When people think of fall, visions of pumpkin pie soon come to mind. Who doesn't love pumpkin pie? But, pumpkin is far more than just pie. In fact, there are hundreds of different recipes you can make with pumpkin. Best of all, when Thanksgiving rolls around, you can always find great deals on pumpkin puree. This week, let's save some money in the kitchen by making some delicious pumpkin treats.

First of all, don't make the mistake of purchasing pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling can be overly spiced, not to mention that it can't be used for savory dishes. Instead, purchase either whole pumpkins to make homemade puree or purchased cans of pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin puree has a long shelf life and truly takes all the work out of pumpkin recipes.

Next, purchase pumpkin pie spice for sweet treats. Pumpkin pie spice makes it easy and affordable to prepare pumpkin treats. Instead of having to buy cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., all you need is one bottle of pumpkin pie spice.

Now it's time to look for recipes. Pumpkin can used to make soup, bread, pie, turnovers, cake and so much more. A quick search on the internet will give you a wide selection of pumpkin recipes. Of course, you can also try the following recipe, if you like.

Easy Pumpkin Bread
Makes 1 Loaf

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 -2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs with an electric mixer.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, flour, spice and pecans.
4. Pour batter into a glass loaf pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center of the loaf and comes out clean.

What could be more comforting in the fall than stew? Also, what could be more affordable? A large batch of stew can be served for a couple days and the leftovers can be frozen for a quick meal a couple weeks later. While it may be tempting to grab a can of stew at the grocery store, homemade stews are far superior and much more affordable. This week, let's save some money by making a big batch of stew.

First of all, if you haven't already got a large soup pot, now's the time to invest in one. Large soup pots are great for pasta, soup, dumplings, and so much more. During the cold winter months you'll find yourself using a soup pot quite often.

Another great purchase is a slow cooker. Slow cookers are perfect for small batches of stews. More importantly, slow cookers allow you to cook your stew all day so that it's ready when you get home.

Last, but not least, go on the hunt for delicious recipes. There are cookbooks devoted to soups and stews, but free recipes are easily found online. You can even join online groups to find even more recipes. Of course, you know that I can't write this blog without giving you a delicious recipe to start out with.

Easy and Lean Beef Stew

Serves 6 - 8

8 cups low sodium beef stock

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 pounds sirloin beef tips, trimmed of fat

1 pound of baby carrots, cleaned

1 pound of baby Dutch potatoes, cleaned

2 large onions, chopped

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoon cornstarch

Water

Fill a four quart slow cooker with the beef stock and tomato paste. Stir long enough to dissolve the tomato paste.

Add the beef and vegetables.

Season with pepper and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with enough water to create a slurry and add to the stew.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until the stew thickens.

Serve with crusty French bread and a side salad.

It seems like everywhere you go in the fall, there's the smell of apples in the air. You may find fresh baked pies in the local bakery, hot apple cider in cafes, and even apple butter at local craft fairs. All these treats are incredibly tempting, but the prices can be a bit expensive. Instead of giving in to all those highly priced treats, why not save money and make them in your own kitchen?

First of all, saving money begins by saving money on fresh apples. While many grocery stores now offer a large variety of apples, the prices can be a bit high. Not to mention that these apples are usually shipped in from another state or even from across the county. Instead, why not visit a local apple orchard? Apple orchards have the largest selection of varieties and the best prices. You'll save even more money if you pick the apples yourself.

Next, find good recipes. Nothing is worse in the kitchen than preparing a recipe and it turning out to be a flop. Instead, choose recipes from sources you've come to trust. Ask your mom for the pie recipe she made when you were little. Ask your grandmother for that special apple cake recipe. Or, turn to some of the top recipe websites, such as Kraft Foods.

I hope I've given you reason to trust my recipes and if so, I hope you enjoy this one as well.

Easy Apple Bread
Makes 1 Loaf

4 large Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and chopped
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Cook the apples, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until fork tender.
2. Allow the apples to cool.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs with an electric mixer.
5. Stir in the apples, flour, and pecans.
6. Pour batter into a nonstick loaf pan.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center of the loaf and comes out clean.

Do you love going to the movies just to get your hands on some of the delicious snacks? So do I. Unfortunately, even if the movie tickets are a decent price, almost all theaters charge an arm and a leg for their snacks. For example, a large soda usually costs $5 or more! You could buy three 2-liters for that price. That's not all though. Popcorn, nachos, and candy all cost a small fortune. Instead of heading to the movies, why not enjoy a membership at an online DVD rental site and *save money in your kitchen making those delicious snacks at home*?

What movie theaters don't want you to know is that many of the snacks you purchase can be bought at your local grocery store for less. You can even find boxes of movie theater candy for around $1 per box. You can also buy a bag of tortilla chips and a bottle of cheese sauce for what one serving of nachos costs at the theater, maybe even for less. In fact, the prices are so much better that you could even afford to make some of those treats gourmet.

Take nachos for example. What does the average theater offer? Usually you get cheese sauce and jalapeno slices and that's it. At home though, you could top your nachos with queso cheese sauce, slices of grilled chicken, and cubes of avocado. You could even get fancy with the whole menu by preparing snacks that match the theme of the movie you're watching that night.

But, let's talk about popcorn. This week, why not kick back with a movie and this delicious treat?

Chocolate Covered Nutty Popcorn
8 cups of plain popped popcorn, cooled
3 ounces of sliced almonds, toasted
3 ounces of sliced pecans, toasted
6 ounces of melted milk chocolate
6 ounce of melted white chocolate

1. Place the popcorn on a nonstick cookie sheet and toss with the nuts.
2. Drizzle each of the melted chocolates over the popcorn and nuts and allow to harden.
3. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

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.

Soon the weather will be turning cool and foods that warm the body and soul will be on everyone's mind. Of course, one of the most popular cool weather foods is soup. When the weather turns cold, everyone seems to pop open a can of soup. Why? Not only are canned soups high in sodium, but they are also overcooked. Not to mention they are often overpriced as well. This week, let's get a jumpstart on the cool fall evenings and save some money by making homemade soups.

First of all, let's talk about equipment. You definitely need a large stock pot when making homemade soup. You also need a large butcher's knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables. Last, but not least, you should invest in some freezable containers to store excess soup. All of this may seem like a large investment, but it will pay for itself overtime. While a can of good quality soup may cost $3, a serving of homemade soup costs pennies to make. In other words, the investment is well worth it.

When making homemade soups you should also keep a few things in mind. First of all, use either fresh or frozen vegetables. Canned vegetables are loaded with sodium and cooked to mush. You should also use fresh herbs when possible, but high quality dried herbs and spices are perfectly fine when fresh herbs aren't available. Last, but not least, use lean meats. Not only are lean meats healthier, but there's less that gets wasted.

Without further ado, here's this week's recipe:

Beef Vegetable Soup
3 pound sirloin roast, slow cooked and pulled
8 cups of low sodium beef broth
1 small can of tomato paste
2 large onions, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

1. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and vegetables to a large stock pot.
2. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are cooked through, about 1 hour.
3. Add the shredded beef and serve.

Are you guilty of turning to restaurants when you need a quick meal? I'll admit that even I used to eat out at least four nights a week because my boyfriend and I work 10 hour days. But, I discovered just how quickly I could cook meals with a pressure cooker. I know what you're thinking and I used to think the same thing too. You're wondering about the safety of pressure cookers. Today's pressure cookers are nothing like they used to be. The new digital models have several built in safety features that keep them from exploding. This week, let's talk about saving money in the kitchen by using a pressure cooker.

Pressure cookers come in a variety of different sizes to fit your needs. They also have several different features that make them versatile. For example, many digital pressure cookers include a slow cooker function. This means you can get the convenience of two great appliances in one. This not only saves money, but it saves space as well. The digital models even have a brown function which allows you to brown meat and sauté vegetables before cooking.

Speaking of meat and vegetables, a pressure cooker can cook them in a fraction of the time of other cooking methods. You can enjoy a roast in a little over an hour. Vegetables can even be cooked in less than 5 minutes. But, you can do more with your pressure cooker. They can also be used to make soups, rice, and even desserts.

Of course, what would an introduction to pressure cookers be without a recipe?

Creamy Mushroom and Onion Pork Loin
Serves 6 - 8

3 pound pork loin roast
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, sliced
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 pack of onion soup mix
Chicken stock

1. Place the pork loin roast fat side up in the pressure cooker.
2. Top the roast with mushrooms and onions.
3. Mix the soups together and add enough chicken stock to equal 2 cups of liquid (or more depending on the needs of your pressure cooker).
4. Cook on high pressure for 70 minutes.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and rolls.

Don't you love those lazy weekend days when you just kick back in front of the TV with your favorite snacks? A lazy Saturday every now and then really is good for the soul. And, while the snacks may not be good for your body, they're definitely good for the soul after a hard week at work. Unfortunately, they aren't always good for the wallet. Just a few snacks added to your grocery bill can really increase the total. This week, let's discuss different ways to save money in the kitchen while feeding those cravings for munchies.

First of all, don't be afraid to try store brands. Some store brand snacks are better tasting than the expensive brand name products. You'll never know which ones are best until you give them a try.

Second, never buy snacks that are easy to prepare at home. For example, microwave popcorn may be convenient, but popcorn kernels are a lot less expensive. Best of all, they taste better and allow you to create your own flavors.

Last, but not least, buy in bulk when it's less expensive to do so. Take a look at the unit prices and if the bulk package is bigger, and you're sure it will all be eaten, grab it. You can always repackage snacks into smaller containers and you can even freeze some snacks for later.

Of course, what would our weekly blog be without a recipe to get you started? This week, why not save some money in the kitchen with this easy recipe?

Cheesy Cocktail Weenies

2 cans of Pillsbury Crescent Roll Creations
8 ounces of smoked cocktail weenies
1 container of cheese in a can

1. Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut into short strips.
2. Place a cocktail weenie on each piece of dough, top with cheese, and roll.
3. Place the weenies on a nonstick cookie sheet seam side down.
4. Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until brown.
5. Serve with extra cheese sauce if desired.

Do you love appetizers and find yourself bringing home frozen varieties each week? Why?!? These have to be one of the most expensive items in the store. Seriously, we all buy them and love their convenience. But, what if you could make delicious appetizers at home? Would you still buy frozen ones at your local grocery store? This week, let's discuss how you can save money in the kitchen by making appetizers at home.

First of all, remember that the internet is full of free recipes. You can even find copycat recipes that mimic your favorite restaurants and brand name products. Thanks to website like, CopyKat Recipes, you can find free recipes to make your favorite appetizers.

If you're a cookbook collector like me though, you may want to try some of the popular copycat cookbooks that are available, such as the Top Secret Recipes series. Some restaurants even sell cookbooks that feature their popular recipes.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Saving money is all well and good, but what about the convenience of frozen appetizers? Thankfully, you can have that in your kitchen as well. Many appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, either before or after cooking, depending on the recipe. This means that all you have to do is pop them in the oven or deep fryer and you'll have fresh appetizers in a matter of minutes. Want an example? Try out these mozzarella sticks.

3 Ingredient Mozzarella Sticks
Serves 4

1 (16 ounce) block of mozzarella cheese
3 eggs, beaten
3 to 4 cups Italian bread crumbs

1. Cut the mozzarella into sticks, about ½ inch thick.
2. Coat the sticks in egg and then toss in bread crumbs.
3. Place on a sprayed cookie sheet, spray the tops of the sticks, and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, turning after five minutes.

Tip: If you like, you can freeze the mozzarella sticks on a cookie sheet before baking and then transfer them to a zip top bag for easier storage. Simply increase the bake time to 20 minutes.

Do you ever wish you had something to do with all the odds and ends in your refrigerator and freezer? You may think that a ½ cup of sour cream, some leftover chicken, and a handful of vegetables aren't good for anything, but think again! In fact, these few ingredients are the perfect beginning to a delicious casserole. Casseroles are not only a wonderful way to use up leftover ingredients, but they can save you a lot of money in the kitchen as well. This week, let's discuss turning those ingredients you would normally throw away into a delicious meal.

Anytime you prepare a whole chicken, roast, turkey breast, or even a ham, there's usually leftovers. You may not think there are enough left to do anything with, but just a few cups of chopped up meat are perfect for casseroles. The same goes for vegetables and other side dishes. The truth is that just about any type of leftovers can be turned into a delicious casserole. Take Mexican, for example.

Mexican Shepherd's Pie
Serves 4

4 large tortillas
2 cups of leftover taco meat
2 cups of leftover beans
2 cups of leftover Spanish rice
1 cup of salsa
1 cup of nacho cheese
1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese

1. Line an 8 inch nonstick baking dish with two of the large tortillas.
2. In a large bowl, mix the meat, beans, rice, salsa, and nacho cheese until well combined.
3. Top with remaining tortillas and shredded cheese.
4. Bake at 350 degrees until the tortillas start to brown and the filling is hot, about 30 minutes.

It's just that simple. All you have to do is be creative. Instead of throwing away useful ingredients or serving your family the same meal two nights in a row, you can turn leftovers into something new and delicious. This is the perfect way to use up holiday leftovers, but why wait for the holidays? Open your fridge and freezer and see what's waiting to be used. Who knows, you may create a new family favorite.

Did you ever think that a big meal could save you money in the kitchen? Well, it's true. A large meal, such as a turkey or ham dinner allows you to stretch your dollar by giving you enough food for several days. Not to mention that these large meals can also save you time. This week, let's discuss tips for preparing meals that will save you money and time. As always, you'll also find a couple delicious recipes.

Obviously, a large meal shouldn't be prepared on a work day. There simply isn't enough time to devote to preparing such a large meal. The perfect day is Sunday. Not only do you get to enjoy a large family style meal, but the leftovers can be used throughout the beginning of the week to prepare quick meals.

Let's get on to the recipes. First, let's start with a recipe that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious and quick lunch.

Turkey Bacon Sandwiches
Serves 4

4 hoagie rolls
Butter
8 slices of bacon, cooked and drained
1 pound of leftover turkey breast
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Tomatoes, sliced
Mayonnaise
8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

1. Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat buttered hoagie rolls over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Top the hoagie rolls with bacon, turkey, vegetables, mayonnaise, and cheese slices.
3. Serve with potato chips or French fries.

If a ham dinner is more your style, why not try this delicious recipe?

Bacon Infused Green Beans with Red Potatoes
Serves 4

2 pound of fresh green beans, strung and broke into 1 inch pieces
8 small red potatoes
½ cup water
1 pound bacon, cooked and grease reserved

1. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes, drain, and transfer to a warm 5 quart slow cooker.
2. Add the potatoes and stir.
3. Add water.
4. Pour half the bacon grease over the beans and potatoes and stir.
5. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
6. Reheat bacon and crumble over the top.
7. Serve with reheated ham and dinner rolls.

Memorial Day was the unofficial start of summer. From here through September, you'll probably be enjoying barbecues and other outdoor parties. You'll probably be tempted to visit the local deli to pick up delicious side dishes, such as gourmet flavors of potato salad. Why waste your money on these expensive products? Many delis charge at least $6 per pound for these side dishes. This week, let's discuss saving money in the kitchen by skipping the deli and preparing your own gourmet side dishes. I'll even include a couple recipes.

There's nothing wrong with going to the deli. In fact, it's a great place to get ideas. Scanning the different side dishes available can give you wonderful meal ideas. If you like, you can even ask to try the products. This gives you an idea of what ingredients are used and which main courses the side dishes would best suit your needs and taste. One of my favorite kinds of potato salad is baked potato salad. After trying this delicious deli side dish, I decided to come up with my own recipe.

Baked Potato Salad
Serves 6-8

1 cup of mayonnaise
Sea Salt, to taste
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
8 baking potatoes, baked and chopped
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
½ pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 bunch of green onions, chopped

1. Combine the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve with steak or hamburgers.

If potato salad isn't your thing, why not consider this pasta salad recipe?

Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Serves 6-8

4 ounces of dry bow tie pasta, cooked
4 ounces of small mozzarella cheese balls
4 ounces of pepperoni, chopped into large chunks
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 large red onion, chopped
1 ½ cups of Italian or ranch dressing

1. Combine all the ingredients and chill for at least 2 hours.
2. Serve with grilled chicken.

Why pay high prices for deli side dishes when you can create delicious recipes in your own kitchen? These salads are the perfect combination for all those delicious meals that will be coming off your grill this summer.

Have you ever wondered how fast food restaurants keep their prices so low? Take a close look at their menu and you'll notice that many of the items contain the same ingredients. This is also a wonderful way to save money in the kitchen. Instead of buying bags and bags of ingredients, why not consider preparing a menu that revolves around only a few ingredients? Not only does this save money, but it ensures that everything you purchase actually gets used. This week, I'll share tips on how to prepare a menu that saves money and time. I'll even throw in a couple recipes.

I find that the easiest way to prepare this type of menu is to start with the sales papers. For example, if hamburger was on sale as well as onions and green peppers, I might prepare a meatloaf one night and spaghetti another night. Here are a couple recipes to get you started:

Oniony Mushroom Meatloaf
Serves 8

1.5 pounds of 85% lean ground beef
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
½ cup of sour cream
½ of a large green bell pepper, pureed
½ of a large onion, pureed
2 eggs
1-2 cups of dry bread crumbs
4 ounces of sliced mushrooms
Olive oil
1 (10 oz.) jar of beef gravy

1. Combine the first 6 ingredients.
2. Stir in one cup of the bread crumbs and add more if needed.
3. Put inside a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until cooked through.
4. In the meantime, sauté the mushrooms in olive oil, drain off the excess oil and add the gravy. Continue to cook until heated through.
5. Slice up half the meatloaf and serve with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Quick Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serves 4

½ of a large green bell pepper, chopped
½ of a large onion, chopped
4 ounces of sliced mushrooms
Olive oil
1 (16 oz.) jar of spaghetti sauce
½ of leftover meatloaf, sliced into large cubes
1 pound of spaghetti, cooked

1. Saute the vegetables in olive oil.
2. Once the vegetables are cooked, drain off the olive oil and add the meatloaf and spaghetti sauce.
3. Heat through and serve over cooked pasta with a side salad and garlic bread.