Whole Foods’ Chowdown Chart has an interesting comparison of 3 meals, each prepared with 3 variations according to budget and time.
It makes me realize how few pre-packaged foods I buy. I am definitely willing to invest more time for less cost. I never buy shredded cheese or rotisserie chickens, not because there aren’t high quality versions available, but because they are more expensive than shredding cheese or roasting a chicken myself. Plus, I enjoy putzing away in the kitchen.
Beans? Beans I go back and forth on. I appreciate the dry version being cheaper (and lighter to schlep back from the store) but it really does take time and forethought to soak and boil them. And honestly, in recipes, I don’t notice much of a taste difference. Neither does the The Amateur Gourmet. Beans are one item that I’m tempted to see my time as more valuable than money. That is, until I get my hands on some really great heirloom beans like Rancho Gordo.