With another three-day Yom Tov (Jewish holiday) coming this week, we have a lot to do. It always feels like we just finished cooking and yet it is time to start all over!
Last week we weren’t so organized and my husband still managed to create delicious food for the several meals we were at home. However, this set of Yom Tov days we have more meals we are at home. That means it is time to pull out our tried and true tips for spending as little as possible and getting everything done in time.
Here are some of my blog posts from the past that may help you in your preparations:
1) Menu planning – I created a menu planning form for Yom Tov that really helps. You can download yours here. Choose the one that fits the calendar for that year.
- Menu Plan for 2-day Yom Tov – includes space to include up to 4 weekday meals before the holiday and a 2-day Yom Tov
- Menu Plan for 3-day Yom Tov – made for a 3-day Yom Tov only
2) Shopping at Aldi – If we do nothing else but plan a menu and shop at Aldi, we already can make our Yom Tov cheaper and easier! Need I say more?
3) Keeping track of prices saves us the most! – Having a price list and knowing where to shop for the best deals on everything by far saves us so much money! It does require shopping at more than one store, but it is well worth it! Our favorite stores include Aldi, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart.
4) Making your own challah – There was a time when we relied on buying challah, however that expense adds up quickly. Now with the help of our bread machine, challah making is not quite so time-consuming. My husband took over that mitzvah several years ago and is now a pro!
5) Don’t buy it, make it homemade – Part 3 – There are so many things that you can make yourself and save money. Check out my post for ideas.
6) Here a recipe, there a recipe – Organizing our recipes makes our holiday planning much easier. We have used several systems over the years, but the binders I describe in this post are very helpful. We also keep a typed list of favorites now that includes the type of recipe, the name of the recipe, and the cookbook and page we can find it. My husband would love to go all digital for our recipes since we have so many cookbooks and recipes, but we have not figured out how to do that yet.
7) SodaStream soda makers! – We love using our SodaStream! It is a great way to provide a treat without spending a ton on soda. They also have some natural soda waters that are don’t have sugar or artificial sweeteners!
8) Shabbos Shortcuts – A few tips for when you are in a pinch!
9) Making the most of the whole bird – We can get several meals from one chicken! Check out my husband’s smart tactics!
10) Create a list of recipes that can be made on Yom Tov. Lately we have had to make a few more things than usual on Yom Tov. It is helpful to have a list of easy recipes that you can put together on the holiday if you can’t get everything done in time! We started ours this year. What is on your list?
I would love to hear your tips, too! Please comment below! Chag Sameach!
Surviving on a tight budget 
Leave a Reply