Ideas for Not Eating Out

[Littlemotherhaywood]

I just wanted to post a site for everyone that has some quick, tasty, and inexpensive recipes. I've even tried a few and my picky eaters devoured them.

www.hillbillyhousewife.com

Lots of good stuff there including convenience food items. Also, this site inspired me to branch out and see what else I could make on my own. I found a great recipe for sweetened condensed milk that's literally a quarter of the cost of buying it. I try to make it a game to see how much money I can save on food and I think I'm winning

 

[Iott Family]

Subscribing!

 

[grlpwrd]

Oooh, I love that hillbillyhousewife site, too. I even learned how to make my own yogurt!

Some other sites I have bookmarked and books which I have mentioned before:

www.30daygourmet.com

http://snider.mardox.com/OAMC.htm

http://www.recipezaar.com/r/285

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/newpage.html

http://hardys.freeservers.com/plans.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/bc/incredible/indexfreeze.html

http://oamc.8m.com

www.savingdinner.com I have the Saving Dinner books and they offer an email subscription service, too.

cookbooks by Miserly Moms/Jonni McCoy and Tawra Jean Kellum - I've known Tawra previously from a simplicity and frugality website and she really knows her stuff.

GL!

 

[teamagic]

Love all the suggestions. Keep the web site links coming. I am having fun checking them out.

 

[pjshaff]

cookbooks by Miserly Moms/Jonni McCoy and Tawra Jean Kellum - I've known Tawra previously from a simplicity and frugality website and she really knows her stuff.

GL! [/QUOTE]


was Tawra on the parentsplace/ivillage site? Her name is familiar, but I can't place it where I have seen it before.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Reading this thread got me all motivated to plan meals for at least a week. So, I sit down tonight with the Winn Dixie sale paper & what do I find....... very few meats on sale. For 3 weeks straight I've checked the sale paper & they've had lots of BOGO meats. My DH usually does the grocery shopping & he couldn't get motivated to do any serious shopping, & I never want to. He's been picking up a couple things at a time & not taking advantage of the sales. Now that we've decided to shop smarter, there's not many deals. GRRRRRRR Oh well, there's always next week. I'm still going to make a menu. Thanks for the motivation.

 

[caribbound]

I'm terrible at planning. I buy what's on sale and staples for dairy, meat and snacks and cereal. Then I get busy and don't think about dinner until it's time to eat and with summer here that means at least two of us are on our way out to soft/tee ball. We end up eating cereal alot for dinner on those nights. It doesn't help that two of the three kids are so picky and one won't eat much of anything normal adults would.

Looking forward to more ideas from you.

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

Reading this thread got me all motivated to plan meals for at least a week. So, I sit down tonight with the Winn Dixie sale paper & what do I find....... very few meats on sale. For 3 weeks straight I've checked the sale paper & they've had lots of BOGO meats. My DH usually does the grocery shopping & he couldn't get motivated to do any serious shopping, & I never want to. He's been picking up a couple things at a time & not taking advantage of the sales. Now that we've decided to shop smarter, there's not many deals. GRRRRRRR Oh well, there's always next week. I'm still going to make a menu. Thanks for the motivation.

I was dissapointed in the sale ad this week at Winn Dixie but when I got there, there were a couple of things cheaper than I expected. Sirloin steaks were 2.99 lb and they had some pork tenderloins for 2.99 each. I grabbed some of each to stock up the freezer. It might be worth it go check for some sales at your store.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I was dissapointed in the sale ad this week at Winn Dixie but when I got there, there were a couple of things cheaper than I expected. Sirloin steaks were 2.99 lb and they had some pork tenderloins for 2.99 each. I grabbed some of each to stock up the freezer. It might be worth it go check for some sales at your store.

Thanks for the heads up! We should have the same sales. I'm adding that to the list.

 

[mjbaby]

We blew it last night! And we'd been doing so well, too. I had a client meeting that was supposed to end at four, but didn't until 4;30. Then there was a back up on the highway I took to pick up my kids from my MIL's (I work verrrry part time) and we didn't get home until 6:30 - I had called my husband to pick up a pizza and he arrived home, dinner in hand, at the same time we did. So, yeah, just ten bucks, but still.

But I finally went grocery shopping last night after dinner and picked up everything we'll need for at least the rest of the week:

Tonight: pierogies, snap peas, watermelon, corn bread
Thursday: Italian sausage, tortellini, salad, homemade bread
Friday: Bison steaks, scalloped potatoes, sauteed squash with pine nuts, wilted lettuce salad, blueberry shortcake
Saturday: Chicken paillard, barley "risotto", steamed broccoli, fruit salad
Sunday: quiche, biscuits, spinach salad

 

[Disneymaniacs]

We are also trying to eat at home. So far we have only gone out twice this month. Once was fathers day. My kids are 5 and 2 and the 2 year old is ready to leave the restaurant before the food even gets to the table. We got sick of paying $50 to eat out and be tortured by the baby. To further rub salt into the wound, each time we return home from one of these disasterous dinners our friends next door are relaxing outside with their kids having just eaten homemade pizza, boiled shrimp, or steak burgers. We realized we are paying lots of money for tacos or spagetti and our friends pay $10-15 for some shrimp or steaks and had a better meal and definitely a better family experience than us. With better planning we too are more relaxed and eating healthier and better tasting food at home for less.

 

[LisaG]

I am enjoying all the ideas. Planning is the key! I try to plan at least 5 meals before heading to the grocery store. I also study the sale circulars, and pick the grocery store accordingly. I have also discovered ALDI for staples. You can't beat their prices on cereal, yogurt, cheese, and produce. You can even get beautiful fresh flower bouquets for 2.99 each...a great way to fancy up your dinner!

 

[CF'er]

and got the only DH who won't eat sandwiches/soup or breakfast for dinner!!!! Luckily chili/ beef stew don't count as soups. LOL

I so envy those of you who can cook those things for dinner once in awhile. I just stopped working (health reasons) and $$ is tight. I LOVE my slow cooker and find that if I throw it in first thing in the AM dinner's ready when we are. Plus, you can get cheaper cuts of meat and they will still be tender.

Really enjoying all your menu ideas....

 

[Lisa10]

We almost NEVER eat out. I'm so used to it I don't even think about it. I'm a stay at home mom with 3 kids and I just do the grocery shopping to keep food in the house. I shop at Sam's and buy alot in bulk because its so much cheaper and I'm not always running out of what we use alot. I just try to keep things simple - its summer so I cook out on the grill alot - mostly burgers, loaded up with cheese and whatever fixins' each one likes. Sam's has big boxes of frozen hamburger patties that go right on the grill - they're great and the rest of the time do the basics - all kinds of pasta with meat and tomatoe sauces, breaded chicken breasts (Tyson frozen - really good), etc. I know I save a ton of money by eating at home.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I had to bump this up to report our success so far. I finally got motivated to make out a menu. I started with a 2 week menu. Now that the new WD sale circular has arrived, I'm currently working beyond that. My 2 guys are loving it!!! My DS checks the fridge to see what's for dinner that night, then what's for dinner the next night. He checks 2 or 3 times a day. I guess to make sure nothing's changed. My DH doesn't check the fridge, of course. He always asks me though. The other night he said it was fun knowing what we were going to eat in advance. It's almost like him asking where we have a reservation for on vacation. I can see why they're liking it. My DH & I used to be discussing dinner over the phone on his way home in the evening. We constantly went back & forth between the 3 of us saying, "What do you want? It's your turn to decide. I asked 1st." Very mature, huh?

OP,
Thanks for starting the thread, & thanks to all of you who made suggestions. Our home is much happier at dinner time, because of this thread.

 

[Chicago526]

I've had real luck with salads lately! Bagged lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and grated cheese with dressing of choice and some kind of meat. For example:

Bufalo Chicken and Blue Cheese dressing. I just buy the Tyson frozen Bufalo chicken tenders and a bottle of dressing. Also, Grilled Chicken, Fried Chicken (left over tenders or nuggets are great!), canned Albacore Tuna, or Grilled Steak and homemade vinagrette (or whatever dressing you feel like using) has been a big hit too.

They are fast (especially if the meat you're using is leftovers from a previous meal), you can through the salad together as you are cooking or re-heating the meat. By the time the meat is done the salad is ready. Slice meat into bite sized pieces, toss with dressing and serve with bread!

Also, chicken or steak stir fry is fast and good. Frozen asian veggies (found with all the bagged frozen veggies) sauteed in a bit of oil until hot and crisp, set aside and fry chicken/steak in a bit more oil with green onion and garlic. Add the veggies back in, then add some soy sauce beef/chicken broth, ginger powder, mix together, thicken with corn starch slury. Serve with spagetti noodles or rice.

 

[disneymom3]

That Buffalo chicken salad idea sounds awesome!! That will be going on my list for my next shopping trip.

I am not doing too well. We are supposed to have eggs, sausage and toast for dinner tonight and I just don't want it. Don't want to go to the store either! Hmmm, maybe I will do spaghetti. Having to come here and tell you guys I blew it and ate out is good incentive!!

 

[disneymom3]

I had to bump this up to report our success so far. I finally got motivated to make out a menu. I started with a 2 week menu. Now that the new WD sale circular has arrived, I'm currently working beyond that. My 2 guys are loving it!!! My DS checks the fridge to see what's for dinner that night, then what's for dinner the next night. He checks 2 or 3 times a day. I guess to make sure nothing's changed. My DH doesn't check the fridge, of course. He always asks me though. The other night he said it was fun knowing what we were going to eat in advance. It's almost like him asking where we have a reservation for on vacation. I can see why they're liking it. My DH & I used to be discussing dinner over the phone on his way home in the evening. We constantly went back & forth between the 3 of us saying, "What do you want? It's your turn to decide. I asked 1st." Very mature, huh?

OP,
Thanks for starting the thread, & thanks to all of you who made suggestions. Our home is much happier at dinner time, because of this thread.

It is such a relaxing feeling isn't it? I feel so much more peaceful knowing what is for dinner each night. I have to remember this so I don't blow it in a few weeks!!

I'm terrible at planning. I buy what's on sale and staples for dairy, meat and snacks and cereal. Then I get busy and don't think about dinner until it's time to eat and with summer here that means at least two of us are on our way out to soft/tee ball. We end up eating cereal alot for dinner on those nights. It doesn't help that two of the three kids are so picky and one won't eat much of anything normal adults would.

Looking forward to more ideas from you.

I went to a speaker at a conference a couple of months ago and he told this joke about his son asking the neighbor kid over to dinner and then asking him if he liked cereal cause "we have cereal A LOT at our house!" I think everyone does!

We are also trying to eat at home. So far we have only gone out twice this month. Once was fathers day. My kids are 5 and 2 and the 2 year old is ready to leave the restaurant before the food even gets to the table. We got sick of paying $50 to eat out and be tortured by the baby. To further rub salt into the wound, each time we return home from one of these disasterous dinners our friends next door are relaxing outside with their kids having just eaten homemade pizza, boiled shrimp, or steak burgers. We realized we are paying lots of money for tacos or spagetti and our friends pay $10-15 for some shrimp or steaks and had a better meal and definitely a better family experience than us. With better planning we too are more relaxed and eating healthier and better tasting food at home for less.

Isn't that the truth!! Last time we went out to dinner at Applebees cause I just didn't feel like cooking. We did not have all that much fun, the food wasn't all that great and it cost us $45! I told DH to remind me that not cooking dinner isn't worth $50 the next time I got the urge!

 

[mjbaby]

Last time we went out to dinner at Applebees cause I just didn't feel like cooking. We did not have all that much fun, the food wasn't all that great and it cost us $45! I told DH to remind me that not cooking dinner isn't worth $50 the next time I got the urge!

Here, here! The last several times we ate out at national chain places we were so disappointed and food was so mediocre that we've simply decided: NO MORE! Now, if we feel like eating out is a good idea for whatever reason, we go strictly local. If I never see the inside of an Outback Steakhouse or Carrabas or whatnot, it'll be too soon.


As for eating at home, we're going well for dinner this week. Lunches, though, have been more of a challenge. My son gets picked up from camp at noon and I often have an errand or two to run during the day so the pickup combined with his sister's nap time means we've done too much in the way of lunches out this week.

So I just started applying my dinner planning strategies to lunch, too. I picked up some nice rolls (I hate plain white bread), pizza crusts (I like to make my own, but it's not exactly speedy) and a bunch of veggies to cut up for dipping. Breakfasts lately around here have been fruit to dip into yogurt and then lunches are either sandwiches and fruit or veggies and dip. The kids have liked the "restaurant-style" presentations and I've really enjoyed the low- or no-cook and easy cleanup preps.

 

[IDoDis]

We only eat out once a week (dinner on Saturday) and I might take the kids to lunch once at McD's or the mall since they aren't in school during the summer. DH and I are both slimming down and eating healthy meals at home. Knowing we get to splurge on Saturday helps make it through the week. I don't know if I could stick with a goal of not eating out for several months.

Typically, we'll do something like this (varies each week and foods are different in the winter since we will use the oven more):

Sunday: Cook several chicken breasts on the grill. Eat 1/2 that night and eat the other 1/2 the next night (which means no cooking on Monday!). We will eat it with a veggie like broccoli, corn on the cob or a salad, and we also have some brown rice (sounds icky, but the Minute Made brand is pretty good).

Monday: Repeat leftovers from Sunday

Tuesday: Spahgetti & salad (we use ground turkey meat instead of hamburger to cut down on the fat, and also use whole wheat spaghetti. You could use whatever you like though).

Wednesday: We eat a Stoffer's bag meal of some-type w/ a veggie & salad

Thursday: Boca Burgers on the grill w/ veggie & salad

Friday: homemade pizza & carrots w/ ranch dressing

Saturday: Eat out night

Sunday: leftovers that were brought home from Saturday night or diner's choice (could be cereal, a Healthy Choice frozen meal or maybe chicken tacos.

A friend of mine who does not like to cook, started using a local place called "do it dinners." They have a menu w/ recipes of various meals each night. You bring in your tupperware or storage containers to take everything home in. The ingredients are measured and ready. They just need to be "put together" by following the provided recipe which she said is very simple. Then you package everything up, take it home and warm it up. You can put together 3 different meals at one time. Then, eat one and freeze the other two. She said it works out great and she spends about the same amount of money she would have had she gone to the store to buy everything. You might check to see if you have a similar business where you live.

http://www.doitdinners.com/other.htm