How to Go Gourmet on a Budget

Find creative ways to use what you’ve got instead of buying specialty ingredients. For example, if a recipe calls for buttermilk, try using regular milk with a touch of vinegar. You’ll save big and it’s worth the time researching for good substitutes.

Cook with less expensive cuts of meat. Obviously, chicken and some cuts of beefs will be cheaper than swordfish or filet mignon. Instead of buying filleted chicken breasts, utilize the whole bird, which is less expensive and adds flavor when you cook it. Stores usually have a day to mark down prices to move products before new shipments come in; be there on those days and you can find nice cuts of meat and fish up to half the cost.

Invest in a bread maker. It will not only cost less than the cheapest bread available on grocery shelves, but it will taste better.

Take a simple meal and make it look gourmet by a few simple changes. For example, when cooking pasta use noodles like farfalle or penne instead of typical spaghetti. Instead of salads made with iceberg lettuce, use spinach and/or baby greens, add a cut up fuji apple, some chopped nuts, and feta cheese and viola! You have a gourmet salad. Even a Betty Crocker mix can become a gourmet dessert if you ditch the store bought frosting and drizzle a mixture of powdered sugar and milk on top, then add a few fresh berries.

One more idea: try getting a group of friends together once a month. Tell them to bring budget friendly gourmet dishes along with a copy of the recipe for those who want one. You’ll be exposed to all kinds of new ideas.

For more great gourmet food ideas, check out Gourmet Food where you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a gourmet meal.

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