photo by lindspetrol
Gelatin is a tasty ingredient to add to desserts. It’s cheap and comes in a wide variety of flavors and colors that make it festive for any occasion. Everyone should have at least one gelatin recipe that’s a hit with family and friends.
Gelatin Milkshake
1 cup milk
1 package (4-serving size) gelatin, any flavor
1 pint softened vanilla ice cream
Pour 1 cup milk into blender, and add gelatin. Cover …

photo by alibree
No-bake recipes are quick and easy. Their simplicity makes them ideal for kids to create (very little wait time) or on days you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like turning on the oven. Best of all, there’s minimal cleanup.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
Add the first 4 ingredients …

photo by erin.kkr
Pasta is a frugal staple. It’s economical and easy to prepare, and its versatility makes it a budget-friendly favorite. You can serve it hot or cold, make a meal for one or a big crowd, and dress it up for an elegant meal or toss together as a casual dish. Plus, there are so many types of pasta and recipes that it never has to be boring. Here …

photo by crabchick
Beans are a frugal pantry staple. Dried beans are usually cheaper than canned, and you can season them yourself. For greater savings when using dried beans, cook them using a slow cooker or thermos. Because most people buy canned beans for convenience, I’m sharing four tasty recipes that include canned beans. But for those who prefer using dried beans, you can substitute them in all but the calico-bean …