HOUSTON — It used to be that to save money on dinners it made sense to cook at home instead of dining out or doing takeout. But go figure: Home cooking can now be as expensive as that takeout meal.
Slim down meat portions, add more vegetables
At Red Feather Larder, steak tips aren't the only thing sizzling. Chef Brad Bernstein said from steak to salmon, food costs are soaring for both restaurants and home cooks.
"Ribeye steaks are going through the roof," Bernstein said.
His beef and chicken prices are up 15% this year. So this award-winning chef suggested slimming down the meat portion of your dinners and adding more veggies, rice, and pasta.
"Kinda getting back to that healthier cuisine, where the portion of meat should fit in the palm of your hand," Bernstein said.
Buy cheaper cuts of meat and marinate them
Another tip to lower home-cooking costs from Chef Brad Bernstein is to buy cheaper cuts of meat and marinate them. "Some of the other items, like flank steak, hangar steak, chuck roast,” he said. "Unfortunately, so many other things are up in price – even milk and eggs –making it tough to lower that home cooking bill."
Know your budget when you grocery shop
Allison Crowdus is the ultimate meal planner.
“Sweet potatoes...red bell peppers...green beans,” she said.
She runs a meal delivery service called Dinner to Doorbells. "I’m making a white chicken lasagna."
Along with business partner Jen Eisenstein, they are very careful to buy only what they know they will use that week.
“There are a lot of people who just go to the grocery store and buy things. These are a very deliberate meal for this day," Eisenstein said.
"If you know your budget, you know your grocery budget, then you can plan within that budget,” she said.
They said planning each meal in advance can save a hundred dollars or more on groceries each month. However, a few smart shopping and menu changes should help, so you don't waste your money.