Shortcuts for budget-friendly dinners

Food Network Fan · 02-16-2009, 12:59 PM

Shortcuts for budget-friendly dinners

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McClatchy-Tribune

As a chef, nutrition expert and mother of two boys, Robin Miller, host of the Food Network's "Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller," knows the challenges of fitting a family dinner into a jam-packed, busy schedule. Here are Miller's ideas for simple and speedy dinnertime shortcuts:
QUICK FIX STASH
You can assemble a home-cooked meal in just minutes if you plan ahead and have your own "quick fix stash" of stored food. Stocking up on items like bottled sauces, frozen chopped vegetables and fruits and pre-cooked meat (like Tyson chicken and steak strips) will help dramatically cut down on preparation time for your favorite recipes. And, a great way to keep your "quick fix stash" organized is to create your very own fridge and freezer diary. Make a list of all of the food items you have stored and tape it to the outside of your fridge. This list will help you plan meals and ensure you use all of your stored items while they're fresh.
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Food Network Fan · 02-16-2009, 01:01 PM

I still don't get how people think buying pre cooked items saves them any money. Even Robin Miller cooks the meat herself and puts it away for later.

isilzha · 02-16-2009, 01:14 PM

Do people generally think that pre-cooked is cheaper? Easier yes, cheaper no.

Food Network Fan · 02-16-2009, 01:28 PM

The only way I can figure it would save someone money is if they always eat at restaurants. Then that option would be cheaper. But heck buy lunch meat and fix a sandwich when you don't have time to cook, that's pre cooked. I would rather fix meat when I am going to eat it. The texture and flavor is so much better.

Pluff Mudder · 02-16-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Food Network Fan

I would rather fix meat when I am going to eat it. The texture and flavor is so much better.

You're so right about that! A lot of that precooked stuff is pumped up with flavor enhancers that can give it a funny taste and texture. Guess they're using cheaper cuts of meat and trying to hide the fact.