Football season has finally arrived and with it comes big football parties. While you can order pizza, or even pick up large subs, it's much more affordable to make food at home. If you have an open kitchen, you can even get your guests involved. This week, let's talk about saving money in the kitchen, while still preparing awesome food for your football parties.

First of all, take advantage of the great deals at super department stores. These stores have awesome deals on chips, dips, drinks and frozen appetizers. This is a great way to get a big bang for your buck. Of course, while you're there you can also shop for items to prepare delicious meals at home.

There are so many dishes you can make for your football party. Some of the most popular choices include chili, pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos. No one ever said these popular foods had to be done in the same old way. There are many different ways to kick up everyday football party foods. For example, why not combine the flavors of hot wings and nachos to create a whole new dish?

Buffalo Nachos

1 large bag of yellow corn tortilla chips
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle of hot wing sauce
1 bottle of queso cheese sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and heat the tortilla chips until they start to brown, around 10 -15 minutes, and place on a large platter.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and brown until cooked through.
3. Toss the chicken with the hot wing sauce and pour over the tortilla chips.
4. Heat the queso cheese sauce and pour over the chicken and chips.
5. Serve immediately.

Who said football party food had to be expensive or boring? Take your favorite football foods and make them at home in new ways. Your guests will love the new flavor combinations and you'll love the savings.

Does your family enjoy Mexican food? If so, you probably head to your favorite Mexican place at least every other week. But, why? Mexican food is easy to prepare at home. Plus, many of the dishes contain the same ingredients, making it easy to prepare four different meals in one night. This week, let's discuss having taco night at home.

The typical family of four would spend the following on a night at their favorite Mexican restaurant:

Drinks $8
Appetizers $5
Four entrees $32
Dessert $12
Total $57

A meal at home on the other hand is much more affordable!

Nachos
Tortilla chips $3
Cheese sauce $4
Refried beans $1
Sour cream $2
Green onions $1
Salsa $3

Tacos
Tortillas $3
Taco shells $2
93% lean ground beef (1 pound) $5
Taco seasoning $1
Lettuce $2

"Fried" Ice Cream
Caramel swirl or vanilla ice cream (1 pint) $4
Frosted Flakes cereal $4

Drinks
2 liter of soda $2

Total: $37

Note that you can use leftover nacho toppings to top the tacos. You can also save money by purchasing a kit that includes soft tortillas, taco shells, and taco seasoning. A few other ways to save money include buying 80-85% lean ground beef, making your own tortilla chips and taco seasoning, and serving water.

You could change this meal up a thousand different ways and still save money. And remember, when items your family uses on a continuous basis go on sale, stock up! You'll save even more money at family night when you have some of the items stashed away. And, if you're wondering how to make "fried" ice cream, here's a recipe.

"Fried" Ice Cream
1 pint of ice cream, scooped into 4 half cup servings
4 cups of Frosted Flakes, lightly crushed
Caramel or chocolate sauce, optional

1.Shape the ice cream into balls and freeze while dinner is being prepared and served.
2.Roll the ice cream in crushed cereal and top with sauce right before serving.
Rolling the ice cream in the cereal before serving ensures that it stays crunchy and seems more like it just came out of the deep fryer.