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Just because the economy seems to be getting worse and worse doesn't mean that you have to cut off all ties with your friends. The key to getting recession ready is adjusting to the times and the key to socializing on a budget is the ability to cook. It would be nearly impossible for eight of your closest friends to go out to dinner without a hefty tab at the end of the night. Instead, why not take turns making dinner at home?
In this new series, the Frugal Feast, I'll explore recipes and ideas that help you throw a feast for eight together for under $100. My go-to in terms of feeding a crowd on a budget is always soup. It's hearty, filling, and a one pot wonder. It's especially great when it’s cold outside. Soups are also great for a mixed group of vegetarians and meat eaters. By adding a few simple touches and a little bit of planning you can make this soup feast seem precisely planned and the work of a career gourmand.
- Pick a hearty soup that doesn't require tons of sides because it's filling by itself.
I love potato soup because it doesn't require tons of ingredients and it's rather decadent. Potatoes are always inexpensive and you can find tons of different varieties of potatoes at the farmers' market. If you want something a little sweeter but still with all the warming qualities, try a creamy pumpkin soup. - Make your own bread.
I can't think of much that would impress your guests more than diving into a fluffy loaf of homemade bread and what's more, making bread at home is cheap. The cost of buying a half decent loaf of bread in the grocery store has increased significantly. Instead make your own whole wheat bread. - Have your guests bring a bottle of green wine.
I love to do the cooking and my friends appreciate that but I never feel bad asking them to bring a bottle of wine. Alcohol can get extremely pricey if you're serving a crowd, so the best way to handle it is to spread the cost. Read up on Planet Green's guide to green wines. - Serve my make-ahead oatmeal cookies.
The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the cookies. They're relatively healthy and a major crowd-pleaser.
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Salivating over sustainable eats? Learn how to make your own with help from Emeril Lagasse in Planet Green TV's organic cooking show, Emeril Green.
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