I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful … [Read more...] about Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
Recipes
Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
There is nothing more heartfelt than a one-of-a-kind gift you make yourself. So many different types of gifts lend themselves to being handmade — candles, soaps and, of course, edible and drinkable gifts. Most folks on the receiving end of such gifts appreciate the thought and time it took to create … [Read more...] about Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
After spending all that money on a homemade Thanksgiving feast, you're not going to waste a scrap of it. You’re going to get creative with the leftovers, right? Ideas for using the extra turkey are abundant, but how do you use the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers?We’ve rounded up some ideas … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Do you love Thanksgiving dinner, but want fresh ideas for Thanksgiving leftover recipes that go beyond pot pie and tetrazzini? We found a rafter of turkey ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner that make frugal and delicious use of all the food in your fridge.Breakfast dishesThanksgiving … [Read more...] about 20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
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 Delicious uses for Thanksgiving leftovers
5 easy, cheap, healthy lunches for the work week
Eating out for your workday lunch is a quick way to bust your budget. If your daily lunch costs $10 (and it will, including a drink and taxes), a 5-day workweek will use up $2600 of your hard-earned money annually. But many claim there just isn't time to pack a sack before leaving for work — or that … [Read more...] about 5 easy, cheap, healthy lunches for the work week
Make your own cheap and healthy microwave popcorn
This “secret” to healthy microwave popcorn is so easy and obvious you have to wonder if the food industry hasn’t conspired to keep the public ignorant all these years. Once you try it, you’ll never buy popcorn in those little folded bags again.The secret is this: Take a plain, brown-paper … [Read more...] about Make your own cheap and healthy microwave popcorn
Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern 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 Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern 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
Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Planning a Halloween party but don't want it to bleed your food budget dry? We've got you covered tighter than a mummy's wrappings! Here are ideas for snacks and beverages for both kids and adults, so no one leaves your celebration looking like a skeleton.(For more Halloween party tips, … [Read more...] about Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
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 cook with fresh pumpkin
Fall is here, and it's time for hot cider, hearty stews and, naturally, pumpkins. 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 and … yes, … [Read more...] about How to cook with fresh pumpkin
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
Make your own pop tarts and other DIY convenience foods
No one can argue that convenience foods are a huge time-saver. But some prepackaged foods can be expensive (frozen pizzas), available seasonally (Girl Scout cookies) or filled with artificial ingredients (fruit rolls and pop tarts).If you take a little time to make these items in advance, you … [Read more...] about Make your own pop tarts and other DIY convenience foods
Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
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