MEAL PREPARATION STRATEGIES Scratch Semi-homemade/Speed-scratch Finished/Convenience

SCRATCH COOKING Meal preparation that uses a recipe and no convenience foods for most foods served.

Advantages of Scratch Cooking One can choose what ingredients go in to flavor the dish and provides maximum variety, creativity, and more flavorful in meal preparation. (Example: -Like lots of onions, add extra onions to the casserole -Add more spices if you prefer -OR substitute chicken instead of beef)

Are there recipes where ingredients cannot be changed? Yes! Basic ingredients in baked goods CANNOT be changed such as basic flour, fat, or liquid ingredients. Flavoring ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla can be changed.

Advantages to Scratch Cooking You can control ingredients based on health concerns. (Example: someone in your family has high blood pressure; change or omit the amount of salt the recipe calls for)

Advantages to Scratch Cooking Provides maximum nutritional value Fewer additives and preservatives Usually less waste in packaging Uses quality fresh ingredients Scratch cooking can be a way to relieve stress Share time with family and friends

Advantages of Scratch Cooking Saves you MONEY! While your time is worth money, the money you save buying your own ingredients can help trim your food bill.

Disadvantages of Scratch Cooking Takes more time to plan Takes more time to shop Takes more time to prepare

Examples of Scratch Cooking Making biscuits using a recipe with flour, shortening, and buttermilk instead of from a can. Cooking pasta, adding milk, eggs, and cheese to make baked macaroni and cheese instead of using a box version.

Semi-homemade/Speed Scratch Meal preparation that uses a convenience food, such as a mix or already prepared food as part of the recipe. + pancake mix = speed scratch pancakes

Advantages of Semi-Homemade/Speed Scratch Saves time and energy by providing short cuts Adds variety and creativity to recipes Usually less expensive than convenience foods Easier for inexperienced cooks to prepare recipes with more confidence than scratch recipes

Disadvantages of Semi-Homemade/Speed scratch Flavor may not be what you wanted (example: too strongly flavored in some ways and not enough in others) Mixes tend to be high in fat, salt, sugar, and refined grains—less good nutrition than scratch recipes Less meal appeal than scratch More preservatives and additives than scratch Extra packaging More costly than scratch

Examples of Semi-Homemade/Speed Scratch Browned ground beef + canned beans + canned tomato sauce + spices = chili -use dried beans to save money and sodium, but it takes several hours to prepare dried beans -using canned beans takes only minutes Baking a cake, cookies, or brownies from a box mix

Examples of Semi-Homemade/Speed Scratch Bananas + instant pudding + vanilla wafer = banana pudding -use homemade pudding to control sugar and add nutrition with eggs -instant pudding is ready in 5 minutes, preparing homemade pudding, even in the microwave, takes about 8 minutes

Finished/Convenience Foods Meal planning and preparation that uses all precooked, ready-to-eat, serve and eat foods Can be used as a whole meal or as parts of a meal May be purchased at a store or restaurant.

Advantages to using finished/convenience foods Convenient Time saving (macaroni & cheese)‏ Energy saving Fear of cooking success is minimized Usually more nutritious than fast foods (read labels)

Disadvantages of Using Finished/Convenience Foods More expensive than the other meal preparation strategies Highest sodium/fat content than the other meal preparation strategies Flavor and appearance may not compare as well as the other meal preparation strategies More additives and preservatives than all other meal preparation strategies More packaging than the other meal preparation strategies

Examples of Finished/Convenience Foods Roasted chickens Bagged salads Pre-cut fresh fruits and vegetables Canned foods Frozen fruits Frozen pizzas and other entrees

Examples of Finished/Convenience Foods Bakery items-cakes and pies Packaged cookies Using as parts of a meal, items such as restaurant made salads, side dishes, or entrees.