CookBooks: Why Pay More? Errrr, Why Pay At All?

Guest Writer: Ruth Morse

When it comes to saving on food prep, I have a vague RULE about making things from scratch.

If it's CHEAPER or if it TASTES BETTER, then go for it.
If it's NOT CHEAPER or DOES NOT TASTE BETTER, why bother?

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Along that same line, I rarely buy a cookbook or even a cooking magazine. Between the internet and the public library, who needs hard copies? Some of the websites let you rate a recipe. I always check out the ratings, in case the recipe looks good on paper, but is a flop in real life.
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By the way, we get the books from our closest local library, Fenton Free on Chenango Street in Binghamton, NY. We moved a couple of years ago and discovered this gem not far from our new home. It's not got the glitz of bigger libraries. They still have the old oak multi-drawer card catalog! (editor's note: when they auction it off, I want it) I do miss the convenience of being able to search their database online. On the other hand, you cannot beat the personal service we get in this homey setting. The librarians all know us. Ask about our vacation. Nudge Jim into signing up to bring some yummies for their bake sales. Save a book for us. Suggest a book for us. Call us when a new book is in. Remind us if we didn't bring all our books back. Such service! Wow!
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I like to read mysteries and it's a bonus if the main character in the book is a caterer, a chef, someone who runs a bakery, or just shares some recipes along the way. Jim and I have both found some really good recipes in mystery books. One of his favorites is for Donut Muffins, found in the book The Body in the Moonlight by Katherine Hall Page. I make my own seasoned salt, following a recipe in a Joanne Fluke book, The Sugar Cookie Murder. Since these recipes are copyrighted, I can't include them here. (editor's note: ha ha ha ha ha) But you can check them out at your local library. Get it? Check them out?! Pun intended.
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...and one more thing......
uh, I'll get back to you when I remember it.
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The Cheap Senior Citizen is a Guest Writer who occasionally shares helpful hints she has learned through her experience.
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