There's no denying the fact that times have changed. Prices have gone up while the economy continues to fail. But, that doesn't mean Americans can't cope with such a situation. This blog will be devoted to helping you save money in the kitchen. I'll even include a weekly recipe to help you get started on each week's tip. This week we're going to discuss how slow cookers can help you save money in the kitchen.

Everyone seems to have a slow cooker. They are quite a common gift at weddings or after the purchase of a new home. Even if you don't have one, a slow cooker can be purchased for around $20. This is a case when spending a bit of money can save you a ton of money.

We all know that slow cookers allow you to quickly throw a meal together that will be ready when you get off work, but how can they save you money? It's simple. A slow cooker allows you to buy cheaper cuts of meat that would normally turn out tough if cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Cuts such as chuck roast and Boston butt become tender and succulent when cooked in a slow cooker. Even tough round steak can become a tender delight. Don't believe me? Just try the following recipe.

Slow Cooked Gravy Smothered Round Steak
Serves 4

8 small pieces of 4 large pieces of round steak, about 1 pound
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms or two 4 ounce cans of sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, sliced
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 pack of dried onion soup mix
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

1. Place the round steak, mushrooms, and onion into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Mix the cream of mushroom soup, dried onion soup mix, and fresh cracked pepper together.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
4. Serve over brown rice with rolls and a side salad.

Sandwiches are always a quick fix meal, but the average sandwich can get boring. Wouldn't it be nice to prepare something different from time to time? This week we'll look at recipes for quick to fix sandwiches that are a bit different from the everyday sandwich.

Cheesy Chicken Flatbread Sandwiches
Serves 4

4 pieces of flatbread
12 ounces of refrigerated chicken strips, any flavor
4 ounces of shredded cheese, any flavor
4 tablespoons of fat-free ranch dressing

1. Layer each piece of flatbread with 3 ounces of chicken, 1 ounce of cheese and 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing.
2. Microwave for one minute or until the cheese melts.
3. Fold the sandwiches in half and serve with fruit and baked potato chips.

Tip: Turkey can be substituted and additional toppings can be added to make the sandwich your own.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Serves 4

4 whole wheat tortillas
½ cup of natural peanut butter
4 bananas, sliced
4 tablespoons of honey
2 cups of granola
½ cup of mini dark chocolate chips

1. Spread the tortillas with peanut butter and top with sliced banana, honey, granola and chocolate chips.
2. Roll into a wrap and enjoy.

Tip: These can be wrapped in aluminum foil and heated on the grill for a healthy camping treat.

Fruit and Cream Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Serves 4

8 pieces of raisin bread
4 ounces of fat-free flavored cream cheese (strawberry is preferred)
1 large apple, sliced
¼ pound of strawberries, sliced
1 banana, sliced

1. Spread the slices of bread with cream cheese and top with fruit.

Tip: Any fruit can be used and toasted nuts can be added for additional flavor and protein.

Sandwiches don't have to be boring. There are so many different ways to reinvent this everyday meal. Try different types of bread, add fruit, consider different types of spreads and create something new. Better yet, get your kids involved. If you have trouble getting them to eat, letting them create their own meals is a great place to start.

Cooler weather makes you crave hearty meals. This is one time you won't find what you're looking for in a fast food restaurant. Instead, you need to spend a few minutes in the kitchen. You don't have to slave over a stove to prepare a hearty meal. Best of all, you don't have to slip into those elastic waistband pants to enjoy a hearty meal. There are several hearty meals that are actually good for you.

20 Minute Beef and Vegetable Soup
Serves 4 to 6

1 pound 93-percent lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
4 cans of reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup
4 cans of water (use the soup cans)
2 to 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, depending on the thickness you prefer

1. Brown ground beef with onions until the ground beef is cooked through and onions are translucent.
2. Stir in the tomato soup, water, and frozen vegetables.
3. Cook until heated through.
4. Serve with side salad and whole wheat rolls.

Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli
Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
1/3 can of milk (use soup can)
4 ounces of 2-percent shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
2 cups of frozen broccoli, thawed
4 cups of cooked brown rice

1. Bake chicken in a deep pan at 425 degrees until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
2. In the meantime, combine the soup, milk, cheese and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Add the broccoli to the soup mixture and pour over the cooked chicken.
4. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
5. Serve over top brown rice.

Tip: Microwavable rice saves time and dirty dishes.

Hearty meals don't have to be loaded with fat and calories. They also don't have to take hours to cook. Even on a Monday night, you can have a hearty meal that you can feel good about serving to your children. Best of all, you didn't have to grab your wallet and head for the drive thru.