The month of August is a great time for Tennesseans to save on unprepared foods and ingredients. The month-long sales tax holiday runs through Wednesday, August 31st. To help make the most of your food dollar, the University of Tennessee Extension offers the following tips:
· Create a grocery list before your trip to the grocery store to help reduce the time you spend in the store and potential multiple trips for forgotten items. Organize your list according to sections of the grocery store. Plan to pick up perishable items like meats, milk, eggs, and frozen foods last.
· Check for advertised sales, specials, and coupons for foods your family likes and that you need.
· Before you shop, check for foods you have on hand. Tax free time is a great time to stock your pantry.
· Compare prices on canned, frozen, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Canned and frozen foods are also healthy and can be stored for a long time.
· Do not buy items just because they are on sale, you have a coupon, or it is tax free.
It can be tempting to buy items when they are on sale or tax free, just remember to ask yourself if it is something you and your family will actually use by the time it goes bad or expires. For more information on Family and Consumer Sciences related topics, contact Mary Parker Draper at the Smith County office of the University of Tennessee Extension at 615-735-2900.
Watergate Salad
1 large tub of cool whip
1 20 oz can chunky pineapple, with juice
1 box pistachio pudding mix
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup nuts
Thaw cool whip and add pistachio pudding, folding in the pudding. Add pineapple and juice, then marshmallows. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Submitted by Barbara Acuff, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club.
