Ask Beth by Beth Brubaker Dear Beth, We're hosting a lot of cookouts this summer, but our finances haven't been able to stretch as far this year. What can we do to feed everyone without cancelling or going broke?
Picnic Problems Dear Picnic, There are lots of ways for you to cut down on the grocery bills this summer! Here are a few tips to help you out: Turn the cookout into a potluck. Ask everyone to bring sides while you provide the main course. Yes, meat is usually the most expensive thing on the list, but you'd be surprised at just how much you can save (in time and money!) by asking others to chip in with a side dish, snacks, drinks, or even paper goods! People often have a favorite side to show off, and this can also make some great conversation starters. The best part is that those that can't cook can bring the chips, soda or paper goods, so there's no pressure for your guests to make something! Ask everyone to chip in. There's nothing wrong with letting your guests know you need a little help buying everything. Ask them to give a few dollars to offset the cost. You might be surprised at how many people offer a bit more than you expected! Homemade is best made - and cheaper. Pasta and potato salads are pricey per pound, and if you have the time, make them yourself. This would also include any salad, including fruit or vegetables! Don't forget to stretch the veggies by adding pasta to the salad! Provide fillers. Dice a few veggies and mix a dip, and you have a tummy filler before the big meal. Salads also fill people up better than chips and pretzels, and cost a lot less to make. You can also bake some rolls and serve them to satisfy the hungries - just make sure the butter is softened! To save on soda and other pricey drinks, serve water and homemade iced tea instead. To make things interesting, if you have lemons, limes, or oranges, thinly slice them and add to a clear pitcher of water for a refreshing (and colorful!) treat. To make flavored tea, look for raspberry, berry or peach tea bags and add them to regular tea for a special touch of flavor or just use green tea or mixed berry tea bags instead for a fun and colorful summer sipper for those that don't like regular tea! Bonus points - those teas are usually decaffeinated! Invite less people, if possible. If you have many of the same people each time, cut down on the crowd and spread the 'regulars' over every other summer shindig. Less people means less food, and a lot less chaos! Cancel some of the cookouts. If you haven't sent out invites already, consider checking a few cookout dates off the list. I know you'd prefer not to, but this will open up your schedule to go visit friends at their cookouts, saving you time and money. I hope these suggestions help you in having a fantastic summer!
~ Beth 70