.

I promise this will be the last time I mention the election (thank god).  It has been two years in the making, and I think we are all happy the process is over.  I am very excited about the future of our country- great times ahead!  Celeste and I looked for where the democrats were partying, and joined them for a good time!