Did you know that by creating a family food budget you can cut down your shopping costs dramatically? Whether you have just one child or five, coming up with meals plans that everyone likes is difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible. Then there are the costs associated with cooking something different each night to please everyone. Read more »

make a lot of chicken casserole recipes and always buy boneless skinless chicken breasts in the big packs  when they are on sale for $1.99 a pound or less.  Usually I will buy at least 2 big packs which I can separate and freeze.  Doing it this way I find that by the time I start to run out it is on sale again.  Using for chicken casserole recipes means that I can stretch it to last longer.  Here is a delicious recipe that will help stretch your budget.  Remember to stock up on other ingredients such as cream soups when on sale or buy the generic when possible.  I have found that most generic brands work just as well as name brands in recipes.  Read more »

I love making dump cake and here are two variations that are both popular for family get togethers. Save money by stocking up on the ingredients when on sale since canned and boxed goods often have a long shelf life. I normally keep coconut and nuts in the freezer so that they will last longer. I also store the leftovers in the refrigerator. Read more »

Eating healthy on a budget is easy - once you know the secrets! Many people think that eating healthy means that you have to spend a painstaking number of hours in the kitchen every night whipping up a gourmet meal - but that is far from the truth! In fact, healthy meals can often be made very quickly and for a low price. Compared with eating out, cooking a nutritious meal at home every night is considerably cheaper and well, healthier! When you eat out you really don’t know what is going into the food you are buying and even if it looks healthy there could be many additives in there that simply are not good for you. The only way to truly know what you are eating is to make it yourself. Read more »

For a nice Southern New Year’s dish serve up some Hoppin John, which is another way to serve black eyed peas in the South.  Try serving with ham, cooked greens and corn bread. Read more »