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April 14, 2008
One-Dollar Dish on Good Morning America
At the Food Network Kitchens, we live for the joy in getting folks to cook more (and better) at home, and we have great fun doing it. This year that goal has been challenged by the soaring costs of food worldwide. And when the rise in basic commodities (like milk, eggs and cereal grains) are raising as many alerts as rising fuel costs, we all have to fight even harder to preserve our basic right for common access to delicious and nutritious food at reasonable prices.
Although the average American family may not be feeling the hit just yet, food inflation presents a major threat to the 12 million children who are already at risk for food insecurity in the US. That is exactly why we're dedicated to our partnership with Share Our Strength and their fight to end childhood hunger in America in our lifetime. And it's also why we perked up when Good Morning America called and challenged me to cook a delicious three-course meal using only ingredients from the 99-cent store.
In general, you'll always find me (and my colleagues in the kitchens) touting fresh, seasonal and local products whenever possible. I value relationships with local farmers and fish mongers, artisanal cheesemakers and bakers often above the extra pennies I could save buying somwhere else, because those purchases help to preserve a food culture, a community and an agricultural landscape that has tremendous value to the health of our society. But the way I see it, if I am going to buy canned tomatoes or beans that have been shipped across the country to my grocer's shelves, why not get them for the bargain price of 99-cents? And what if I put the extra pennies I saved in a jar in my kitchen, and gave them to Share Our Strength at the end of each month? And, what if a few other people got the same idea...
So, I accepted the challenge. The segment, which aired yesterday Good Morning America Weekend edition, follows Andrea Canning and me to a 99-Cent store in central Manhattan to search out the best bargains we could find. Then we went back to the Food Network Kitchens to cook both low cost and luxary versions of the same dish. In the end, the high end versions won the live taste tests, but since the dollar-store dinners were a close second and the savings was over $80, I think I'll take a few of my own tricks to heart in my home.
If you decide to take the challenge and hit your local dollar store, here are a few things to consider:
Always check sell-by dates on all products, just as you would in the regular grocery store. We didn't find anything that was expired in our local 99-cent store, but it never hurts to check!Watch for dented cans, which may disturb the safety of the ingredients. Most stores will take these right off the shelves, but never put your food safety in someone else's hands.
Look for ingredients that are minimally processed and pack the most nutritional bang for your buck! Shopping at the dollar store doesn't need to be trip to the junk food hall of fame! Canned tomatoes and beets are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Frozen vegetables retain most of their vitamins, and yogurt and nuts are healthy protein options that won't break your bank or clog your arteries!
Since most dollar stores don't sell fresh produce or herbs, use healthy products with big flavors like V-8 juice, which has the aromas of celery, onions and tomatoes all in one can (plus loads of essential vitamins)!
Check back in for more details on rising food costs from our culinary research expert Jonathan Milder. In the meantime, take a spin through your local 99-cent store (on your way to the farmer's market, of course). I bet my bottom dollar (or at least 99-cents) that you'll be surprised at what you find!
Sarah Copeland, Dime Store Diva, Food Network Kitchens
Posted by Food Network at April 14, 2008 5:47 PM
Comments
I think we have an 89 cent store here. Does that just rock your world??
Posted by: Jen at April 15, 2008 1:18 AM