Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Recipes
Got barbecue leftovers? Use them in these delicious recipes
You invite friends or family over for a cookout, and as usual, you made way too much food. What do you do with the barbecue leftovers? You could eat plain burgers and sausages for days, or you could transform your leftovers into delicious new meals by combining them with new ingredients. If … [Read more...] about Got barbecue leftovers? Use them in these delicious recipes
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
6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
If you're looking for unique holiday gifts that won't break the bank, look no further than your kitchen pantry. We’ve pulled together several cheap and easy recipes for homemade food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts. Honestly, anyone on your Christmas list who … [Read more...] about 6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
6 ways to use leftover Easter ham
You paid a lot for that Easter ham. Don’t waste those tasty leftovers — or worse yet, ruin them by constant reheating. Ham is a versatile ingredient, and you can find lots of uses for leftover ham besides cheese sandwiches. We found six thrifty ways to turn those Easter leftovers into yummy new … [Read more...] about 6 ways to use leftover Easter ham
What to do with leftover Easter eggs
The Easter eggs have been dyed, hidden, and found again. Easter dinner has been cooked, eaten, and enjoyed. And now you're staying at a fridge full of leftover hard-boiled eggs and extra cartons of eggs you bought on sale, and you're thinking, "What do I do with all the eggs after Easter?" Don't … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Easter eggs
Cabbage recipes your family will actually eat
When the budget is tight, I try to stretch meals and use seasonal foods. Cabbage is a great deal any time of the year, but particularly during March, when it's often on sale around St. Patrick’s Day. But poor cabbage has a bad rap — it has been described as tasteless and gas-inducing, and … [Read more...] about Cabbage recipes your family will actually eat
Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
It's a common misconception that eating healthy is expensive. That's not true. Sure, you can spend a lot on fancy health foods, but it's not necessary. Many low-cost foods are also good for you. A healthy diet is made up of a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy … [Read more...] about Cheap and healthy food to eat on a budget
Easy, healthy soup recipes for cold days
Chilly weather just cries out for a hot bowl of soup. Soup for supper can be an inexpensive, healthful, hearty meal for a family, with leftovers for lunch another day. Soups can get by with a small amount of protein; you have savings right there! They can be totally vegetarian (and possibly … [Read more...] about Easy, healthy soup recipes for cold days
5 leftovers you should never throw away
You pay a lot of money for that artisan loaf of bread, then don’t eat it all before it gets stale. You have a recipe that calls for egg whites (or yolks) but not the rest of the egg. The rotisserie chicken is pretty much stripped of the best meat. But don’t throw them away! Some … [Read more...] about 5 leftovers you should never throw away
Frugal, easy Valentine’s dinner menu to cook at home
I’m here today to help the economically and experientially disadvantaged among you to prepare a Valentine’s Feast. Hopefully you can impress that special someone with whom you are in love, lust, or want to woo just because. I selected this menu for its ease, affordability, colorful presentation … [Read more...] about Frugal, easy Valentine’s dinner menu to cook at home
Scrumptious and homemade Valentine’s Day desserts
If you want your sweetheart to have something sweet for Valentine's Day, those fancy boxes of candy can be pretty expensive. A dessert from the corner bakery or in a restaurant is pricey, too — and your valentine may not want to share. So why not tell your loved ones how you feel with … [Read more...] about Scrumptious and homemade Valentine’s Day desserts
Cheap Super Bowl party food and snacks to make at home
Whether you’re hosting a crowd for game day or watching the Super Bowl with just your immediate family, you’ll want to have snacks on hand to enjoy during the Big Game. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on takeout or pre-made treats to make a great party spread. Check out these Super Bowl party … [Read more...] about Cheap Super Bowl party food and snacks to make at home
Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
I hate wasting food almost as much as I love saving money. So anything that can help me save money AND food is a good idea in my book. Since those are the key benefits to vacuum sealers, you know I'm going to find the most cost-effective ways to use them. A vacuum food sealer is basically a small … [Read more...] about Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
Freezer cooking 101: Healthy family dinners without the hassle
Are you looking for more time during the week? Maybe spending more time with your family is high on your to-do list or you'd like to take up a new hobby but never seem to find the time. There is a solution to your time dilemma that you may never have considered before: freezer cooking. When … [Read more...] about Freezer cooking 101: Healthy family dinners without the hassle