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5 Minutes for Books: Family Feasts for $75 a Week

October 5, 2009 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Like books? Check out our wide variety of reviews at 5 Minutes for Books. Better yet — check out our current giveaways where you can not only discover a new book, but enter to win it!

This book title sums it up well. Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bill is not just a book of cost-cutting methods (in fact, she doesn’t even use coupons!). In aiding the reader to save on her monthly “food bill,” Mary Ostyn challenges the reader to look at all places were money is spent on food, including trips to the coffee shop, fast food, and eating out.

familyfeastsThe book is 1/3 narrative about her money-saving habits, and 2/3 recipes, since cooking — and cooking from scratch for the most part — is the primary way to realize significant savings on food.

Mary Ostyn asserts that she is confident that most people could save $100 a month by making most of the changes she suggests, but she challenges each reader to set her own goal, and to make changes gradually so that they will stick.

If you don’t like to cook, or don’t feel like you can cook well, don’t be intimidated by these recipes. Although most are from scratch — not using expensive and over-processed products — they are fairly accessible to even a beginner cook.

Some people might balk at some of the international recipes that she shares, but she encourages you to give them a try, since these recipes generally rely on things other than meat to give them flavor. While the recipes included are not typically “kids’ fare,” they are healthy and the kind of thing that could appeal to most children’s palates after a few exposures.

I’ve tested three of the recipes so far: the Spinach Fritatta, Grandma’s Mushroom Chicken, and Chili Corn Pone Pie. They were all a hit! My 11-year-old daughter balked at the spinach, but ate it anyway. I made the second two dishes when my sister-in-law was visiting, and she and I could have eaten a vat of the delicious mushroom gravy that was featured in the chicken dish. Better yet, her 4-year-old daughter enjoyed them both as well.

I have tried a lot of recipes in my lifetime and generally know when one will succeed, or if it’s not something that is easy enough to make on a regular basis, and the other recipes that I marked to try soon are sure to be a success as well.

This book would be a terrific gift for a new bride or anyone looking to get more familiar with cooking, an art that has been lost by many. Do you want to treat your family to Family Feasts for $75 a Week? Buy Mary Ostyn’s book now.

A bit about the author: Many of you may know Mary Ostyn from her blog Owlhaven.net, where one of her frequent and popular topics is feeding her large family on a budget. Speaking of large families, she also wrote A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family (linked to my review). And in the interest of full disclosure, she was my roommate on the trip to the Dominican Republic that we took last November with Compassion Bloggers. It’s been my privilege to feature these books, and because I’ve enjoyed them each so much, I’ll gladly review any book she writes without reservation (or bias if I can manage it!).

But wait — FIVE of you won’t need to buy it (actually, I’d buy it anyway and give it to a friend if you win it). Just leave a comment here now as your entry, and I’ll announce the winners in next week’s book column.

The two winners of Sue Monk Kidd’s Traveling with Pomegranates are #50 Karen K. (@yahoo) and #69 Shawna F. (@hotmail).


Contributing editor Jennifer Donovan manages 5 Minutes for Books and contributes to 5 Minutes for Giveaways. She blogs at Snapshot.

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Around The Blogosphere – Week 104
Heading to California for Kashi…

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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109 Comments

  1. Trudy says

    November 30, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    I will in fact buy these books. My next stop will be Amazon.
    I think the ideas from these books sound so perfectly sensible that they are worth exploring.

    Reply
  2. mandy says

    October 21, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I’d love to give this book a try! thanks

    Reply
  3. Jennifer C says

    October 14, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Boy, could we use this book!

    Reply
  4. pixie13 says

    October 10, 2009 at 12:49 am

    I’d love to save money at the grocery store. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  5. Laureen says

    October 9, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    I’m an RSS subscriber. Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Laureen says

    October 9, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    I receive your newsletter. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Laureen says

    October 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    This looks like a great book, especially in today’s economy. THanks!

    Reply
  8. Dawn Sarringhausen says

    October 9, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    I recently requested this book from our public library. It is a great book! I almost can’t bring myself to take it back!LOL! We are a family of 4(2 adults, 1teen and 1 tween) I have used several of the recipes here and they are YUM! They don’t take a lot of exotic foods! Though there are some ethnic cuisine that I am trying to get my picky family to try. All in all, Great book that would be good for a beginner as well as any seasoned cook!

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    October 9, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Im a subscriber!

    Reply
  10. Laura says

    October 9, 2009 at 9:55 am

    I have heard a few people mention this book recently. I’m eager to read it!

    Reply
  11. Marj M. says

    October 8, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    I would love a chance to win this book. Thank you.

    Reply
  12. mrsmchavez says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    I’m a mom to a 9 month old infant son, a wife to a stay at home dad, a student trying to get my MA in early childhood education to be a school teacher, and we all live with my mother. As the sole provider in the house, this book would be treasured and greatly appreciated because just last night I was coming home from school and crying at how we are living paycheck to paycheck and we cannot even afford to get our own place. These are the sacrifices I make to ensure my son has the best, like daddy staying home and not having a stranger watch my son while mommy’s at work.

    Reply
  13. blueviolet says

    October 7, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I love this idea! I could use the help!

    Reply
  14. healthy Mom says

    October 7, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Thanks for sharing I am going to have to get this book.

    Reply
  15. Mommy Magee says

    October 6, 2009 at 11:27 pm

    This would be great! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  16. Lorri says

    October 6, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    Sounds like a fabulous book!

    Reply
  17. Staci A says

    October 6, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    This sounds like a great book! I’m not a wonderful cook, and often go for convenience because I’m not too sure of my own skills. But I’d love to teach myself how to do more in the kitchen. Thanks for the chance to enter!

    Reply
  18. Alison S. says

    October 6, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    I saw this book at Barnes & Noble and wondered if it was worth buying. I would love to win it.

    Reply
  19. Cindy B. in Montana says

    October 6, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    This would be a great addition to my kitchen!

    Reply
  20. Brenda Rupp says

    October 6, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    I could use some suggestions on cooking meals and on saving money as my hubby has just been laid off. I’m sure many have the same story.

    Anyway, enter me in the contest! Thanks

    Reply
  21. Chelsea says

    October 6, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    I know I have been needing a change in this avenue for awhile…and a book to tell me how would be great! Thanks!

    Reply
  22. LBynum says

    October 6, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    I have 2 boys, 13 & 16, and boy can they eat. They are eating us out of house and home! Our grocery bill has been steadily rising.

    Reply
  23. Kandis Franklin says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    WOuld love to get new money saving recipes–we hust bought a house and need to get busy saving!!!

    Reply
  24. Melissa says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    I have had this on my Amazon wish list and would love to win it–I’m all for cooking and saving money!

    Reply
  25. LaVonne says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    I think this sounds like a great book!

    Reply
  26. Marine Corps Nomad says

    October 6, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    The more I hear about this book the more I want it. lol! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth says

    October 6, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    I think Mary is great, and I’ve been waiting for this book to be released. She’s such an inspiration!

    Reply
  28. Krista says

    October 6, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I’m in desperate need of this book!

    Reply
  29. Karen says

    October 6, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    This looks like a practical and fun book to win. I’m always looking for new recipes and for saving money.

    Reply
  30. Angie says

    October 6, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    I could really use the money saving and cooking tips. My husband just got layed off yesterday so we need to learn to get by on less for the time being anyway.

    Reply
  31. Cris says

    October 6, 2009 at 11:54 am

    I’d like anything new to get the grocery bills back in line!

    Reply
  32. Deedee says

    October 6, 2009 at 11:26 am

    I could use this book! I have so much trouble sticking to a food budget, and thinking of interesting (and inexpensive!) things to cook!

    Reply
  33. jodi says

    October 6, 2009 at 9:44 am

    looks great – thanks!

    Reply
  34. christy davis says

    October 6, 2009 at 9:22 am

    i’d love to win we are a family of 7 so i am always looking for way to save

    Reply
  35. Pam says

    October 6, 2009 at 9:11 am

    This sounds great for me…I’m pretty frugal, with my family of 6…but we’re jumping to a family of 8 in January, and losing my income in the mix…I can use all of the advice I can get!

    Reply
  36. Eve says

    October 6, 2009 at 3:05 am

    I would love this cookbook. It would suit my frugal lifestyle especially when my budget is so tight right now.

    shopgurl101 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  37. Phyllis says

    October 6, 2009 at 1:13 am

    I would love to discover new and delicious recipes that actually save me money.

    Reply
  38. Kristen M. says

    October 6, 2009 at 12:24 am

    I would love to add this book to my cookbook collection. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  39. Jinii says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    I would love this. I am really trying to cooke more and doing it on a budget would be great.

    Reply
  40. Marilu says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    I would love this book! I spend well over $100 a week for a family of 4 (2 adults, an 11 year old, and a 1 year old). I could reallylearn from this book! thanks for the opportunity to win it.
    lovemykidsandbooks at gmail dot com

    Reply
  41. Jennifer says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:33 pm

    Looking forward to it! Thanks for the opportunity and great review!

    Reply
  42. aimee says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    Thanks again for the great review and a chance to win!

    Reply
  43. Fonda says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  44. Nancy S. says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    This looks like a great book!
    Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  45. Megret says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    I subscribe to your feed.

    Reply
  46. Megret says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    I would love this book! Sounds so very helpful.

    Reply
  47. Elizabeth says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    i’d love to win. looks like a great book!

    Reply
  48. Marj M. says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    You had me drooling at the mushroom gravy. This sounds delish. Yes, I would like to win this cookbook.

    Reply
  49. karen k says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Would LOVE to add this book to by cookbook library…thanks.

    Reply
  50. Margaret says

    October 5, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    This looks like such a fun book! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  51. Donna says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    I’d love to win a copy of this book. I’m a single parent with a child on college now *gulp* and I need all the help I can get trimming my budget! Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  52. Neas Nuttiness says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I’d love a chance to win a copy. Thank you so much for the giveaway!

    Reply
  53. Mindy says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    This sounds like a great book! Having a family of 5, we’re trying to find ways to eat healthy but not spend an arm & a leg on groceries! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!

    Reply
  54. Jen says

    October 5, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Count me in!

    Reply
  55. Bess says

    October 5, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Oh, how awesome! I am constantly looking to reduce our monthly food bill, especially with #3 coming the the spring! I try so hard t obe frugal…I’d love to win this book! Thanks! 🙂

    Reply
  56. Alex says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    I’d love to win!

    Reply
  57. Jackie H says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    This would be such a great resource! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Amy says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Oh, I’ve wanted this since I first read about it!!

    Reply
  59. Alexis says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    Oh, this looks so good. I could use it for sure.

    Reply
  60. Courtney says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    What a great book. I’d love to win this!

    Reply
  61. Robyn Popham says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    I have five kids and would definitely be interested in her tips and tricks for saving money on meals!

    Reply
  62. Jen says

    October 5, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    With 3 kids and 1 income, this would be a huge help!

    Reply
  63. Teresa says

    October 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    I could so use a book like this…and I would share with my friend who’s family is even larger than mine.

    Reply
  64. Jingle says

    October 5, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    This looks like such a wonderful resource!

    Reply
  65. Julie says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:44 am

    Looks great! Please enter me. 🙂

    Reply
  66. denise says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:20 am

    I would love a copy of this.

    Reply
  67. LT says

    October 5, 2009 at 11:19 am

    This sounds like a great resource! Thanks so much for the chance!

    Reply
  68. Dezi Allen says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:50 am

    I would love it, I’m sure!

    Reply
  69. Mama Zen says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:45 am

    I could definitely use this!

    Reply
  70. Chocolate on my Cranium says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Although I think we do pretty good in the grocery budget area (about $100/week for our family of 9) I’d love to find out more ways I can save and still provide healthy meals for my family.

    Reply
  71. Lisa says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:22 am

    I’d love to win this! 😉
    lisaanne29AThotmailDOTcom

    Reply
  72. Lisa says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I’d LOVE to win this for my family!

    Reply
  73. KLTTX says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:08 am

    Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  74. A Bookshelf Monstrosity says

    October 5, 2009 at 10:08 am

    This book sounds awesome! Thanks for this giveaway.Please enter me 🙂

    Thanks,

    fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  75. Stacie says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:59 am

    I would love to check this book out and see how it would work for our family! Thanks for the contest!
    Staciele(at)netins(dot)net

    Reply
  76. Amy says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I would love to win Mary’s book. Always on the lookout for new recipes.

    Reply
  77. Jen says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:43 am

    This book sounds great!

    Reply
  78. Laura Navarro says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:37 am

    This sounds like a great book. I enjoy her blog.

    Reply
  79. Hailey says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:29 am

    My family and I sooo need this book! My fingers are crossed that I win!

    Reply
  80. brandy says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Oh this is just the book i need, i spend a fortune on groceries weekly.

    Reply
  81. Ashley says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:23 am

    This sounds like the perfect book for my family!

    Reply
  82. Linda says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:15 am

    Would love to give it a try!

    Reply
  83. Kristie says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:12 am

    This sounds like a wonderful book!

    Reply
  84. Amy from Occupation: Mommy says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:08 am

    This sounds like a great book!

    Reply
  85. Marla Taviano says

    October 5, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Ooooh! This would be awesome!

    Reply
  86. Missy K says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:46 am

    I would love a copy of this!

    Reply
  87. MaryBeth says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:43 am

    I’ve got your button on my sidebar.

    Reply
  88. MaryBeth says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:43 am

    I get the email newsletter.

    Reply
  89. MaryBeth says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I’m a subscriber.

    Reply
  90. MaryBeth says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:41 am

    I’d love a chance to check out this cookbook!! Thanks!

    Reply
  91. Terra Jones says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:36 am

    I’d love a chance!

    thanks!!

    Reply
  92. Kimberley says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:30 am

    I live off of menu planning books! This one looks like it would be a great addition to my collection!

    Reply
  93. Anna says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:20 am

    This sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  94. Kristina says

    October 5, 2009 at 8:01 am

    I’m looking for budget help =) I’ve had this on my wishlist for awhile! Thanks!

    Reply
  95. Jessica says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:53 am

    I have been wanting to check out this book. Thanks for offering!

    Reply
  96. Susan says

    October 5, 2009 at 7:05 am

    Please enter me in the contest! Thanks!

    Reply
  97. Mom24 says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:39 am

    I could definitely use this right now. Thanks.

    Reply
  98. Tiffany (As For My House) says

    October 5, 2009 at 6:19 am

    This sounds like a great book for our family!

    Reply
  99. edj says

    October 5, 2009 at 5:57 am

    I want this one…not just because I’m a fan of Mary at Owlhaven and her family, but because living overseas means I need recipe books that don’t rely on processed foods only available in the US.

    Reply
  100. Junglewife says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:10 am

    I get the newsletter!

    Reply
  101. Junglewife says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:09 am

    I’m subscribed to your feed through Google Reader.

    Reply
  102. Tricia says

    October 5, 2009 at 4:03 am

    This book sounds great! I’m sure my family would benefit from it.

    Reply
  103. susan says

    October 5, 2009 at 3:57 am

    I know just the friend who would love this book. Plus he’d share it with me too! Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  104. Junglewife says

    October 5, 2009 at 3:52 am

    I’d love to win this! I’m always looking for new books with ways to save money and great recipes from scratch!

    Reply
  105. Angel S. says

    October 5, 2009 at 2:20 am

    I know that we spend way too much money on food and that is where I primarily blow any kind of budget. Sounds like I need this book!

    Reply
  106. Esther Crawford says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:31 am

    Mary is a huge inspiration – her family & adoption stories are so wonderful. I was lucky enough to have met her last summer at BlogHer and have been a big fan ever since.

    Reply
  107. Krista says

    October 5, 2009 at 1:26 am

    Um, yes please! I need all the help I can get with my cooking and my grocery budget!

    Reply

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