Are you ready to get a little crafty and save some cash at the end of the month? Then here are 5 tricks to help you save cash in the kitchen!

1. Size counts
You might think you’re saving time by placing that tiny little pot on the largest plate on your stove, but what you are really doing is unnecessarily using extra electricity. So, instead of being a creature of habit, rather use big pots on the big plates and keep the smaller plates for the teeny-tiny pots and pans.

2. Double up
If you’re already going to the trouble of making lasagne or Bolognese, it’s just as easy to double up on the ingredients and make an extra batch to pop in the freezer. This way, you can save money by buying in bulk. Bonus points for using half mince/half lentils to stretch your favourite meaty dishes.

3. Put a lid on it!
When you can, put a lid on your pot – it’ll keep the heat in and speed things up. If the lid is tight-fitting, even better! Pop it on and turn the heat down, creating a slow-cooker effect. Result: more electricity saved!

4. Get frozen
We all know foods such as fruits, vegetables and meat can be frozen. But what about some of your other pantry staples? You can freeze everyday items such as bread, wraps, milk, cheese, ham and other cold meats, nuts and even flour. This way, nothing will ever go to waste.

5. Meat-free week
Take meat-free Monday one step further by going veggie for a week every month. This will save you some money, if you stick to economical beans and lentils for protein, plus get you thinking outside the meaty box, forcing you to be more creative with your cooking.

Need a quick and easy way to get all your nutrients in for the week without splurging on cash? Here are some tips on how to meal-plan, like a boss – thank us later!