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Frugal Food: Make Your Own Chewy Granola Bars

My kids are crazy for those chewy granola bars. They love to take them with their school lunches or to the park when they might need a snack. They are very convenient to have. Unfortunately, the price of chewy granola bars has been rising, all while the amount you get in a package has been shrinking. Combine that cost with the unsavory ingredients in some of them (“natural” versions are even more expensive), it only makes sense to create my own homemade version. I experimented with a number of recipes but wound up settling on one that uses honey as … Continue reading →

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Yes, you can make vanilla extract at home. The process is simple and will produce vanilla extra with much more flavor and nuance than the stuff you can buy in the store, so you’ll want to especially use it in dishes and deserts that have a strong vanilla component. Homemade vanilla extract is, of course, wonderful to use in any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. Your version will be smooth and taste pure. Before you get started, you will need a glass vessel of some kind that contains a strong seal. You can choose a fancy container bought for … Continue reading →

How to Make Kids Smile on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, but don’t look for me to be heading out to the bars to put away pints of Guinness on March 17th. Rather, I will be spending the day partaking in far more kid-friendly fare, including making a bunch of green treats and sharing a holiday smile with my 6-year-old. If you are searching for ways to make your kid smile on the upcoming holiday, consider tickling his funny bone with the following riddles: Q: Why do frogs like St. Patrick’s Day? A: Because they’re always wearing green Q: When is an Irish … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Chocolate Treats for Love Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here and if you haven’t been to the store to pick out that special something for your sweetie, you might want to reconsider. I just got back from the mall, and frankly, I wouldn’t go back if you paid me money. I say spare yourself the drama and headache of battling pre-Valentine’s Day crowds and head to the kitchen to whip up these simple, sweet homemade treats: CHOCOLATE MOCHA CAKE Ingredients: 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup strong freshly brewed coffee 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons water … Continue reading →

Low-Cal Vanilla Cold Cap

The Low-Cal Vanilla Cold Cap is a tasty and refreshing alternative to one famous cappuccino drink that everyone’s tongue hangs out for. For approximately just one-fifth of the calories, the Low-Cal Vanilla Cold Cap is a mere 60 calories for an eight-ounce serving. This is a drink that is good in the summer months, as well as the winter months. The Low-Cal Vanilla Cold Cap is also a cappuccino drink that you do not have to feel guilty about drinking! Ingredients: 1/3 cup of no-cal sugar substitute 1/4 cup of nonfat, instant, dry milk power 2 cups of ice cubes … Continue reading →

How to Make Your Own Milk Chocolate Masterpieces for Valentine’s Day

What did you ask your sweetie to get you this Valentine’s Day? Diamonds? A romantic dinner for two? A massage? Since requests aren’t always granted (depending on the particular sweetie involved), you might want to brace yourself for a bar (okay, a box) of chocolates and a pat on the back. If you are lucky, your honey will honor you with a slice of Emeril Lagasse’s Milk Chocolate Cheesecake. If you are really lucky, you won’t have to make it yourself. Either way, the recipe is provided below along with the directions for mouthwatering milk chocolate cookies sealed with a … Continue reading →

How to Make Lollipop Cookies and Gourmet Chocolate Truffles

Everything tastes better on a stick, right? That’s what state fair food vendors maintain anyway. Now you can bring the joy of snacking on a stick to your holiday party with this fun recipe for Chocolate Lollipop Cookies. Don’t let the name intimidate you, this recipe is very simple to make. What’s more, kids go crazy for these festive holiday cookies. The second recipe for Gourmet Chocolate Truffles is not as elaborate as it sounds. The chocolate treats that are mega-popular this time of year have the look and taste of a gourmet goodie, but the preparation is nowhere near … Continue reading →

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Bark and Other Sweet Holiday Treats

If you are looking for an affordable edible gift to present to friends and family members this holiday season I highly recommend Peppermint Bark. Interestingly, I didn’t get my first taste of this delicious holiday treat until I was in my 20s. I was anchoring a local morning TV news show and a local chef came into the station to demo the recipe for a Christmas cooking segment. One bite and I was hooked. Chocolate and mint… who can resist that combination? What’s more, the recipe is fantastically simple to make. The other edible gift I like to pass out … Continue reading →

Coconut Cream Pie Makeover

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I love coconut cream pie. I actually love anything with coconut in it. . .but I’m especially fond of cream pie. However, I am no longer young and ahem. . .I can’t eat whatever I want anymore! With that said, I offer you two coconut cream pie recipes. . .the old version with all the fat, sugar and calories a coconut cream pie could offer (you know, for special occasions), and a newer lighter version. If you’re daring–take the challenge and see if you can tell which one is the almost fat free version and which one is not. Fannie … Continue reading →

Easter Candy: Make Your Own Marshmallow Peeps

I feel like somewhat of an ignoramus this morning. I had no idea you could make your own peeps! I have a not so secret confession–I love peeps! I buy a package at every holiday. . .but now that I know I can make my own, this means I can make them all year round. . .in any shape I want. (I am thoroughly excited–can you tell?) So while you’re making your other Easter confections, why not consider trying to make a batch of peeps. I like the idea as an activity to do with kids because it requires using … Continue reading →