Every fall, as the weather grows colder, my cravings for comfort foods kick into high gear. Hearty beef stews, creamy soups and all kinds of carb-heavy dishes find their way onto my family’s weeknight menu. If you’re cooking and baking more this season, there are ways to keep your grocery bill in check. Debbie Frye of Flyerland.ca, a coupon and store flyer website, offers five ways to maximize your comfort food cooking and cut your spending.
1. Pick local produce. “We had such a warm summer, there’s a fantastic stock of vegetables,” Ms. Frye says. You can find locally grown produce at farmer’s markets, some of which are open through the winter, or at large grocery stores. Think of recipes that use in-season and cheap vegetables such as squash. Ms. Frye recommends making extra portions that can be frozen, so that you can enjoy the investment of time and money later in the year too.
2. Stock up on spices. Spices pack a big punch that can transform a bland dish, but only if they are fresh. Fall is the ideal time to assess your spice rack and see what needs to be updated. Many bottled spices available at the grocery store are expensive and you are unlikely to use them up before they lose their potency. Ms. Frye suggests buying spices in smaller portions from bulk food stores.
3. Use a crockpot. One of my favourite ways to cook dinner in the winter is with a crockpot. At the end of the day, I can come home to a ready-made meal. Not only will crockpots save you time, they’ll save you money. You can use cheaper, tougher cuts of beef that will become tender during the long cooking process. You also plan meals better when you’re cooking with a crockpot, says Ms. Frye. “When I’m throwing things together, I’m more likely to stop at the store extra times during the week. This forces me to work ahead and stay on the list and save money on groceries.”
4. Plan a cooking day. We don’t all have the time to prepare a home-cooked dinner each evening. Last-minute takeout can be both expensive and unhealthy. Prepare ahead of time by scheduling one cooking day a week. You can even invite friends over to cook with you. “Make really big portions and share them,” Ms. Frye says. “Whenever you cook in bulk like that, there’s a cost savings.”
5. Look for discounts. In the weeks leading up to the winter holidays, many stores will be running promotions. Some supermarkets, such as Loblaw, are offering a cash discount on your total purchase if you spend more than a minimum amount. Look for coupons at websites such as Flyerland.ca or Save.ca.
“You can experience wonderful comfort food and it’s inexpensive and it doesn’t have to be fattening,” Ms. Frye says. “It’s a fun way to make dinner for your family.”
