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
Recipes
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
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
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
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Here’s a sweet deal: Make your own cocoa mix
On a cold winter’s eve, what tastes better than a cup of hot cocoa? Hot cocoa mix (especially the gourmet brands, like Ghirardelli) might be a luxury item on your grocery list, and it can be really pricey if you buy a cup at Starbucks or other coffee hut. So why not make your own at home? It's easy, … [Read more...] about Here’s a sweet deal: Make your own cocoa mix
Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
No one can argue that convenience foods are a huge time-saver. When you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table, it’s tough to beat a pouch of flavored rice that cooks in 90 seconds to pair with some chicken nuggets or hamburger patties. A packet of flavored oatmeal makes a fast breakfast on a … [Read more...] about Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
Make Starbucks-like drinks and smoothies for less
An icy Frappuccino or smoothie is a delicious way to cool down on a steamy summer afternoon. But if you hope to enjoy one on a daily basis, you may need to take a small loan out to cover the cost. With a price tag of approximately $4 to 6 each, you’re looking at an average of $35 a week, or $420 … [Read more...] about Make Starbucks-like drinks and smoothies for less
Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
School days are here again, which means it's time for the annual conundrum: hot lunch or sack lunch? The problem with hot lunches is that a lot of kids don’t like them. School lunches often don’t cater to special needs, for example, if a child is a vegetarian or can’t tolerate gluten or … [Read more...] about Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
Make your own sauerkraut and other German dishes for Oktoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest with seasonal — also called "cheap" — produce, such as cabbage, which makes hearty, filling, tasty meals on a budget.The first thing that comes to my mind (if not yours) is sauerkraut. Cabbage is dirt cheap this time of year, and you can make your own sauerkraut that will … [Read more...] about Make your own sauerkraut and other German dishes for Oktoberfest
Cheap! cheap! cheap! 1 chicken yields 4 meals
The goal of the government during the Great Depression was to have “a chicken in every pot.” Well, there’s a good reason they picked chicken. Even though the prices on poultry have gone up, along with everything else, it’s still a bargain. When my kids were growing up, a Sunday’s roast chicken was … [Read more...] about Cheap! cheap! cheap! 1 chicken yields 4 meals
Spa recipes for healthy lunch box snacks
Packing lunch boxes with healthy snacks can be a challenge. But tempting as it may be to just toss in a store-bought dessert, a bag of supermarket chips or a commercially-made fruit and nut bar, there are healthy alternatives that can be made at home.Here are few recipes for delicious healthy … [Read more...] about Spa recipes for healthy lunch box snacks
Beat the heat with frugal Chocolate Snowballs
It was a tradition. Once every summer, my mother made “Grandma Ida’s Chocolate Snowballs.” I learned later that this frozen treat is as frugal and easy to make as it is delicious. I also learned the origin of this family recipe. When I pressed my mother about it, she admitted that her mother had … [Read more...] about Beat the heat with frugal Chocolate Snowballs
