Consumer Alert: Cheap Dinner

UNDATED—You’ve already decided to save money by cooking at home instead of eating out. But, don’t think cheap means settling for ramen noodles.

Jessie Price, EatingWell Magazine: “You don’t have to sacrifice taste. You can make great delicious food that is really healthy for you.“

Jessie Price is the food editor of EatingWell magazine.

Price: “And, these are each pretty small chicken breasts. They are 4 ounces each, and that is also part of the way that you can keep things healthy and reasonably priced is by using a little bit of meat we recommend a four-ounce uncooked portion.“

She spent a total of $4.99 on enough chicken to feed four people.

Price: “You think, wow, I could order this in a restaurant or this would be for guests, but it is easy to make, and it’s cheap too.“

This particular recipe includes chicken, asparagus, and gruyere cheese.

Price: “Aged gruyere is a little pricy, but when you are only using 2/3 of a cup, its not going to break the bank.“

Cutting corners doesn’t mean eliminating steak. Your goal is to cut the fat, not necessarily the meat.

Price: “Sirloin is a great cut because it is relatively inexpensive, and it is super lean, and healthy, as well.“

The book “Eating Well in Season” focuses on what produce to buy and when.

Linsey Davis, reporting: “So that is the key to saving: making sure that is it seasonal, making sure that it is in season. Exactly with all of these recipes we have been using in season ingredients.“

This pasta and broccoli rabe dish is less than $2.00 a serving.

Price: “Vegeterian is an easy way to make it less expensive. Tantalize your tastebuds. Fatten your wallet, not your tummy.“