Book Recommendation: The Frugal Foodie Cookbook

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook - Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook, by Lara Starr with Lynette Shirk

There could not be more perfect timing for the recently-released The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook, though I'd like to argue that this book could be an useful tool in any economic climate. We've all been tightening our belts, but that doesn't mean we have to give up on quality. The Frugal Foodie in nine chapters offers over 200 budget-conscious recipes using wholesome, healthy ingredients, plus additional DIY recipes (such as how to roast your own coffee!) and bonus recipes for making your own food-based toiletries and bath accessories.

The focus of The Frugal Foodie is on eating better on less money by making many things from scratch and not wasting food. The recipes are quick and simple and the book is filled with helpful hints and tips, such as how to make your own breadcrumbs, why nonfat milk foams the best, how to make your own salad spinner, and how to grow your own ginger. There are even DIY non-meal recipes for making your own shower gel, coffee scrub, and bathtub tea.

The meals are very inventive and offer a lot of variety. In the pasta chapter, there are several recipes for delicious sauces from Greens and Garlic Sauce to Squash and Sage Sauce. Don't miss the recipe for Exponential Chicken, in which one whole chicken feeds two people for five days. All meals are covered, from breakfast to dinner, including midnight snacks, kids' meals, party planning, brunch and ladies' luncheon ideas. Plus, Starr includes recipes for homemade gifts and homemade candies, which will make this cookbook really useful in the upcoming holidays.

Interested? Get the book at Amazon. The Frugal Foodie blog is at http://frugalfoodiecookbook.blogspot.com.

(Images: Viva Editions and Steve Aja Photography)

Ooh, I have this book. It's pretty great. Very practical and fun to look through. I recommend it!

posted by daphnep on October 12th 2009 at 3:01pm
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I love it. So many "frugal" recipes involve premade foods, instant soup mix, canned soup, etc. But this one does not. Simple, easy to follow with quality ingredients. The carbonara is awesome & easy. Missed the growing your own ginger but will definitely revisit that. I have half the recipes marked to try.

posted by bfisk on October 12th 2009 at 6:22pm
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Sounds good! Looking into it.

posted by moonischasingme1 on October 12th 2009 at 7:53pm
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I'll put this right next to my very stained and beloved copy of "The Frugal Gourmet"

posted by bocadelperro on October 12th 2009 at 11:13pm
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