The 5 best gadgets to up your coffee game
For those of us who run on caffeine, a cup of coffee is an essential part of nearly every morning. The process of making coffee, usually done without much thought, can be elevated easily with […]
Kitchen gadgets that make back-to-school meals a breeze
While children may feel sad about summer ending, parents usually feel stressed about back-to-school, and that includes meals. Dinner time can be chaos with parents returning from work, children coming from practice and after-school programs […]
This simple lunch can cost less than $1 a day
If you’re tired of shelling out $10 a day or more for a ho-hum lunch at the deli around the corner from your office, you’re in luck. We’re going to walk you through how to […]
10 ways to save at fine-dining restaurants
If you consider yourself a bit of a gourmand, but your finances are aligned more closely with pho than foie gras, we have good news. You can eat at some of the world’s best fine-dining […]
9 ways Amazon Alexa can help you in the kitchen
Between playing music, reading the news, sounding morning alarms and playing games, the Amazon Echo smart speaker and its Alexa assistant can be useful all over the house. The kitchen, though, is arguably where Alexa […]
The best young chef in every state
Knowing who’s who in the culinary scene can make a big difference when planning a trip or looking for a new favorite restaurant. Watching new chefs scale that scene with bold talent and bolder ideas […]
The dos & don’ts of buying at a wholesale club
Because I write about smart shopping, you’d think that I’d be adept at shopping in all forms. Not always! As a new member of Costco, it took several visits to get my bulk shopping under […]
5 things to throw on the grill that aren’t meat
Nothing says summer like barbecue, fun tunes, your favorite people and a relaxing night in the backyard. But after barbecuing all summer, you’re probably getting tired of meat and your vegetarian friends are definitely tired […]
5 grocery shopping hacks every smart shopper should know
Grocery shopping isn’t fun, like shopping for clothes or gifts. We tend to form habits around our weekly shopping outing – finding the closest store and walking every aisle like a zombie, anyone? By doing the […]
Remembering Julia Child: Reflections from Jacques Pépin
August 15 would have been Julia Child’s 106th birthday. The famed chef, author and television personality died in 2004, so it may seem odd to note the anniversary of her birth in an “off” year […]
The perfect noodle recipe when it’s too hot for anything else
During the warmer months, our bodies certainly crave cold dishes that can be enjoyed alongside a juicy burger. While potato salad is always a crowd pleaser, sometimes it’s nice to spice things up with an […]
The $2 secret to make your salads zing all season
The best summer meals make the most of fresh veggies and seem to always include a salad, whether starring as the main course with fresh greens, ripe tomatoes and peppers, or as a light side […]
Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day with these adult variations
Root beer floats are delicious treats all by themselves, but with National Root Beer Float Day falling on a Monday this year, we thought that some might appreciate the addition of a little kick to […]
Does good bacon have to be expensive bacon?
I’ve been cooking a ton of bacon professionally for nearly eight years. Actually, some months I do cook a literal ton of bacon. That’s a lot of bacon. People have asked me whether or not […]
13 Totally Tasty Substitutes for Bacon
Discover the best bacon substitutes for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and adventurous foodies.
The must-visit farmers market in each state
As COVID-19 restrictions relax and summer approaches, more and more farmers markets are resuming normal or close-to-normal operations. If you’re ready to break out your canvas bags and take a stroll through the farmers market, […]
This 45-cent multi-cooker meal is delicious & nutritious
If you’re looking for cheap, but healthy meal options to toss into your Instant Pot and cook in under 30 minutes, we’re here for you. While there are a lot of great recipes for the […]
This summer side dish costs less than 50 cents per barbecue guest
It’s fun getting together with friends during the summer for backyard barbecues, pool parties and picnics in the park. But it can also get expensive when you’re trying to feed a lot of people, even […]
The best smart devices to give your kitchen a high-tech makeover
Gone are the days that the height of kitchen technology meant a shiny new microwave and an ice dispenser. In 2018, the smart kitchen is a place where coffee is made with voice controls, atmospheric […]
Want to wow your barbecue guests? Make this $1.50 burger
I’ve been accused of being a purist, especially when it comes to food. It’s not that I like plain or boring, it’s just that sometimes simple is best. That is especially true when it comes […]
7 ways to save money at a farmers market
Farmers markets have a reputation for being expensive. A lot of the items for sale are typically organic and local, meaning vendors can demand a premium for them. But there are some tricks to saving […]
9 ways to save money on fruits & vegetables
Are you one of those people who buys fruits and vegetables only to let them spoil? Your intentions may be good but your actions waste nutritious food and your hard-earned money. Here are nine sure-fire […]
Remembering 4 greats of American cuisine: Raffetto, Council, Kafka & Brennan
It gives me solace that they each lived a long life, these women whose cooking and writing and spirit gave happiness and nourishment to so many. Pasta, fried chicken livers, a recipe for shrimp and […]
27 summer food myths you can stop believing right now
Summer is nearly here and that means it’s time for plenty of family barbecues, picnics in the park, camping trips and more. And while we’re all concerned about food safety, particularly when we’re toting our […]
Stay hydrated this summer: 5 ways to save money on drinking water
The old literary quote goes “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” It feels like that sometimes. There’s plenty of water in your house, coming out of faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms, but […]
5 ways to save on meat for your summer BBQ
For anyone who likes having a little red meat or poultry in their diet, the question of how to save money on those purchases can be complicated. After all, buying meat is not always cheap. […]
12 hidden toxins you may not know are in your kitchen
Eating organic foods whenever possible has been shown to reduce your exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides. But food is just one source to consider when evaluating all of the possible toxins in your […]
What to cook for your mom this Mother’s Day
Most people love to be cooked for, which’s especially true for the person who does most of the day-to-day cooking for their family. If that’s your mom (or another mother you know and love), you […]
Is Raising Chickens Cheaper Than Buying Eggs?
Eggs are a marvelous source of protein and nutrition for people around the world. Raising chickens in the backyard appeals to many who want to know where their food comes from and take pride in […]