Why spend money on what is not bread,
Isaiah 55:2
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
I believe the top “food” topic on everyone’s mind right now has to be cost. This morning I reviewed our retirement budget, a guide we first developed over a year ago, and found I need to revise the grocery allowance upwards by 30%. There have been increases across the board, of course, but food is absolutely the most startling reality check on the spreadsheet!
That said, I am still passionate about food, I love cooking, and I feel that eating a long relaxed meal together is still one of the most enjoyable parts of any day.
Unfortunately – and I hate to disappoint – today’s post is not a magic list of brilliant cost-saving ideas (although all three meat selections were purchased at a discount in the “reduced for quick sale” section in the butchery department). Instead I have been “borrowing” money from other parts of the Maul-Hall budget, because I will confess that good food is pretty much a non-negotiable.
However – and lest you think me completely irresponsible – sticker shock is hitting hard enough that I often walk away from food items I had wanted bo buy. Yesterday I substituted white fish for the overpriced salmon, hamburger meat for out-of-reach steak, and then almonds for the pine nuts I was going to buy for salad.
Here are today’s food photos.
- I make all our burgers in slider buns now. We just don’t need that much bread! I served this one with caramelized onion and mushrooms on top, held in place by melted Swiss cheese. So good.
- Grilling a tuna steak and serving it on a fresh salad makes for a very satisfying meal. Rebekah and I have a handful of crackers on the side and the result is low cal, low carb, and high flavor.
- I will still buy fillet mignon when it’s on sale, but this time I served the steak with tiny roasted potatoes instead of the traditional baked. The green beans make a tasty side.
Okay, so that’s “Foodie Thursday”. And remember, just because food prices are going through the roof that’s no excuse to compromise on flavor, creativity, and – most importantly – the redemptive practice of serving one another and eating together as a family.
Peace and love – DEREK


