I picked up some food items from the grocery store for some work-related videos and paid for them with a credit card. I needed my receipt in order to be reimbursed, so I carefully tucked it into my purse — or so I thought.

The next day, the receipt was nowhere to be found. The zipper on my purse doesn’t work very well. Did the receipt blow away in the wind? Did it fall out in the car?

I looked everywhere for that receipt. I went back to the grocery store for a new one. Fortunately, I found a patient manager who was able to print a new receipt.

That evening, I noticed some crumpled paper in a dog bed. Sure enough, there was my receipt with two bites missing.

I guess the receipt was not tasty.

Wally, our curious dachshund, puts his nose in my purse whenever it is unzipped. I held up the receipt, which had its missing pieces. He looked up at me a little sheepishly with his brown puppy-dog eyes.  

Taking a bite out of food costs is on a lot of minds. Whenever I leave the store with even a small bag of groceries, it costs $20 to $30 or more.

What can you do to be more frugal in the kitchen? Saving money all starts with a plan. Here’s an activity to try, whether you are a single person, a couple or have many in your home:

1. Pick up a copy of the weekly sale ads for a local grocery store or view their ads online. Refer to the ads as you continue the activity.
2. Divide a piece of paper into three columns with a ruler/pencil or by folding it in thirds.
3. In one column, list seven or more of your household’s favorite main dish items.
4. In the second column, list several vegetables and fruits your household consistently enjoys.
5. In the third column, list the types of grains (breads, rice, beans, pastas) your household enjoys. Include whole-grain options, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta.
6. Look at the items in your columns and list seven menus on the back of the piece of paper. For example, for a dinner menu, include a protein, vegetable, fruit, bread and milk.
7. Consider what you already have at home, then create a grocery shopping list.

We have many resources at NDSU available from www.ag.ndsu.edu/food (click on “Food Preparation”):

• A newly revamped “Steps to Healthy, Economical Meals” cookbook.
• Click on “Cooking on a Budget” to access about 30 “Pinchin’ Pennie$ in the Kitchen” handouts. You can learn how to make soups, casseroles, quesadillas, meals in a bowl and other menu options using what you have on hand.
• Learn how to add beans, lentils, chickpeas and split peas to stretch your protein dollars.
• See the “Now You’re Cookin’” publications to learn how to make a variety of nutritious meals.

Our dog Wally may have mistaken my receipt for a snack, but with smart planning, the only thing taking a bite out of your budget will be you.

Bread often goes stale or moldy before it can be used — especially for singles or couples. Instead, freeze extra slices in freezer bags. Simply toast them after thawing to restore freshness. Here’s a delicious way to use bread before it loses its appeal:

Bread Pudding

1½ cups white or wheat bread (about 2-3 slices)
1/3 cup raisins
1 large egg
2 tablespoons sugar
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla
1¼ cups low-fat milk

Cut or tear bread into 1-inch pieces. Mix bread and raisins in a 1-quart baking dish. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a fork or beater. Add milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to the eggs. Mix well. Pour the mixture over the bread. Bake at 350 F for about 40 minutes. The dish is done if you stick a knife in the center and it comes out clean. Serve warm or cold.

Makes four servings. Each serving has 140 calories, 1.5 grams (g) fat, 6 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber and 120 milligrams sodium.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 11, 2025

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu