If you’ve got a craving for tamales you’re not alone. Tamales, made of masa (dough, usually corn-based) with filling, steamed in corn husks, have been eaten since at least 5000 BC, possibly as early as 8000 BC. The Mayan and Aztec civilizations both used them as portable food for hunters, armies and … [Read more...] about Make homemade tamales and fun crafts for Cinco de Mayo
Food
5 ways to use leftover Easter ham
You paid a lot for that Easter ham. Don’t waste the leftovers -- or worse yet, ruin them by constant reheating. There are lots of uses for leftover ham besides ham sandwiches. We have some thrifty ideas for making those leftovers into yummy new meals. Casseroles: Make a … [Read more...] about 5 ways to use leftover Easter ham
DIY Easter eggs, plus ideas for the leftovers
Easter egg decorating, for some, can be an art. I love the idea of doing something a bit beyond the run-of-the-mill dye kit but I don't want to spend a fortune or hours to achieve my decorative eggs. In our family, egg dying is a tradition my kids, my mom and I do together on Easter. So it's … [Read more...] about DIY Easter eggs, plus ideas for the leftovers
Cooking for One – or Two
When we live alone or with just one other person, it can be hard to scale down portion sizes so that you don’t waste a lot of food or end up throwing your grocery money in the trash. Food waste is a big problem in America. Some sources estimate that we waste as much as 40 percent of our … [Read more...] about Cooking for One – or Two
Scrumptious homemade desserts for Valentine’s Day
Those fancy boxes of candy can be pretty expensive. A Valentine dessert from the corner bakery or in a restaurant can cost you almost as much a nice meal. So why not tell your loved ones how you feel with homemade treats and desserts? They’re less expensive and they’re tailored to their … [Read more...] about Scrumptious homemade desserts for Valentine’s Day
10 best diet books for eating healthy while saving money
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As much as I love bargains and writing about them, in my other life I'm a registered dietitian and thrive on helping people understand that deprivation does not equal healthy eating. If you're striving to lose weight or just eat healthier in this new year, you need to know that eating a wide variety … [Read more...] about 10 best diet books for eating healthy while saving money
Turn Christmas leftovers into New Year’s Eve BBQ
No matter how delicious a holiday turkey is, after a day or two, eating leftovers gets old. Instead, why not try something different? Turn that leftover turkey into a dish that's a surefire hit at a New Year's Eve party -- or even a Superbowl Party. This recipe costs practically nothing, since you … [Read more...] about Turn Christmas leftovers into New Year’s Eve BBQ
How to make homemade vanilla extract
One of my goals for this year is to begin making holiday gifts in November, so I'm not stressing and rushing to finish up gifts mid-December. One of my favorite homemade gifts to give (and keep for myself) is homemade vanilla extract, but it takes time to develop so you need to start it … [Read more...] about How to make homemade vanilla extract
10 best kitchen gifts under $25
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As an avid cook who feels at home in the kitchen, I'm familiar with lots of kitchen tools and gadgets. This list of affordable kitchen gifts will make life easier for the home chef on your holiday list. I own most of these items myself and use them often enough to know that … [Read more...] about 10 best kitchen gifts under $25
Is it stuffing or dressing?
Do you call it stuffing or dressing? Do you know the difference? If not, here’s a hint: Stuffing goes inside the turkey; dressing is baked separately. If you already knew that, did you know this: food safety wise, it’s better to make dressing? If you put stuffing inside the bird, it needs to get to … [Read more...] about Is it stuffing or dressing?
How to avoid wasting food in a power outage
The lights begin to flicker. You hear the regular hum of the refrigerator hiccup, then return. But then it all goes dark. You begin the search for candles and matches, and wonder how long you will be without power this time. During the winter, ice and snow storms can crack or even take down outdoor … [Read more...] about How to avoid wasting food in a power outage
How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
These creepy fingers are the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party, but they are also tasty. The crisp, almond-flavored shortbread tastes even better after being stored, so make these ahead of time. Kathy Mayers of Portland, Oregon, developed this recipe and took the pictures. They are … [Read more...] about How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
