Semi-prepared foods cost more than something you cut up yourself, but they save time. Are they worth the extra price? Here are three meals with comparisons.
BEEF & VEGGIE STIR-FRY
Servings: 4
Semi-prepared
Buy sliced, marinated meat; cut-up veggies; bottled stir-fry sauce; cooked rice.
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: $16
Take out
Cost: $22
From scratch
With an organized list, you can shop in 10 minutes, prep for 10, cook for 10 (rice cooks in 20 minutes).
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $14
CHICKEN CAESAR
Servings: 4
Semi-prepared
Buy bags of Caesar salad ingredients, including croutons, dressing, and cheese; cooked chicken is available at the deli counter.
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $18
Take-out
Cost (at Panera): about $22.
From scratch
Time: 40 minutes
Cost: $15
PIZZA
Servings: 4
Semi-prepared
At Stop & Shop, you can purchase the makings for two 12-inch pepperoni pizzas, packaged together ($9.99). Make it healthier by adding a few trimmed and washed broccoli florets.
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $5 (one pie)
Take-out
Time: 15 to 20 minutes (waiting for Domino’s delivery)
Cost: about $14, including delivery and tip, for a pepperoni pie.
From scratch
Cost: $5.25
Time: all afternoon
