Purchase the airline size bottle of rum from a liquor store and save the expense of a full-size bottle. Or, substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla extract plus 11/2 tablespoons water for the rum. fruit ...

This pie was a favorite summer treat when fresh peaches were in season. When they weren't, Grandma used frozen or canned peaches. Dessert Desserts ...

Instead of buying a prepared graham cracker crust, make crumbs from cookies that are on hand-gingersnaps or vanilla wafers. Combine 11/2 cups crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter. chocolate ...

To stretch leftover cake into dessert for four, beat 2 egg whites with 3 tablespoons sugar until peaks form. Spread over 2 cups cake cubes in a baking dish. Top with pecans. Bake at 300°F until brown. cake ...

Grandma said that Granny Smiths were the best for baking this way, but Golden Delicious and Cortland apples worked as well. apples fruit ...

When left uncovered, phyllo dries out quickly and becomes unusable. To protect your investment, wrap the phyllo in plastic wrap or a damp cloth until ready to use. chocolate ...

A natural food store will carry wheat germ in bulk quantities at a low price. Try this idea for leftover wheat germ: sprinkle a casserole with 1/2 cup wheat germ before baking to add extra crunch. bananas ...

Retain all the flavor of this rich and moist treat and save a few pennies by using a generic or store-brand cake mix. Any yellow or white cake mix will bake into a deliciously satisfying dessert. cobbler ...

Like fresh cherries, canned cherries can be pricey. Any soft canned fruit, including plums or apricots, will work in this homey pudding-type dessert. Use an equal amount and drain well. cake ...

It is thrifty to buy vegetable oil in 48-ounce, or larger, bottles. However, the size can be difficult to handle. Transfer the oil into a pint-size bottle for daily use. Store the large bottle in a cool, dark place. ...

Fresh ginger is the least expensive when purchased at an Asian grocery store. Go ahead and stock up on this pungent spice. Whole gingerroot freezes perfectly for up to 2 months. bananas ...

This dessert is excellent when made with fresh apples. But when apples are out of season and more expensive, use 1 cup of dried apple slices. Soak them for 30 minutes in warm apple juice and drain. apples ...