Everyday ways to save money

[foodtvfan]

Frugal Gifts from the kitchen forum at http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=232498 has all kinds of inexpensive ideas for gifts.

For a cook who likes to make soup you can make jars of soup mixes including homemade onion soup mix. Add a soup ladle, inexpensive soup bowls or large mugs from the Dollar store, and some non-perishable soup ingredients, with recipes from food.com. Wrap in a kitchen towel; use measuring spoons, wooden spoon, or other useful kitchen items tied to the bow. All these items are available at the Dollar Store.

Some favorite soup mixes:
Minestrone Soup Gift Mix in a Jar #198531 minestrone soup mix
Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix #110331 onion soup mix
Substitute for 1 Envelope Onion Soup Mix #186221 onion soup mix
Homemade Onion Soup Mix #466533 onion soup mix

Potato Peel Stock #235039 is great way to use peelings for a great broth.

[foodtvfan]

Make your own pie shield from foil pie plate pans the same size as your pie plate (Dollar store again). Just cut out the bottom and squish the rim flat to cover the edges of the pie during baking.

To make circles of pastry for calzones, turnovers, etc. use the top from a margarine, sour cream, or other plastic container for a pattern. Cut around it with a knife. The large margarine container lid makes a good size for turnovers; small containers are great for smaller appetizers, etc.