Mock crab has plenty of takers who want to save money, but what if saving calories is your goal? Perhaps you could create your own mock-ups of favorite foods. I've done it with nachos and such action can expand your culinary skills without expanding your waistline... More >>

Apple pie is so synonymous with autumn that many of us automatically eat it and get burned out well before winter. Eagerness for apples is the part of the timeline we're on now. One way to both stretch and satisfy that feeling is with innovative pies that mark the change of season from summer to fall... More >>

Although homemade meals are the gold standard, there are also ways to improve occasional restaurant meals to your family's advantage. The same logic can kick in if you are in the car a lot running errands or driving from one kidlet appointment to another... More >>

Labor Day leftovers can keep the workload manageable. Surprisingly, summer leftovers rival those from Thanksgiving feasts. Sure, turkey is tried and true as a holiday extender, but the creativity possible with warm weather favorites, like hot dogs, hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob, fruit salad and ice cream, will give you additional time off from cooking the following day... More >>

Family night cooking adventures where everyone gets to flex and strengthen their culinary muscles don't have to involve sophisticated or time-consuming recipes. If you start with foundations that kidlets already crave, you are one step ahead when it comes to improving their kitchen skills... More >>

When kidlets learn to prepare their own food it's a step toward life-long independence. A cool trick that's easy on the schedule and the wallet is teaching them how to create cold snacks on hot summer days... More >>

Whether it's a picky kidlet's palate or just that of a bored dieter, sometimes wholesome food loses its wow factor. However, usually, all it takes is a strategic tweak to make a tasty difference... More >>

Anyone who grew up on treats like date nut bread and cream cheese - or even English muffin 'pizzas' from the toaster oven - knows how comforting they can be. What's even more heartening is how easy it is to replicate the cozy experiences, even when you don't have all of the ingredients on hand... More >>

When eating out, you probably already ask your waiter for more water, coffee or napkins, but, if you direct that same inquisitiveness toward your meals, you just may find yourself with an inventory of easy, economical new ideas... More >>

Is your junk mail pile stacked with seasonal store circulars? Before tossing them out perhaps you should circle back over and take a closer look... More >>