Eating Richly in Lean Times
A generation ago, Julia Child taught Americans to cook, and eat, all manner of elegant French dishes. Every once in awhile, an interviewer would gather up the courage to ask her how, in her world of exotic ingredients and complex preparations, it might be possible to stay on a budget.
Julia would give her distinctive high-pitched laugh, and then announce that the best way to save money was to learn how to cook. Shop intelligently, she would say. Go to the markets and see what's in season. Learn a variety of techniques so you can make the most of the ingredients you have at hand. Become an adventurous eater so you can enjoy what's local, or on sale, or just not in demand.
Although these days we are more likely to shop in a mega store than in a street market, Julia's advice still makes good sense. The more comfortable you are with food preparation and smart shopping, the better you will eat. You won't be overly impressed by what is in fashion; you won't be a slave to one particular recipe. You will be able to pick and choose, taking advantage of what looks good in the store that day.
It also helps if you make your home an easy place to cook and serve. You don't need elaborate kitchen equipment, but you should have a couple of good knives, some pots and pans that have multiple uses, and basic utensils. Also, keep staples on hand, including spices and seasonings.
It's important to have a comfortable place to eat, with enough seating. When you have guests over, clean up ahead of time. And think through your menu, so you know what can be made in advance, what takes a long time to prepare and/or cook, and what can be done at the last minute.
If you are comfortable with basic cooking techniques, if your kitchen is well-stocked, if your eating area is pleasant, you can provide what the fanciest restaurants strive for -- delicious food in a great atmosphere. And the price will be right. Bon appetit!
If you are looking to stretch your food budget, improve your cooking skills. The payback is immediate, and delicious.
Mealtimes Matter Video
from Miriam Weinstein
About Miriam
Miriam Weinstein is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a journalist, she has won several awards from the New England Press Association. Her work has appeared in Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe magazine, Hope, and ParentSource. A former staff member for North Shore Weeklies and freelancer for Essex County Newspapers, she writes restaurant reviews and food columns as well as features on a wide variety of subjects. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband and has two grown children.
The Surprising Power of Family Meals
In her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals, Miriam Weinstein shows how this basic human institution helps nourish and strengthen our families today. You can buy this book from our friends at Smucker's® Online Store.
