Cooking like the holidays cuts grocery costs year round

Did you know there is a way to hang out with friends and save on groceries at the same time? It sounds a little odd but think about Thanksgiving and Christmas day cooking. A family will usually come together and cook, sharing in the cost of a meal. Aunt Marie may bring the salad, Grandma makes the turkey and dressings, Sarah brings the sweet potatoes and so on. Now there's a gigantic feast for the family and it may have only cost you $12 for the dessert you brought and you and your family of four can eat like a king. For a family of four eating a massive dinner like that for $12 is a steal!

Okay, so when the holidays are over how would you implement this way of savings for cooking for your family, I mean your Aunt Marie won't bring a salad every week. The answer is to buy in bulk, and split the bill with a few friends and cook together. Everyone knows buying in bulk is more cost effective, but the excess food can go to waste. When you split groceries with a friend not only will the extra portion get used but you will only pay part of the already reduced bulk price. Plus cooking together is fun and free, no wasting money at some restaurant or café and still getting the same great conversations.

Some tips to get this started would be:

1. Try to get as many friends involved as possible, the more people involved the more your costs are cut.
2. Make the cooking date once a month and stick to it. Following through shows you are a trustworthy friend.
3. Make a menu you all can stick to and like. Be open minded to try new foods.
4. Share recipes and food portions. Your friend may make a killer chicken teriyakki  and you may make an awesome turkey casserole, make double portions and exchange.
5. Buy foil pans. This way there's no leaving your casserole dish at your friend's house etc.
6. Share bulk household products: you may have a coupon for a dollar off two cans of cleaning spray but you only need one. Don't horde the spray, split the costs with your friend so you get even more savings as will they.
7. Have fun! Make some coffee, chat and laugh, have a good time!