Then we turn to coffee. I don't know many people who would consider coffee a condiment. I suppose you could mix the grounds with other spices and put it in a meat rub. But even that is a stretch.
The rules of the challenge say that all food and beverages should fit within the $31.50. There is no mention of coffee specifically, though, either as a beverage or a condiment.
For the sake of my marriage, we have judged coffee to be a condiment this week. Don't judge us. We are weak people.
On a similarly caffeinated note, today after walking around Center Square in the very cold weather, I thought about stopping in somewhere for a cup of coffee before I realized that it would have to come out of my $31.50.
Food isn't just about depositing nutrients into your body. There are social facets to sharing a meal and practical reasons to drink something warm. Food accomplishes all these things.
Because $31.50 is so small, it takes away anything but a strict utilitarian view of food. Your priorities shift to what can fill you up and stick with you the longest, not what is enjoyable or unique.
Tonight for dinner: turkey sausage with cabbage and rice. Yum.