In these trying economic times, we are all looking to save money whatever ways we can.  One way to save money is what we are using in our kitchen.  Did you know that potatoes are one of the least expensive items in the produce department, andbone of the most nutritious? In most places, you can still get potatoes for less than 25 cents a spud. With only 110 calories in a medium potato and being naturally fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free, the tater can’t be beat.

The US Potato Board has come up with a website to help us all out called Mom’s Dinner Helper.  You can find great recipes, dinnertime tip, and Nutrition information. There are even places for you to share your own recipes, comment, and rate recipes to win prizes.  They even have a blog called Tater Talk where everything from parenting to potatoes is discussed.

If you are looking for a way to save some money in the kitchen, incorporating more potatoes in your diet is a good way.

An easy way to squeeze out excess moisture out of thawed frozen spinach is to place the spinach on a double layer of paper towels.  Then bring up the edges and twist (like you would a mop) to wring out the water.

Need a great way to keep your breath fresh? If so, Hint Mint is something you should definitely try. These are 100% vegan and there is no gelatin, no aspartame, and no animal fat. They have several different flavors: Citrus, Black Currant, Green Tea and Peppermint just to name a few.  Besides the flavor, I love the size of these containers.  They are small enough to slide into your pocket without anyone noticing.  Also, even though they are itty bitty they do pack a punch and do take care of your breath.  They make excellent stocking stuffers for your kids too! The best part is that these Hint Mint Petit are under $1 for a tin!  You won’t find another great deal like this anywhere else.  My husband and I both like these and give them two thumbs up!

baking is a good way to tenderize less expensive cuts of beef such as round steak and chuck roast.

My family and I recently got the opportunity to try several Pillsbury products.  Needless to say, they were a big hit in our house.  The first item we tried was the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. We have both the normal sized ones and the mini ones.  I love how easy they are to make. All you need to do is open the package, put them on the cookie sheet, and throw them in the oven. It is so easy that Madison (my four-year-old) can do it.  We made these with her on Sunday morning before my parents left to go home (back to Green Bay). The mini cinnamon rolls are the perfect size for little kids. Both of my kids love them. If you are watching your portion control, these are great for you also.  All of the rolls were eaten for breakfast Sunday morning.

Tonight, we tried making pizza with the Pillsbury thin pizza crust.  Normally, pizza making is my husband’s job.  With two little ones underfoot, it is a pain to have to take dough and shape into a pizza.  It just takes way too long.  We were both pleasantly surprised when we open the thin crust pizza dough and found that it fit right into our cookie sheets. Actually, my husband was ecstatic.  Since we did not have to shape the dough, pizza making took half the time it normally does.  We actually like to make homemade pizzas, because it becomes a family event.  We are able to include Madison, and she truly enjoys that.  In a couple of years, Will will be able to join us also.  The pizzas only took about nine minutes to cook.   The cheese was melted, and the crust was cooked to perfection.  What more can you ask for?

The only thing we have left to try are the Crescent Recipe Creations. They are just like the crescent rolls, but without the perforations! I am hoping to try those within the next couple of days and let you know how they are.

Right now, I have been told by my husband that I need to buy these two items (especially the next time I go shopping, because they are a huge hit here!  Have you tried these yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?