(June 1, 2013 at 4:10 pm)Gilgamesh Wrote: Cardboard food is more expensive than buying the whole ingredients.
Ah, I would not say that this is universally true, although it can generally be so, depending on what you're selecting.
If it were possible to compare apples to apples, it might be true, but I'm not sure that it's possible. Personally, I almost always cook for just myself, occasionally for two. One of the cost issues involved with cooking for one is food waste - both in terms of raw ingredients and stored leftovers. I tend to buy only what I can use in the next few days, or that I can freeze - and freezer space is at a premium. I can't take advantage of bulk packaged meat as a rule for that reason - and refrigerated, half of it's going to spoil before I can get around to using it.
I could feed myself for a few dollars a meal were I to choose prepared frozen meals and canned vegetables. I find them lacking in culinary appeal, and so I don't. I probably could not replicate those meals for what I could buy them for. In particular, fresh vegetables and meat are quite expensive by comparison.
Were I feeding myself on a tight budget, I probably would choose to eat frozen prepared foods, ramen, and the like - which are quite inexpensive and adequately nutritious, though not terribly healthy or palatable.
Were I cooking for three or more on a regular basis, I have no doubt I could prepare very palatable meals for less than "cardboard" food. When I'm cooking for myself and my son, I certainly have more options.
