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 … [Read more...] about 5 easy, cheap, healthy lunches for the work week
Recipes
Frugal, easy Valentine’s dinner menu
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 and … [Read more...] about Frugal, easy Valentine’s dinner menu
Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes
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
Homemade soup gifts will warm the heart
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 a soup mix to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful gift to warm both … [Read more...] about Homemade soup gifts will warm the heart
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
The average Thanksgiving feast costs about $50. That’s a lot for a home-cooked meal, but you’re not going to waste a scrap of it. You’re going to get creative with the leftovers, right? Ideas for using leftover turkey are abundant, but how do you use the rest of the Thanksgiving … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
Quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey
You paid good money (but hopefully not too much) for that Thanksgiving turkey. Do not let the leftovers go to waste. Turkey is not only a bargain (especially during pre-Thanksgiving sales), it’s tasty and good for you. And sometimes the leftovers are even better than the original meal. First, … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey
Freezer cooking 101: the key to healthy family dinners without hassle
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Are you looking for more time during the week? Maybe spending more time with you family is high on your to-do list or maybe you would like to take up a new hobby but you never seem to find the time. There is a solution to your time dilemma that you may never have considered before, freezer … [Read more...] about Freezer cooking 101: the key to healthy family dinners without hassle
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
Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It just doesn’t get better than this. Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
Save money with healthy summer salads
They don’t call them “salad days” for nothing. Summertime is the best time to turn the bounty from your garden, farmer’s market or supermarket into a salad supper that will be light on your budget as well as your diet. Think about fresh baby lettuce, young green zucchini or yellow summer squash, … [Read more...] about Save money with healthy summer salads
Make your own flavored oils
Lots of recipes these days call for flavored oils. They add a punch of flavor for not a lot of extra ingredients. But the commercial ones can be expensive, and you may only use a little bit, so the rest might go to waste. We at “On the Cheap” are all about not wasting things -- especially … [Read more...] about Make your own flavored oils
