Cooking TipsBudget recipes and cooking at home
No doubt you are trying to tighten your belt at the moment, as everyone is feeling the effects of the economic downturn.
However, just because you are trying to cut costs does not mean you have to cut the quality of the food you eat. In fact, people can be encouraged to experiment more in the kitchen when times are tough, as they are less likely to eat out regularly.
Cooking on a budget, using ingredients that are usually found in your store cupboard, can result in some delicious dishes. It is also a great way to enhance your confidence in the kitchen.
Fishcakes are a simple and tasty dish that costs next to nothing. All you need is some tins of tuna, salmon or other fish, potatoes, an egg and breadcrumbs.
First, boil and mash the potatoes. Whether you leave the skins on or not is down to personal preference, although potato skin does add a little bit of colour to the mash and it is packed full of vitamin C.
Mix in the fish thoroughly and shape handfuls of the mixture into thick patties. These should then be coated in the beaten egg mixture, which helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Next, fry the fishcakes lightly in small batches, until golden brown.
These can be served with a variety of vegetables for a low-cost, and delicious, meal.
If you want to bring a bit of variety to this dish, you can add a range of herbs and spices to the potato and fish mixture, while tomato puree adds a little bit of colour and an additional subtle flavour to the fishcakes.
As well as changing the way you cook, the economic downturn can help change the way you shop.
If you are looking for cheaper produce, you can start to buy from supermarkets" own brand products, or items from their value range. However, you can also go straight to the source.
Most cities will play host to a farmers" market, which is a great place to get cheap vegetables and fruits.
What"s more, you may be able to get some cheap produce you have never cooked with before. Once again, this will help encourage you to experiment in the kitchen.
So, cooking when money is tight does not have to be difficult. With a few budget recipes under your belt, you will be able to prepare delicious food that does not cost the earth.
The economic downturn can even be an opportunity to experiment with new, low-cost ingredients.