Try using spices instead of salt to enhance the flavor of your food. You can grind your own (bought from a spice retailer) by using a mortar and pestle, an electric spice, coffee or seed mill or, in some cases, a microplane grater. You can adjust the flavor to suit your tastes. To make copycat [...]
Warm weather means more get-togethers and plenty of meals outdoors. This year, make a few new dishes that are crowd pleasers. The first two recipes are quick side dishes that can be made ahead. The other two take some time and aren’t cooked on the grill, but they are well worth the extra effort for [...]
Potato salad is a standard summer dish. Made with simple ingredients, it seems impossible to fail, but not everyone can make a good potato salad. I’m sharing five variations to enjoy. None are fancy, but all are creamy and tangy, and will stand out from plain potato salad. Sweet Potato Salad 2 potatoes 1 sweet [...]
Many people eat out because they’re too busy to cook. But some people simply don’t know how. It’s frustrating to waste food, so you might not want to try anything new. These are situations that start the downward spiral of buying prepared foods at the grocery store and restaurants. Check your grocery aisles. It can [...]
Cool and refreshing, colorful fruit salads can be served any time of the day. They’re a perfect light dish for indoor and outdoor gatherings. You can add your favorite seasonal fruit to any of the following recipes to make it to your liking. Use sugar-free ingredients to make them lower in calories, too. Enjoy! Tropical [...]
photo by EraPhernalia Vintage Peas are a summer favorite. They’re delicious steamed with mint, parsley, lemon, marjoram, rosemary or thyme. When selecting them, check for firmness and look for peas that are shiny and bright green. They should be eaten as soon as possible to get the most nutrients. But if you need to store [...]
Eating seasonal produce gives you the best taste and nutrition at the least cost to you and the environment. I’ve included three seasonal favorites for the upcoming months. You can pick one recipe per month to try as each fruit or vegetable comes into season. Eat local and find what’s fresh near you by visiting [...]
photo by little blue hen Lemons are available year-round but peak from April through July. That’s right about the time you look forward to enjoying the refreshingly tart taste in a variety of dishes and beverages. When selecting lemons, avoid any that are under-ripe and green. It should feel firm to the touch, have a [...]
photo by house of sims Frugal people cook from scratch frequently. But there are some recipes they’re not willing to make themselves regularly. If you have time constraints or don’t have health restrictions, then there’s increased value placed on ready-made and convenience foods. Homemade isn’t always cheaper, but it’s a surefire way to control ingredients, [...]
Rhubarb is an old-fashioned favorite. It gives and gives. The leaves are toxic, but the stalks lend themselves well to desserts. It can be chopped and frozen in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Enjoy the first fruit of the season with the following recipes. Easy Rhubarb [...]
photo by ChickPita Fresh Mediterranean Grill Cucumbers are a tasty addition to salads, dips and sandwiches. Their high water content and crunchy texture make them a refreshing favorite during warm weather. They’re low-calorie, too. The following recipes will help you enjoy them whether you buy them at the store or grow them in your backyard. [...]
Spinach is tasty raw or cooked. It’s a nutritious vegetable that can be served in a salad with strawberries or as a lettuce replacement on a sandwich. Incorporate spinach into an omelet, rice dish or homemade macaroni and cheese, or use it as a pizza topping. Warm up the chilly days of spring by trying [...]
photo by joeannenah Cut utility costs during the warm months by giving your dryer a break. Instead, line dry your laundry on a clothesline. There’s sometimes a stigma attached to clotheslines, which are often viewed as a sign of poverty or as an eyesore, but the truth is that many people simply don’t want to [...]
Try using spices instead of salt to enhance the flavor of your food. You can grind your own (bought from a spice retailer) by using a mortar and pestle, an electric spice, coffee or seed mill or, in some cases, a microplane grater. You can adjust the flavor to suit your tastes. To make copycat [...]
photo by muffet Cloth versus paper: Which do you use for napkins and cleaning towels? It’s common for newly frugal people to question whether they should switch from paper to cloth. For some people, it’s an easy decision. Plain and simple, it’s cheaper to use cloth. But it becomes a tougher choice when considering whether [...]
D ear Sara: I have a small vase that has become cloudy after having water in it. Do you have a remedy for this? I know that you can purchase CLR, but I do not need that much. Thank you. — Carol, Florida Dear Carol: You can add dry rice and vinegar and water or [...]
photo by Lisa Brewster One way to save money is to start using less stuff. This is especially true when it comes to pourable products. For example, you could be using more dish soap, shampoo or condiments than you actually need. Monitoring your usage is important, but accurately measuring helps you to avoid waste, too. [...]
