My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
Food
Make your own chocolate syrup and hot cocoa mix
These recipes are so easy and delicious, you won't believe no one told you about it before. This is the kind of chocolate syrup you drizzle over ice cream and use to make chocolate milk. It's every bit as good as the stuff in the brown squeeze bottle. And cocoa isn't just for cold weather. Mix up a … [Read more...] about Make your own chocolate syrup and hot cocoa mix
How to order groceries online: comparing services
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With people staying home most of the time, ordering groceries online is more important than ever. But people who have never ordered food online may be confused by the options. For most services, you start with an app or an online portal, where you pick out what you want, list quantities and pay … [Read more...] about How to order groceries online: comparing services
6 ways to stop wasting food
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. The average American family throws away an estimated 25 percent of its grocery shopping dollars -- as much as $2,000 a year. Fresh produce tops the list. Other food waste occurs by … [Read more...] about 6 ways to stop wasting food
Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
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They're called convenience foods for a reason. But take a little time to make these items and enjoy the convenience of ready-to-eat foods with a cheaper price tag — and, sometimes, a healthier result. Some prepackaged foods (such as frozen pizzas) can be expensive, available seasonally … [Read more...] about Make your own pop-tarts and other DIY convenience foods
How to eat healthy on a budget
It's a common misconception that eating healthy is expensive. That's not true. Sure, you can spend a lot on healthy food, but it's not necessary. I recently attended the annual meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a conference at which thousands of registered dietitians from throughout … [Read more...] about How to eat healthy on a budget
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
How to throw a cheap Super Bowl party
Big events don’t have to equal big spending. A little food, some libations, a few decorations and a TV, and you’ve got the makings for a great Super Bowl party. If you’re having friends over to watch the game, here are some ideas that can help you keep the price tag under control. 1. Consider … [Read more...] about How to throw a cheap Super Bowl party
Easy recipes for homemade food gifts
We’ve pulled together several easy recipes (and many variations) for food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts, or for anyone on your Christmas list who enjoys something homemade. Most of these homemade food gifts are fairly easy to make (some much … [Read more...] about Easy recipes for homemade food gifts
23 delicious uses for Thanksgiving leftovers
When the biggest eating day of the year has come to a close, you're left with a full belly and a kitchen full of food. Of course, you could simply recreate your turkey day plate for countless more meals. Or, you could try something different and create meals your family won't even recognize as … [Read more...] about 23 delicious uses for Thanksgiving leftovers
How to maximize your savings while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner
I don't know what I like more about Thanksgiving, the holiday itself or all of the sales grocery stores nationwide usually have on Thanksgiving-dinner staple ingredients as soon as Halloween passes. You can find rock-bottom prices on the foods most frequently consumed on the biggest eating day … [Read more...] about How to maximize your savings while shopping for Thanksgiving dinner
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
