Check out the specials in shops from catalogues and mark those of interest. Only buy things on special if they are products you are actually going to use it in the near future. It’s not a bargain if you are not going to use it. Shop from a list, written out at home after checking the pantry and meals planned to see what you will need. Read labels carefully, especially if you have allergies to certain like sulfites or preservatives. Don’t assume low fat means it is healthy for you and low in calories. Often when they take out fat … Continue reading →

These days it is so easy to fall into what appears to be “normal.” Take microwave popcorn. It is so popular that we assume that whenever someone makes popcorn, this must be the way it is made. But not in my house. The neighborhood kids tend to gather at my house after school on Fridays. With no homework, everyone is ready to play, and ready to eat. I find that popcorn is an inexpensive snack that satisfies. Also, no kid I know seems to be allergic to it. The first time I got the pan out and started heating the … Continue reading →

No, I’m not referring to a bag of chips or day old donuts. While those are cheap and easy food items to contribute to a party, they might not be appreciated as much as the following easy and affordable dishes. This weekend’s NFL conference championship games have many people planning big parties to cheer on their favorite team. In addition, many offices are planning pre-game shindigs on Friday. If you are required to bring a dish to pass, then consider whipping up one of the following simple recipes. Trust me; you’ll score big time by doing so. EASY MEXICAN CASSEROLE … Continue reading →

If you’ve got it, eat it. No sense whining about Thanksgiving leftovers; instead, embrace the extra turkey and all the trimmings by giving them new life in the following simple yet delicious recipes: OPEN FACE HAM AND TURKEY SANDWICH Ingredients for Sauce: 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup flour 1 3/4 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese Ingredients for Sandwich: 8 slices toasted white bread 8 slices cooked turkey 8 slices cooked ham 1/2 cup bacon bits 1/4 cup grated (3/4-ounce) Romano cheese Directions: For the sauce: Melt butter in saucepan … Continue reading →

Summer is primetime for family campouts. But, just as important as the tents and bug spray (or in some cases, more important), happy campers need great eats to sustain themselves in the Mother Nature. The following super simple recipes are among my favorite campout culinary treats: CAMPFIRE TACOS Ingredients: Individual bags of Fritos Cooked taco meat Shredded cheese Shredded lettuce Diced tomatoes Diced onions Sour cream Salsa Directions: Crush up Fritos in its sealed bag. Open bag and add taco meat and fixings on top of the crushed Fritos and eat from the bag. OMELETS IN A BAG Ingredients: Large … Continue reading →

For most parents, the last couple weeks of the school year are chaotic, to say the least. An endless stream of end of the school year concerts, programs, parties and various other activities means there’s barely enough time to get dinner on the table. The following simple recipes will help you get a healthy meal on the table without sacrificing precious family time: EASY PARMESAN CHICKEN Ingredients: 1 clove garlic, minced 1 stick butter, melted 1 1/2 cups dried breadcrumbs 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon Italian … Continue reading →

I know when one of my recipes hasn’t gone over well with the family when I’m done doing the dishes and my young daughter is still sitting in front of a plate full of food. This usually happens when she cannot identify at least a couple of the ingredients in the entree. Fortunately, it rarely happens when I make the following recipes. These simple dishes are as easy to make, as they are to eat. No utensils required to devour. Just come to the table with clean hands and you’re ready to go. HOT TURKEY AND SWISS CHEESE SANDWICHES Ingredients: … Continue reading →