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
Recipes
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
Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
If your child regularly brings their lunch to school, you've faced the "what to pack" dilemma. You want to pack something nutritious, but you also need to be sure your kids will eat it. A thrown-out lunch does nothing for your child's health or your wallet; it's basically cash in the … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
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
Best vegetarian burger recipes using cheap and tasty beans
There are so many types of beans available in your grocery store - navy, turtle, pinto, chickpea, kidney and so many more. Beans are jam-packed with complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. And they are sources of Vitamin B, calcium, and iron. They are a win-win food for your health and for your … [Read more...] about Best vegetarian burger recipes using cheap and tasty beans
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
Make homemade tamales and fun crafts for Cinco de Mayo
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
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
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
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
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?
