Finding ways to enjoy time with friends and family on a budget

During hard financial times it is often easy to get discouraged.  When you no longer have the money to go out and it can leave you feeling isolated as you opt to stay in more and not hang out with friends because you don't like to be reminded about the things you can't do because of money.  But it doesn't have to be like that, in fact it is times like this that should bring us all a lot closer together.  One great way to save money and still enjoy your relationships is to plan a family/friend potluck BBQ.  Have everyone bring their own meat and a side dish and plan a meeting place.  If you have a large enough space in your garden plan it there, if not find a local park with picnic tables and BBQ pits.  You can even plan different lawn games to make sure kids and adults alike have fun things to do without spending a lot of money.  Getting together for a potluck saves money by having everyone chip in the cost of a meal out and it provides a much needed social time for families and friends.

There is a wonderful abundance of cheap, delicious potluck ideas out there on blogs and recipe sites you can find suggestions from Celebrity Chef's like Bobby Flay's Honey-Rum Baked Beans or Jamie Oliver's Pasta Salad.  But by far my favorite is a recipe is one that I found from Allrecipe.com, I altered it slightly to fit my taste and this dish has become a standard that has people asking for the recipe every time.

Sesame Cilantro Pasta Salad

1/3 c. olive oil

1/3 c. light soy sauce

1/3 c. rice vinegar

1/4 c. lime juice

3 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 c. cilantro (coriander) chopped

1/2 c. green onions, chopped

1/2 c. sesame seeds

16 oz (500g) whole wheat pasta

Cook Pasta according to the package directions.

Mix oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, ginger and pepper and wisk until mixed well.

Chop up green onions and cilantro

Pour dressing over the pasta and mix in with the onion, cilantro and sesame seeds.  Put in the fridge until ready to serve.