Tag Archives: crockpot

Slow Cooker Basics

Save money when you use your slow cooker or crockpot. You can have dinner on the table, ready for you, and spend just a few dollars a meal for the privilege. Most people who want to save money, really want to save money, rely heavily on at least one slow cooker to help them prepare low cost meals. Others may have given up a slow cooker or crockpot prematurely, because they had a bad experience, such as with an overcooked, an undercooked, or a tasteless meal. Usually this is because they simply weren’t aware of some slow cooker basics. Slow … Continue reading →

Money Saving Meals for Busy Families

Busy families shouldn’t miss out on the savings just because they have little time to cook. Home cooked meals are one of the best ways to save on the food bill. With a little knowledge, you can spend very little to cook at home, no matter how hectic your life is. Here is how. Crockpot Recipes I’m convinced that the crockpot must have been invented by a busy mom. If you don’t have this little appliance, run out right now and get one. Don’t worry about the expense. You can pick your first one up for a few dollars at … Continue reading →

Comfort Food: Crockpot Mac & Cheese

It seems that we have run out of turkey leftovers. I had wondered how on earth this could be possible, given the fact that we cooked a 21 pound bird and only had to feed five adults and five picky kids. Then I realized the answer: our relatives carted away most of the leftovers. Sigh. Well, I am glad that they are going to enjoy them, but as a result, I actually have to cook dinner tonight. Mourning the loss of all of that turkey and mashed potatoes, I thought comfort food would be in order, and the more simple, … Continue reading →

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

If you want an extra creamy version of mashed potatoes that is easy to fix, you might want to consider this recipe. Rich and hearty, this mashed potatoes recipe yields a dish that is decadent like a rich savory dish instead of fluffy. For a long time, this was the only mashed potato recipe I prepared during the holidays, because it was requested so often, and it was easily portable. Make sure to stir the edges of your pot at least once, to avoid browning. You can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance, but you’ll get best results when you … Continue reading →

Five Tips for Great Slow Cooker Meals

Using your slow cooker or crockpot is a great money saving idea. You can use inexpensive ingredients and have dinner ready with ease, avoiding the cost of eating out. I often get a lot of questions about using slow cookers, especially from people who find that their meals are dried out, tasteless, over or under seasoned or a strange texture. But most of the time, this can be corrected easily by following some basic guidelines or tips to freezer cooking. Here are five tips for great slow cooker meals. Be careful about opening the lid. While some recipes do benefit … Continue reading →

Easy Post-Holiday Recipes

How did you spend your Easter? Did you slave away cooking a holiday feast for an army of family and friends? If so, then you likely have no desire to spend a ton of time in the kitchen today. If you single handily put together a multi-course Easter extravaganza, then you shouldn’t have to break a sweat today. Instead, consider making the following super-easy recipes. They will allow you to put a homemade meal on the table without having to strap yourself back to the stove: CROCK POT BRATWURSTS Ingredients: 12 fresh bratwursts 2 tablespoons butter 1 red bell pepper, … Continue reading →

Making Your Freezer and Crock Pot Work Together

Two great appliances in your kitchen arsenal are your crock pot and your freezer. These two things can do a lot to save you money on your food budget. The crock pot can cost less to operate than a conventional oven. And having a full freezer reduces the chances that you will be buying expensive restaurant meals. But when you combine both the crock pot and the freezer, you’ll make the most of your savings. Here are some guidelines to using these appliances together to reduce your food budget and live frugally. Practice crock pot cooking and freezer cooking at … Continue reading →

Frugal Week in Review: January 21st Through January 27th

With talk of a recession, many more people are examining the frugal lifestyle. It just makes sense. For those of us to whom living frugally is just part of our lives, batting down the hatches and finding ways to save even more is a good thing. This past week, we have had some interesting articles, such as ones examining wringer washers and crockpots. Don’t miss them! January 21st Habitat for Humanity HomeStore If you are looking for a frugal and feel-good way to update, renovate or redesign your home, check out this great resource! Frugal Living Week in Review: January … Continue reading →

How to Buy a Crockpot

Crockpots (slow cookers) are a favorite tool in a frugal home. Why? Crockpots allow you to put dinner together in the morning or even the night before and have it waiting for you when you are ready. This reduces the chance that you will either purchase expensive pre-frozen or pre-packaged meals for busy nights, or go out to eat. Some studies have shown that crockpots use less energy than does an oven or range, saving you money. Because of the cooking method, crockpots allow you to use less expensive cuts of meat, rendering them tender. There has been a surge … Continue reading →

Reducing the Temptation of Eating Out

As I have said so many times, eating out can really cost you a lot of money in a year. I don’t think I can say it enough. I’ve talked about to check calculations and compare the real savings of eating home versus eating out. So many times, it seems that we eat out not as a treat or as something planned, but because we are tired, don’t feel like cooking, are too busy or think it will take less time. Let’s take that last reason, of eating out as taking less time. We may think it will, but isn’t … Continue reading →