Check out the dairy section of the supermarket for a selection of prepackaged pizza cheeses. They are generally lower priced than mozzarella cheese, and will also result in a great-tasting casserole. beef ...

Making your own spaghetti sauce is easy and economical. Prepare several quarts and freeze the leftovers in 1- or 2-cup portions in resealable plastic bags, ready for the next Italian supper. broccoli ...

Lower your per-serving cost and serve 8 instead of 4 by increasing the pasta to 16 ounces and adding another cup of Great Northern beans. Increase the olive oil and Parmesan cheese to 1/3 cup each. beans ...

Save time and money by buying packaged croutons, often found in the produce section of the supermarket, and then processing them in a blender or food processor for quick and tasty bread crumbs. cheese ...

Half-and-half cream is not only expensive on the food budget, it can also bust the calorie budget. Use canned skim milk thickened with 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch and save both money and calories. asparagus ...

A pot of fresh herbs growing on your windowsill or deck is economical and pretty, too. A sprig of fresh basil will root in water in a few days and provide fresh leaves to flavor your favorite dishes. cheese ...

If white wine adds too much to the grocery bill, substitute chicken broth, or simply omit the wine. Or, if you keep dry vermouth or cooking sherry on hand, either will work perfectly. cheese ...

This pasta dish is great for a crowd. Simply double the recipe using the full 8-ounce package of mushrooms, half-pint of cream, 16-ounce package of pasta and doubling the remaining ingredients. condiments ...

Use leftover fettuccine for a second meal. Place pasta in a greased baking dish. Combine 2 eggs, 1 cup peas and 2 cups cottage cheese; spread over pasta. Bake at 350°F until set, about 30 minutes. cheese ...

Mostaccioli, or little mustaches, is one of the many varieties of tubular pasta. Look for other tube shaped pasta such as, ziti, penne or even elbow macaroni. Macaroni is likely to be on sale, saving you a little money. ...

Check the freshness of your eggs by submerging them in a bowl of cold water. Those that rise to the surface have absorbed air and may not be fresh. These should be discarded. berries ...

Stock up on candies, such as chocolate-covered mint patties, in early November-just after Halloween. The bargains are significant, and you can freeze the candies for up to 6 months. cake ...