Tomato Sauce Recipes?This is a page about making spaghetti sauce using fresh tomatoes from your garden. Included are recipes and tips for making tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes.
Odd Foods That Can Be Frozen?I would like to know from your readers what are some odd foods that you can freeze. I found out you can freeze grapes, saves on throwing them out. Please let me know of other odd foods that can be frozen.
Solution for Big ContainersShopping at the warehouse stores gives you gallon size containers which are cumbersome. The small size sport squirt top water/drink bottles are great for holding a manageable supply of oil, soy sauce or vinegar.
Making Something Out of Things That Some People Throw in the TrashSave butter wrappers instead of throwing them away. Just toss them in a
Ziploc bag (you keep for that purpose) in the refrigerator or freezer
and use them to grease pans in the future. Read more...
Pillsbury Orange Walkabouts?Does anyone have a recipe from Pillsbury called "Orange Walkabouts"? It is a strudel-like dough with nuts and orange (I think) flavoring rolled up in it. Someone gave me a taste and said that's what they were called, said she got it from the contest Pillsbury had a few years ago.
Saved Money When I Got Rid of My FreezerThough I loved my freezer when we first got it, over the years it wasn't freezing as well. Eventually I had to throw out food. We have only had the top of our fridge freezer for 9 months now.
Make a Spice Bag with a Coffee FilterI am in the process of making pear butter this week and will be making pumpkin butter next week. My recipe said to place the spices in cloth and tie to make a spice bag. I didn't have any "cheese cloth" so I used a coffee filter and tied it with thread.
French Vanilla Coffee Recipe?I need a recipe for French vanilla coffee like the General Foods International makes. I drink so much of this and it is too expensive for me these days.
How to Use Dried Foods (PDF)Dried vegetables and fruits provide
convenient and delicious
additions to family meals. They
can be used alone, in combination
with other foods, or served for an
accent to add flavor. Most uses require
that the food be rehydrated, usually
referred to as refreshing.
A recent study revealed that Americans are eating 50% more junk
food than they were 20 years ago. In fact, across all age
groups, the consumption of snacks, soda and junk food is making
our nation fatter and unhealthier than ever.
Iceberg Lettuce TipWhen preparing iceberg lettuce for serving, break it apart instead of cutting it with a knife to help prevent it from browning.
Seasoned Pepper and Texas Toast?Do you know of a recipe for homemade seasoned pepper, Bon Appetit Seasoning and/or a bread recipe for Texas Toast?
Various Old Food TipsThese are interesting food tips from an old book: Asparagus will retain it's beautiful green if cooked uncovered in an open saucepan with water to cover. Asparagus water is full of vitamins and can be served separately.
Caroling or Tree Trimming PartyAfter a night out caroling with friends and/or relatives,
invite everyone back to your house to help trim your Christmas
tree and serve up the following drinks and snacks.
Drying Food at Home (PDF)People have been preserving food through drying for thousands of years. Because dried food yields maximum quantity for the least volume, it has always been popular among hikers and campers.
Home Canning Low-Acid Vegetables (PDF)The method used for canning a product is determined primarily by the acidity of the food or mixture of foods being canned. Low-acid foods must be processed in a pressure canner to be free of botulism risks.
Trip to the Day Old Bread StoreA once a month trip to the day old bread store fills a shelf in
the freezer with bread, buns, sweet rolls, and bakery goodies,
and saves me about 2/3 of grocery store prices!
Metal Scratches - Milkshakes?I have a question. I work at A&W restaurant. Something took my attention. When we are making milk shakes, we first put ice cream in a cup and we put one metal thing on top of the cup in order for the ice cream not to blow over the cup while stirring. Almost half of the metal thing is in the cup and when we are stirring it, the blender touches the metal and scratches it (the metal thing can be seen scratched) Is this an insidious health hazard or is this not detrimental? Thank you very much.
Saving Money on Sliced OlivesInstead of buying those expensive little cans of sliced and chopped olives, buy a large can, slice or chop what you need and put the rest in a jar with the juice. They will last in the refrigerator for a long time. One large can usually equals 3 or 4 small cans for close to the same price.
Sugar Free Cookie or Cracker Recipes?I am a diabetic. I would like sugar free cookie or cracker recipes to use with cookie cutters.
Jan from NC
Easy ChickenAny easy chicken recipe from Canadian Country Gifts.
A Use for Squishy OnionsIf your regular onions have a green top and seem squishy, plant them outside or in a pot of dirt and enjoy the tops any way you like green onions.
Combine Meat and Veggie LeftoversUse your meat leftovers by placing them in a pan with any leftover veggies. Saute until done.
Butter With Less Saturated FatThis tip is one that I have been using for health reasons, but is also a thrifty tip. Especially since the price of a pound of butter has about doubled recently.
Baking Tips for Cakes, Icing and CookiesEighteen frugal and time saving tips for baking cakes and cookies.
Tasty Prunes in the MorningDo you like prunes for breakfast? Before retiring for bed, boil a cup of water and place 2 teabags (any flavor will do) along with 8 prunes in a cup. Cover the cup with a plate until morning. Then remove the plate and serve 4 prunes with some of the "tea juice" for 2 people.
Looking for Meals for One?I live alone and hate TV dinners. I also don't like leftovers more than once. I would welcome ANY suggestions for simple meals for one.
Raggedy_Jane
Eat Breakfast for DinnerAt least once a week, have breakfast for dinner, eggs are so inexpensive. And there are so many ways to use them, omelets, pancakes, french toast. A half dozen eggs and a loaf of day old bread can feed a family of 4, and that whole meal would probably cost under $2.
By Leslie Greene
Buy Cheese Cheap and Freeze ItBuy chunks of cheese when it is on sale for around $2 per pound. Grate it in the food processor and store it in zip-locs bags in the freezer. Whack the bag of cheese on the counter to loosen it up, and use straight from the freezer in casseroles, etc.
Spaghetti Cake TesterI use a piece of uncooked spaghetti for a cake tester. It is clean, longer than a toothpick, and you're not as likely to burn your fingers.
Removing Apple CoresCut a raw apple in two and use a melon ball cutter to remove the core of the apple. This is very easy and does not waste any of the apple.
By Bea W.
Green Scrubbies for PotatoesThe best potato scrubber I've ever used is the Scotch brand green scrubbies (the ones without soap). They really clean the potato, don't leave any residue and they are cheap to use (can be used until they practically fall apart).
By Sharon
Homemade Vegetable StockMake your own vegetable stock instead of buying it. This allows
you to tweak it to fit your tastes.
Make Your Own V8?Does anyone know how to make your own V8. I have a bunch of canned tomato juice and I want to make it into a V8 style beverage for my dad. Doesn't have to be quite as salty, though.
CraftyCathy
Cut Burgers in Half for CookoutsWhen serving food at cookouts, go ahead and put some of the hamburgers on buns, then cut them in half before placing on the serving platter. This helps cut down on the number of kids who take a whole burger, and then waste half of it.
By Becki in Indiana
A Quick Supper From LeftoversKeep a large plastic container in your freezer. A gallon jar with lid or a plastic ice cream bucket. Or even a large Zip lock bag will work. Instead of throwing away the celery leaves when you trim celery, tuck them into the container. That spoonful or two of leftover peas, corn, carrots, etc.
Can you 'perk-up' frozen leftovers?I froze some mac & cheese. When it thawed out it was very 'blah'. Anybody got any suggestions for perking up something that shouldn't have been frozen; or was frozen incorrectly? BTW, I just put it in a freezer bag, how should I have done it?
Chyann from KY
Flour Tortilla NoodlesCut flour tortillas into strips with your pizza cutter. Use them instead of noodles when you make "Chicken and Noodles". Nobody will ever guess that they aren't homemade noodles.
Cook Rice with Shrimp Boil MixFor a better tasting rice, cook it in shrimp boil mix.
Brush Frozen Pies with ButterBrush frozen pies with a little butter to eliminate dryness.
Use Cooking Bags in Crockpots that Don't Have a Removable LinerWhen I use my older crockpot that doesn't have a removable crock I use one of the cooking bags for a large roast or chicken (or even the turkey size cut down).
Honey FunniesA cookie/candy recipe my family enjoys is Honey Funnies. It is especially good for the summer because you don't cook it.
Low or Lower Fat Potato Soup Recipe?Anyone have a recipe for a low or lower fat potato soup recipe?
Thanks, Mary
Prevent Soggy SaladsTo prevent soggy salads, take a small saucer or dish and put it upside down in the salad bowl. That will allow the salad to stay elevated while the moisture collects at the bottom.
Meat Cleaning TipBefore you cook any meat wash it off gently under slow stream of water. Then use a bowl, pot, or sink large enough to hold meat and cover it with water. Add a slight handful of salt and let "draw" for about 5-10 minutes.
Hearty Beef SoupThis was a recipe that Campbell's Chunky soup came out with several years ago, and I feel that it is still one of the easiest and frugal meals you can fix.
Pizza Meat LoafMakes about 4 servings. Includes microwave and conventional oven instructions.
Baking without Spray Oil ProductsWhen greasing and flouring a pan for a cake (including a bundt pan) grease pan with shortening or butter. Try to avoid spray oil products. Instead of flour use powdered sugar.
Eat More SquaresEasy peanut butter and mashmellow squares.
Vegetable Salad BurritosEat meals that don't require a lot of cooking, like salads or burritos. Try these vegetable salad burritos.
Pam or Non-stick Spray on Pizza PansSpray your pizza pans with Pam or non stick spray anytime you use them. I use it with frozen pizzas, homemade pizzas, basically anything that has the potential of sticking to the pan.
By Tracy Fuller
Rotisserie Chicken Containers as a Lettuce CrisperThe containers that rotisserie chickens come in work great for a lettuce crisper. If there are air holes on top of the lid, place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the lettuce first.
Looking for Information About Pesto?What is pesto? Where would you find it in a grocery store? Can it be made at home? I find this in several recipes and it's totally new to me.
Thanks,
Betty
Use Cooking Spray to Prevent StickingHere are a few helpful uses for Pam or other cooking sprays:
Campfire PotatoesCan be placed on a grill over hot coals in the fire or on a barbeque. Turn occasionally. Takes 1/2 - 3/4 hour to cook depending on the heat.
Italian Antipasta SaladWhen the temperature rises this is one of our favorite summer dinners. Plus it is a great way to clean out all the leftovers.
Pure Maple Syrup on StrawberriesFor a different flavor when using fresh strawberries try drizzling pure maple syrup over them. Yum, yum!
Decrease the Boiling Time of WaterIf you are in a big hurry when bringing water to a boil, two small pots of water will come to a boil much faster than one big pot. Once the water boils, you can combine it into one big pot if you need that room for the pasta or whatever.
Unsticking Stuck MarshmallowsPut a little cornstarch or powdered sugar in the bag of marshmallows if they are stuck together. Then pull them apart with your hands. They should come apart more easily and be less likely to stick together the next time you go to use them.
Slicing MushroomsUse an egg slicer to slice fresh mushrooms. It's quick and makes nice, even slices that are the perfect thickness for most recipes. Mushroom slices that have a uniform thickness will cook evenly.
More Mac and Cheese without an Extra BoxWhen my kids were small but growing up, one box of mac and cheese just wouldn't stretch anymore, but felt it would be wasteful to fix two. I just added some more pasta and a little extra milk to the cheese mixture...
Garlic VermicelliI came up with this recipe because my kids loved the Vermicelli with Garlic and Olive Oil box mix you buy at the store. This is so much cheaper to make and they can't tell the difference.
Make Your Own Frozen FoodsI use my stock pot to make huge pots of soup, or chili, or spaghetti sauce to use for one dinner and freeze the rest in meal-size portions and use one a night when there is not time to cook and you still need a hearty meal.
Blanching Peppers?I would like to know if you can blanch peppers (all kinds). And if you can, how you do it? How many minutes? And how long do they last?
To Peel or Not to Peel Green Peppers?I have noted that chefs on TV food shows sometimes peel green Bell peppers. Could someone comment on why this is done?
Need Easy Punch Recipes for An Eagle Scout Reception August 14th!Hi there! My son just got his Eagle Award in Boy Scouts, and I am planning a large ceremony and reception for him, to be held Sat., August 14th, only a bit over 2 weeks away!
Anyhow, I really need some great, but easy, punch recipes that taste delicious but are still easy (and not expensive!) to make. This whole thing is getting very expensive!
Sure would appreciate any and all help!
Thanks so much!
Nora in Iowa
Proud Mom to an Eagle Scout
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)This summer, why not try some fresh herbs to add to your meals. They are virtually caloric free, fat free and extremely flavorful.
Here is one of my favorites:
Old-Fashioned Blueberry BettyIn a large bowl, combine the blueberries, white sugar, and lemon juice.
Can't Miss Potluck Recipes?When I go to a potluck I usually bring a casserole and it's usually not as good as everyone elses.. Anyone have some "can't miss" potluck recipes? Thank you,
Alexa (relatively new cook)
Fried Biscuits Instead of DonutsMy family likes donuts for breakfast sometimes. Because it is rather expensive for a family of 5, I fry biscuits. I buy the store brands for about $1.09 for 4 cans. I fry 2 cans, roll in powder sugar and enjoy.
Sweeter Tasting CantaloupeFor sweeter tasting cantaloupe, sprinkle with a pinch of salt after slicing. It brings out the natural sweetness more than adding sugar and the extra calories.
By M. Day, Ohio
Fun With Kids in the KitchenLooking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Why not teach them to cook! It's a great way to have fun without spending a lot of money!
New Recipe? Make a Smaller BatchWhen trying out a new unproven recipe, make the smallest batch possible. Most recipes can be halved, or even quartered. That way, if it is faulty, or not to your liking, you've wasted only half the ingredients.
By Doggy
Quick and Lean Kung Pao ChickenMix broth, soy, sherry, cornstarch, and sesame oil to blend; set aside. Mix chicken with garlic and chilies.
Help with cooking chicken?How can I keep chicken from bleeding while I am frying it? Blood seeps from the joints as it cooks. Not good!!
Mary from Missouri
Cook An Extra Meal and FreezeWhen preparing a meal (it doesn't matter if it is a breakfast casserole or a dinner), try doubling the amount you are cooking. Freeze the second part.
Lots of Carrots, Help! Looking for Ideas.I have been given tons of carrots, besides the usual stews, snacks, pattties, cakes, loafs and cookies, broth, etc., I'd like to know if you can freeze them?
Anyone know or have other ideas on this nice lot of carrots?
Quick and Simple Fresh Tomato SalsaIf you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden as I do right now, here is a quick simple fresh tomato salsa. There are no precise measurements of ingredients here.
Outrageous Meat Prices?We just moved to Florida and I noticed meat prices are very high here. I have searched high and low for somewhere to shop for discounted prices. Even the sale items are expensive. Does anyone know of a good website to buy meat or anywhere in central Florida. Our family is about to become vegetarians unless we can get a break on these meats.
Danielle from Florida
Make Your Own Cut VeggiesWith four kids, I am always trying to find ways to save on my food bill.
My kids love the pre-cut veggies from the store, so I buy bags of veggies and cut them up while the kids are in school.
Fresh Vegetable BakePut carrots in a microwave dish and microwave until tender crisp.
New Contest! Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a MonthFrozen Assets is small in stature, but jam-packed with meal-planning advice. It contains recipe ideas, plus detailed instructions on how to get the maximum value from your food dollar, while also slashing meal preparation times.
Easily Cook Rice in the MicrowaveIt's real easy.
- 1 Cup white rice
- 2 Cups water
- a little oil or butter
- 1 4-qt microwaveable bowl.
Cook 20 minutes. You are done! Add your salt to-taste after cooking so the rice will remain tender.
By gator10tx
Sealing Plastic Bags with Foil and an IronYou can seal any plastic bag by placing a piece of aluminum foil over the end to be sealed and running a hot iron over the foil. Make sure you have foil on both sides of the plastic to be sealed so it doesn't stick to the ironing surface. No expensive sealing gadget required.
By Lisa Trudeau
Looking for Meatloaf Advice?Does anyone know how to make those dense meat loaves. I always end up with a crumbley slice. I use fresh onion, bread or cracker crumbs, and egg and ground beef as lean as I can get it. I would like to make one you can slice for a sandwich. Like at the store or on TV, right lol
SusanfromHamilton
Looking for Plastic TV Dinner Type Containers?I was wondering if anyone out there would know how I could get plastic containers or something like the ones that tv dinners come in. I have looked around on the net and I haven't been able to find any that I could buy.
Thank You in Advance
-Wendy
Swap Dinners with a FriendSave on time and work by doubling your dinner recipe and trading with a friend. You might get to try some new dishes this way, and you get a night off from cooking.
By Doggy
Convenience Salt-Free Seasoning MixA salt substitute.
Zucchini and Cheese BreadHere's a bread you can make with some of your zucchini crop.
Radiation from Microwave?My neighbor tells me to never use my microwave. Does it put radiation in food and water cooked in it that is collected in the body to cause cancer?
Add Prunes to Ground Beef to Fight E-ColiThis is a thrifty tip because it saves on medication or doctor visit(s) if you are sick. The tip is to puree prunes with just enough water to make a thick paste. Mix 1 tablespoon of this paste to each pound of hamburger.
Liven Up Canned Baked BeansIf you want to liven up a can of baked beans, try adding some honey and some fresh, chopped coriander. Yum!
A Boiled Egg Tip My Father Taught MePut eggs in a water filled pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. When it is at a boil, turn the water off and leave the eggs in for the length of time that you would normally boil them.
Recipes Suitable for Diabetics?I'm also interested in recipes suitable for diabetics. Anyone else?
Many Thanks, Susan from Edmonds
Making a Cake in the Shape of a Car?I want to make a cake that is in the shape of a car or race car for his 1st birthday party! I am going to use the little diecast cars as the theme and I am needed some ideas on how to make a cake in the shape of a car! I have never done this before and I would love to have any ideas that you have to give me! Thanks!!
Erricka
Lemonade Iced TeaFor a different refreshing summer beverage try making iced tea with an equal portion of lemonade. Add ice cubes and a fresh sprig of mint. Happy drinking.
Just Peachy Yogurt SoupHere is a delicious recipe I found in the book "Desperation Dinners!". This would be such a refreshing dish on a hot summer day!
Cucumber Dip or SpreadBeat cream cheese till smooth. Stir in the rest of ingredients. Chill. Serve with cut veggies, crackers or on breads as finger sandwiches.
Homemade FrappuchinosWhy pay expensive prices for frappuchinos, use a snow cone maker and make them yourself.
Need Recipe for "Nutrigrain Bars"?Does anyone have a recipe for "Nutrigrain" type bars?
Thanks a bunch,
Lee-Ann from Canada
Daddy's Hillbilly GreenbeansIt has no name other than... Daddy's Hillbilly Greenbeans.
Save Money By Roasting Your Own PeppersIf you like roasted red peppers, but not the cost (the average jar runs around $3 and if you check, it only has about one pepper in it). At the end of summer when they are really cheap, about .99 lb or so, there is what you do...
