(Home) Economics 101

"The Economy" (with a capital E) is a subject on the mind of most Americans these days. It's talked about so much that some are tempted to make light of it, but the effects of our national recession are a little too real to turn it into a joke. I know that people are losing jobs, losing money, losing hope. I know a lot of people feel afraid about job security, retirement funds, or what the future holds for their children . . . but I think one good way to react to these (very real) problems is to find things to laugh about and take pleasure in.

In the spirit of looking on the bright side (but not in the spirit of being flippant or unrealistic), here's a recipe I've come up with to help those pinched pennies stretch even further.


I've taken to adding the words "Economic Recession" to every area of my life in which I am trying to save money or cut corners. It makes both Allen and I laugh, and I think that's a good thing. The words "Economic Recession" have lost whatever "fearful" power they may have had before, and it's like we're saying, "Hey, we can make it through this! We have each other, we have our family and our faith, and we'll be okay."

Here's the cost break-down of this delicious dish:

1. chicken thighs: 12-pack at Winco................... $4.50
   (Six at a time = $2.25 per meal)
2. lemon: .......................................................... $.50
3. Mrs. Dash: (2.5 ounce jar) ............................. $3.50
   (About one-fourth of the jar = $.88)

Grand Total: ........................................................... $3.63
Add some homemade bread and your favorite frozen vegetables, and you're looking at feeding your family of six for around $6 at the most.

Of course, you might make this easy, yummy, cost-efficient, in-your-face-Economic-Recession meal, then set the table lovingly and call everyone in to dinner, only to have your (extremely picky) four-year-old announce, "I am so, so disappointed . . . of this dinner."

This coming from a kid who won't eat frosting.

Here's a picture of the assembly, in case my directions seem unclear. It's one of our (Brigham excepted) new favorite meals!