Do you know of any frugal cookbooks?

**frugal.lass** · 09-21-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi Everyone!!!

I was just wondering if you have any suggestions about cookbooks that have frugal recipes. Other than baking I don't use cook using recipes often but I like to peruse cookbooks for inspiration since I tend to not be too creative on my own. Normally I would hit up my local library but when I visited I found that my library is 1) very tiny, 2) does not really have much of a cookbook section.

So...if you can recommend any frugal cookbooks (I already have "Not just Beans") that would be greatly appreciated. If this is in the wrong section, I apologize!!

Thanks

-Liz

**sunshine** · 09-21-2006, 11:43 AM

"Not Just Beans" by Tawara Killiam

"The More With Less Cookbook" by Doris Jansen Longacre

"Miriam B. Loo's Budget Cookbook"

"Miserly Moms" By Jonnie McCoy

**danni** · 09-21-2006, 11:58 AM

I just got the More with Less cookbook and have found alot of good recipes in it.

**staceyy** · 09-21-2006, 12:14 PM

Make Your Own Groceries and More Make Your Own Groceries by Daphe Metaxads Hartwig

Stories And Recipes Of The Great Depression of the 1930's By Rita Van Amber

Cheapskate in the Kitchen by Mary Hunt

I think these four books are out of print but still available in libraries and on the internet through Half.Com, Amazon etc.

Also any old cookbook. I have lots of cookbooks published between 1930 and 1970 and the majority of the recipes are economical as most recipes were made from scratch back then.

**frugal.lass** · 09-21-2006, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by staceyy

Also any old cookbook. I have lots of cookbooks published between 1930 and 1970 and the majority of the recipes are economical as most recipes were made from scratch back then.

I hadn't thought of that...I bet if I take a look online I might even be able to find old cookbooks that now have free e-versions!!

Great suggestions, I had heard of the Doris Longacre book but my library doesn't have it, (and the other library nearby HAD a copy which was stolen! grrr). I'm going to see if I can find a used copy online or at a used bookstore since it does sound like it would be good.

Thanks!
-Liz

**YankeeMom** · 09-21-2006, 01:05 PM

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Feed-Your-Family-Day-Nutritious/dp/0806523557"]Feed Your Family for $12 a Day[/ame] is pretty good as well. Not so much recipes as full of tips & ideas.

**kabin63** · 09-25-2006, 07:56 AM

I agree. I think old cookbooks have the best recipes and they are usually so full of tips to help the homemaker. I have "Dining On a Dime", which is the updated version of Not Just Beans. It's a great cook book.

**Darlene** · 09-25-2006, 08:20 AM

Looks like they reprinted The More with Less Cookbook in 2000 and I can see ebay at least has many to choose from. I found mine at a church bazarre and another at a garage sale, I passed that one along to a member here. If I find another I'll let you all know.

**auntie2many** · 09-25-2006, 12:53 PM

Yankee Mom, I have Rhonda Barfield's older book "Feed Your Family for $50 A Week." Do you think that the one that you recommended would have some new advice making it worth owning both books by Rhonda Barfield? TIA for your reply.

auntie

**YankeeMom** · 09-25-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by auntie2many

Yankee Mom, I have Rhonda Barfield's older book "Feed Your Family for $50 A Week." Do you think that the one that you recommended would have some new advice making it worth owning both books by Rhonda Barfield? TIA for your reply.

auntie

They are the same material. Just the $12 a day one is an updated version. Same basic information in both books, I wouldn't buy the $12/day one if you already have the $50/week one.

**FrugalWitch** · 09-25-2006, 04:30 PM

No exact titles spring to mind, but in general cookbooks published during the Depression or WW2 (all the rationing) are a good source for frugal recipes.

**auntie2many** · 09-25-2006, 05:53 PM

Thank you Yankee Mom. That is one less book to go on my Christmas wish list.

auntie

**barbc** · 09-25-2006, 09:56 PM

I love the old cookbooks, they usually only use real ingredients that are easilly acessable. I first learned to enjoy them because the baking recipes were simple but tasty. Then I appreciated recipes that don't rely on canned soups or convience foods.

I confess I am a cookbook junkie.......addict..........collector.

I have mostly all of the cookbooks mentioned. I don't have the Miserly Mom's. Part of the beauty of the More with Less and Not Just Beans is that they use recipes simililar to those from years ago (I think pre 1950's). I have to admit, I also love the cookbooks that call for picky ingredients. I just don't use them as often on the day to day cooking.

Barb C

**3-boys-4-me** · 10-02-2006, 06:37 PM

I have Cheap, Fast, Good and use it often:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cheap-Fast-Good-Beverly-Mills/dp/0761131760/sr=8-1/qid=1159827746/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7293222-4803348?ie=UTF8&s=books"]http://www.amazon.com/Cheap-Fast-Good-Beverly-Mills/dp/0761131760/sr=8-1/qid=1159827746/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7293222-4803348?ie=UTF8&s=books[/ame]
I also have this Bisquick one that I use ALL the time. Has some frugal recipes in there, all are SUPER easy: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crocker-BisquickImpossibly-Easy-Pies/dp/0764559176/sr=8-1/qid=1159827870/ref=sr_1_1/102-7293222-4803348?ie=UTF8&s=books"]Amazon.com: Betty Crocker Bisquick Impossibly Easy Pies: Pies that Magically Bake Their Own Crust (9780764559174): Betty Crocker Editors: Books[/ame]
I have heard good things about Desperation Dinners:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076110481X/ref=pd_rvi_gw_3/102-7293222-4803348?ie=UTF8"]Amazon.com: Desperation Dinners (0019628104816): Beverly Mills, Alicia Ross: Books[/ame]
Another one I hear is good is Dining on a Dime. I ordered that one, can't wait to get it.