Trying Out New Recipes

The first time I ever tasted Chicken Alfredo, was at Olive Garden.  I loved it.  In turn, when I would have a craving for it, I would go to Olive Garden for it.  No, not too often, since it is so expensive to eat out.  But I would go there.  Then I learned how to make it!  How stupid I was to waste that money at Olive Garden for the alfredo.  (Ok so maybe it is worth it for those addicting breadsticks huh? *grin)  Anyways, after learning how to make it from a recipe online and realizing how much cheaper it is this way, man have I saved some money. 

Instead of wasting money eating out, try out fun recipes and make it yourself.  First, you don't have to worry about having bad service.  You don't have to worry about finding a sitter or hauling your kids out, and hoping that they behave without any loud, obnoxious scene.  It is much smarter. 

I wont ever forget hanging out with my friend when I had just had my baby boy.  She made this incredible chicken tortilla soup topped with avocados.  Oh my goodness was that stuff good.  When I asked her about where she had learned to make it, she said she found the recipe online.  It was so great, and if I hadn't known better I would have thought that for sure it had come from a restaurant.  I was amazed at how great it was.  And yes, I had more than one bowl .  Guilty. 

Eating out really can take a toll on anyone's budget.  So try something that you are willing to pay at a restaurant and make it at home.  See how much money you can make it for and save the difference.  I think it is a blast.