You spend a lot of money buying the perfect toys and other gifts -- so how do you fill all the bellies at Christmas dinner without emptying your bank account? The List’s Jimmy Rhoades and Cibo e Vino’s John Collura prepare an under $50 feast that even foodies'll flip.
- Shop your fridge
Don’t let anything go to waste go to your fridge before the store.
- Base the meal around the protein
Buy meat or poultry that is on sale and don’t feel like you need to go with traditional. A lovely pork loin or chicken will do. Then base your sides on the main event.
- Choose ingredients that can multitask
Save money by using ingredients that can go into several dishes that will be on the table.
- Buy in Season
This time of year squash is an excellent option and is fairly cheap.
- Be creative and flexible
Go into the store with several dishes and sides in mind and then buy around sales. Don’t get stuck with having to buy only what’s on your grocery list.
Recipes
Breaded asparagus
1 pound of asparagus
2 cups of flour
6 eggs
2 cups of breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1. Trim asparagus, moisten with water, dip in mixed eggs, roll in bread crumb. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, place on cookie sheet, bake in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Candied Butternut Squash
2 lbs of butternut Squash
½ cup brown sugar
4 tblsp Butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
Peel butternut squash and cut into ½ inch squares. Boil in water for 25 minutes. Use hand mixer and combine all ingredients.
Potato Pie Au Gratin
4 lbs sliced potatoes
1 lb provolone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 tblsp butter
1 tblsp Salt
2 Tsp pepper
Place sliced potatoes in an 8x8 glass dish. Cover with cream and melted butter. Cover with provolone and add salt and pepper. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour covered with tin foil.
A meal that keeps your wallet stuffed on the To Do List.
