Meal costing - shock tactics!

meritaten · 15 February 2013 at 9:03PM

Shirley Goode recomends this in her book - but, to be honest I really cannot be bothered for grains pasta etc - I have to buy the whole bag anyway! not like the old days when a grocery shop would happily sell you 2oz of butter or cheese or rice.

Popperwell · 15 February 2013 at 9:16PM

I think such shops still exist but there are none around here, we don't even have one of those shops where you had what looked like a big barrel and you scooped what you needed. It was weighed and you transfered it into containers when you got home. I think that would have done well in these difficult times.

It was yellow sticker time for me again tonight 16 buns and a loaf of bread worth £3.50(and I paid 17p)some veg worth £4(I paid 60p)nothing else worth considering but that helps...

Living_proof · 15 February 2013 at 9:25PM

I don't think you need to count everything. Assume a weekly or monthly allowance for herb, stock cubes, spices etc. I would even include bread, rice, etc. as the cost if you buy in bulk is fairly insignificant. That will give you more time to spend on your efforts on the major items in each meal. I used to do this some years ago when times were really hard and a nourishing meal could be 50p per portion with careful, ys shopping. I mentally do it even now. Tonight I had ys cooked cold salmon 75p, leaf and rocket salad 25p and jacket potato 25p. £1.25 and absolutely delicious. Didn't count the hollandaise sauce, pickled pepper and capers. Also cooked a chicken breast joint which will give a portion of 70p per person plus veg which will work out at the time of serving.