Buying, Cooking, and Preparing Affordable (+Delicious) Meals

Hey y’all! This post will be about searching out the best prices for preparing your own meals. In a similar tone as the previous blog, the area we live in can be a little too uncomfortably pricey in just about every region of economy. However, I will share a few observations I have made in the game of food prep that have consistently saved me money; that is, after I made the mistakes necessary to learn them. Then, I will share photos of a meal I bought and prepared from ingredients that were under $15 (and last for a couple days of meals for one or two persons).

Tip#1 and only Trader Joe’s is Pretty Much the Best Ever!

Trader Joe’s, located on Canwood Rd., just off Kanan Rd. and only 7 miles from the ranch, is decidedly cheaper than any other grocer (Ralphs, Vons primarily) for fresh produce (vegetables and fruits). (Also, no membership/card is necessary for the deals in the store.)

**Exception: Ralphs often has cheaper berries and the most extensive clearance section with great deals on just about anything, but especially baked goods! In comparison to Vons, Ralphs is cheaper by a few to few dozen dollars each trip (regardless of having a membership/card for each store).

Below is a list of ingredients that I purchased for under $15, cooked and prepared, and gave a photoshoot. All this to say, the same ingredients at any other grocer in our area (Ralphs, Vons primarily) costs about $20-$30+.

(*Note: This was prepared with coconut oil and plant based butter, so it is also vegan!)

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower ($1.99) -- cut and toss in coconut oil/butter, then bake at 425 for about 25 min., check and flip a couple of times before the 25 min. mark

1 box of angel hair pasta ($1.99) --- boil for 3-5 min.

1 can of mushroom tomato sauce ($1.99)

2 roma tomatoes ($0.50)

1 garlic clove ($0.50)---- cut and fry remaining ingredients in coconut oil 

1 white onion ($0.79)

1 pckg. of white mushrooms ($1.99)

1 bunch of kale ($1.99)

1 pckg. of vegan italian sausage ($3.49)

seasonings: basil, garlic salt, lemon pepper, cajun (on cauliflower)

Thank you for your time  :)

By: Marcus Reaves