Recession Recipes CNN Segment

Recession Proof Menu Planning on CNN

Today I appeared live on CNN to offer expert tips for recession proof menu planning. During a hands-on cooking demonstration, I created three gourmet family dinners all for under $10.

Here are some tips for recession-proof dining:

• Keep a few staple items like canned soup or broth in your pantry to extend or enhance a dish.
• Create a grocery list each week. This will keep your family on a budget and require fewer trips to the store.
• Set aside time to devise a menu each week.
• Ask your family what they are interested in eating. This will minimize the “I don’t like this,” and allow them to feel a part of the planning.
• When preparing food, stick to your kitchen basics. There are so many gadgets out there to tempt us, but they are an unnecessary expense.
• Eliminate processed foods. Not only are they more expensive they are unhealthy.
• Cook food in bulk, freeze the leftovers and make sure to date them.
• Eat more turkey. You can thaw it in the refrigerator for three days and have a week’s worth or meals for under $20.