Going out to restaurants or grabbing take-out food may be fun, but it’s expensive. You can save money and have some fun by making food at home instead. Making meals at home gives you choices and control. You can choose healthy, fresh foods for your family and prepare them together and you can control your food dollars by cooking just what you need. Get the whole family involved in planning and preparing the meal. You have control when you make it at home.

Save money by making it at home.

How much does a 14-inch pizza cost?

Made at home:                $3.25

Frozen store brand:         $4.29

Take-out:                         $7 to $10

                                        

How do I do it?

Forget delivery and forget store bought! You can make great pizza at home! For easy at-home pizza, buy a pre-made crust, sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you’d like. If you have time, consider making your own crust — this is a great way to get the kids involved by letting them measure ingredients.  Add some color: chop up your favorite veggies or fruit for toppings. Let your child decorate several slices or let each child make a small personal size with his or her choices. Bake and enjoy as a family!

Children can help!

Pizza is a fun and fast way to get kids involved. Children are more likely to eat meals they help prepare. Here are some of the things kids can do:
 

  • Wash fruit and veggies
  • Tear lettuce
  • Mix ingredients together
  • Get ingredients for the recipe
  • Measure flour, salt, spices, and other ingredients

 

Switch it up each week and let the children help decide which meal they’d like to make at home. Try different themes that match your favorite dining-out spots: instead of Chinese food take-out, make a chicken stir-fry at home. Build your own burritos or tacos instead of going out for Mexican food. Have a spaghetti and meatballs feast rather than heading to your favorite Italian restaurant. The choices are endless.

 

Remember: Make It at Home Nights give you control over your food choices and your budget. Most of all, it’s a fun and engaging way for the whole family to get involved in making fresh, healthy, and delicious meals!

Author(s)

Administrative Assistant for Health & Well-Being Team, Bookkeeper
Phone: (603) 255-3556 ext. 801
Office: Cooperative Extension, Taylor Hall Rm 119, Durham, NH 03824