Specific ways I’ve drastically cut our monthly food costs and gotten the family to eat healthier… continued

Cutting those pricey snack items cont.

Corn or tortilla chips are a breeze and far tastier when home cooked. The key is to use deep, hot (350 – 400 degree) oil and a wire basket or scoop to get them out quickly. Buy the thinnest corn tortillas available and cut into quarters. Separate the pieces so they don’t stick together while frying. Start with 5 or 6 pieces to get an idea of how long it will take to get just the right amount of crispness and best flavor. We like them slightly darker. This gives a better holding crisp and mellower flavor. Most folks like theirs salted. Do this immediately upon removing from the cooker so the salt adheres to the chips. Draining the chips on clean newspaper prevents oiliness.

I just watch the sales for other chips and limit consumption to meals. Cutting out the pigging on a bag instead of eating a healthy snack has dropped our purchase to less than a bag a week.

When I buy sodas, I get the off-brands by the case of 24, at $4 to $6 each. It will take some sampling to figure out which ones taste best to you. This will depend largely on whether you prefer Sprite or 7-Up for instance… some are more Sprite-like, other more like 7-Up. Same goes for all of them. I ration these to a couple per week, per person and they are now a real treat instead of an unhealthy but easy grab ‘n go. Now we keep a pitcher of lime or lemonade in the fridge and some tang or other drink mix in the pantry. Good old water consumption has gone up noticeably too, and I think we are all healthier for the change.