Many cooks have trouble estimating the amount of spaghetti noodles to cook. If you have cooked too much, do not throw away the leftovers. This recipe is a tasty use for extra noodles. carrots ...

Bean sprouts are very perishable. They will be fresher, as well as less expensive, if you buy them from an Asian market that stocks bean sprouts in bulk and receives a fresh supply daily. bell-peppers ...

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 ...

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 ...

Bow tie pasta, also called farfalle, can be less expensive when bought in bulk. Since the pasta is dried, it will keep for several months if stored in an airtight plastic bag or canister. garlic ...

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 ...

If wine is not a staple in your pantry, you can use a less expensive ingredient for flavor. The tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon, is an alternative to the white wine. bacon ...

Pappardelle are wide, ribbon-like noodles. If your grocer does not carry this pasta, or if you would prefer a less expensive substitute, use broken pieces of lasagna noodles instead. broccoli ...

Sun-dried tomatoes are least expensive when purchased dry instead of packed in oil. Keep them tightly sealed in a container with an airtight lid to keep them fresh for up to 12 months. cheese ...

Buying a large wedge of Parmesan and shredding it as needed can be a cost savings. Choose a piece that has even color. If the cheese is darker around the edges, it has already dried out. cheese ...

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 ...