Save Big On Groceries

And Without Buying In Bulk Or At Discount Super Store; Bon Appetit's Dede Wilson Tells How

(CBS) 

To make this point, Wilson pointed to a beautiful Sicilian-Style potato gratin.

Here's what was in it:

Potatoes: .89
Garlic: .48
Onion: .59
Chicken Broth: $1.09
Capers: $2.49
Pecorino Romano Cheese: $6

Total Cost: $11.54

You may be looking at the total cost for this dish, which serves six, and thinking, "That's actually not very inexpensive, especially as a side dish." Ah-ha! Glad you brought that up!

That brings us to Wilson's next point: A saavy shopper knows it's OK to go ahead and buy some items that seem, initially, expensive. A nice block of cheese is a great example of this. Although you had to shell out $6 up front, you only used a small, small fraction of the block.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Average the initial cost of $6 over the number of times you'll use the cheese, and you'll see you're only paying pennies for the powerful flavor it adds to your dinner. And yes, hard cheeses such as Pecorino will keep for several weeks in the fridge.

That same reasoning goes for capers, which will keep for months in the fridge.

Another MONEY SAVING TIP to keep in mind: It's always cheaper to buy a piece of cheese and grate it yourself, rather than buying already-grated cheese.

Considered in that light, a hunk of hard cheese and a jar of capers are now a part of your pantry. Of course, there are some very basic pantry items the cost-conscious shopper will also have on hand. The key is not only stocking your shelves with these items, but knowing how to take full advantage of them.

For instance:

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: So many people think simple salt and pepper are throw-away condiments, but they add a real dimension and flavor, for fractions of pennies, if you buy the Kosher, or coarse, salt, and the black peppercorns, and grind both fresh onto your food. Plus, with the coarse salt, you'll find yourself using less of it, since it's so visible.

Canned Beans and Tomatoes: These items are often relegated to supporting roles in dishes. Put them in the starring role, and you've just created a very affordable meal! Wilson had an example of putting both canned beans and tomatoes in the starring role: a soup in which the main ingredient was canned tomatoes, and a salad whose main ingredient was white beans.

MONEY SAVING TIP: You'll notice that everything shown was homemade, and from very simple ingredients. If you truly want to save at the store, stay away from processed foods.

MONEY SAVING TIP: Shop the perimeter of the store, where items such as milk, bread, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables are typically placed. Pricier, processed foods are in the interior aisles.

MONEY SAVING TIP: When buying pantry items, don't be afraid to try the generic brands or your favorite store's own brand. Often, you're just paying more for fancy packaging on the name-brand items.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: Of course, the ideal "recession-proof" meal combines all the elements Wilson spoke about: seasonal, local produce and inexpensive pantry items.

Wilaon had a dish on the show's set illustrating that: Cabbage and White Bean Soup with Sausage. Yum!

MONEY SAVING TIP: One more: Wilson used chicken apple sausage in the soup. Chicken and turkey are usually cheaper than red meat, and better for you, to boot!

[beckygaston]

Click on the bon appetite in the article and go to recipes at the bon appetite site. I searched potatoes gratin and found it right away. The soup recipe is on the first page of the recipe site.

[rhabben]

I want the recipes!! From the show broadcasted on 3/7, relating to recession groceries. the recipes are not listed. I would like the reciped for the soup using carrotts, cabbage, turkey sausage, etc. Also the potatoes au gratin. Please send them to me. Thank you. Linda H.

[karmelp]

WHERE ARE THE RECIPES! I WANT THE RECIPE FOR THE GRATIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1