Bored Like Me

Definitely puts things into perspective. The average home-cooked meal I make costs about $15 or more in ingredients (I spend $30-60 getting them, though, but they last for more than one meal). I'd be lost if that had to be cut down to $5.

At the risk of sounding extremely snobby, it's extremely difficult to UN-refine one's tastes to accommodate a drastically tighter budget. During Paris Hilton's brief incarceration, she was given food she couldn't stand to eat. As much as I dislike Paris, I can totally understand this. When you're used to eating better than that, this "common" food is gross and unappetizing. And suppose you're vegetarian, and suddenly you're given a hotdog, which for all you know is made up of random wildlife stuffed through a processor.

The recession hasn't yet taken it's toll on me, personally... I haven't had to change anything in my lifestyle or habits just yet. Actually, it was worse when gas prices were skyrocketing. I still have my job and everything, and am in no danger of losing it.

EDIT: Is it just me that gets that extremely sad feeling every time she throws in a ton of salt and pepper, and when she talks about how delicious it is? I understand they did their best with what they could afford, but someone must really be hungry for those things to really taste good.

You know... I think it is all a matter of perspective. There are somethings my mom made while i was growing up that i still love to eat (only when she makes them of course)... Many of these simple dishes were a part of how she grew up eating on a budget with her family. Other people have commented on how something simple like a bowl of rice and beans... Or ground beef with chopped potatoes (to add bulk to the meat and feed more) can be good... They just are. I guess the true test comes when you don't have a choice. My parallel (for the sake of an example) is a time when I changed my dog's food to a different brand. At first she didn't like it and I considered tossing the bag out and getting the other one. My mom questioned that and said "Don't worry. She'll get hungry sooner or later. When she is hungry she will eat it." Hopefully the economy doesn't affect anyone to the point of this being a decision you have to make but I guess if it came down to eat a $5 meal or heat the house i'd find out where my priorities are.

Heck ay-yuh...
Pull on (yet) another sweater and make a potatoe omelette