Here's how the Barnes Family of Warwick saves on food (we are a family of four, two adults, two children ages 1 & 2):

-- We stick to a $50 a week budget for food and household items (toiletries, paper products, diapers, etc.) Yes, it's possible!!

-- I only shop at the major supermarkets for loss-leaders

-- I only buy what's on sale that week. I shop mostly at my local Seabra, since they have the best sale prices on produce and occasionally meat.

-- I cook using that week's sale items.

-- I buy the rest of the groceries I need at Price Rite.

-- I cook most food from scratch and rarely buy prepared meals.

-- We don't eat out -- only for a treat, maybe once every few months.

-- The Internet is indispensable for finding recipes and different methods of cooking.

-- We use our Crock Pot. Even the cheapest cut of meat melts in your mouth once out of the slow cooker!

-- I only buy meat that's priced 1.99 lb or cheaper.

-- There are some things I don't pay for: bread crumbs, chocolate syrup, chicken broth, pizza dough -- I make them myself.

These methods really help keep our food costs down. Here is my recipe for "Recycled Cookies", adapted from a Bread Crumb Cookie recipe I found on the internet:

"Recycled" Cookies

This is a great recipe that makes use of all those unfinished boxes of cookies, graham crackers, chocolate bits, etc. in the pantry. Create cookie crumbs by running all the cookie leftovers in the food processor and reuse them in this recipe. You wouldn't believe how good it is!

1 1/4 c flour

1 c sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/3 c cocoa

1/2 c milk

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2/3 c melted shortening

2 c cookie crumbs

Sift together dry ingredients.

Combine wet ingredients and add to dry mixture.

Add melted shortening and bread crumbs.

Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until done.

Aggie Barnes,

Warwick