A key to living on a budget is embracing the minimalist philosophy. You aren't low on food ingredients because you're broke or too lazy to go to the grocery store, you're embracing a low consumption lifestyle, free of clutter! (It's all about perception.)

Mark Bittman's blog on the NYtimes website, Bitten, stresses minimalism in cooking: using simple ingredients and preparation to bring out delicious natural flavors. No need to mask what is already good with a lot of extraneous, exotic touches. When i look at a recipe, the most frustrating thing is its inclusion 20 different ingredients, 10 of which I don't have.  If I wanted to spend $50, I'd go out for a delicious dinner -- not make it at home! This is never the case with Bitten recipes -- the following recipe, in fact, has only three components.

Sausages with Grapes

Yield 4 servings

Time 30 minutes

Mark Bittman

    * 1 to 1 1/2 pounds fresh Italian sausage
    * 4 cups seedless grapes
    * 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, or to taste



 1. Place sausages in a 10- or 12-inch skillet, and turn heat to medium. Cook sausages, turning from time to time, about 15 minutes. When they are brown all over, prick each sausage in a few places with a thin-bladed knife and cook for 5 minutes more.
2. Remove sausages to a warm platter. If more than a tablespoon or two of fat remains in the pan, remove excess. Add grapes, and turn heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until some of the grapes collapse. Add vinegar or lemon juice, stir, and turn off the heat. Serve sausages nestled in grapes.


Yes - just three ingredients!! Can you even believe it?  I sampled this recipe with friends back in April and everyone had rave reviews.  It was possibly the easiest thing I've ever made.   So embrace minimalism, eat well and save some cash!