Save some dough, do it from scratch!

I met Connie a few weeks ago in Lake Geneva. This lady has the goods on making things from scratch. Her book is written like she's standing in your kitchen helping you along the way. She's a busy woman (author, actress, speaker, trainer, AND gourmet chef), so don't think you can't do make your own from scratch just because you're working!

In June, she was highlighted in the Chicago Sun Times. "If you can't stand the expense, get back in the kitchen!" GREAT tips for stretching your bucks in the kitchen! Here are just a few:

Learn, re-learn or resume cooking from scratch while foregoing more expensive convenience foods and dining out.

Change drinking habits: Switch from bottled water and/or soda pop to tap water and brew your own coffee and tea, foregoing stops at specialty coffee/tea shops.

"Plan, plan, plan."

Cut up your own carrot and celery sticks rather than buying pre-cut carrots and celery; chop your own onions rather than buying frozen chopped onions; chop your own garlic; grate your own cheese.

Toast day-old bread for breadcrumbs.

Make your own granola and pizza.

And one of my favorites... make your own birthday cake rather than spending a ton at the bakery.

To see the whole article, drop me a line and I'll pass it along.

Click here for more about Connie and her new book, Scratch That: Seasonal Menus and Perfect Pairings.