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Posts from the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category

Courtesy – n. a helpful act

First an announcement about The Plan, in addition to The 3Ds, which suggest ways to improve your shopping skills there is now information about Markets, List Preparation and Menus, which explains how to go about doing it. So check it out! Read more

Budget Food Shoppers Do the Math – Calculate Food Cost Per Item

The supermarket flier lingo, it is a-changin’! There were  hints last fall, but since the first of the year  it’s more evident each week. Oh, there are still plenty of the 2 for  X-amount offers  there, but the X-amount is rising in all categories.  Read more

Special Dinner Recipes for 2 – Affordable, Last Minute and Easy

I realize Valentine’s Day just passed, but I wanted to use the Super Bowl illustration while it was  fresh. Hopefully, since the 14th  was midweek, some of you waited until this weekend to celebrate and this post is in time to help you. If not, there’s always  a birthday, anniversary or special occasion on the horizon. Read more

Things you Should Know When Planning a Superbowl Party – Before and After

As I was preparing for this party, I realized that charting my steps, both before and after the event, would be a good way to illustrate what I call “Amortizing “ an occasion, as well as the ways leftovers can be used.  At the very least, the method will spare you the “register shock” usually experienced when buying everything at once.

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Freezing More Than Just Entrees Like Deserts, Sauces, Soups

There’s a reason entrees are usually thought of first. They are the most expensive and time consuming item on the menu. Other dishes are called “first courses” “sides” “desserts” or , collectively, “accompaniments” because they are chosen to compliment the entree.  Read more

What you Need to Know about Freezing Entrees and Casseroles

Just one word about choosing containers. If using foil, be sure to get the ones with tops. If you can’t, cover them with foil wrap and seal it by running a DAMP cloth around the edges. I take the extra precaution  of putting the package in a plastic bag and sealing it with a twist tie. Read more

Busting Food Freezing Myths and Providing Freezing Basics

I know I promised information on freezing entrees, but realized I should cover the basics first.

I’m sure all of you obey the First Rule of Freezing; Never Refreeze. If the food was raw when frozen, it can be cooked then frozen again. If it was cooked, consume it or discard it. If when buying, there is any question that something might have been frozen to transport it to market, ask the butcher or fish monger. Read more

Recipes Suggestions for Holiday Party’s on a Budget

It’s the height of the holiday season, the biggest party time of the year, and I’ll make book that if you entertain, and remember your costs last year, you’re going to have sticker shock this time. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports a 3% to 4% price rise in 2011—and predicts the same for 2012—but I don’t think they looked in the Dairy Counter. Many of the basic items there have gone up 25% to 50%. It’s  only natural to look for ways to shave costs, while still making your  guests feel welcome.

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