Spending more and more on cooking... is that normal?

Question

I learnt cooking originally, because I couldn't afford to eat out very often. I still can't, but the more I learn about food and cooking the more quality I require when it comes to shopping. And that has come to a point when I'm cooking more expensive than eating out at a middle-prized, good restaurant...

Answer 1

sometimes it is more expensive to cook rather than eat out... by the time you buy all your ingredients ,you are spending a fortune... if you are dying for spaghetti and meatballs, try jar sauce and make your meatballs. but if you try to make a homemade sauce, meatballs, and everything, sometimes you are better off eating out and spending $15 on a plate of pasta than cooking it at home.... figure out how much it would cost you to eat your meal out as opposed to cooking it yourself.... i live alone and cooking for 1 is expensive.....

Answer 2

I understand well your dilemma. I love to cook. But remember that when you add some wines, some cheeses and some spices certain ones can be expensive. Also, certain cuts of meat are going to cost more than others.
Make a menu and then a list. I do because if I only buy what is on the list I stick to a budget. It also gives you a visual idea if all of your menus are more expensive. I try to allow 2 of the more expensive meals a 2 week period and then do less expensive dishes as well as several budget items.
Look for sales on meat that is more expensive and stock the freezer when you see them.
And always eat before you shop.

Answer 3

How can we help
YOU a boy or girl ,,young adult (B/G) ,,,senior (B/G)
The manner that markets set their prices..
Called the " Fair Market Value "Is strictly 'their' market value..
say we buy only generic.. and they order 20 of the the most expensive ..WELL we ignor it.. BUT they return the bulk and take a loss on their proffit.. NO MATTER it is our wish..
just who do we complain to about $2 - $3 dollar bread
or tomatos at $3 /lb..sorry the government gave up the power to protect the consumer.. $4/gal Milk .. insane
our 1lb pkg frozen corn is over $2.50..
you might team up with a senior neighbor to buy in bulk on sale..
IT is costly to cook for one.. it really can not be done and EAT quality (fancy) foods
their computers (stores) know ...ON an adveradge what you buy.
make a pie
their deli can sell it cheeper..
a pie - the pan $2 + shell +$2,, a can of pumpkin +$2
and you still have the cost of the equipment and fuel ..
adopt a senior...

Answer 4

Yes, I too sympathize with the plight of the foodie!! You just have to learn that sometimes more equals less. You can often times create a great meal without using ten thousand ingredients. Some of my favorite ingredients contain 5 ingredients or less. Also, you will begin to build your kitchen, which will contain different oils, spices, condiments, etc. that can be used in many recipes. Often times, I look at a long ingredient list, but I already have half of them in my pantry. Don't give up on cooking though, it can become the hobby of your life!!

Answer 5

Yes, I would say that it's normal, whatever that means. As you learn to cook and experience the wonders of ingredients, your palate becomes more sophisticated. You start using better quality ingredients and are willing to experiment more. This will cause your food costs to go up.

You could possibly simplify your menus and buy fresh ingredients that lend themselves to "bulk" cooking. By making a batch of spaghetti to last a week rather than two nights; using hamburger instead of Italian sausage; using dried herbs rather than fresh; generic pasta instead of Barilla; canned mushrooms instead of fresh. But then what fun would that be?

Work hard, play hard, enjoy life!

Answer 6

Welcome to the world of the food junkie! Foodie's of the world are shedding a tear for you right now.

What you need to do is now that you know your way around the kitchen, learn your way around the market. Get to know folks and mongers, and butchers etc. You will be surprised the deals you can get. Especially when you are willing to share with others.

Answer 7

Normal to us, for instance, now we only cook gourmet hamburgers at $3.99/pound, never those frozen hockey pucks. We also prefer good healthy food to take out.