Forget everything you know about the classic green bean casserole. This year, we’re ditching the can and keeping all the comfort. Because yes, canned cream of mushroom soup is convenient. And yes, those little crispy onions have been showing up at Thanksgiving since practically forever. …read more

Have you ever looked at your bank account, looked at your pantry, and then looked back at your bank account with a heavy sigh? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. Sometimes, the end of the month feels like a long, slow …read more

Going Mental for Lentils: Sweet and Spicy Lentil Sloppy Joes Are you ready to fall head-over-heels in love with a legume? Now, don’t roll your eyes at me, I know exactly what you’re thinking. “Lentils, Patti? Really? Those little brown pebbles that look like they …read more

How to Save Money on Salads: Easy, Healthy, and Budget-Friendly Ideas When the summer heat sizzles, who wants to cook? Not me! That’s why salads are our mealtime MVPs right now. Crisp, cool, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients, salads are summer’s answer to “what’s for …read more

Savor Summer with This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad That Won’t Break the Bank When the summer heat sizzles, who wants to cook? Not me! That’s why Honey Mustard Chicken Salad + Smart Ways to Save on Summer Salads is the theme of the day—and let …read more

How to Make Homemade Roasted Red Peppers Roasted red peppers are a culinary delight, adding sweet, smoky flavor to dishes and sandwiches alike. Forget the pricey jars at specialty stores—making roasted red peppers at home is easy, cost-effective, and yields superior results. Follow this simple …read more

Savvy Shopping: Why Frozen Spinach Is the Best Bargain for Healthy Eating + Easy Cheesy Spinach Pie Recipe Want to know the best bargain in the frozen foods aisle? It’s frozen spinach in those handy 10-ounce boxes. You might not think much of it at …read more

      What’s delicious, easy to make and totally cheap? Polenta! Polenta is a versatile staple made from ground corn that can serve as an appetizer, side or main dish, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.   It can be seasoned to be sweet or …read more

    ELOTES – MEXICAN STREET CORN It’s almost Cinco de Mayo (AKA drink margaritas all day, day) and we’re going to be seeing lots of themed parties over the weekend. So, in honor of all the things we’re celebrating, the beautiful weather, the coming …read more

  The Secret Life of Cauliflower Unassuming cauliflower is being featured all over the hottest restaurant’s menus as it’s transformed into appetizers, soups, salads and even served as an entrée. And there’s the ever popular Cauliflower Pizza Crust Cauliflower Rice and Fauxtaytoes!  Do you wonder …read more

  Be it carbs, gluten or calories – lots of people are trying to cut down on pasta Especially, my family. So, I’m always playing with recipes that give us all the familiar flavors of the pasta dishes we love, without the pasta. This recipe …read more

  Whether you’re trying to lose weight, eat more veggies, lower your carbohydrates, go paleo or gluten free; say hello to my little friend – spaghetti squash.    In short, this squash cooks into long tender strands like, well . . . spaghetti. I’m not …read more