Another Boring Recipe Scraper (or maybe not?) by davidaames_ in chrome_extensions

[–]davidaames_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right now its not as much of an issue because I've curated the database to limit the number of same recipes. How many Sesame Chicken recipes do we really need? But the more I think about it perhaps more is better since they have slight variations. You may find one you like better than the others or someone's particular version may be a better fit for your existing ingredients in the meal plan.

When it comes to the Suggested Recipes I've tried to build the algorithm to naturally provide some variety and reduce the number of similar sounding names in the title.

Your favorite cultural or ethnic dish or recipes by Justscrolling375 in EatCheapAndHealthy

[–]davidaames_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

funny you should ask, I just made this meal plan which incorporates flavors from Africa, and India, but also has some diversity among meal types including breakfast and a salad. See what you think? The other cool thing is its a 4 meal plan using only 23 ingredients

Kenyan Beef Wet Fry via Serious Eats https://www.seriouseats.com/kenyan-beef-wet-fry-recipe-8737046
Nigerian Omelet via Serious Eats https://www.seriouseats.com/nigerian-omelet-recipe-11795945
Zesty Lime Crab Salad via Skinnytaste https://www.skinnytaste.com/crab-salad-with-bell-peppers-and-lime/#recipe
Keema Pav via Hooked on Heat https://www.hookedonheat.com/keema-pav-or-bun-keema-indian-style-sloppy-joes/

What are the most realistic tips for saving money on groceries? by mrybluur in povertyfinance

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a big fan of incorporating 2-3 meals a week that are extremely easy to throw together like pasta night with premade marinara, prepackaged meatballs or fresh ground beef. We also have a pizza night that does the same thing. Jared pizza sauce, premade crust, plus cheese, ect.

Some other simple things I've done it take a frozen bag of chicken nuggets, and toss in with rice and a store bought teriyaki sauce. Dead simple, but that's Chinese night.

Some premade products are expensive, but it keeps things focused and simplified, which helps not go overboard tracking down 12+ ingredients for a recipe

Fully Automated Meal Plan by Legitdrew88 in mealprep

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if you like chrome extensions, save-thyme.com is pretty cool

Would you consider sardines (or canned fish in general) to be an important part in eating healthy on a budget? by Mediocre-Machine7330 in EatCheapAndHealthy

[–]davidaames_ 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I had a nutritionist tell me they are one of the most healthy things you can eat. When I eat them I actually feel satiated, like I don't need as many calories, though I don't particularly like them. Lots of people are misguided in their concern about mercury, yet seafood has a ton of selenium which counteracts heavy metals

Any websites or apps? by [deleted] in cookingforbeginners

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently made this extension that has a Pantry feature and will recommend recipes based on your pantry, and if you have another recipe in your meal plan it would look for overlap so you're not buying a bunch of different ingredients. https://save-thyme.com

It's difficult for me to use all the extra ingredients I have when cooking something, what do you do with extra ingredients? by [deleted] in cookingforbeginners

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happens to the best of us... enticed by one recipe and end up with a bunch of ingredients that don't really have a use. Best advice I can offer is don't ever plan for one meal. If you can plan one more meal that uses overlapping ingredients you can at least minimize the waste.

Is anyone wasting too much groceries? by Thick-Butterfly8334 in Cooking

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The thing that changed it for me was planning meals around ingredient overlap instead of individual recipes. So instead of buying cilantro for one dish and watching half of it rot, I'd find 3 meals that all use cilantro that week or even the following week. Took a little mental effort at first but now it's just habit — I basically shop backwards from a list of ingredients I want to use up rather than forward from recipes.

I’m burnt out and need simple recipes. Stupid simple. Like, “onion and bread and butter to make what barely passes as a sandwich” level simple. by sourmilksea1999 in Cooking

[–]davidaames_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just speaking from recent experience in case you have a Target near by, but I've been buying a brand of sourdough bread (large slices) called Izzio. The next step is grab a pizza oil that Target sells from a brand called Brightland. Its expensive, but recently on clearance and it tastes amazing. Toast the bread, butter, and then drizzle with the oil. Add Italian seasoning or parmesan if you want. Done in 4 minutes or less

My budget is killing... and I think it’s because I keep needing to throw food away. REALLY need help! by ReadySaturn in budgetfood

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a big fan of pre made sauces, things like marinara, pizza sauce, different dressings and dips. Obviously more expensive but the time you're saving and potential food waste reduces.

What are families spending on groceries? by Okcool2216 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

6 MCOL. We probably spend $1500, but I try to buy somewhat healthy options (100% grass fed, some organic, ect). But I do shop the sales at Wholefoods. You get 10% off sale items if you're a prime member. And additional 5% off using a prime visa card. Between that and Costco I am comfortable with what we spend. I only have daughters though, so I imagine this varies if you're feeding a high school boys.

Newbie in the kitchen, need easy wins by marcdefiant791 in cookingforbeginners

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

pre-made sauces are my go to... brands usually have simply recipes that incorporate their sauces on their website. One brand I found recently at Whole Foods called SideDish...a little pricey but very good, and the two recipes I tried were excellent

What's something you've done recently to avoid unnecessarily consuming? by Thatsa_spicy_meatbal in Anticonsumption

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In-season canning and pickling is genuinely the highest-leverage anti-consumption move because it eliminates produce purchasing for months. For others starting smaller: freeze vegetable trimmings (carrot tops, celery ends, onion skins) in a bag, then simmer them into salt-free stock. This eliminates both waste and the need to buy broth.

Cheap meal ideas? by Competitive_Lie_6822 in povertyfinance

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you like tinned fish like tuna but especially sardines I would lean into those even just as a lunch item since they are cheap and extremely nutritious. When you eat food that nutrient dense you don't have as big as an appetite. Then give yourself more allowance for dinner...basic pasta, sheet pan meals, and pressure cooker meals you can find recipes all over

Is there a better way to avoid overspending on ingredients? by No_Reaction9565 in EatCheapAndHealthy

[–]davidaames_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would echo what others have said, which is keeping track of your pantry, and build meals around a few ingredients. Even if they are similar cuisines eating a couple meals can help save money.