How often do you eat out in a week? Earlier this year I started to keep track of it for myself and my family and was shocked at how much we relied on food not made at home. And, at how much money I was spending on it. Yes, fast food can be pretty cheap, but with some planning, eating at home can be cheaper.

I am now working on cutting down our grocery budget. For anyone interested, here's an interesting blog post on feeding your family on less. http://baconinmypocket.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-we-dont-eat-dog-food-around-here.html?showComment=1314119489048

With the food prices (and gas prices) so high now (and probably going higher) it's something to think about.

I am in a household of five , all with different appetites and tastes

three with their own personal income

so, there is regularly 'outside' food in the house because the young adults pick up meals on the way in from work,,,,

I cook about four times a week and leave the other three days to them

once a month?
i'm a super picky eater,
so it's pointless to go pay for something i don't want.

Hummm for me it always changes.... since I'm single even though I do cook at home I rely on eating out as well.... Today I cooked breakfast but for lunch it was Whataburger... Matter of fact in the last three days I have ate out at least one meal each day... At times I will go a week or two and not eat out.... Just goes in cycles for me..

every day unfortunately

When krupa first got here, we found an excuse nearly
every day to eat out, always at a new restaurant.

Now we are budget conscious and eat at home (no kitchen)
but he has free meals at the gourmet buffet so he does not
eat all that much at home.

Today, I have black-eye peas on the soak (all I have
been hearing about-never had them) and searching for recipes.
Already chopped up a head of garlic and a red onion,
have bay leaves at the ready. Oh and a pound of bacon.

First of the year, we will probably be back to eating out
a few times a month, if we can think up enough new excuses.

If I'm really lucky maybe once a year.

My sons are grown and living away and I cook for myself now. I often eat out with friends. I love it; and it takes nothing away from my budget. I don't have a budget. However, I do take care of bills first. I do not like fast foods. I eat at nice restaurants.

You can't have black eyed peas without jalapenos.

Jalapeño Black-Eyed Peas

Bon Appétit | July 1995

Clark's Outpost Barbecue: Tioga, Texas


user rating

100% would make it again


user rating:
Jalapeño Black-Eyed Peas 4 forks
at a glance

main ingredients Jalapeño, Bean

cuisine American (Texan)

dietary considerations Wheat/Gluten-Free, High Fiber

yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
5 cups beef stock or canned broth
2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
3 large jalapeño chilies
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning*
1 4-ounce jar diced pimientos, drained


*Available in the spice section of many supermarkets.


Preparation

Place black-eyed peas in heavy large saucepan. Pour enough cold water over peas to cover by 3 inches and soak overnight. Drain peas.

Return peas to same saucepan. Add stock, onions, garlic, chilies, bay leaves and seasoning and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, stirring until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours.

Mix pimientos into peas. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day head. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)


Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Jalapeno-Black-Eyed-Peas-665#ixzz2CWWxWLYX

I almost never eat out and I live in a truck. Once a week I allow myself a big bag of fast food french fries. When I'm home I cook almost everything myself unless I'm just not near home and get hungry.

My son usually picks up some type of fast food once a week, all thought I avoid the burgers and fries and get a salad. As for actually going out some place, once every three or four months.

Joe your so right, jalapenos are a must in black eyed peas.......

I usually go out to eat when I get together with girl friends. Maybe once or twice a month.

Soufie: Black eyed peas :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe_eraFWWs

My organic garden is now full of veggies and fruits that are ready for harvest so we hardly eat out these days. But we still make it a point to do so every time we go out for date night. I like trying food that I have not seen or tasted before. :)

Busy life styles, business requirements & social events have caused me to most of my eating away from home for most of 40 years. The biggest exception has been sundays. I feel something missing in my week, if there is not a good "home cooked" type meal, in my week. Being a widower & NOT a good cook, that is hard to attain. So, I resort to dining out.
Recently however I have decided to work on my health, MUCH more. I am dining out less & am becoming much more chosey as to WHAT I eat. Life is good & I plan on being around a LONG, LONG time.

I too, am alone and hate cooking for one, although I do cook and freeze sometimes.. In the summer I eat out more but try to eat healthy, a lot of salads, grilled chicken and fish, etc... Winter is easier as I make lots of soup..

I prepare and cook my own meals. It is very rare that I go to a eatery.

daily

daily. Red Lobster or BBQ are favorites.

Just whenever I get together with friends or family.