With the cost of living seemingly on an ever-upward spiral, it is good to check in and see where we can still afford the things we enjoy.
Let’s face it BBQ can be expensive. Good quality meat is a part of the upward spiral. But it doesn’t need to be. There are some ways that we can beat the system, enjoy BBQing and be saving some money at the same time.
Diversify
Instead of cooking just meat, think outside the square and head to the vegetable aisle of your local grocery store. You will be surprised at the number of options that are available to the budget conscious.
Smoke some tomatoes, stuff some sweet potatoes. Turn some pumpkin into the best-smoked soup, bake some Hasselback potatoes. All super easy as a side dish or just that little something that gives you your BBQ fix without breaking the bank.
Lunches
If like me you buy your work lunches, then there is the opportunity to take this money and turn it into some pulled pork or lamb. This will make some of the best lunch sandwiches and hands down will be better than what you are buying from the food van or takeaway shop.
Crank up the smoker on a Sunday and turn a $20 piece of pork into 3-4 days of awesome lunches. Or grab a larger piece and have enough to freeze some for later in the week.
One meat multiple meals
Why not add two pork shoulders on the BBQ. Cover lunches and dinner. Check out this post for 8 great ways to use leftover pulled pork. Most of these recipes could be adapted for lamb, beef or chicken. Depending on what is on sale at the local butcher or grocery store.
Discount clubs
Depending on where you live you may have some great options for bulk buying clubs. You may also have access to a big box store like Costco. Some of the local butcher shops will also have a loyalty program, spend x amount and receive xyz free. I am sure we will all have a coffee discount card in our wallets, just ask your favourite store if they have one.
Have a freezer?
If you have enough freezer space, look to see if you can buy a whole beast or go halves with some mates. You may be surprised at how cost effective it is to split the cost of a whole or half of a beast. Find a butcher and ask the questions. If you are close to a rural area have a look through the local classified ads.
Form a Buyers Club
A more formal version of the above, gather enough friends family and workmates and you may be surprised the benefits that can be obtained. Depending on your area, just google “meat buyers group”
Let me know what “hacks” you have that save you a dollar or two. Would love to hear your options in the comments below.
Till next time.
Joe On !!!
