I enjoy a great meal out just like everyone else but these days eating out have become a luxury. Home-cooked meals are the norm but the same-old recipes get sooooo boring. To solve this dilemma, the experts in Campbell’s Kitchen ℠ have created a new Budget-Friendly collection of recipes that use the full array of Campbell brands. Each recipe transforms tried-and-true ingredients into fresh, exciting meals that are sure to please the whole family.
“Many people assume that budget-friendly foods mean casseroles,” said Jane Freiman, Group Manager – Campbell’s Kitchen. “However, our new recipe collection features a variety of recipes, many of which can be created for less than $10, to provide today’s budget-conscious family with delicious and easy twists on familiar meals like tacos, hamburgers and lasagna. All it takes is the confidence to try a new recipe and a few basic ingredients.”
Jane recommends the following to help keep costs down and create frugal, flavorful meals.
- Scan the circulars and clip coupons: Plan your menu around weekly sales circulars, clip coupons for items you use and take advantage of supermarket rewards programs.
- Stock up on sale items: When frozen meats are on sale, like boneless, skinless chicken breasts or fish fillets, buy extra. Then, individually wrap, label and refreeze them. They’ll keep for about 3 months and will be easy to cook for one or two people without thawing an entire package.
- Consolidate shopping trips: Going to the grocery store once – rather than a few times throughout the week – saves time and gas, and can also help cut down on impulse buying.
- It’s all in the season: When certain items are in season, they’re more plentiful, which means prices are often lower. This is a great time to buy in bulk and freeze what can’t be used right away. For example, freeze berries – like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries – in a single layer on wax- or parchment-lined baking sheets. Once frozen, they can be transferred to plastic bags or containers and kept in the freezer until ready to use.
- Consider the cut: Tough meat cuts, like pork shoulder and chuck roast, are routinely less expensive than steaks or chops. They do require low, slow cooking methods (like stews and braises), but can help create great-tasting, inexpensive dinners that don’t require much preparation.
- Learn to cut up whole chickens: Purchasing a whole chicken – and cutting into parts yourself – is much cheaper than buying pre-cut and packaged chicken parts.
- Be creative: Leftovers are another great way to stretch the food dollar. Instead of just reheating last night’s dinner, try combining leftover roast chicken with fresh sliced vegetables in a quick stir-fry or casserole.
“Following even a couple of these tips each week can help cut down costs over time,” said Jane.
For more delicious, low-cost meal ideas, visit us online at CampbellsKitchen.com.
Sweet & Spicy Picante Chicken
Prep: 5 min.
Bake: 20 min.
Makes: 4 servings
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 cups Pace® Picante sauce
3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
3 cups hot cooked regular long-grain white rice
1. Place chicken into 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Stir picante sauce, brown sugar and mustard in small bowl. Pour picante sauce mixture over chicken.
2. Bake at 400°F. 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice.
Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep: 10 min.
Cook: 20 min.
Makes: 4 servings
3 tbsp. olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 shallot, finely chopped*
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup thinly-sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
4 cups hot cooked extra wide egg noodles
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 10 min. or until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook and stir 2 min. Stir soup, water, tomatoes, vinegar and basil in skillet.
3. Return chicken to skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken and sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with cheese and thinly sliced basil, if desired.
*Or substitute 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion.
Find more recipes, kid-friendly menus, savings tips and food blogs at Campbell’s Kitchen ℠.
Campbell’s Kitchen provided the press included in the above post to LookWhatMomFound…Dad too! 
