If there’s one thing just about everybody agrees on, it’s that food has a way of bringing people together. An afternoon luncheon, a shared dessert or a family meal allows us a moment to sit down, regroup and, best of all, communicate with our friends and family. It’s no wonder the kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home.
As tough economic times continue to grip our community though, we want to be careful not to bring unwanted guests to the dinner table in the form of stress, anxiety and worry. One way to alleviate that stress is by saving money on the foods and products we bring into our homes.
Think back. I’m sure you remember your mom clipping coupons from the Sunday paper. Well my friends, as you’ll discover in “The Coupon Craze,” the evolution of couponing has reached astronomical heights. This article teaches you how to save money and have fun doing it.
Another way to reap savings is by planting your own vegetable garden. Local gardening expert Rachelle Roper has been teaching individuals how to cultivate their own backyard bounty. What’s so special about her Feed the Need Garden program is that a percentage of each harvest is donated back to our area’s food banks. Consider it friends helping friends.
If all this talk of food has your stomach growling, then check out our “Burger Bites” feature. These beefy meals are bursting with flavor, certain to satisfy and easy on the budget.
Pairing down our top choices for mouthwatering burgers, not to mention the fries, onion rings and homemade buns that go along with them, was no easy task. It was so difficult, in fact, that we’re considering turning this fun feature into an annual pilgrimage to find the best burgers out there. What do you think?
Yes, there’s no denying that food plays an important role in our lives.
By integrating a few of the creative ideas found in this issue, you too can take the first step toward saving. It just might make your next meal a bit easier to digest. Bon Appétit.
Until next time,
Kathy
