Be a smart shopper

We've got some great tips for the frugal food shopper (who isn't these days), plus a selection of credit-crunch-defying recipes that cost less than a fiver.

Choose loose rather than pre-packed mushrooms – they’re better value

Ring your local butcher and ask if he’ll do a good deal if you buy in bulk, then fill the freezer with mince, chops and chicken

Buy your rice in a large bag from an Asian supermarket and store in a cool dry place. It will save you a small fortune

When making a recipe requiring breadcrumbs, don’t buy expensive ready-made ones. Pick up a loaf on offer at the end of the day. Its slight staleness will make better crumbs, so whizz up the whole loaf and freeze whatever is left over

Don’t feel tied to always using beef mince. If your local butcher or supermarket has a good offer on lamb or pork mince, substitute that instead

If you’re putting bacon pieces into pasta or a risotto, don’t buy expensive rashers or cubes. Ask the butcher for off-cuts

Buy a big chunk of budget Cheddar, then grate in a processor and freeze in bags. You can add a handful to sauces and other dishes straight from the freezer.

Meals that cost less than a fiver for four people

Creamy chicken cobbler recipe
This delicious chicken recipe costs less than a fiver to make and takes just half an hour to cook. Turkey is an even cheaper alternative.

Crispy pork belly recipe
A fantastic, cheap cut of meat – this recipe feeds four for around £4.50. You don’t need to stick to fennel seeds on the pork belly – try adding lemon zest, garlic and rosemary instead.

Mushroom and bacon pasta recipe
If you’re putting bacon pieces into pasta or a risotto, don’t buy expensive rashers or cubes. Ask the butcher for off-cuts.