The Squeeze

Going to the supermarket - will it ever be enjoyable again? It seems that each trip sees the bill increase and you try to disguise your shock as the cashier reveals the total. So what can we do to reduce the cost of the weekly shop? Buy the stores own brand, stick to your list and never waiver, grow your own veggies and buy the cheaper cuts from the butcher, these are just a few suggestions from Kent folk.

Ask your butcher about cheaper cuts.

Cheaper cuts

Peter Speaight a butcher from Tunbridge Wells says that meat is still a popular item for the British dining table.

People can get put off the more economic cuts because of the fat, bone and gristle but your local butcher can prepare the meat and remove the fat and bone and also give you some cooking tips making it a much more enjoyable experience.

Grow your own

Growing your own vegetables will always reduce your shopping bills and give you a great sense of satisfaction. BBC Radio Kent's John Warnett shares his cheap recipe idea with courgettes and tomatoes from the garden:

John Warnett's courgette bake

Ingredients: 4 courgettes, 3 tomatoes (from your garden), parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, cheddar cheese

Cut the courgettes into pennies. Fry them in a little olive oil, a knob of butter and a little garlic until brown on both sides. Place a layer of the cooked courgettes in a shallow oven proof dish. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place a layer on top of the courgettes. Sprinkle with a little grated parmesan, a twist or two of black pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt. Repeat the layers until all the courgettes have all been used. Add the cheddar cheese to the top and bake in oven for half an our at gas mark 4 (180 degrees C).