Food & Drink – Page 2

September 13, 2016

A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning

When it comes to family life, making meals that are tasty and filling, keeping your schedule from becoming a nonstop cook-a-thon, and not spending a fortune on groceries at the same time is a tall order.

But meal planning can fix this. Match it with coupons from Ebates and Cash Back, and what you have is a recipe for saving money, saving time, and eating better than before.

So, if you’ve never made a meal plan before, where do you start?

1. Work with what you have. There’s no need to run out and restock your entire kitchen. On the contrary, the idea is to save money and effort, so the best first step is just to stay put. Look through your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer to see what kind of food you already have. What could you creatively turn into a meal already? If you can’t make a week’s worth of meals with what you already have, what side dishes do you need to complement what you do have? Once you have used up your current selection and are running out of supplies, then you go shopping.

2. Have the “heavy hitters” for the week. If you break up your dinners into two main dishes for the week, you’re accomplishing a few things. You’re making it possible to buy those chicken breasts or lasagna plates in bulk at a lesser price than buying a small one every week for one meal. You’re saving a lot of effort by not making elaborate and different meals every day. And you’re making it possible to have leftover night with the food left in the fridge from the previous day. You can rotate what these meals are every week. Perhaps you’ll have chicken and fish one week, and pasta and burgers the next.

3. Don’t forget snacks. When the kids need something to munch on before dinner or your blood sugar is a little low, it’s the perfect concoction for messing up a meal plan. You end up making the meal early and are hungry later, or dinner is spoiled and you’ve wasted a lot of food. So make sure to add snacks to your list. Something as small and healthy as a granola bar will take the edge off and give you a boost of energy without upsetting the plan, and the best part is, they’re cheap.

4. Your shopping list is law. Laws don’t bend to the will of a toddler who really wants chicken tenders or a bag of Reese’s that is just dying to jump in your basket. In order for meal planning to actually work, you need to create a shopping list that is highly detailed and non-negotiable. Before you walk out the door, look at each item and decide if there’s a really good reason that it’s there – not just because it looks nice. Not only will this make your family healthier, but you’ll save money by not making impulse purchases. Even better: Your house won’t be full of dishes without sides that end up ruining your entire meal plan when your family feels tempted.

5. Get your calendar involved. Get yourself a new calendar, because when you start meal planning, you’re going to need a schedule. If you’re going out to dinner one evening with the whole family as a treat, then there’s no need to buy extra food to plan for that meal. If you’re having a potluck on Tuesday and are in charge of the casserole, then it’s smart to make that one of your two weekly meals so you can buy the supplies in bulk for less money (Sam’s Club is great for this). Also, by charting out what is being served for each meal every day, it eliminates that snackish feeling and cancels out the craving to just buy pizza instead – which can be both pricey and unhealthy.

6. Base your meals on sales. Planning meals is a great way to save money, and it becomes even more cost effective if you follow this next step. Browse through the fliers local stores send you to not only gain inspiration for some yummy new dishes to try out, but also to take advantage of the sales to customize the week’s meals. If beef is on sale, then chicken week is out the window – you can have burgers for much less. Browse sites like Ebates to see which stores are offering the best deals, such as Walmart.

September 12, 2016

Tasty But Affordable School Lunches

The time has come to start planning school lunches again. Whether last year’s ideas have grown boring or you’ve had to downsize your budget, it’s time to look for school lunches that are as cheap as they are tasty and new.

Here are some of the best school-lunch options. Matching them with coupons from Ebates will leave your budget in good hands.

Chicken-and-Cheese Kebabs
The brilliance of kebabs is that they allow you to mix and match different foods, and products bought in bulk can be minimized into great meals. Purchase a block of cheese and dice it into squares, then fry up a chicken breast and chop it into small portions. All you need now is to skewer them on a stick. Both chicken and cheese store well, so you can make several kebabs from a single purchase, making the cost of each individual meal as little as $2.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be boring, and those extra sugary jams your kids like aren’t necessarily healthy. Upgrade your child’s meal to something tastier and healthier without increasing the cost by slathering a tortilla with peanut butter and wrapping it around one half of a sliced banana. The other half can be used in the next lunch. Altogether, you can make each meal for as little as a dollar. Your child will get more protein and potassium, and lunch will be unique.

Soup Thermoses
Campbell’s theme is “possibilities” for a reason. With options including chicken noodle, mushroom and tomato, you can pick the perfect flavor to suit your child’s tastes and eating habits. Put the soup in a thermos, and you have a super easy lunch your child can eat anywhere. Canned soup costs barely more than pennies and can be stored forever, making it a great option for the frugal shopper — especially at stores such as Walmart, which offers Cash Back when you shop through Ebates. Include crackers in your kid’s lunchbox for dipping options, or cheese slices to add some extra taste to the meal.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
They may not sound like much, but cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are simple to make, cost little and taste amazing. All you need to do is slice some cucumbers, add them to your child’s favorite kind of bread and then slather each piece with some flavored cream cheese. If you include a cookie cutter in the lunchbox, your kid can trim away the crust and dip the sandwich in a thermos of soup for an easy and well-balanced lunch.

Egg-and-Sausage Kebabs
What’s wrong with breakfast for lunch? The morning’s breakfast can be lunchtime’s money-saver. Dice up parts of a hearty omelet and slice up some pieces of sausage, and skewer them on a stirring stick with a few chunks of pineapple, fresh strawberries, pieces of banana, olives, or all of the above. Now you have a nutritional meal that is well balanced and extremely cost effective.

Impromptu Mini Pizzas
When you hear pizza, you probably don’t think “frugal.” However, this recipe allows your child to have a tasty slice of Italy, custom made by them and custom made to fit your budget. All you need is some crackers or pita bread, tomato sauce (you can even use ketchup for extra savings), some cheese sticks and a few slices of pepperoni. If your child likes an extra punch to their pizza, olives or pineapple slices are super cheap when bought canned. All in all, these ingredients can stretch over multiple meals while giving your child the freedom (and you the free time) to build their own lunches. When you purchase these supplies in bulk from Sam’s Club with coupons and Cash Back from Ebates, you can save even more.

Pro Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Leftovers!
Frugal and tasty lunches are about being creative, and since you already have the food in the house and the meal was definitely tasty enough to enjoy once, why not enjoy it twice? Recycle leftovers from last night’s dinner to make your child’s school lunch basically for free! Pack up some extra pasta in a Tupperware and pair it with fresh fruit, or chop up some pieces of meat patties with a side of strawberries for a sweet and cheap meal.

September 8, 2016

5 Tips to Make You the Master of All Tailgates

Can you feel it in the air? School is back in session and your favorite team is back on the field! It’s finally tailgating season! If you, your friends and family all love tailgates, it’s time to take your tailgating setup to the next level. Bring your A game when it comes time to celebrate your team with this quick checklist of tailgating tips and essentials. Pick up all the tailgating gear you need plus get awesome Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the stores listed. Happy tailgating!

1. Set Your Camp up for Success

Setting up your spot camp for a day of tailgating fun can take quite a bit of planning but with the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to a great day. First up, you’ll need to pick up some basics to keep you and your crew comfortable. Get outdoor tailgating supplies like sunshades, coolers and camp chairs online at Cabela’s.

Pro tip: Label your coolers. Separate and label drinks, ice and food so you and your friends can grab what you need, when you need it.

2. Get the Grill That Fits Your Style

Love tailgating food? Perfecting your tailgate cooking station is essential for keeping your crew well fed and happy. You know your cooking style better than anyone else – and how to match the perfect grill to fit it. Check out all the tailgating grills and supplies at Lowe’s to find the right cooking station for your style and the size of your tailgating crew. Be the envy of the tailgate when you pick up grilling and other outdoor essentials at Lowe’s and save with a grilling gear promo code.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick up extra paper towels and make a washing station too so that a little cooking mess doesn’t ruin the day. Use a bungee cord to hand up your paper towels wherever it’s convenient and use an empty detergent container to store water and make hand washing a breeze.

3. Let Your Colors Show

If you’re serious about tailgates, don’t forget to stock up on the gear that will let everyone know which side you’re supporting. Whether it’s jerseys or flags, show your team some love by proudly flying those colors. Head online to SportsFanfare to check out team gear and get a great deal while you’re picking out this year’s banners and shirts. You can even get paper plates, grilling sets, party platters and coasters with your favorite team on them.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack the Fun

Part of the fun of tailgating comes from playing tailgate games! Don’t forget to pack the games that will make your tailgate the talk of the town. From cup games and discs to footballs and washer toss sets, you can to make your tailgate a blast and pick up everything you need at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

5. Make Packing up a Breeze

Make keeping your tailgating site clean a cinch by picking up a dirty dish bin to stash all those grill utensils and dip covered dishes that will need a good scrub at home. Be sure to pack disposable pans and cups if you expect a big crowd. Walmart features a lot of great deals on everything you need to keep your area tidy and easy to pack up at the end of the day. Stock up on sandwich bags for leftover foods and bring wipes for an easy cleanup and a mess-free ride home.

August 13, 2016

Why Your Inner Child Needs to Throw a Lisa Frank Party

Close your eyes and try to remember that era in your life when your everyday soundtrack was nothing but boy bands and everything you owned was covered in neon rainbows and cute baby animals. That was the time when Lisa Frank ruled the world of pre-teen girls and she’s making a major comeback. With a new line of Lisa Frank clothes at RageOn and even a few exclusive items at major department stores, we’re getting some serious nostalgia and we think this calls for a celebration. Why not throw yourself the dream party you never had at 13 with some rainbow eats and Lisa Frank party favors and decor that give you Cash Back at Ebates? Can’t think of a single reason? We didn’t think you could.

Homemade rainbow marshmallows and white chocolate make for some seriously psychedelic smores your guest will think are almost too pretty to eat.

Who says colorful food can’t be savory? These fresh-baked rainbow bagels may look like confection perfection but they’re just the carby goodness you know and love.

Tie Dye Cheesecake — via Sprinkles for Breakfast

Pastel and perfectly sweet, this cheesecake and its sprinkled crust will make your dessert table totally dreamy.

Cut some of the sugar with a healthy yet delectable dish like this rainbow veggie pizza.

Top it all off with hearty rainbow smoothies so your guests won’t feel like they spent the entire bash canceling out gym day.

Lisa Frank Party Hats 8 Pack, $3.99 (Birthday in a Box) | Lisa Frank Banner, $2 (Walmart)

Party hats and banners aren’t just for birthday bashes. Spare no cheesy detail when throwing a “just for LOLs” gathering.

Bulk Lisa Frank Coloring and Activity Books Pack of 24, $34.55 (Sears)

Whether this is an adults-only or kid-friendly party, Lisa Frank coloring books will be a total hit.

Unicorn Crayons, $5 (Etsy)

But we have to say that these unicorn crayons will be the show-stopper.

Adult Rainbow Grass Hula Skirt, $4.48 (Oriental Trading)

Now that your house is doused with ALL the colors, you wearing everyday clothes just won’t do. We’re not saying you can’t spend the day in your leggings (with the generous waist to accommodate all those rainbow noms you are about to dig into). Just zazz it up a bit with a rainbow grass skirt…

Rainbow Wig, $32 (Etsy)

…a dreamy mermaid wig you can totally reuse for Halloween (it’s right around the corner!)…

Lisa Frank Juniors’ Patch Denim Vest, $49 (Macy’s)

…and OMG A LISA FRANK DENIM VEST. It may be from the juniors’ department but that can be our little secret.

Ready to throw yourself a rainbow rager? Let us know what your dream Lisa Frank party would look like in the comments below!

May 25, 2016

How to Properly Celebrate National Wine Day

The holiday you didn’t know you were waiting for is finally here: National Wine Day! That’s right, May 25th is dedicated to the universally loved libation. Instead of just drinking all the wine for this holiday, take some time to appreciate the rich history, incredible variety and cool toys that come with being a wine enthusiast.

There’s a wine for every kind of mood, from deep and complicated red wine merlot to bright and sparkly prosecco. So grab a wine rack or wine cooler for less with a coupon or promo code, fill it with bargain bottles from a wine of the month club and earn Cash Back at Ebates while you kick back and celebrate National Wine Day. To help you celebrate the holiday, here are four of our top spots to find the perfect bottle and eight must-have items so you can find everything you need to celebrate properly.

WineTasting.com

WineTasting.com is the place to go to find an incredible variety of wines and a comprehensive buying guide that is sure to make celebrating National Wine Day a breeze. You can even join one of their wine clubs and get hand-selected bottles on a monthly or quarterly schedule.

Savings Tips:
• Shop the Weekly Wine Deals section for savings of up to 40% off.
• A Wine Tasting Network club membership includes amazing benefits, like a 15% off site-wide discount and referral program discounts.

Wine Library

From fine and rare vintage finds to great everyday house bottles, Wine Library offers some of the best wine deals online for wine enthusiasts.

Savings Tips:
• Save up to 60% when you purchase select wines by the case.
• Sign up for their newsletter to receive a free shipping code to use on any order.

Global Wine Cellars

In the land of online wine clubs, Global Wine Cellars is king. Join to receive the finest handcrafted wines from around the world every three or six months.

Savings Tips:
• Earn $25 when you refer a friend and they become a member of the Club. Plus you’ll earn points towards your Wine Rewards every time your friend makes a purchase!
• Sign up for their Wine Club newsletter and get 20% off your next purchase.

Wine.com

Wine.com delivers top rated wines from all over the world right to your front door. From Napa Valley Bordeaux blends to the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, celebrate National Wide Day by taking a world tour of flavors.

Savings Tips:
• Save up to 60% on your favorite bottles when you shop from the Great Deals section online at Wine.com.
• Get up to 40% off extravagant wine gifts in the Gift Sale section. Specialty wine, chocolate, cheese, cookies, biscotti and more are all on sale.

8 Must-Have Products for Wine Enthusiasts

1. It looks like an icicle inside your wine bottle but the Corkcicle Air from Crate and Barrel chills, aerates and pours wine without diluting any of the flavor.
2. A Wine Skin will ensure safe travels for your most precious cargo.
3. Turn a wine bottle into a bright party light with this USB Powered Rechargeable Cork Light Wine Bottle Stopper.
4. Display your bottles with a rustic Farmhouse Wood Finish Pegboard Wine Rack.
5. A Personalized Wine Accessory Kit allows you to print two unique lines so your wine accessories will be one of a kind.
6. Open your bottle in style with this Wine Enthusiast Legacy Corkscrew With Birch Stand.
7. Keep track of glasses at your next party with these Washable Wine Glass Markers from Bed Bath and Beyond.
8. Bring two bottles of wine on your next picnic with this Backpack Set.

May 24, 2016

Memorial Day Cookout Essentials Every Outdoor Chef Needs

Memorial Day is just around the corner so it’s time to buckle down and put your plan in motion. Oh, you don’t have a plan yet? No worries! Ebates to the rescue! Our guide to cookout essentials will help you through your extended weekend plans, as well as all of your summer barbecue bashes.

The Prep

Preparation is key to ensure your cookout goes off without a hitch. Make sure you get all of the supplies you’ll need in advance so you’re not scrambling on the day of. If you need additional seating, ask guests to bring chairs. Grab plenty of disposable dishes and cutlery from Sam’s Club to accommodate your guests. You’ll also need a cookout tray or two to serve your dishes and all of the appropriate serving utensils. Decorate with red, white, and blue pops of color like these festive glitter stars!

Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for your grill. BBQ essentials include tongs, a grill spatula, a grilling fork, a basting brush and of course potholders. A digital meat thermometer from Bed Bath and Beyond will ensure your entrees are cooked to perfection. Make sure you have plenty of charcoal or propane for your grill because the last thing you want is to run out of fuel to keep the grill going!

The Cookout Menu

Food and fun are the central themes so make sure there’s plenty for everyone. Hot dogs, burgers and bratwursts are common staples for the cookout menu, but don’t be afraid to offer more diverse alternatives as well. Kabobs, barbecue ribs and chicken wings venture away from the meat and bun standards but are fan favorites at any gathering.

Of course, the entrees aren’t all your guests will be talking about with the spectacular cookout side dishes you’ll prepare. You can’t go wrong with crowd pleasers like potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw. While delicious, these well-loved dishes aren’t known to be particularly healthy so a fresh salad and grilled zucchini can help round out your menu so there are plenty of options.

No Memorial Day cookout is complete without an assortment of refreshments. Mix up a batch of punch for everyone to enjoy. Lemonade and fresh-brewed iced tea (thanks to your Mr. Coffee iced tea maker) are great options for gatherings or you can stick with standard carbonated beverages from the can. For the adults, beer and sangria are sure to be enjoyed by those who imbibe. Whatever you do, make sure there’s plenty of ice for all the drinks.

While the grill master is busy creating culinary perfection, set out appetizers for your guests to snack on. Veggies and dip or crackers and cheese will keep people occupied during the grilling process.

You’ll also want some dessert options for your attendees. A light and summery fruit salad is a great end to a cookout feast or you can aim for something on the sweeter side and get some dipped treats or cookies from Shari’s Berries. Gelatin, brownies, pies, rice crispy treats and s’mores are fun ways to round out the meal as well!

The Entertainment

Naturally, the food isn’t the only reason to gather. Outdoor games like horseshoes, croquet, bean bag toss and badminton will keep adults and older kids entertained and enjoying each other’s company. If you have younger children in attendance, items such as chalk, bubbles, jump ropes and even water balloons will encourage plenty of giggles from your pint-sized guests. A Bluetooth speaker can fill the space with the perfect music for your crowd and help you earn additional Cash Back with Ebates. Just create a playlist then sit back and enjoy the ambiance.

The After Party

Just because everyone is well fed and the sun is setting, doesn’t mean the good times have to end. Light up a gorgeous fire pit and illuminate the area with mood-setting string lights or paper lanterns. With a promo code, you can get a great deal on citronella torches that can alleviate any pesky mosquitos while adding additional lighting. Walmart offers a variety of styles and options to meet the needs for your outdoor space.

The Bonuses

It’s best to be overly prepared for cookout essentials that your guests may forget. Items such as bug spray and sunscreen are vital for any outdoor gathering, but in the rush of things your guests may forget. If your space is particularly sunny, remember to provide shade to keep people cool. On especially hot days, misting fans will keep everyone cool, while providing additional entertainment for the kids.

When it’s all said and done, don’t be so frazzled with the details that you forget to enjoy yourself. You’ll be surrounded by loved ones with (hopefully) great weather and plenty to do and to eat. Whether it’s a small get together or a major event, gather your friends and family for what is sure to be a good time for all.

March 28, 2016

How to Add Healthy Snacks to Your Life

Feel a snack attack coming on? Conquer your unhealthy cravings with a smarter approach to snacking. The right munchies can help keep you fuller longer and nourish your mind and body with pure goodness.

From tips on how to keep your snacks fully stocked to helpful resources to take some of the burden off your plate, your pals at Ebates have you covered with our complete guide to healthy snacking.

Create a Prep Plan

Prepping your snacks ahead of time makes staying on track easier. Keep diced fruits and vegetables in bags or mason jars in your fridge to avoid grabbing that bag of potato chips. The handy portions and convenient containers make it simple to snack more mindfully. Super snacking tip: Make Sundays your prep day and keep your fridge and cupboards stocked for the busy workweek. It’ll provide you with plenty of healthy snacks for work and keep you away from that tempting vending-machine trip.

To make your prep plan a breeze, visit Fit & Fresh for innovative and convenient solutions designed to make it easy to eat healthy. Shop the stylish collection of insulated lunch bags and durable containers for perfectly proportioned snacks and meals. On-the-go container sets make it simple to chop fresh fruits and veggies and take them to work or on road trips. Shop bento boxes, lunch-bag kits and more, all with Cash Back at Ebates.

Send Your Taste Buds on an Adventure

Nothing derails healthy snacking like bored taste buds. Don’t get burned out on the same old snacks. Instead, make a point of mixing up your daily choices. Pick your go-to favorites, but be sure to branch out and explore some interesting new combinations and flavor options. Some quick research on Pinterest or a tutorial on YouTube can introduce you to some new crave-worthy snacks in no time.

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Keep It Simple With Subscription Services

With a Graze subscription, you’ll get all the latest and tastiest healthy snacks mailed directly to you. Try hand-picked high-protein snacks and wholesome treats to keep you fueled up and ready to conquer the day. Best of all, you’ll get a tasty variety with no prep work involved! Graze’s sectioned boxes make healthy snacking at work or home easy. Also, be sure to use a Graze promo code for big savings on your box!

Choose Hello Fresh for easy meal planning with boxes of fresh ingredients along with easy-to-follow, healthy recipes delivered right to your door. Select your favorite recipe box featuring heart-healthy foods, crisp veggies and lean meats you and your family will love, all while saving with a Hello Fresh promo code and Cash Back at Ebates. Portion out leftovers for healthy snack ideas or create small batches for mini meals throughout the day.

Skip the preservatives and chemicals and explore Mouth.com for your healthy snacks. You’ll find mouthwatering food created by independent makers, not companies. With high-protein energy bars, nuts, all-natural jerky and more, Mouth will tempt your taste buds with the most delicious array of indie eats. Plus, you can combine your favorite snacks and flavors for the ultimate in healthy snack ideas. Pair the perfect amount of fruits, carbs, proteins, grains and veggies for a well-rounded, nutritious snacking experience. Make things easy on yourself and explore Mouth’s monthly subscription services for healthy snacks delivered right to you, all while saving with Ebates.

We want to hear from you! Comment below and tell us your favorite healthy snacks.

October 25, 2015

For People Who Just Can’t Get Enough Pasta

Sunday, October 25 is National Pasta Day and we thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate all things pasta! Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, tortellini, ziti—the list is endless!

Fun Facts About Pasta:

On average, Italians eat enough spaghetti-shaped pasta to wind around the world 15,000 times.

The best pasta is cooked al dente. The literal translation is “to the tooth.” It should be firm yet still be tender when eaten.

According to the International Pasta Organization, there are more than 600 different shapes of pasta around the world!

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, we thought it would be helpful to bring together some of our favorite noodle-related products, including amazing cookbooks with delicious recipes. From wacky to practical and everything in between, there’s something on this list for every noodle buff.

For Everyone:

These three gadgets will help make your everyday consumption of pasta a little more professional and help you up your weeknight noodle game.

Joseph Joseph® Spaghetti Measure

With this handy tool, you’ll never have to worry about cooking the wrong amount of noodles again. Slide the measure to the appropriate serving and you’ll be sure that everyone gets their perfect portion.

Forghetti Pasta Forks

These cleverly designed forks feature wavy-edged tines that keep pasta put. Simply twist the Forghetti fork and the noodles will wrap right around. These forks make eating pasta easier for the little ones, and will make the grown-ups appear to be serious pasta connoisseurs to dinner guests.

Pastasaurus Pasta Server

Everyone at the table will love the fun design of the Pastasaurus Pasta Server. The teeth are designed specifically for grabbing slippery pasta, while the ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip.

For the Master Chef:

For those seasoned cooks who already know how to make pasta but are itching to go pro, we’ve rounded up the tools you’ll need to start making professional grade noodles in your own kitchen.

Weston ROMA Automatic Pasta Machine

Hand cranking pasta is a thing of the past! Let this pasta maker do the work for you and soon you’ll be treating your family and friends to a feast of homemade pasta dishes just like the savory specialties served in authentic Italian restaurants.

KitchenAid Pasta Drying Rack

Once you’ve made the noodles, you’re going to need somewhere to dry them and that’s where this well-reviewed drying rack comes in. The must-have companion when creating fresh homemade pasta.

Spiral Vegetable Slicer

For those who need their pasta fix but don’t aren’t able to consume the traditional wheat-based noodles, think outside the box and use a spiralizer to make “pasta” out of vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato or carrot.

Cookbooks:

Sometimes we need a little inspiration in order to deviate from the typical spaghetti or lasagna dish that we’ve grown accustomed to. These three cookbooks are the perfect kitchen accompaniment for all pasta lovers.

Pasta Night by Williams-Sonoma

This solution-oriented cookbook will deliver up meals that work as perfectly for busy weeknights as they do for a relaxed weekend dinner party. From homemade sauces to jazzing up the store-bought variety, from pasta fresh from your own hands to seasonal salads, you’ll find more than fifty recipes to take your pasta night from “mm, thanks…” to “Mangia! Mangia!”

The Top One-Hundred Pasta Sauces by Diane Seed

In this definitive collection, Diane Seed shares the 100 best sauce recipes she has encountered in 40 years of living, eating, and cooking in Italy. Infinitely varied, it includes specialties from regions across Italy and classics we’ve come to love that are both delicious and economical, plus a few extra-special dishes that are perfect for occasions.

Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri

Loaded with useful information, including the best way to cook and sauce pasta, suggestions for substituting pasta shapes, and advance preparation and storage notes, Mastering Pasta offers you all of the wisdom of a pro. For cooks who want to take their knowledge to the next level, Vetri delves deep into the science of various types of flour to explain pasta’s uniquely satisfying texture and how to craft the very best pasta by hand or with a machine.

Decor:

Feast your eyes on this delicious decor! If your love for pasta extends to pizza and wine, this wall art will be a perfect pairing for your home.

Dining:

Maybe you prefer to let someone else do the cooking. With LivingSocial, Groupon and Restaurant.com, you can dine out with less guilt and get your pasta fix at a great discount. Plus, when you earn Cash Back on your restaurant voucher purchases with Ebates, things become even more scrumptious.

To celebrate National Pasta Day, enjoy a delightful dish of your favorite type of pasta topped with a scrumptious sauce. We know what we’ll be having for dinner! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favorite pasta dish?

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

June 24, 2015

7 Revamped 4th of July Recipes

Now is definitely crunch time for collecting 4th of July party ideas to plan one killer patriotic bash. Backyard barbecues with burgers and hot dogs are as American as apple pie but a little re-imagination would take your party eats to a whole new level. Here are our seven favorite 4th of July recipes that will add a little spirit and color to your spread this holiday.

Firecracker Dogs

These dough-wrapped dogs are as adorable as they are delicious. Firecracker dogs are one of our favorite 4th of july food ideas for family parties with small kids. Mess free and on a stick, what else can you ask for?

Blueberry Strawberry Jicama Salsa

Add a summary kick to traditional chips and salsa with some patriotic colors! This scrumptious blueberry strawberry jicama salsa is sweet, tangy and zesty with a little jalapeño punch.

Patriotic Deviled Eggs

A little food coloring goes a long way to put an all-American spin on the ultimate picnic food–deviled eggs. These red, white and blue deviled eggs are, in fact, one of our favorite patriotic party ideas. 4th of July appetizers don’t get more classic than this!

Sweet Potato Salad

Everyone loves mom’s traditional potato salad but there is no time like the present to try something new with an old classic. This sweet potato salad includes bacon, goat cheese crumbles, scallions and non-fat Greek yogurt to cut some calories!

4th of July Rice Crispy Treats

And now onto 4th of July desserts! Who doesn’t get all nostalgic for classic Rice Crispy Treats? Some quality gel food coloring is all you need to give these sweet squares a patriotic pop.

Blueberry Cran Muffins

4th-of-July-Muffins-Barbara-Bakes — via Barbara Bakes

Set off some fireworks in your mouth with these delectable red, white and blue muffins with fresh blueberries and dried cranberries. A little colored sugar on top gives these baked beauties a glittering finish.

Independence Punch

Wash all that good grub down with this deliciously fruity red, white and blue punch. The trick is creating color layers in a large drink dispenser for a nice visual touch. Plus, it tastes amazing on a hot day of fun in the sun.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

March 12, 2015

12 Money-Saving Healthy Kids’ Snacks

When it comes to keeping little tummies full, healthy ingredients and a steep grocery bill are always top concerns. Quickness and convenience are also key when it comes to snacking with a busy schedule.

But making your kids’ snacks can be affordable, healthy and even easy when you make large batches that will last you the whole week. Plus, some of these healthy snack recipes are kid-chef friendly and easy to make with some little helping hands. Check out these 12 money-saving healthy kids’ snacks your brood will go bananas over.

1. No-Bake Granola Bites
These sugar- and flour-free bites are better than cookies, and they make for a quick breakfast or after-lunch snack on the go.

2. Sesame-Ginger Roasted Chickpeas
Younger kids can be a little finicky about eating meat, which is why beans are a vital source of the protein, iron and fiber all kids need. These mouthwatering roasted chickpeas are the perfect substitute for fatty potato chips or buttery crackers.

sesame_ginger_chickpeas — via Honk If You’re Vegan

3. Baked Apple Chips
These simple apple chips will be an instant hit if your kids want a nice crunch or something sweet. Bake up big batches and bag them for later — your kids will always want more.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Adding cheese to veggies is a classic trick for getting kids to eat their greens, but these are just ridiculously delicious.

cheesy_brocoli_bites — via Super Healthy Kids

5. Black Bean Brownies
Beans are magical little bits of healthiness, and these delectable brownies are as simple as they are scrumptious.

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6. Spicy Kale Chips
Ditch the Lay’s and get your kids to love munching on these crunchy greens with a little kick.

7. Grape Poppers
On those rare occasions you want to give your kids a sugary treat, these candy-coated poppers can still be an opportunity to give them their daily serving of fruit. You can also swap the sprinkles for chopped nuts!

8. Banana-Zucchini Muffins
Hiding a fruit and a vegetable in a sweet little muffin? Who are you, Houdini?

banana_zuchini_muffins — via Yummy Healthy Easy

9. Ham and Cheese on a Stick
No baking or cooking required for these delicious afternoon hors d’oeuvres. A little imagination always makes eating fun for kids.

10. Fruit Juice Jell-O Squares
Make a classic treat wholesome with real fruit juice. The kids can even help you make this sweet snack.

11. Parmesan Baked Zucchini Fries
Just a light sprinkling of oil, salt and Parmesan cheese and these babies are ready to bake and be devoured by the entire family.

12. Fruity Frozen Yogurt Bites
All you need is your favorite yogurt, some berries and silicone cake cuffs to create a frozen treat perfect for hot days.

Let us know in the comments which of these recipes your kids would gobble up!

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