photo used by permission from Jen at BeantownBaker.com Don’t toss overripe bananas away. They’re great in smoothies, pancakes, mixed into oatmeal or combined with yogurt and frozen for a refreshing treat. What is your favorite way to use them up? Here are four easy desserts. Banana Bars 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 cups [...]
photo by Robert Banh Many fruits and vegetables are available all year. But you can buy seasonal produce to save money and for the best taste. Here’s a handy guide to check the seasonal availability of produce in your area: http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php. March is a good time to buy broccoli and cabbage cheaply. When selecting broccoli, [...]
photo by jerine DEAR SARA: I’m looking for the best heavy-cream substitute for a tomato cream sauce. (It is for Chicken Tikka Masala.) I am really just not a fan of the price and fat content of heavy cream. Plus, I don’t think I would ever end up using a whole pint before it would [...]
photo by eljay Homemade snacks can be a challenge. You might not have time to bake cookies, breads or muffins. You can offer snacks with minimal prep work, such as fresh fruits and raw vegetables, string cheese, yogurt or cream cheese on raisin toast, but these get boring if you use them too often. The [...]
photo by lindspetrol Gelatin is a tasty ingredient to add to desserts. It’s cheap and comes in a wide variety of flavors and colors that make it festive for any occasion. Everyone should have at least one gelatin recipe that’s a hit with family and friends. Gelatin Milkshake 1 cup milk 1 package (4-serving size) [...]
photo by alibree No-bake recipes are quick and easy. Their simplicity makes them ideal for kids to create (very little wait time) or on days you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like turning on the oven. Best of all, there’s minimal cleanup. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 2 cups sugar [...]
photo by erin.kkr Pasta is a frugal staple. It’s economical and easy to prepare, and its versatility makes it a budget-friendly favorite. You can serve it hot or cold, make a meal for one or a big crowd, and dress it up for an elegant meal or toss together as a casual dish. Plus, there [...]
photo by crabchick Beans are a frugal pantry staple. Dried beans are usually cheaper than canned, and you can season them yourself. For greater savings when using dried beans, cook them using a slow cooker or thermos. Because most people buy canned beans for convenience, I’m sharing four tasty recipes that include canned beans. But [...]
photo by Rickard Berggren Breakfast for dinner is a popular frugal meal. But sometimes serving plain old eggs and toast doesn’t go over well at the dinner hour. Adding sides such as yogurt, hash browns, oatmeal, cheese, fruit, biscuits or bagels can make a simple egg meal more appealing. When that stops working, it’s time [...]
photo by colinandangie Recipes with just a few ingredients are often cheaper, but they don’t have to lack in flavor. They don’t have a lot of steps and measurements so they are simple to prepare. You’ll have most everything you need already in your kitchen, too. The following recipes can be jazzed up with additional [...]
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for chocolate, and it’s never too early to plan for the sweet stuff. These recipes are all quick and easy to prepare. The first two make a single serving, so they’ll work well whether you celebrate with someone else or alone. Simply double the recipe for two. One of [...]
photo by jules:stonesoup Pantry stockpiling and purchasing food in bulk are popular among frugal people. But it’s common for larvae or Indianmeal moths to be carried in with bulk purchases such as flour, cereal, dog food, powdered milk, spices and birdseed. If there are females, you’re bound to have an infestation. Within a couple of [...]
photo by Lance McCord It’s the season for reselling unwanted gifts and rearranging our homes to accommodate new stuff. Out with the old and in with the new. Before you profit or purge, consider that there are others who will find value in the things you don’t want. If you believe you don’t have anything [...]
photo by roboppy Canned fruit often goes on sale. While you prefer fresh, the low price and convenience are hard to beat. Open your pantry, and you might find you’ve got quite a few cans. Instead of opening it and simply dumping it into a bowl, you can use that fruit in delicious dessert recipes. [...]
photo by hansengel I’m a list maker. From groceries to reminders, it’s written down. I’m not so obsessed that my lists are well organized. The back of an envelope or a scrap of paper will do. One of my favorite lists is my “My life is too short to” list. I’m a firm believer in [...]
D EAR SARA: Cheap food for hotel living? I have recently relocated to another state to take a new job. The company is putting me up in a hotel for a month. So far, I have been having bologna sandwiches for supper. Do you have good ideas for cheap eats? I have a small fridge [...]
Ever have a dish or two in the sink that you want to wash? Don’t wait for more dirty dishes before you hand wash or keep the faucet running or fill a sink with soap and water for a couple of dishes. Keep a spray bottle filled with water and add a bit of dish [...]
