How to Keep Strawberries Fresh For a WeekIn the area we live in, strawberry picking season will soon be over. They have been so good this year.
Save Fuel When Cooking PastaUse a heat proof sieve or colander to cook pasta in the same pan as your vegetables
Glass Shaker ImprovementI love having cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, etc in a shaker on hand. Some problems I have come across are clumping, spilling and can attract critters. With my upgrade my shaker no longer has any of those problems.
A Twist on Making HamburgersI love homemade hamburgers but I'm not partial to the thick, doughy store bought hamburger buns. To envelope my patty with all the fixings, I toast 2 slices of sandwich bread and cut them round using a 4 inch plate, bowl or most often my funnel.
Cake Mix Inner Bags For Freezing ChickenWhen it comes to fried chicken breast tenders, I like mine thin. My intent here was to use the cake mix bag just for pounding the tenders. Then it occurred to me that the bag itself would be ideal for freezing as well, and I have accumulated several over time.
Kangaroo CookingAlways cook something for the next meal, with your current one: extra potatoes in broth, for cottage pie; extra stew, to chop up as pie fillings; extra rice, to make rice salad or tacos; extra fish, for patties; extra spaghetti, to cut up in soup; extra bolognese, to stuff baked aubergines or marrows, etc.
Cooking and Baking with Substitute IngredientsI save all the crumbs from cereal in a bag in my freezer. I use these crumbs to supplement my flour in baking recipes. I also add them to a meatloaf, if the cereal was not pre-sweetened.
Eating More Legumes Helps Save MoneySalads have become quite a bit less costly around my place these past few months. I've stopped buying lettuce and have replaced it with Napa cabbage which pairs beautifully with mung bean sprouts which I've learned to grow. Three tablespoons of dry beans makes enough for two good-sized salads. The cabbage lasts about a month without turning brown or wilting, and one large head is still less expensive than a head of iceberg. Fresh sprouts are crisp and significantly more nutritious than lettuce.
Free Hands ChoppingTake a cutting board, a heavy rubber band (I save the rubber bands that come on broccoli bunches), and something you want to cutup (celery, squash, carrots, you get the idea). Take the rubber band and stretch it over the short side - slide it to one side to the left if you are cutting right handed and to the right if you are using your left hand. Take the celery, slide it under the rubber band and begin chopping. So easy! And you can use both hands to chop. Always use caution when using a knife.
Cereal Liners Instead of Waxed PaperThere used to be a show called Extreme Cheapskates on TV. One featured person said the cereal liners are better than waxed paper. I wash them off and put them on my refrigerator to dry. I use them to separate hamburgers, pancakes and waffles for freezing. I also use them to keep my counter cleaner if I am flouring chicken cutlets or kneading dough.
Flax Egg SubstituteWith the price of eggs soaring, a good substitute for cooking and baking is a flax egg. Use 1 Tbsp. of ground flaxseed meal and 2 1/2 Tbsp. of room temperature water for each egg. I refrigerate for 10 minutes or so.
How Long Does A Potato Take To Boil?Potatoes are a common root vegetable used in recipes all over the world. These starchy tubers must be cooked before being eaten. Boiling potatoes is an easy way to ensure they are ready for your table or to add to another dish. Potatoes can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of the potato.
Replacing Tupperware With GlassThis may not go over well, but I have been getting rid of all my plastics. Instead, I have been saving all the glass pickle jars, jam jars, etc. I just didn't like throwing out all that glass. We are now a 2 person household, my husband and I. The Mt. Olive jars are just right for us. They hold a 2 serving amount of spaghetti sauce or beans. I cook a pound of dried beans and fill up jars and freeze. I wind up with 6 to 8 ready-made dinners. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for reading.
Use Squeeze Bottles For CondimentsSandwiches are probably the most popular lunchtime staples. Who doesn't like a sandwich for a quick and easy lunch or snack? This tip applies to wraps too!
Scrambled Eggs With Beet GreensFresh beets are the best, however, don't throw away those beet greens. They are good too and so good for you. I'm still experimenting with them and have found that they sauté well, much like spinach.
Aquafaba Substitute for EggsAquafaba is the liquid canned chickpeas come in. You can also make your own if you cook dried chickpeas. You can use aquafaba from other beans, but chickpeas have the mildest flavor.
Keep Potatoes Fresher LongerTake potatoes out of their plastic bag. Double-bag then in paper, and close with a clip. Store in a cool, dry place for maximum storage time.
Binding Agent For Making Corned Beef Hash PattiesI recently searched for something to bind corned beef hash to make patties'. A series of blog answers came up via this website. Of the few I read, there were suggestions but many still seemed to have difficulty with crumbling. I want to share what I did that worked for me:
Keeping Carbonated Drinks Fresh After OpeningKeeping your carbonated canned drinks fresh after opening sometimes is a daunting task. Usually if they're open no matter what you put on them, they''re good for about a day and then all the fizz is gone. I experimented with many different things before I came up with one idea that will literally keep your carbonated canned drink carbonated and tasting like you just opened it for up to a week and, yes, you can use more of the drink and put this right back on and it''ll still hold it fresh and carbonated for 6 to 7 days!
Cutting Time When Making PuddingInstead of heating cold milk in the pan with the packaged pudding mix, I heat the milk in the microwave first. It certainly cuts down on time spent stirring until the mixture boils!
Instant Label for Storage JarsI always store packaged dry foods (beans, etc.) in empty glass jars and for a quick label, I cut out the nutrition info I am interested in and put it inside the jar. Easy.
Banana SaverYou just need a banana, a knife and a lid that fits the size of the banana from your bag of lids that everyone saves, a cutting board and that's it. First, you cut the banana in half. Eat 1/2 and save the other half for later or tomorrow.
Use Wooden Tongs on Your ToasterIf you have trouble getting toast out of your toaster because the toast doesn't pop up enough above the top or because you have sensitive fingers I highly recommend using wooden tongs.
Crispy Rice Peanut Butter CookiesThis is a good recipe for using up leftover rice cereal, such as Special K or Rice Krispies. I've been making it since the late 60s.
Cut Pomegranates So They Don't Lose Their JuicesCut a cap off the top of your pomegranates then cut along the ridges on the pom. Look closely, they aren't perfectly round. You may need to FEEL the pomegranate to determine the ridges. There's usually between 5 and 6.
Using Leftovers for BreakfastLast night, we enjoyed Thai takeout and we had some leftovers. Although we could have used it for lunch, there wasn't very much left. I decided to make a hearty breakfast instead. I heated the leftovers up in a pan and then scrambled eggs in the mixture. The resulting dish was the perfect start to the day and was enjoyed by the whole family.
Selecting Good BananasBananas slowly change color as they ripen. They start out hard and bright green, changing to yellow when they are ripe and then developing brown spots on the peel. When picking your bunch of bananas at the store, consider how quickly you are going to eat them.
Muffin Tin MeatloafTry baking meatloaf in a muffin tin instead of the usual loaf pan. It will bake in half the time and you will have individual portions that are all ready to serve.
Making Stir Fry at HomeMy son recently moved away from home and has been asking me for cooking tips for some of his favorite foods. I have made stir fry about once a week for my family for many years. It's a great way to use up excess veggies. I figured that I would share my tips with you all.
Drip Drain for WatermelonThese two stackable containers come in handy for many things. I pulled out four plastic lids and they fit perfectly. They are deep enough to keep the watermelon out of the juice which keeps it crisp and fresh. If needed, I can punch holes in them for more drainage.
Box for Transporting WatermelonIt's that time of the year when those delicious watermelons are in season. When we know we are going to pick up one or two, we put a box or the clothes basket in the trunk of the car to put it in. This secures the watermelon and keeps it from rolling around loose.
Freeze Green Beans for Stir FryingWhen we first started getting green beans from the garden, I did not have enough to fill the canner so I froze them. If they are small and tender, they are so good stir fried in a little olive oil, salt and garlic powder.
Crushing Crackers or Corn Chips for Soup EasilyI love crackers in my chili and corn chips in my soup. But crushing them leaves a big mess. So I figured out a way to accomplish the crushing without the messing. Put two matching bowls, one with the crackers or chips in it, and one to crush them between the two bowls. No muss, no fuss! N-JOY!!
Cut Lemons No Longer a ProblemI use a lot of cut lemons but hate having a cut lemon half hanging around in my refrigerator until I use it again. Recently discovered that I can roll it gently (to release the juices) then pierce the lemon with a skewer. I just squeeze out the juice for a particular recipe I need, leaving the skewer in place when returning it to the refrigerator until the next time!
How To Tell When an Avocado Is Ripe?For years I thought if the sides were soft, the avocado was ripe. My husband heard on TV to touch the tip and if the tip is soft, the avocado is ripe. I had an avocado that was hard, but the tip was soft, and took a chance. The avocado was perfect.
Popsicle To Cool Down DrinkToday, I was hot and thirsty. I went into the freezer to get my ice cubes, the ones that don't melt. I remembered I had loaned them to a neighbor. What was a thrifty girl to do?
Save Fast Food CondimentsEvery time I eat out, I receive tons of extra condiment packets. Usually, I don't need them, but I hate wasting food. I originally stored them in a ziplock baggy, but decided to find a container instead. I bought this cute heart shaped one at my local Mighty Dollar. Not only does it fit perfectly in my fridge door, but it allows easier access to my extra condiments packets.
Microwave Corn on the Cob for OneI'm from the old school and covering corn with water and boiling it was my method for cooking corn on the cob until I learned that I can cook it in the crockpot. I haven't boiled corn on the cob since. See the link below.
Buckwheat Waffle MixBuckwheat waffles have become a routine Saturday morning breakfast for us. It is much easier to mix the dry ingredients ahead and just add the other ingredients later when I make the waffles. This quart jar holds enough for 4 batches of waffles. I have a note written on the jar. I can remember to add 1 cup of the mix to this.
Keep Cucumbers Crisp and FreshTo keep cucumbers fresh and crisp, I wrap them in a paper towel before putting them in the refrigerator. They keep so much longer this way. This cucumber has been in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Freezing Sweet PotatoesLast Fall, I experimented with freezing different vegetables. My aim was to cook food ahead and have individually frozen portions ready to thaw, heat and serve. My carrots and baby Lima beans turned out well. I am especially pleased with my sweet potatoes.
Apple Moist Cornbread MuffinsAt Walmart, while looking for a pastry blender (didn't find one), I saw a cheap ($1.89) 6 cup cupcake tin. I got one. And later, while using it, I made a nice discovery.
Crockpot Baked PotatoesIn the past, I seldom baked potatoes because it takes so long to bake them in the oven, however, I do love them. Today, I tried baking some in the crockpot and they were scrumptious.
Pancake Without Leavening AgentLeavening agents are one of the most important ingredient in baking. Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents used to make your cake rise. Being a homebaker, I have discovered a simple technique to make cakes fluffy and well risen.
Microwave Tray Spice HolderMy 11 year old microwave died and I salvaged the ring and glass tray from it and made a spice holder, using clear caulk to hold the ring in place. I placed the glass tray upside down on top of the ring, drew a 'template' of where the clear caulk needed to go, let it dry overnight, and it worked for holding the ring/tray in place.
Use Cute Stickers To Mark Electrical PlugsI have some cute little stickers and use them to mark 'up' on electrical plugs, so I can quickly plug in my small appliances and other things. This tip is especially useful when an outlet is difficult to see when it's behind something else.
Low Calorie DessertMix sugar-free Cool Whip with a mandarin orange. It tastes just like a creamsicle.
Hot Dog Bun French ToastAs I was cleaning out my freezer, I found one hot dog bun in the back. I usually make bread crumbs with it. Someone on one of my Facebook groups suggested making French toast with it. It was a great use of it.
Banana ArtHere is a way to encourage your little one's to eat fruit. I spend some time with my preschooler in the morning drawing on the banana he will eat for lunch. That way we start the day sharing a few moments together and it reminds him that he is loved.
Flavored WaterThis is a trick I learned from my granddaughter. I put a tea bag in a quart jar of water, set it in the refrigerator and let it steep over night or longer. The next day, I have some great tasting flavored water to drink and I just add a little lemon juice to it. It is good and it helps me to be able to drink at least 2 quarts of water a day. One is flavored and the other is not.
No Mix Homemade Brown SugarBeing frugal isn't complicated. It tends to be just the opposite. Over the years, I've shown appreciation for tips submitted by littergitter, Sandi/Poor But Proud and others, that make things unbelievable simple. Here's one from me.
How to Freeze Pulled PorkWhen you make pulled pork, you usually make more than you can use at the time. If you put it in containers, there is often too much for when you want it. When I make it, I put it on a cookie sheet in clumps'to equal one serving. That way, you can take out just how many you need and keep the rest frozen.
Freezing ButtermilkI read several entries here on ThriftyFun for freezing regular milk. I didn't see a mention of buttermilk, so here is my account. I hope you can put it to use.
Use That KaleI received a cut fruit arrangement and the greenery was kale - lots of kale! Instead of throwing it out to the wildlife, I decided to make Kale soup. Now, you may be thinking, it was just used for decoration in the arrangement, and you'd be correct. However, kale is food, and it was washed and used next to other foods so there is no reason on Earth not to use the kale from the arrangement also!
Reinforcing the Bottom of a Disposable PanI like to give baked goods as gifts in disposable containers. However, sometimes the bottoms are flimsy. To reinforce them I tape a cardboard cereal box or other thin cardboard box I have. It makes it easier to transport, and I don't have to worry that the bottom will bend out of shape.
Spicing Up Your Ramen NoodlesAre you tired of eating the same old ramen noodles? Well then I have a tip for you. These cheap noodles can be made into more interesting meals with just a few extra ingredients.
Boiling an Egg in a SaucepanI place a mug in the saucepan I use to boil an egg. This uses less water and hence less energy to get the job done. '
Combining Snacks to Save SpaceI recently went to the dollar tree and found these snack breakfast bars. When I got them home, I realized that each one had 5 packettes in them. But they were taking up almost no room. So, I opened them both and saw I could fit all 10 in one package. I saved room in the pantry and they didn't flop around in the box and get broken.
You Can Cut a Frozen TurkeyDue to the virus, it will just be my husband and me for Thanksgiving. I purchased the smallest turkey breast I could find, but even that is too much. Both of us prefer the taste of turkey the first day. Since the meat was already frozen, the butcher at the store was unable to cut it.
Pie Crust ProtectorThe outer rim of a disposable aluminum pie pan works well to keep pie crust from browning too much. Cut the rim of the pie pan and place it on top of the pie crust while baking.
Coffee Travel Mug TipsSometimes, I just get in a hurry and don't think. When trying to take the top off my coffee mug, I all too often put the opening right next to my shirt on my chest for some 'leverage' and duh, coffee stain! I'm learning. Much better when you make sure the opening is to the side, when taking off the lid.
Stickers to Reseal FoodsI constantly get too many address labels and stickers free in the mail and have lately been using them to reseal my no seal packages rather then use plastic bags or other packaging methods. Just a simple sticker will seal just fine, from cat food to cheese or my liverwurst.
Get the Most from Your LemonI love a fresh lemon slice in my iced tea but the lemon usually spoils before I can use the whole thing. I'd slice it up and put it in the fridge but, by the end of the week, it's slimy and spoiled. Until I thought of this trick.
Metal Canning Lids for LevelingWe made strawberry and blueberry preserves this year and after finishing up a jar of preserves, I wash the lid and put it in the drawer. The lids can't be used for canning any more but I have found other uses for them.
Easy Two Ingredient FudgeYears ago, on this site, I saw a fudge recipe. It is simple, no fail and delicious.
Harvesting Garden HerbsWhen harvesting herbs, I reuse those moisture retaining capsules found in some medication bottles. I save the little capsules throughout the year and repurpose them after drying my summer harvest. They help to keep the herbs dry. Should there be a tiny bit of moisture left, that could cause spoilage.
Baby Your Food BudgetWhen I can get baby food for free with coupons, I buy it even though my babies are all grown up. I buy the applesauce and use in my baking or for a snack. I also use it and other fruits to flavor plain yogurt. The puréed vegetables are excellent to add to soups or to add to yogurt or sour cream for a savory dip.
Check Produce Labels For DateAnyone having issues with produce spoiling much quicker than they should? I have made a few Costco trips and each visit I'm always left with something spoiling much sooner than they should (especially oranges).
Keeping Green BeansI love the farmer's market in our little town but it is only open on Fridays. I purchased some green beans. As I was getting ready to leave, I saw some more green beans that looked even better so I bought them too.
Make Bananas Last Twice as LongKeep your bananas in the bottom crisper drawer of the refrigerator. They will keep for about 2 weeks. They will turn black and look utterly disgusting but inside the flesh will be white and firm. You get a perfect banana a week after everyone else has throw theirs out.
Preventing Gas with Homemade Baked BeansWhen the food shortage started some things were hard to find locally and when they became available they were considerably higher in price. I have made Boston Baked Beans twice. Beans are filling and also a good substitute for meat.
Wrap Banana Stems in PlasticCover the top of your banana bunch in plastic wrap will make them last a lot longer. The reason this helps is because most of the natural ethylene gas bananas use to ripen themselves is in the stem.
Dollar Tree Country HamIn the cooler at Dollar Tree, I saw some packages of cured ham for $1.00. It looked like a bargain to me and I thought it sure would make some good seasoning for a pot of navy beans.
Mock Chicken GravyI haven't bought a stewing hen since the middle of the last century. It goes without saying, I don't have a reserve of chicken stock for making gravy. I don't even have a stock pot. I do have a window, though...and I make do (that's Southern talk for improvising).
Makeshift Vegetable SteamerI used my pizza pan that has holes in it as a lid for my large frying pan to steam vegetables. It worked perfectly!
Lumpless Hot CerealWhen I was a kid, I never minded the lumps that come with cooking MaltoMeal or Cream of Wheat, but some do. So I realzed one of the reasons the lumps happen if the water is boiling when we pour it in, usually all in the same spot.
Multipurpose Cooling RackI discovered that my cooling rack fits perfectly on the kitchen sink. It works well for draining grapes after they have been rinsed. When they stop dripping, I can move the rack out of the way and let them sit until they are ready to put in a bowl and munch on.
Freeze BananasEvery so often, we end up with more bananas than we can use before they go bad. That's when I'll take those extra ripe bananas that as you can see are perfectly good inside and I'll freeze them for later use. As long as you freeze them with the peel off, in freezer safe ziplocs, they'll stay good frozen for up to 6 to 8 months.
Using a Straw to Pit CherriesWe have a Stella cherry tree in our backyard. This type of cherry is bright red and sweet, but not as sweet as a Rainier or Bing. They are delicious fresh but are also tart enough to be used in pies and preserves. In order to use them in recipes, the pits need to be removed.
Store Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Upside DownIt will stay fresher longer. If it is already opened, put a plate under it.
Baked Potatoes to Save Time and MoneyAt the beginning of the week, I wash a 5 pound bag of potatoes and bake them for 1 hour. Having these partially cooked potatoes allows me to make quick, nutritious sides that can go along with entrees such as french fries with hamburgers, home fries with omelettes, or mashed potatoes with a roast.
Yes Virginia, You Can Freeze MilkA few years back, I house shared with a gal who froze milk. She would bring it in, uncap it and take a little out to allow for expansion. Then, recap and in the freezer it would go. I had never seen it and was dubious at best. It was a funky color and well, I doubted it would taste the same. I was young and foolish!
No-Gas BeansBeans are an inexpensive, healthy food. To eliminate most of the gas-causing enzymes, hot soak the beans before you cook them.
Masking Tape Tupperware LabelsHere is a way to really save food and money. No more guessing what and when food was put in tupperwares. Simply keep masking tape and a permanent marker in the kitchen to make and date labels on containers. It has made a major change for me in maintaining food freshness, and a waste free kitchen.
Sticky Measuring Cup Clean UpWhen measuring peanut butter (or any other kind of sticky ingredient), spray your measuring cup with a non-stick spray like Pam before filling the cup. Fill and take a small spatula to release. Comes out easy and easier to clean!
Reviving Limp CeleryFood waste is never acceptable, and now, with social isolation, it is imperative to use all the food we have. Cut a bit off the root end of the celery, and put in a container of ice water. Your celery will firm up and be ready to use.
Freezing Store Bought BreadMy husband an I seldom eat a full loaf of bread before it gets stale or grows green stuff. I read where bread that is frozen keeps better than just keeping it in the fridge. But separating the slices became a problem. I decided to put two slices in a sandwich bag. I do this to the whole loaf. Then I put the bagged slices in the loaf bag and re-tie it.
Add Cheese In First for Messy DishesIf you are like me, you love dishes like Chili, Corned Beef Hash and Ravioli. But sometimes, if you love cheese, it's hard to deal with the mess of it being sprinkled on top. It's sometimes too melted, or sticks to the side of the bowl, or worse, spatters on the inside of your microwave.
Keep Asparagus FreshTo keep asparagus fresh, I wet a paper towel and wrap it around the bottom of the bunch and secure it with the produce rubber band. I put it back in the produce bag, roll it around to press out the air, fold the top over and put a rubber band around the bunch to keep the plastic tight.
Fix Mushy Rice with BreadI can't tell you how many times I've made mushy, soupy rice. There's a quick fix that transforms this gluey mess into perfect, fluffy rice: a slice of bread. Place a piece of bread on top of your pot or rice cooker full of mushy rice, put the lid back on, and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The extra liquids will make their way into the bread, and your rice is saved.
Freezing Guacamole for Breakfast WrapsWhen I started making egg and avocado wraps, I used 1/2 of the avocado to make 1 serving of guacamole and put the other half of avocado in the refrigerator. I had to use it the next day because it does not keep well.
Be A Cheesy SaverI buy the presliced blocks of cheese. They are what restaurants use, easy to peel off a slice at a time. I have an airtight container I keep it in for easy access. I save money and don't have to unwrap every price I use. I keep about 2/3rd of a package at a time in my cheese container and wrap the remainder up good until time to refill the container.
Peeling Fresh Garlic is a CinchPeeling fresh garlic really slows you down when you're cooking dinner. Try this tip the next time you use fresh garlic! It works.
Prep Vegetables and Store in FridgeI hear that much our the fresh produce that people buy goes bad before they ever eat it! What a waste of resources and money!
Prep Ground Beef for Quick MealsI mixed some of my favorite spices into a 2 lb. package of ground beef and formed it into one big meat patty that I then cut into equal sized 1/4 lb. meatballs. Then I froze them separated and bagged them up once they are totally frozen and won't stick to each other. You can freeze them on the Styrofoam tray they were sold in if you want.
Cooking for OneI live alone, after having raised a family and losing my husband, so I am used to cooking for more than one. Also, a couple years ago I decided to give up processed foods, such as frozen dinners and convenience foods, as I am not a big fan of additives and preservatives. Plus, those foods are expensive for what you get. Most frozen meals are tiny and leave you looking for more.
Make Your Brew Station Yield More CoffeeI encountered a little problem when someone came to visit me who drank as much coffee as I do, and man alive, do I ever drink a lot of coffee! What was the problem? I couldn't make a pot of coffee last very long at all!
Storing ButterWith the cost of butter these days, I have to find it when it's on sale. I recently had some butter go rancid. Yes, it happens. Especially when it's unsalted. Seems the salt is the curative that keeps it fresh longer, even if it's not as good for you.
Hard Boiled EggsFor hard boiling eggs: Put water in the pot, bring to a rolling boil. Add eggs and boil for 15 minutes. The trick is "do not add salt or oil" to the pot. The shells will slide off. No more torn up eggs.
Transporting Hard Boiled EggsWhen there is a family dinner, I am not allowed in the house without my deviled eggs. I always boil them and once they are cooled, cut them in half and take out the yokes. When it comes time to transport them, I always dealt with them sliding in the container. Two days ago, I dropped one in the container, and it fell in upside down.
Using a Cooler During the HolidaysWhen more refrigerator space is needed for the holidays, bring out the cooler. It will come in handy to store the extra food that needs to be refrigerated. I use jugs of ice that I have in the freezer to keep the cooler cold.
Cookie Exchanges for New ParentsWhile making my cookies for my family cookie exchange, I decided to put these together for my daughter, who is pregnant with twins! I happened to have regular and small cookie cutters of gingerbread figures and just wanted to give anyone with children or pregnant the idea that they can do so as well!
