Cookbook Update

Some of you know, some of you don't but we are doing the Dave Ramsey plan. I never tire of talking about it and sharing our story, our tips and what has worked for us in the year and 1 month that we have been on the plan. Just ask me about it!!

One of my goals is to write a budget inspired cookbook to help others who are struggling with a grocery budget, or with a working budget period. I want to help make grocery shopping and planning family meals easier for anyone who is interested and looking for a solution. 

I am not quite halfway through the cookbook but do want to share that this will be different than other cookbooks.

First of all it is budget centered.  I grocery shop for a family of 4 every 2 weeks.  Each trip is $120 or less. I have worked hard to keep this budget and that includes NO DINING OUT and NO PRE-PACKAGED foods.  I make all the meals all the time and although that is tough, we are doing it and we are getting rid of debt because of this contribution.

Secondly it is about using your pantry. It is about options.  I may serve this dish on spaghetti, egg noodles or rice. Whatever you have you use and none of the ingredients are crazy or anything you haven't heard of.

Thirdly, I do not coupon. This isn't about spending 3 hours a week trying to get groceries for free.  Although I applaud the families that do this, I am a stay at home mom with 2 part time jobs and a household to run. I do not have the time and do not have the energy to put in the effort for couponing. Kudos to those who are dedicated and can find the time.

Fourth, I am not a trained anything.  I cook because I like it but even if you don't I appreciate that quick meals are important.  I work a night job a few days a week so I utilize the crock pot and casseroles so there is a hot dinner for my family even on the nights I can't be there.  You can do this too and I will show you how.

Finally, it is about easy, fun and good food.  Lots of these are family favorites. Lots of these are things that the children love to help making too.  I have an array of foods and desserts that are "on the cheap" and very good to eat. We enjoy food and don't think we have to suffer just because we are on a budget.

I can't wait to share this cookbook and ask for your support.  I plan on finishing and printing then sending this cookbook to Dave Ramsey himself as well as Aldi grocery stores as they are the source of our low cost grocery budget.  With some planning and creativity you can feed your family for pennies on the dollar and bring back the "old fashioned" family meals to your life.  Everyone in our family benefits from our family dinners and "Big Breakfast" weekends. You can too!