FUNdue night!

So being a young person with no children, I have found challenges with how to be frugal and still be social. Everyone has heard over and over again "well don't go out, dinner out and bars are a waste of money". Well sadly (for me) it took me QUITE a few years to realize the truth in this.

Honestly, working as a bartender helps alot:

~ I have to work hours when everyone else is going out.

~ After being around a bunch of loud, drunk folks all day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend money to be around them after I get off work.

~ I've met alot of other service industry types in the area where I work, translation:discounts!

Plus one night out, I actually added up for my S.O. how much he spent on just one night.

$20 for drinks + tip at bar #1 (my one martini for the night)

$14 for cover at bar #2 (friends band was playing...don't mind paying for this)

$40 for drinks +tip at bar #2 (he drunkenly bought a round of Jagerbombs = $21)

$26 for cigarettes and snacks at gas station on way home

TOTAL = $100!!! WTF?!

So I have decided that one day a week will be dedicated to entertainment without spending a ton. And I don't mean "go to the park or the museum on free pass day" either...although those can be fun as well.

Last night we used the fondue set that S.O. had bought me for Christmas. The menu was shrimp and flank steak (to be fondue-ed), roasted red potatoes, balsamic mushrooms, cucumber and tomato salad (nobody ate the tomatoes...note to self for next party) beer bread, smore fondue with bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and graham crackers. A friend brought appetizers (buffalo chicken cheese dip and stuffed jalapenos) and a bottle of wine.

So just as good as that shmancy Melting Pot place! And we all agreed better because you didn't feel like you HAD to stuff yourself to get your money's worth!

Party cost breakdown:

Shrimp - $10

Steak - $2 (on sale!)

Onion - $1

Cucumber - $1.50

Tomatoes - $2

Mushrooms - $2

Potatoes - $2

Beer - $7 (for bread and for S.O.'s belly...)

Graham Crackers - $2.50

Marshmallows - $1

Chocolate Chips - $2

Bananas - $1

Strawberries - $5 (the hard freeze down here caused them to be expensive!...worth it)

TOTAL (for 5 people) - $40!!!

Isn't that WAY better than the $50 per head that fondue restaurants get?

So for those who haven't tried it, I suggest it! Here are some great recipes that I used for dipping sauces and for the smore dip!

Happy Fondueing!