Saving Money on Treats

We all know it's healthier to just eliminate desserts and snacks from our food budget. But, how many of us do? We are constantly bombarded with ads for these yummy treats. Our taste buds call out for them. Prepackaged desserts and snacks can be quite expensive. But, you don't have to give up your favorite desserts and snacks to save money. You can have your cake, eat healthier snacks, and save money too! Your Sunday savings challenge is to make a dessert or snack and enjoy it! This may be the best (or yummiest) savings challenge yet. Here are a few tips for saving money on treats.

1. For a special Sunday family treat, buy your favorite ice cream sundae ingredients and make your own Sunday Sundaes. Make it a Sunday family tradition. The children will have just as much fun creating their own sundaes as they will eating these yummy treats. Going out for ice cream sundaes will cost plenty of money. Save money when you create your own at home.
2. Instead of buying microwave popcorn, invest in a popper (or pop on stovetop) and buy regular popcorn kernels. This method of popping corn is healthier, saves a lot of money, and tastes better.
3. Most cake mixes require milk, egg, and oil. For not much more effort you can mix your dry ingredients from scratch as well. Save money, don't buy boxed cake, cupcake, or brownie mixes. Make your own!
4. Find an easy fudge recipe. Your kids will love you!
5. Popcorn balls, candy (or caramel) apples, monkey bread, and rice crispy treats are all easy to make yourself
6. Cookie savings anyone? Bake a variety of cookies (peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip, sugar) and store in tightly sealed containers to have treats on hand whenever you need them.
7. Salty savings - Cook your own fries and chips for cheaper salty snacks. A ten pound bag of potatoes costs just a few cents more than an 18 oz bag of chips.
8. You can bake your own crackers. Don't believe it? Here's a recipe to try:

Wheat Thins

(makes 2/3 lb)Preheat oven to 350 degrees

F.Combine in a mixing bowl:

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 Tablespoons wheat germ

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 Tablespoons dry milk

Cut in with a pastry blender:6 Tablespoons

MargarineCombine separately and stir in:

1/2 cup water1 Tablespoon Molasses

Knead a little until smooth. Grease two cookie sheets and sprinkle each with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Roll out half of dough directly onto cookie sheet with floured rolling pin. Roll dime thin. Sprinkle lightly with paprika, garlic, onion, or seasoned salt. Run rolling pin over once more. Prick with fork. Cut in squares or triangles. Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. - courtesy Doris Janzen Longacre's More with Less Cookbook