Photo from Shorpy.com

It took the media a while to tell eaters what we already know: Food prices are rising. Last month we saw the biggest jump in over 30 years! Remember, that the 3.9% increase is an average. Some prices went up a lot, some stayed relatively flat, and other went down. For example, beef and pork prices are roughly 10% higher this January than they were in January 2010. Butter prices were 20% higher. But non-carbonated juices and drinks, prices are 2% lower than they were last January.

It’s also important to note that if you live on the west coast or in the northeast, your rate of inflation is higher than the midwest and south. Again, 3.9% is an average and you may be experience differences where you live.

Remember you can have a big impact on your food budget. My Saver’s Kitchen podcast is still available online. With over 20 brief episodes, the podcast will give you some great tips and good ideas about where to start saving.

Please come to my class! The response to “Taming Your Food Budget” has been very positive. If you live in the Portland metro area, feel free to join me at these *FREE* community events:

May 21 @ 10:30am– Sherwood Public Library
May 24 @ 6:30pm– Canby Public Library
June 8 @ 6:30pm– Beaverton Public Library

Please pass my information along to others that may have interest in my blog or podcast, having me speak, or conduct a workshop. They can contact me at kati at (insert the name of my book) . com

From Shorpy.com.

Did you notice all the cookbooks that came out last year that offer an international twist on slow cookers? Michele Scicolone’s, The Italian Slow Cooker, has my attention right now. Last night I prepared her Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. I served it with a nice green salad and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. What a great way to end the workweek.

Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
Salt and Freshly ground pepper
3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken legs, thighs, or breasts, skin removed
(I used all bone-in chicken breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced (I used only one)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 medium lemon, sliced and seeded

Scatter the potatoes in the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 15 minutes. Place the chicken on top of potatoes.

Add the onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute more. Add the wine and lemon juice and bring it to a simmer. Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.

Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken pieces and cook for 1 hour more, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot.

I really enjoyed this segment on NOVA about the food preservation and nutrition program at NASA. I never really thought about what it takes to feed astronauts for months, and possibly, years at a time. Or what it must be like to stock a pantry…in space! Now THAT requires some skill in food preservation. And some very brave astronauts.

The segment isn’t very long, so check it out when you have a few minutes. My favorite part is when the host eats an 8 year old pork chop. Amazing!

Image from Shorpy.

Lots of us make resolutions to ring in the New Year. Especially when food prices are going up (they are), we look for quick ways to trim the food budget quickly.

One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut down on eating out. The latest Consumer’s Expenditures Survey, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports that the average American household spent around $2,700 in 2008 on Food Away from Home. That’s a lot!

So great, you turn to the frozen food aisle to save money, but what about those resolutions you made to eat more healthfully? How do frozen entrees from the fit with those goals?

Fortunately, the publishers of Nutrition Action Health Letter’s December issue rated a few brand-name meals from the frozen-food aisle. Their article compares several lower-sodium products, but also compares calories and vitamins for them too. The article is called, “Say Freeze: What’s New in the Frozen-Food Aisle.” It’s worth a read. And will give you some tips for healthier eating from the freezer section this year.

Happy New Year!

Did you miss the June Recipe of the Month? Don’t forget to come by and get a FREE copy of Shawnee’s 50/50 Flank Steak. I’m leaving it up for the month of July too. Quick! Fire up the grill!

Happy 4th of July!