Dining out can be an enjoyable way to eat. It is an opportunity to connect with friends and family or to explore new foods. Yet, navigating today’s increased cost of food is challenging. Check out these tips for dining out on a budget.
- Timing is everything.
- Some restaurants have special discounts based on time of day or day of the week. Keep an eye out for a “Taco Tuesday” or Happy Hour!
- Buy breakfast or lunch.
- Dinner has been reported to be more expensive than breakfast, lunch or brunch. Choosing to dine out for one of these meals instead of dinner could cut down your bill.
- Stay connected to your favorite restaurants.
- You may be able to find special discounts through a restaurant’s mobile app. Consider following them on social media or joining their email list. These are great ways to keep up with promotions and deals.
- Check menus and reviews online before you go.
- Compare menus and reviews to get an idea of portion size versus and price. If portions are large, sharing an entrée with a friend could be the way to go!
- Use coupons and money-saving apps.
- Keep an eye out for flyers with coupons in the mail. Savings apps like Groupon can be a good place to find deals too!
- Recreate your favorite takeout.
- Search the web for a copycat recipe of your favorite takeout. Some are quick and easy to put together. You may even adjust the recipe to further satisfy your taste buds.
Information gathered & adapted from:
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients for Biscuits
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
2 and 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 ounces grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whole milk
Ingredients for Garlic Butter
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1.Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees. Lightly mist a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Make the biscuits. Pulse the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a food processor. Add the shortening and pulse until combined. Add the butter; pulse 4 or 5 times, or until the butter is in pea-size pieces. Add the cheese and pulse 2 or 3 times. Pour in the milk and pulse just until the mixture is moistened and forms a shaggy dough. Turn out onto a clean surface and gently knead until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough or the biscuits will be tough.
3. Drop the dough onto the baking sheet in 1/4-cup portions, 2-inches apart, and bake until golden, 25 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, make the garlic butter. Melt the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Brush the biscuits with the garlic butter and serve warm.
Recipe makes:11 biscuits
Nutrition Information:
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Recipe adapted from:
