Recipes

6 ways to stop wasting food

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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. The average American family throws away an estimated 25 percent of its grocery shopping dollars -- as much as $2,000 a year. Fresh produce tops the list. Other food waste occurs by … [Read more...] about 6 ways to stop wasting food

How to make homemade vanilla extract

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

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

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 make 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 How to make an easy jack-o-lantern cake for Halloween

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

Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes

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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Do you want to can food at home, but are put off by the cost? For around $15, you pull together most of the essential equipment by using equipment you probably already own. Below we list … [Read more...] about Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes

Make your Greek yogurt multitask

Greek yogurt has grown in popularity in recent years. It can be more expensive than regular yogurt, but with at least double the protein and less than half the sugar, in my opinion, the health benefits outweigh the cost. You can also save by purchasing in bulk from stores such as Costco and BJ's. … [Read more...] about Make your Greek yogurt multitask

How to serve cabbage without alienating your family

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 the St. Patrick’s Day sales in March. But poor cabbage has a bad rap – it has been described as tasteless and gas-inducing, and downright smelly when cooked. … [Read more...] about How to serve cabbage without alienating your family

Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes

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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, edibles and drinkables. 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 ideas for drink & sweet mixes

3 easy, cheap, gluten-free peanut butter treats

Gluten-free baking doesn't have to require specialty flours or unusual and expensive ingredients. These three peanut-butter treat recipes are made with simple ingredients that most people already have in the kitchen. They're naturally gluten-free, so those with or without gluten allergies will … [Read more...] about 3 easy, cheap, gluten-free peanut butter treats

Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists

The most delicious part of Hanukkah is latkes -- potato pancakes fried in sizzling oil. They are easy to make and are most typically served with sour cream and apple sauce. But there are other variations as well. We'll start with a basic recipe and then learn about some tasty twists on the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists

15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas

Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From edibles to handmade bath products, all of these Christmas gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas

How to make breakfast pizza

Eating out can be expensive, but so many restaurant quality meals can be made at home. Not only will you spend less money, but you'll also be using fresh ingredients from your own kitchen. Often, the recipe will be as close to an exact match. Sometimes, you may have to take a few liberties to … [Read more...] about How to make breakfast pizza

Free guides on how to barbecue safely

The last thing you want to end up with after a barbecue is food poisoning. As this short YouTube video on Safe Summer Grilling by the USDA reminds us, it's important to pay extra attention to food safety during summer when the weather is warmer. Here is a list of downloadable, free food safety fact … [Read more...] about Free guides on how to barbecue safely