photo by Andrea R. Summer dips are delicious to serve at backyard barbecues, parties and potlucks. They’re easy to make, can be served with most anything, transport well and are kid-friendly, too. Hot dips can be kept warm in a slow cooker, and cold dips can be placed on a container of ice. Homemade dip [...]
photo by special dark Preparing food in a slow cooker works well during the summer months. It’s a hands-free way to cook without heating up your kitchen. You can bring it outside, plug it in and cook with it, so it’s a great alternative to backyard grilling. Cleanup is a snap, too. Here are four [...]
Strawberries are the first fruits of the season to enjoy. With their short storage life, you’ll need to freeze, dehydrate or use them up quickly before they mold. The fruit of choice for smoothies, they are delicious in salads, baked goods, jams and desserts. Here are four strawberry-dessert recipes to enjoy this season. Berry Crisp [...]
photo by lissalou66 Raspberries are expensive to buy at the grocery store. It’s cheaper to pick them yourself at a U-pick farm, buy them at your local farmers’ market or grow your own. They mold quickly, so you’ll want to use them up or freeze them as soon as possible. They’re healthy for you and [...]
photo by Durgan Rhubarb is an old-fashioned favorite from the garden. It gives so much and asks for so little in return. The leaves are toxic, but the tart stalks lend themselves well to simple desserts. Fruits and sugar tame the zing. It can be chopped and frozen in an airtight container or wrapped in [...]
photo by dunham Chicken again? Sometimes you have to change things up a bit, or meals become dreaded chores. You can make your dinner familiar but offer a new take on it. Everything but the salad is baked in the oven at the same temperature, so you can time it perfectly. You can swap out [...]
Pasta salads are classic dishes for spring and summer. Their vibrant colors, numerous flavor combinations and scalability make them a hit for family and friends. They’re easy to make ahead of time and with ingredients you have on hand. To give your pasta salad added appeal, experiment with fresh herbs, cheeses, interesting pasta shapes and [...]
photo by biskuit Beef is versatile and economical. You’ll discover many steakhouse cuts at lower prices at the market. Check your local stores, and stock up for the grilling season. If you’re bored with the same old pot roast or meatloaf, you’ll enjoy the following beef recipes for their simple ingredients and ease of preparation. [...]
Mother’s Day traditions often include a meal out. You don’t want mom to have to think about cooking, and you want to pamper her on her special day. Showing you care doesn’t have to be a large expense. This year, instead of a crowded restaurant, family members can chip in and prepare a special meal [...]
photo by nttrbx Salads are a delicious way to use healthful ingredients. They’re tasty year-round, but are most appetizing as lighter fare during warmer months. They can be tossed together quickly and enjoyed as a side or main dish. Break away from your regular dinner routine and outsmart your appetite with the following recipes. Creamy [...]
photo by Lisa MN Many convenience foods are timesavers and often cheaper than their homemade counterparts. While many people rely on packaged foods, frugal folks know how to make their own. Some of the top convenience foods include condiments, cream-of-mushroom soup, syrup and box-mix brownies. The homemade versions can’t be beat in a taste test, [...]
photo by rizcapb One-dish meals are comfort foods, and they’ve had a makeover since retro tuna-noodle surprise. But they’re still basic enough to incorporate your favorite foods, such as melted cheese, meat, starch and vegetables. The best part is that everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. You should include a few casserole [...]
photo by Dave Melbourne DEAR SARA: I had a recipe for a plant spray that was comprised of garlic, water and maybe soap or vinegar. I can’t find it. It was very effective and kept the insects away from all my plants that I move outdoors during the summer. Do you know of this recipe? [...]
photo by marlana Frugal people know how to make things. It’s not just a way of combating costs. For many, these are basic life skills and a way of life. A little self-reliance goes a long way. It’s easier to start out small and build your way up. This sets you up for success instead [...]
What do you do for fun? Don’t you love that question? For some people such as sports enthusiasts or hobbyists, it’s easier to answer. You’ve probably noticed that as you get older, activities that are fun for some people are no longer what you consider to be fun. Redefining fun is a vital part of [...]
DEAR SARA: Please help me! I need a way to keep my spices and salt from turning into one big hard ball when it gets humid out. I have tried putting grains of rice in the salt and other spices because I heard that would take the moisture out of them but have yet to [...]
A dusty ceiling fan can damage the motor. Dust can fly around whenever you turn it on, too. Some people can reach their fan with a step stool or small ladder, but even that can be a hassle. There are ceiling-fan cleaning tools that have an extension pole, but why buy a tool when you [...]
