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
Food
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’
Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
The next time you are grocery shopping, don’t skip the bulk bins aisle. Tremendous savings can be had when buying grains, beans, spices, flours or other baking or pantry staples. Whether you need two pounds or two teaspoons of an ingredient, you’ll probably save money by purchasing from the bulk … [Read more...] about Save money in the grocer’s bulk bin aisle
8 ways to save on Halloween candy
Ding-dong! It’s time to start building your stockpile of candy for the annual parade of trick-or-treaters on October 31. It’s estimated Americans spend approximately $2.7 billion on candy every year for Halloween. Of course, bargain boogeymen can be frightened by the high prices on candy this … [Read more...] about 8 ways to save on Halloween candy
How to make an easy pumpkin cake for Halloween
When my sons were teenagers, they wanted to have a Halloween party at home. I made this cake that looks like a jack-o’-lantern but is pretty delicious to cut up and eat. The best part: You don't have to contend with seeds or pumpkin pulp! Start with the cake--you can do a pumpkin cake from … [Read more...] about How to make an easy pumpkin cake for Halloween
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
Supermarket savings: Free apps for savvy shoppers
Whether you love or loathe grocery store visits, they're a necessity that can quickly bust your budget if you arrive unprepared. Even sales can be the cause of overspending. Do you really need six boxes of Wheat Thins just because they're discounted? The Apple App Store celebrated its 10th birthday … [Read more...] about Supermarket savings: Free apps for savvy shoppers
Green Beans: More than just a side dish
Most of us think of vegetables as just an accompaniment to meat loaf, a broiled steak, grilled fish or roast chicken. But green beans – cheap and bountiful this time of year in both supermarkets and at farmer’s markets – can be the star of the meal. Green beans, also called string beans or snap … [Read more...] about Green Beans: More than just a side dish
5 cheap ways to preserve food
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. If you are watching your grocery dollars (and who isn’t), here are our ideas for food preservation methods that don't require expensive equipment. Use any of these tips to preserve … [Read more...] about 5 cheap ways to preserve food
