photo by robotskirts
DEAR SARA: Do you make your own breadcrumbs? When I was little, my mom always made them. She had this little satchel in which we used to put leftover bread. She kept it in the cupboard, and when it was full, we got out the hand-crank grinder and made our breadcrumbs. Things are made with so many preservatives now. I have been afraid of making my own because …

photo by jagwired
DEAR SARA: I have been elected by my friends and neighbors to host a cookie-exchange party at Christmas. We were looking for something new and cheap to do this year. But I haven’t a clue on how to do this. How many cookies do you make? Do you have something playing in the background, such as a movie? What should I have ready for everyone to take their …

photo by Rhett Sutphin
DEAR SARA: Can I freeze whipped cream? Is it possible to make a big batch of real whipped cream and just take out a few servings at a time? — Constance, New Jersey
DEAR CONSTANCE: Yes, you can freeze whipped cream. You can use a pastry bag with a large tip and place dollops or spoon-drop mounds of it onto a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet. Place into the freezer. …

photo by foshie
DEAR SARA: A friend’s birthday is coming soon, and, before I started being frugal, I used to spend about $30 on friends for birthdays. But I need to get that number down now. I was wondering if you have given thrift-store finds as gifts and if there were any negative reactions from it. I think this particular friend wouldn’t mind, because she shops at them and is also …