California-Style Buttered Pasta Is Easy And Delicious

California and Italy have much in common, which explains why many simple Italian dishes featuring fresh ingredients are popular in the Golden State. One dish that deliciously merges the Old World with the new is California-Style Buttered Pasta.
While red sauce is the most familiar match for Italian pasta, as you move into Northern Italy the tomatoes and olive oil give way to creamy butter as a popular pasta topping. Northern Italy is a major dairy region, much like California, which is the largest milk and butter producer in the U.S.
This delicious dish couldn't be simpler to prepare, combining cooked pasta with the rich natural taste of California butter. The dish comes together as quickly as you can cook the pasta.
A topping of toasted bread crumbs adds a pleasing crunch. And for a uniquely California variation, substitute grated Dry Jack for Parmesan. Dry Jack is an aged form of the ever-popular Monterey Jack, both of which were created in California.
Hearty enough to serve as a main course with a green salad on the side, California-Style Buttered Pasta is also a perfect accompaniment to any type of meat or chicken dish. It also goes well with fish because its rich yet subtle flavors do not overwhelm even the most delicate fish.
This recipe works best with slightly wider forms of pasta, such as linguini or fettuccini, which provide a nice balance between the pasta and butter coating. It will also work nicely with a penne or rigatoni style of pasta. But feel free to use your favorite type.

CALIFORNIA-STYLE BUTTERED PASTA
Yield: 3-4 entrée servings
or 6-8 as a side dish
1 pound (16 ounces) dried or fresh linguini
2 tablespoons salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) California butter
1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated California Dry Jack or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted bread crumbs
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. In a large (6-8 quart) pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta.
2. While pasta is cooking, cut butter into 1-inch pieces and set aside to soften.
3. When pasta is cooked to desired doneness, drain in a colander, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Return drained pasta to the cooking pot and add butter, half the grated cheese and half the bread crumbs. Toss, coating well. Add the reserved pasta water to moisten. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl or portion into individual pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese and bread crumbs on top. Serve immediately.
For a simple and hearty meal or a delicious side dish, try California-Style Buttered Pasta.

Seven Ways to StoreFresh Food Longer

Experts say the average family throws out nearly 15 percent of all fresh foods they purchase each year. Depending upon where you live and the time of year, that could add up to quite a bit of money. It is important to find ways to store fresh food for longer. Here are seven ways to accomplish this.
1. Homemakers of years past had a root cellar to place root vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots. They may have also used the root cellar to store home canned goods. Perhaps you do not have a root cellar, but you can use the same basic idea.

The goal is to keep these vegetables in a cool, dry place that is out of direct sunlight. Storing them in the refrigerator will actually make them spoil quicker. An alternative is to store root vegetables in paper bags stored in the cabinet. Be sure to keep onions and potatoes separate or they will spoil.
2. Cheese is another food that spoils if not used quickly. Wrap cheese in wax paper before storing it in the refrigerator. This will allow the cheese to breathe but will not allow excess moisture to reach it. Be sure to keep each type of cheese separate from the others to stop flavors from mixing.
3. Fresh herbs are similar to cut flowers; they need water to stay fresh. Keep herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley on the cabinet in a glass with about an inch of water. On the other hand, non-leafy herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary keep best if stored in a moistened paper towel and then put in a reusable bag. Put the bag in the refrigerator.
4. Canning fruits and vegetables is another way to store them for a longer period. Home canning really is not difficult and you know what you have added to the foods. Store-bought canned goods, however, may contain chemical preservatives to maintain freshness. Jelly, jam, sauces, fruit halves or vegetables can be stored for a year or longer if they are processed correctly.
5. A vacuum sealer is also a good investment for storing food. This option may cost more than others, but vacuum-sealed foods can last for months past the normal storage time. When you vacuum seal the food and then place it in the freezer, your storage time increases even further. A quality vacuum sealer will cost between $100 and $300, but they are definitely worth the price when you consider how much food you can save.
6. If you have stored as much of your food as you can and you still have fresh fruits or vegetables that are starting to look too ripe, find recipes that will use the food rather than letting it go to waste. Your family will enjoy a great meal and you will have saved money by keeping the food out of the trashcan.
7. Finally, if you do find some of the food is too far gone to eat, do not simply throw it away. Start a compost pile for all non-protein leftovers or foods that have gone bad. Composting the food will at least provide nutrition for the soil in a flower or vegetable garden.
By using these seven ideas for storing fresh food longer, you can save money, keep food out of your trashcan and in the stomachs of those you love.

Canadian Bacon Now An American Favorite

The phrase "pass the bacon" is beginning to have a more nutritious meaning for millions of health-conscious Americans incorporating Canadian bacon into their diets.
Best known as an ingredient in Eggs Benedict, Canadian bacon's recent rise in popularity stems from the low-carbohydrate diet craze. Although carb counting is no longer as fashionable, Canadian bacon remains a healthy cooking option because it's low in fat and high in protein.
With "bacon" in its name, consumers often confuse Canadian bacon with traditional American bacon, according to Philip Jones, president of Jones Dairy Farm, a leading U.S. producer of Canadian bacon. However, unlike its fatty American counterpart, Canadian bacon is a lean smoked meat made from the tender pork loin. It's precooked and has an appearance and flavor more similar to ham.
Jones points out an important difference between Canadian bacon and Canadian-style bacon. Real Canadian bacon is strictly the loin meat, but Canadian-style bacon is typically made from sirloin hip meat and includes ground pork trim. Jones believes consumers will prefer the higher-quality authentic product because it provides a more uniform appearance, better texture and superior taste.
"Real Canadian bacon provides fuller flavor and firmer texture," said Jones. "It's a premium ingredient that adds a wonderful smoky flavor in salads, sandwiches, soups or even by itself." He offers the following recipe showcasing the versatility of Canadian bacon.

Cajun-Style Gumbo
Makes 5 (11/2-cup) servings
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1 (141/2-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 (10-oz) package frozen sliced okra, thawed
8 Jones Golden Brown precooked sausage links or patties, coarsely chopped
1 (6-oz) package Jones Canadian Bacon slices, cut into strips
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, pepper sauce; bring to simmer. Cover; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in okra and sausage; simmer covered 5 minutes. Stir in Canadian bacon; simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Ladle into five shallow bowls; top with rice, parsley.
Cajun-Style Gumbo made better with the addition of real Canadian bacon.

Blueberry Salsa Sparkles With Flavor

Pepper in fruit salsa? If you think it sounds odd, just try this colorful salsa. Blended with blueberries and other fruit, dashes of red and black pepper add just enough heat to kindle a delicious combination.
Serve this lively flavored sauce with ice cream and pound cake, as shown here. Or try it as a side with smoked ham, grilled pork chops or chicken.
Fresh blueberries are available year round and are most abundant in midsummer-ready to blend into smoothies, toss into your favorite chicken salad, or sprinkle over lemon meringue or cream pie. You should know that blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants may help reduce the buildup of cholesterol that contributes to cardiovascular disease, stroke and other age-related diseases.
Spicy Blueberry-Fruit Salsa

4 cups fresh blueberries
11/2 cups diced mixed fruit (such as melon, grapes, pineapple or kiwi)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
In a small bowl, combine blueberries, mixed fruit, sugar, lime juice, lime peel, allspice, red and black peppers and salt. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered, up to 4 hours.
Yield: 51/2 cups
Per half-cup portion: 55 calories, 0 g fat, 14 g carbohydrate.
Mildly spiced blueberry salsa adds zest to dessert.

Baking on a Budget

Do you love sweets? Has the economy made it more difficult for you to fill that sweet tooth craving? You might have to stop buying your cookies from the bakery, but you can still enjoy those sweets by baking them yourself. Here are some tips to bake on a budget while also making your sweets taste and look professional.
* Buy in bulk. Get ingredients like cocoa powder, rolled oats, flaked coconut, nuts and spices in bulk. These ingredients are easy to store.
* Don't be afraid to use things that are about to spoil. Do you have some bananas which are past their edible state? Use them in some banana bread. Do you have some leftover cooked rice? Turn it into rice pudding. Even leftover mashed potatoes can be used in your baking by making potato fudge.
If you have bananas about to turn but don't want to make banana bread or muffins, then freeze the bananas peel and all so you can use them for baking in the future.
* Use your pantry. Just the basics from your pantry can be transformed into a great sweet treat. With some peanut butter and brown sugar you have the basis for a peanut butter cake. Add some oats, flour, baking soda, shortening, egg, vanilla and chocolate chips and you've got what you need. Or how about some peanut butter cookies that don't even need flour? Just add some egg and vanilla and you've got a simple peanut butter cookie. Do you have some canned pineapple and some raw carrots? Then you can make a Pineapple carrot cake.

* If you don't have buttermilk for a recipe, just make your own sour milk by pouring a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes. It's the perfect substitution for buttermilk. Check online for more substitutions when you're missing an ingredient.
* Save energy. If you don't need a huge amount of cookies, then use the toaster oven instead of your oven to bake it in. It uses much less energy. On the other hand, baking in bulk and freezing for later can be energy efficient too. Do all of your baking at once and have dessert from your freezer for months to come.
* Use seasonal foods. During the fall and winter months when apples are in season, use them in your baking. Don't forget that pumpkin. You can get a lot of tasty sweet treats in the fall and winter out of pumpkin. In the summer, adding strawberries to things makes for a tasty treat. An angel food cake with strawberries is divine. Think strawberry shortcake even.
Baking on a budget can really be quite simple. It's so easy to save by doing all of your own home baking too. And don't think that just because you haven't been able to bake before that you can't now. The more you do it, the better you get. It's like anything else that is learned - practice makes perfect. So keep trying; you just might find that you can make some really sweet treats.

Batch Cooking to Save Money

Batch cooking is becoming very popular. It's a great way to have healthy meals when you're short on time during the week because of work. It also means you don't have to eat out all the time, which saves you money. But cooking in large batches in and of itself is a great money saver. So if you're looking for more ways to save on your food budget, then here's how to do it with batch cooking.
What Is Batch Cooking?
You might be wondering what batch cooking actually is. Basically it's cooking large amounts of food at once to store and freeze for use at a later date. You can do it many different ways depending on what works best for you. If you have a deep freezer and a whole weekend, you could cook up food for the entire month. If you don't want to spend that much time or don't have the storage needed for that kind of batch cooking, then cooking in advance for the week might be a better alternative for you.
How to Cook in Batches

Cooking large amount of food to freeze can seem overwhelming. If you set aside a whole day it's doable. Just double, triple, or quadruple your recipes and place in freezer bags to save room in your freezer.
You can also cook up large batches of sauce to freeze, or roast a chicken and cut it up to freeze to use in meals throughout the week. You don't have to make a whole meal to have throughout the week.
Cooking up the basics that you will use in a meal will not only make meals easier to make, but it also saves you money. Jar sauce is convenient to use in recipes because you don't want to spend the time cooking sauce every time you need it, but if you have some made and frozen in your freezer it can be cheaper - especially if you have used in season ingredients. When you end up with a whole bunch of tomatoes at the end of the summer you can cook up a large batch of sauce that could last you all winter long.
Whole chickens can generally be bought cheaper than chicken pieces. So cooking up large batches of chicken, shredding it, and freezing it to add to meals as needed is a huge money saver - not to mention the time saver.
Tips So You Aren't Wasteful
If your major goal in bulk cooking is to save money, then the one thing you do not want to happen is for the food that you worked so hard to cook to go bad. To keep this from happening, here are some tips:
* Properly wrap your food to prevent freezer burn. Make sure you use a wrap that is meant for the freezer and that as much air as possible has been removed and it's sealed tight.
* Label the item with what it is as well as the date it was prepared. Foods can last 6-9 months in the freezer, but you need to label it with how long it has been in there.
* Do not place piping hot food directly into the freezer. Allow it to cool some before freezing.
* When reheating, to keep food from drying out reheat at a slightly lower temperature than what you normally cook it on.
Following these tips will ensure that you make the most use out of the food and that it tastes its best. This way you aren't throwing away the food you worked so hard on.
Batch cooking can be a real great money saver. You won't be eating out as much because meals on busy days will be so fast and easy. You'll also save money by buying in-season items in bulk. Batch cooking might not be for everyone, but give it a try to see how much money you can save.

Breakfast on a Budget

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you don't want to skip it as a way of saving money. And while cereal might be your go-to breakfast of choice, it can get a little boring and start to add up. If you're looking for budget-friendly breakfast ideas, then try these tips. It's sure to give a little spice to your life while also saving you money.

Muffins
This is a great thing to make in bulk (which saves you even more) and freeze for a quick on the go breakfast. There's such a variety of things you can get when it comes to muffins. You can make bran muffins, blueberry muffins, chocolate chip muffins, a fruit and veggie muffin, or a nice pumpkin muffin.
Oatmeal
Making oatmeal can literally cost pennies. And with different toppings you can really change it up - from cinnamon and apples to blueberries. Or try peaches and milk or some frozen berries. Make it more appealing for the kids by dressing it up with some chocolate chips or fruit sprinkled on top. Make sure it's a texture the kids will like. If your child likes a mushy cereal then he'll like the oats fully cooked. For more of a crunch, cook it a little less and cool it down with some milk.

Eggs
Okay, we know making eggs every morning can be a pain. While they are relatively quick to cook, there's all the hassle of dirtied pans. But make an egg bake over the weekend and freeze it and you have a great inexpensive breakfast in the morning. Scramble some eggs with spinach or peppers and onions or even some ham and bake it in the oven till set and you have a perfect yummy egg bake all week long.
French Toast
Okay, another not so great one for the week maybe, but if you have a loaf of bread that is starting to go hard, then this is a good time to make some French toast. With just eggs, milk, and bread, you can't get much cheaper than that. You can top with some fruit or add a little cinnamon to the egg and milk mixture.
Granola
Make your own granola and it will be much cheaper. Then mix it with a little yogurt or fruit. Just combine rolled oats, oil, honey, vanilla, and a little brown sugar. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes on 350 degrees F. Stir frequently to ensure even baking. It will be golden brown when it's done.
Smoothies
These can be inexpensive to make because you can toss just about anything into them. Got some berries that are getting a little soft? Toss them into a smoothie. Keep some plain yogurt in your fridge to thicken up those smoothies.
Peanut Butter Toast
This is a filling, quick, and easy breakfast. Just add some fruit (bananas and peanut butter are delicious, by the way) and you have a complete breakfast.
So the next time you are looking for an inexpensive breakfast idea, don't reach for the cereal. Try one of these; you won't be disappointed.
Do you have any other inexpensive breakfast ideas to add to this list?

Cook a Whole Meal for Less Than $10

Making meals that are inexpensive is something many families are striving for. Having them taste good or maybe even restaurant quality while still not eating a huge hole in your budget can really be a challenge, though. But, it can be done. Here are five tasty meals that can be made for less than $10 each and will feed your whole family.
1. Roast Chicken
Because you can get a whole chicken for very cheap this is a perfect meal that seems expensive, but isn't. Just include some potatoes and carrots in the roasting pan with the chicken and you have a whole meal in one pan that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Simply take your roast chicken and season with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place it in a roasting pan with rack. Surround the chicken with quartered potatoes and some cut up carrots with half a cup of water and place in a preheated 350 degree oven. Allow to cook half an hour per pound of chicken.

About half an hour before the chicken is done cooking, pour some chicken broth over it. Once done cooking, remove the vegetables from the pan. Mash the potatoes if you'd like and season with a little salt and pepper. Remove chicken to a cutting board and let stand a few minutes before carving. Meanwhile use the drippings from the pan to make gravy if desired. And there you have it - a full meal for under $10.
2. Meatloaf
This is an American classic that's inexpensive to boot. Pair this with some green beans and egg noodles for a meal that's less than $10. 
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup water
* ½ cup bread crumbs
* 1 envelope onion soup mix
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Place in a loaf pan. Put in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and serve over egg noodles.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
A nice hearty meal to really fill you up. And it's easy because you can set it to cook all day in the crockpot.
* 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
* 2 tbsp vegetable oil
* 6 red potatoes, quartered
* 4 cups chicken broth
* Carrots and peas
Brown chicken on both sides in oil. Season with a little salt and pepper. Remove to slow cooker. Add vegetables and chicken broth to slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours (high for 4 hours).
4. Chili
Here's another hearty meal that won't break the bank, but will fill you right up.
* 1 onion
* 1 head of garlic
* Bell pepper
* 15 ounce can of black beans
* 14 ounce chicken broth
* 14 ounce stewed tomatoes
* ½ pound ground turkey
In a large saucepan heat onion, garlic, pepper, and ground turkey. Cook until turkey is done, about 6 minutes. Drain the canned beans. Add to turkey with stewed tomatoes and half of the chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for half an hour.
5. Vegetarian Tacos
This is really very simple and basic. To make it more filling, use beans instead of meat. Just heat a can of beans in a pan with some chipotle pepper. Add your taco shells, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese and you have a quick and cheap taco dinner for the whole family.
So those are just five recipes you can make that won't break the bank. What other meals do you like to make that cost less than $10?

Feeding a Family of Four on a Budget

Everyone is looking for a way to save money. The food budget isn't always an area you want to skimp on because it's a real necessity. Plus, eating healthy might not always seem possible to do on a budget. There are ways to feed a family of four on a hundred dollars a week, though. And it doesn't mean giving up healthy eating or some of your favorite foods either. Follow these tips to save money on your food bill.
How to Feed a Family of Four on $100 a Week
* Shop the sales. Follow those weekly sales ads. Look for the places that have the best prices on the things you need. That might mean going to multiple stores to save the most money.
* Buy in bulk. If you can get a membership to a shopping club you can save a lot of money on meat.
* Clip coupons. Be mindful of the coupons you use, though. If you have to buy two of something to save $0.50 on a third item it might not be the best coupon. Use them in conjunction with sales and when you can use double and triple coupons as well.
* Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. We know, you love your watermelon. But you will pay more for it in the winter than in the summer. So stick with the fruits and vegetables that are in season.
* Name brand doesn't always mean better. Often times store brand is made in the same factory as the name brand. When you buy name brand you are paying for the name. The store brand can be just as good as the name brand.

* Cheaper cuts of meat can still be made to taste good. Buy a whole chicken instead of chicken pieces. Drain fat out of ground meat and rinse it after cooking instead of buying the more expensive lean ground meat. Stretch the meat by adding other sources of nutrition such as mashed up kidney beans, shredded zucchini, or whole grain rice to your meat patties. It will make it not only healthier for you, but it will also make the meat last longer.
* Canned fruits, vegetables, and even meats can save you money. Add canned chicken to casseroles and wraps. Use canned vegetables and fruit stored in its own juices when money is tight. These items have a longer shelf life so you can buy them in bulk.
* Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as good as fresh. When you're craving a strawberry shake in the middle of winter and strawberries are not in season, you can use frozen to save you some money.
* Make soups and stews. These are hardy meals which can be stretched far with a lot of healthy ingredients.
* Utilize what's in your fridge and your pantry. Revamping your leftovers into another meal with some items from your pantry will help stretch your food that much longer.

* Don't shop on an empty stomach. And make sure if you have to bring the kids with you that they are well fed as well. Otherwise you might see some high price items sneak into your cart.
Following these tips will give you more food for the buck. You really can spend $100 a week to feed a family of four. And best of all - it can be done without sacrificing your health or that of your family.

Fun Recipes to Cook with the Kids to Save Time and Money

Cooking with the kids has many benefits. Shocker of shockers - you can even save time and money when you let the kids get involved in cooking. Here are some fun recipes you can cook with the kids that will save you time and money.

Homemade Pizza
You really can't go wrong with kids when it comes to pizza. Let them put their own toppings on it and they will be more likely to eat it. But why not let them make the whole thing, dough and all? Here's a super easy recipe.
Dough
* 2 ½ cups flour
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup warm water
* 1 tbsp yeast
* 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
* 1 tbsp oil
Toppings
* Pizza sauce
* Mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni
* Ham
* Meatballs
* Sausage
* Pineapple
* Pepper
* Mushrooms
* Olives
Dissolve yeast in warm water and add a dash of sugar. In a mixing bowl add salt, flour, Italian seasoning, and oil. When yeast is bubbly, pour into flour mixture to make dough. Form into a ball and place in lightly greased bowl. Allow to rise 30-60 minutes.
Roll out dough on a floured surface and stretch into pizza pan. With multiple children you can make individual pizzas so they can add the toppings they desire. Spread sauce, cheese, and any other toppings over crust and bake in a 450 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese bubbles.

Potato Pierogi
Pierogis are a great kid recipe to make. It teaches them a lot of skills and it's something they enjoy eating. Plus it's way better to make your own pierogis than to buy them from the store - a huge money savings right here.
Pierogi dough
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cake flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1/3 cup water
Filling
* 3 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (about 4 cups)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
* 3 to 5 tablespoons milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the flours and salt in a mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and water. Using a fork or whisk, mix just the liquids. Now with a spoon stir the flour into the liquid from the sides of the bowl.
When you have made a dough, knead it for 7-8 minutes on lightly floured surface with lightly floured hands. Put the dough aside in a bowl covered with a plastic wrap while you prepare the filling.
Put the potatoes in a pan with just enough water to cover them. Heat to a boil. Cook 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
Meanwhile melt butter in a sautée pan and add the onion, stirring until it's a light golden brown.
Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, 3 tbsp milk and about ¼ tsp salt. Mash adding salt and pepper to taste. If mixture is a little dry, add more milk.
Roll dough out very thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut with 3-inch circle cookie cutter. Place 1 tablespoon of potato filling in center of dough cut-outs. Moisten half the edges with a finger dipped in water and fold the moistened end over onto the dry end to seal. Press the edges firmly together.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and place pierogis into the boiling water. Let them boil for 7 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Chicken Cutlets and Fries
Kids love chicken, but you might not be so crazy about having them fry chicken fingers. All that grease spraying everywhere. But baking them like in this recipe is not only healthier, but also not as dangerous for the kids.
* 2 large baking potatoes
* ¼ cup zesty Italian dressing
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* 1 lb boneless chicken breast, pounded and cut into strips
* ½ cup bread crumbs
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Cut potatoes into ½-inch strips and place in a bowl. Toss with dressing and ¼ cup cheese until coated. Spread evenly into a lightly greased baking dish. Bake 12 minutes.
Meanwhile mix bread crumbs and the rest of the cheese together. Wet chicken and dip in breading mixture.
Add the chicken to the baking dish with potatoes. Turn the potatoes. Bake 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is done. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
These recipes are all great to get kids cooking with you and to save money. It's all stuff they'll love so they will not be throwing any food away, especially since they helped make it.
What are your favorite recipes to cook with kids?

How Bulk Buying Saves You Money

Buying in bulk can be a real money saver. But you do have to be careful. If you have a wholesale club membership, you might find you spend a lot of money - and while some things can be a really great buy, others are not so good. So make sure you watch those unit prices when you are shopping for bulk.
You also want to make sure you have the storage and will use things before their expiration date. If you are a family of just two, buying 15 boxes of cereal because there's a "buy one get two free" sale might not be the best idea. Because are you really going to get through those boxes of cereal before they go bad?
Do you have room in your freezer? If you have an extra freezer, then buying meat in bulk can definitely be cost effective. The family packs generally are cheaper per pound, but you'll likely want to split up the packs into smaller serving sizes before freezing. You'll need plenty of freezer space to hold everything.
Here are ten items that it's worthwhile to buy in bulk and how to make them last longer.

1. Cereal - Okay, we know we said above that buying more than you can eat is a bad idea. But the truth of the matter is, when you find a deal on cereal you should go for it. Just make sure you use a clip to seal the bag closed after it has been opened, or have some handy Tupperware type containers to store the cereal in. Use something air tight to keep it from going stale.
2. Foil and wraps - You know this is never going to go bad and you will use this for storing things.
3. Paper goods - This is another thing that doesn't have an expiration date and that you'll get plenty of use out of. Bulk toilet paper purchases and paper towels are especially good value. Watch those unit prices to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. The 1000-roll of toilet paper is a better buy than the Charmin. And no, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for price.
4. Toothpaste and toothbrushes - You want to keep your teeth healthy and a great way to do that is with plenty of dental care products. Never worry about running out of toothpaste again when you buy this in bulk.
5. Alcohol - Now, not to encourage over drinking, but when you are having a lot of company over you'll be happy for a well-stocked bar, that's for sure. Buying larger amounts of vodka is just cheaper per ounce and it's not going to go bad as long as it's stored correctly.
6. Batteries - Everything requires batteries, especially those annoying kid toys. As great as it might be to say a toy is broken once the battery dies, if you want to avoid the waterworks and be the hero then having a good stock of batteries on hand is helpful. And it's cheaper in the long run to buy the larger packs of batteries than the individual packs. Store them in a cool place to maximize shelf life.
7. Dried beans and pasta - Pasta can last up to two years in a sealed container and beans can last up to a year. So this makes the perfect bulk pantry staple to purchase. Keep them sealed in an airtight container. Make sure to label everything with dates so you know what to use first.
8. Canned goods - Most things in a can have a long shelf life. So stock up on canned vegetables, soups, or tuna. Another good thing to keep in your pantry and buy in bulk is rice. White rice can last up to a year, but brown rice only lasts about six months so be mindful of that in your purchases.
9. Soap and shampoo - This is another thing that won't go bad and that you always need. If you have the room to store it, then buying soap and shampoo in bulk is a great money saver.
10. Meat - Buy meat in bulk and store in the freezer in an airtight freezer bag. Date it so you know when you froze it. Chicken and meat are cheaper per pound the more you buy.
Buying in bulk can be a real money saver, but it only works if you have the space to store it and if you store things correctly. Nothing is worse than buying a huge bag of cereal and having it go stale because it wasn't stored properly. Or losing meat to freezer burn because you left it in the freezer too long not properly sealed. If you keep everything sealed air tight, then you will find that food dollar stretching further by buying in bulk.

Inexpensive Alternatives to Stretching Your Food Budget

Cooking on a budget doesn't mean you have to say so long to your favorite dishes. You can still eat your favorite foods with just a little modification to make them less expensive. Here is a list of great substitutes to help stretch your food budget.

1. Eggplant - Come on; you know you love eggplant Parmesan. This meaty vegetable lends itself well to pasta dishes and stir fries.
2. Mushrooms - These are a very versatile meat substitute in recipes you're trying to make cheaper. As a base for a veggie burger or just a portobello burger, they taste divine. Use them in enchiladas or casseroles and many stews too. They take on the flavor of other things which is what make them a great and cheap substitute.
3. Beans - Beans, beans the magical fruit, the more you eat the more you...save. Stews, soups, chili, and salads, beans are a perfect protein substitute in many dishes. They are healthy and very cost effective.
4. Imitation vanilla - Do you bake? Here's a little-known secret: you don't need to get real vanilla which can be a rather costly ingredient in baking. Imitation vanilla does not alter the taste of recipes and you can get it at a fraction of the cost.
5. Cooking wine - This is a perfect and cheaper substitution to wine in recipes. Unless you know you'll drink that Chardonnay with dinner, then purchasing cooking wine is the way to go. Or for an even cheaper alternative (and one that appeals to some recovering alcoholics), use chicken broth - something you also might have on hand when a recipe calls for wine.
6. Pork in place of veal - Pork doesn't taste all that different from veal and it's much cheaper. Chicken can be used as a substitute in veal recipes as well.
7. Steak - Wouldn't you love a nice Kobe steak? Sure, we all would, but alas that is not a budget-friendly food. That doesn't mean you can't find a good cut of meat, though. Try a USDA prime beef, or if that's still too expensive, a choice graded cut of meat will do. The key is to find one with a good marbling to get that Kobe beef texture that's so sought after.
8. Fish - When it comes to fish it can be pricy. There are cheaper alternatives which taste the same and are easily interchangeable in recipes. For tuna, try yellowfin tuna instead of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Love that Chilean sea bass, but not the price? Then try an Alaskan sablefish instead. Pacific cod is cheaper than Atlantic cod and just as flaky, so it's easy to make that switch. When in doubt ask your local grocery's seafood clerk. He can usually tell you what a good less expensive substitute is for different kinds of fish.
9. Yogurt - In place of sour cream, try plain yogurt instead. Not only is it cheaper, but it's healthier for you, too. There are lots of great probiotics in yogurt.
10. Imitation buttermilk - Need buttermilk? Just add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to every cup of milk. Let it sit for about five minutes to ferment.
These ten ingredient substitutions will really help your food budget stretch further. You really don't even have to sacrifice taste for inexpensive ingredients. In most instances no one will know the difference unless you tell them. What are your favorite ingredient substitutions?

Saving Money on Groceries with the Internet

We use the internet for everything these days. And now with smartphones keeping the internet with us at all times, there are plenty of ways we can use the internet to save on our grocery shopping. Here are the top five apps for saving money on groceries.

1. ZipList
We need a list to go grocery shopping, correct? Well, we should have one. That right there is a huge money saver. Getting only what you do need and nothing you don't, but keeping up with the list or remembering to bring the list with you is always my downfall. I do always have my phone, though. And with ZipList, all of my list making troubles are over.
Not only is this great at keeping your recipes all in one place, but it can help you create a shopping list with the items you need. It can even organize your list based on the layout of your store. What better way to keep those impulse buys at bay?
2. Weekly Ads & Sales
This app is great for more than just your grocery shopping. Really, it's no wonder that newspapers are struggling so mightily in this information age. This takes away the need for your weekly Sunday paper. You can get all of your local stores weekly sales and deals right there on your phone. This way you can decide where the best place to shop for what you need is right at the touch of your finger.
3. Grocery iQ
This is another grocery list which allows you to check off things as you go. You can completely customize and sort your list. You can even use your phone to scan the barcode to add things to your list. But on top of that you can also find coupons for the items on your list. No more forgetting your coupons when you go shopping.

4. SavingStar
This is more ways to get coupons. SavingStar will take all of your stores loyalty cards and store them and give you exclusive savings on the items you purchase. You can get ecoupons to use. No more coupon clipping with this app at the ready. Beyond that, you get savings when you shop online at places like Groupon, Travelocity, LandsEnd.com, and ProFlowers.
5. Cellfire
This might be the perfect app for everyone. There's really nothing for you to do. It will alert you to special savings as soon as you walk into a store and automatically loads coupon savings onto your loyalty card so you no longer have to worry about those coupons. It's just that easy to save money on the things you buy. This will even work at restaurants, department stores, and entertainment as well.
Grocery shopping has really gotten much easier with all of these great coupon apps you can add to your phone. And you'll never forget your list again. With your lists stored into these apps, it will make it that much easier to remember all of the ingredients you need to make your favorite recipes.
Saving money using the internet has become so much easier. Aside from using your phone and apps, don't forget that a Google search will often reveal helpful coupons and where the best sales are. So make the internet a part of your weekly grocery shopping. It will not only save you time, but it will also save you money.