pasta (the cheapest place I’ve found for decent pasta is at Trader Joe’s … at $0.69 a lb., it’s hard to beat)
chicken or veggie broth (stock up on the canned stuff if you see it on sale; even cheaper, however, is to make your own and freeze it)
seasonings (salt and pepper are a given; other spices and condiments that get a lot of use in my kitchen: cayenne pepper, chili powder, cider vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, thyme. And if you’re a spicy food fan, a bottle of good hot sauce is essential. As with rice, you can often find spices for much cheaper at ethnic grocery stores than at the supermarket. It’s also a good idea to check out the bulk spice sections of whole food markets.)

2 Stock up when you see sales. Some people will tell you that you should make your shopping list and stick to it unwaveringly. While I’m a reluctant pro-lister (my much more organized honey has finally convinced me of the merits of list-making), I tend to think it’s a good idea to leave some flexibility in your shopping – you never know when you’re going to see a really good deal on some kitchen essential that you don’t truly require right now, but certainly will use at some later point in time. Pasta, canned goods, frozen meats and the like will all keep well, and should be snagged whenever you see them on sale. The important thing, however, is to stock up only on those items that you really, truly require in your kitchen. You have amazing powers of delusion indeed if you can persuade yourself into believing that you’re actually saving money by buying 6 pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, just because it was on sale. Remember, it’s only a good deal if it’s something you’d normally buy even if it didn’t have that price cut sticker on it.

3 Buy in bulk. You’ll almost always save money by purchasing large quantities rather than small. (When in doubt, be sure to compare the cost per weight information that most supermarkets are kind enough to provide on their price labels). Of course, there’s a danger in bulk sizing as well – it’s all too easy to think you’re getting a really good deal on a mondo-sized package of an item, but if you can’t eat it all up before it goes bad, you’ll surely ending up pitching the remainders.

don't stop: still more this way!

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