It's not all just saving and investing over here at Consumer of None. We understand the importance of good times, but entertainment can sometimes drive a wedge between the frugal and their friends. You're content to take part in free activities like hiking and board games, while they want to hit up the latest restaurant. What to do?
Although you may have to accept a dinner invitation once in awhile, I've found that non-frugal people often suggest society's default activities - i.e. dinner and a movie - because that's what they think you should do, not because it's the only way they'll have fun. If you host frugal activities a few times, you may find your non-frugal friends suddenly start suggesting hiking and at-home gatherings instead of expensive nights out. I love a good at-home time, but one of the biggest hurdles for me was lack of confidence in my cooking skills. Practice has helped that a lot, but I also recommend mastering a few simple but impressive dishes that you can easily throw together for guests. Note that hosting costs money, too, and often more than you would think. However, I always look at it as an opportunity to treat my friends at a much lower cost than going out. I find that you can feed and provide drinks for up to four people for about the cost of one plate at a restaurant without drinks. If you're feeling really tight, you can always do more of a potluck-style meal instead. Here are my favourite easy entertaining options: 1. Mexican night (appetizer and drinks): Drink: Mexican Bulldog These taste like a professional bartender made them but are really easy. In a blender (I just use the Magic Bullet), combine 1 can frozen limeaid, 6 shots tequila, 2 shots triple sec and ice. Divide between four glasses. Top up each glass with Corona. It should be about half a Corona/glass. If you want to be really fancy, serve these in margarita glasses. Appetizer: Nachos Pour tortilla chips on a plate or baking sheet. Put shredded cheddar cheese on top (I buy the pre-shredded texmex mix from Costco. I've compared prices and it costs the same to buy shredded as to buy a block). Bake until cheese is melted. I actually put these in the toaster oven, which is much easier and faster. Serve with salsa and sour cream, and avocado if you have it! 2. Pizza night I'm always confused by the stereotype of poor college students ordering pizza. Delivery pizza is actually really expensive. As such, I've made a lot of homemade pizza in my day. The easiest version is just to use pita or naan as a base (perfect for a kids party). However, if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, this is my go-to recipe. A couple notes: - I use quick-rise yeast and it seems to work fine. I let it rise for the same amount of time. - I skip the whole wheat flour (it's pizza, it's not going to be healthy either way). I live in a really dry climate, so I like to mix in 4 cups, then add approx. one additional cup while kneading. - Knead for a full 8 minutes, minimum. For the first 6 minutes it will feel like you're just making it worse and then, poof, it will start to stick together and be beautiful. - For toppings, I use Costco's pre-shredded mozzarella. If it has frozen into a giant clump, throw the clump onto a plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds. - Costo also sells a pack of pre-sliced fancy Italian meats which we usually buy instead of pepperoni. If you want regular pepperoni, you can get it at most grocery stores, just ask at the deli. - This recipe makes three pizzas. I normally make one (I bake it party-style on a cookie sheet) and then freeze the rest. To defrost, either set out on the counter for a few hours, or leave in the fridge for approx. 24 hours. - The recipe says 16 servings. We usually eat half a pizza each, which is 6! Just a heads up for the big eaters out there. 3. Fancy Dinner: Main: Instant Pot Ribs Yes, ribs are expensive, but they're a nice treat to make for guests. This whole meal probably costs around $30 to prepare, which is what you would pay (before tip) for one servering of ribs at a restaurant, except this will feed 4 people. Pricier than an everyday meal, but still reasonable. I use this recipe but: - I cook the ribs for 45 minutes in the instant pot. I found 25 was not enough to fully cook them. - Be very generous with the bbq sauce. That's what makes ribs, ribs! - My oven has a high-medium-low broil setting. I put it on high and watch them like a hawk. They only take about 2-3 minutes to broil. - I don't have a bbq, but I bet these would be even better grilled. Side 1: Baked Potatoes I love these for a dinner party because they're delicious but mostly hands-off, and can be prepped well before guests arrive. I use Alton Brown's recipe. Side 2: Asparagus You could easily do a salad instead, but I feel like asparagus adds an extra-fancy touch. Option 1: For an easy hands-off recipe, this roasted asparagus just pops in the oven, letting you chat with guests while it cooks. Option 2: Slightly more hands-on, but tastier result: Saute asparagus in butter. When softened (but not limp) add 1-2 cloves garlic and saute for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add a dash of olive oil and 1 tblsp lemon juice.
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