Without a doubt…using a shopping list can save money. According to University of Illinois Extension, planning ahead, making a list and sticking to it can save money.

Before making the list, plan your menus. Check grocery ads for sales and specials and plan meals around those items.

Once menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are developed, check what foods you already have at home, and then make your shopping list.

List foods that you need in the same order as they are found in the store. Put refrigerated and frozen foods last on your list, to help keep food safe and at optimal quality.

The last important point is to only buy what is on your list! Impulse buying can lead to overspending.

For more information on food buying, nutrition and food safety, visit the Coles County Extension web site at http://coles.extension.uiuc.edu/. Click on Nutrition & Health.

Try this healthy, economical recipe for a pork and sweet potato skillet dinner.

Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet (4 servings)

4 thin-cut, lean pork chops, about 3/4 pound
1 cup apple juice
1 Tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1 can (12 ounces) sweet potatoes, vacuum-packed
1 medium onion, cut in 1/4-inch slices

Instructions
1. Brown chops in hot fry pan.
2. Add 3/4 cup of the apple juice.
3. Cover and simmer until pork chops are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Combine 1/4 apple juice, flour and allspice.
5. Stir apple juice mixture into liquid in pan.
6. Heat until it thickens.
7. Arrange sweet potatoes and onions around and over chops.
8. Spoon sauce over potatoes.
9. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes longer, until potatoes are hot and chops are done.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories 302 ~ fat 11g ~ calories from fat 102 ~ sodium 166 mg ~ total carbohydrate 27 g ~ fiber 2 g.

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