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Foods I still buy regardless of the recession

Yes, times is tough and everyone's tightening their belts.

But even if you're using less of certain foods, what will you NOT give up?

Mine is GOOD coffee (discovered Groundworks recently), real maple syrup (Trader Joe's), artisan sourdough loaves, Indian Tellicherry black peppercorns (Penzey's), and Doves Promises. Oh, and applewood-smoked bacon.

Anyone else?

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  1. I won't give up those big beautiful scallops i see sometimes, good olive oils, quality spices and herbs.... yeah those are my big splurges because i generally spend most of my money on produce. Oh wait.... i should amend that..... i won't give up good cheese! or good beer, but that's a separate topic

      1. re: Cherylptw

        specialty cheeses, I'm right with ya. Also fresh seafood

      2. i honestly haven't given up anything - i'd rather cut corners in other areas. buying the highest-quality food & ingredients to prepare and enjoy at home is much more important to me than dining out, going to the movies, shopping for new clothes...

        having said that, if i *did* change my grocery buying habits, i wouldn't give up organic produce, fresh herbs, or grass-fed meats.

        1 Reply
        1. re: goodhealthgourmet

          I won't skimp on grass fed meat and dairy or organic produce either, for our health and enjoyment and due to a sense of responsibility. I've tried more economical coffees than the ones we've been spoiled by for years, but breaking up has proven too hard to do.

        2. Local eggs, cheese, bread, fish & produce - although I now buy the cheapest, not the prettiest or the fanciest. So local squid & porgies are in, and local monkfish & flounder are out. A dollar bag of field tomatoes rather than $4/lb heirlooms. A head of butter lettuce for $2, not the triple washed mesclun. I don't mind cutting back a bit (and even if I did, I don't really have a choice). But I still want to support my local farmers, and my finely honed sense of food entitlement.

          2 Replies
          1. re: small h

            dang, i'm so jealous. a dollar bag of field tomatoes? best i could get in florida recently was $2.50. i ate tomato sandwiches almost every day!

            1. re: alkapal

              They were a little banged up. But still a bargain!

          2. Ok - real butter. That's it. I can make do w/ anything else. But, yeah, butter