Food

How to get started with drying and dehydrating foods

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Drying is one of the simplest ways to preserve fresh foods for longer storage. This beginner's guide to dehydrating food will cover what kinds of foods you can dry, temperatures and techniques you can use to dehydrate at home, how to prepare food for drying, and some tips for success, along with … [Read more...] about How to get started with drying and dehydrating foods

Want to save and be healthy? Fruit is cheaper than Twinkies

What if I said you could save more than $500 a year by buying more fresh fruits and veggies? As a registered dietitian, I've heard all kinds of excuses for not eating healthy, the most common being it's too expensive. But a 2013 report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest shows how … [Read more...] about Want to save and be healthy? Fruit is cheaper than Twinkies

Fall apple and pumpkin recipes + DIY pumpkin puree

Fall is here, and it's time for hot cider, hearty stews and, naturally, pumpkins and apples. They’re everywhere – piled in front of grocery stores and farmers markets, decorating the classroom and even gracing the front desk at the gym. And why not? They’re colorful, festive, have a long shelf life … [Read more...] about Fall apple and pumpkin recipes + DIY pumpkin puree

Simplify Back to School with Freezer Meal Planning

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Freezer meal planning doesn't have to be hard. The new school year has arrived for most of us! Kids are back in school and parents and kids alike are having to fall back into the often hectic hustle and bustle of school-day routines. Back to school activities can mean cramming more … [Read more...] about Simplify Back to School with Freezer Meal Planning

Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet

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As a registered dietitian, I believe a 100- to 200-calorie snack between meals is great way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Clearly, others agree as grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores sell countless numbers of 100-calorie packs of crackers, cookies, candy and … [Read more...] about Make your own 100-calorie snack packs to save cash — and your diet

Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomatoes

It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomatoes

26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning

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

How to save money on food without using coupons

Groceries for a family of four cost an average of $679 to $1,350 a month, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a healthy, nutritious diet. And you may … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons

How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit

This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Americans waste about one fourth of their weekly food purchases. According to a study by OnePoll, fruit is at the top of food waste. Bananas, strawberries and apples were found to be the most … [Read more...] about How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit

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 save money on a summer party

You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Arrange them casually down the center of the table, or … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party

How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste

This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Food waste by the average American family is estimated at 25 percent of your grocery shopping dollars -- or a little more than $2,000 a year. Fresh vegetables top the list. Those crisp heads … [Read more...] about How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste