Confectioners' sugar, also called 10X or powdered sugar, is less expensive when purchased in large-size plastic bags. Keep the leftovers sealed tightly in the cupboard. bananas ...

Fresh berries are delicious and economical when in season during the late spring and early summer. During the rest of the year, save money by purchasing frozen berries. berries ...

Springform pans can be a costly addition to your set of bakeware. Use a straight-sided cake pan instead. Invert the cooled cheesecake onto a sugared plate, then invert again onto the serving plate. berries ...

We loved this chocolaty snack cake, so moist and sweet from the chopped dates. It was one of our favorite after-school snacks with a tall glass of milk! cake ch ...

Fresh rhubarb is least expensive in the early spring. At other times, you can make this pie affordable by purchasing frozen rhubarb, which is available in most grocery stores year-round. berries ...

Instead of purchasing premixed apple pie spice, you can save money by using spices you already have on hand. Simply combine 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon with 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. cake ...

Puff pastry sheets are much less expensive than refrigerated crescent rolls and will produce the same appetizing little pies. Look for these pastry sheets in the frozen food section of the grocery store. fru ...

Make your own pastry and save. Cut 1/2 cup shortening into 11/4 cups flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3 tablespoons ice water until the mixture holds together and forms a dough. fruit ...

Leftover apricot nectar will make a sensational smoothie. Combine 1 ripe banana, up to 1 cup nectar, 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey and 4 ice cubes in a blender container. Process until smooth. cake ...

Golden raisins have a winey flavor and a pretty, almost translucent appearance. They also are more expensive than dark raisins. Use ordinary raisins if you want to save money without sacrificing flavor. berr ...

For candied orange slices, cook thin strips of peel in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain; cook in 1 cup sugar, 1cup water and 1/4 cup corn syrup until reduced by half, about 20 minutes; strain and roll in sugar. ...

Save the price of a pastry crust by making a crumb crust from cookies you have on hand: graham cracker crumbs, chocolate or vanilla wafer crumbs-even cinnamon graham crumbs make a delicious crust. Easter ...