Budget friendly summer meal tips ( & recipe!)

Last month, we shared a list of things that became expensive in 2017.  Foods and drinks were on the list, along with education, health care, funeral services and holidays. We believe that it’s so important to eat healthy meals, which is why we’ve provided a few summer meal tips that will save you money and keep you and your family happy and healthy in 2018.

#1. Take advantage of the season

There are lots of nutritious seasonal fruits and vegetables available at the moment so make sure you take advantage of summer produce. Not only are these fruits and vegetables cheaper but they’re also tastier and full of vitamins and minerals. Here’s a list of seasonal fruits and vegetables in South Africa at the moment:

#2. Find creative ways to use ingredients

Usually, buying ingredients in bulk works out cheaper – but it’s no use buying a lot of food if you’re going to waste it. Make sure you buy foods that can be used in various ways so that your groceries don’t go to waste. For example, you may use tomatoes to make a salad, tomato soup, cheese and tomato sandwich and spaghetti bolognese.

#3. Snack up on healthy fruits and vegetables

Seasonal fruits and vegetables make delicious, healthy summer snacks. Make sure you take full advantage of the cheaper seasonal foods so that you and your family can enjoy guilt-free snacking this summer!

Summer recipe: Banana bread

Ingredients:

• 3 mashed ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
2. Mix mashed bananas, sugar, egg and butter in a bowl.
3. Mix flour and baking soda in a separate bowl.
4. Stir flour mixture into banana mixture and then add salt to the batter.
5. Pour the batter into greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.