
My mother in law used to say, "You can always put another potato in the pot to feed your family," because potatoes are cheap! Here are some other thrifty food ideas.
- You Say Potato... - There's a reason why potato salad has been on picnic tables for years: Everyone loves it and it's a money-saver! Granted, the work involved in making potato salad from scratch can mean hours in the kitchen, but you can sure fill in a budget party menu with this favorite summertime side dish.
- Cornmeal - Polenta, a porridge made from cornmeal, can be a very affordable side dish or hors d'oeuvre base. Try this budget recipe for Olive Polenta Squares and think about other toppings that would fit your budget or that you have on hand such as melted cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a dab of red sauce.
- Pasta - It doesn't get much cheaper than pasta and often times it is the only thing that little kids will eat! Add a pasta primavera to the menu to please all palates and watch the pennies.
- Eggs - At 2 bucks for a dozen eggs, it's easy to see why the old hard-boiled and devilled eggs always show up at a party. Vary traditional recipes by adding a new spice to the yolk mix like curry or minced rosemary. Research recipes online and find a gem to revamp this affordable party staple.













