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Special Money Saving Series:  Ways to help you hold on to your cash in this tough economy.

Buy generic -- Generic goods are less expensive and often are just as good and sometimes better than the name brand.  For example, Saltandpepperchefs.com Producer Drakeel Burns, who swears by Bounty paper towels in the kitchen, recently tried a generic brand and really liked them.  Drakeel is pretty anal and meticulous, so if she can switch her brand, you certainly can give generic goods a try and save a few extra bucks.

Make your own ice cream or sorbet -- I loved doing this when I was a kid.  Homemade ice cream is a great spring/summer treat.  It tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff.  You control the ingredients, and it's fun to make.  Your kids will have a blast, so invest in an ice cream maker.  You won't regret it.


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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert
Spirulina -- Often referred to as a superfood, this blue-green algae is rich in nutrients like vitamins, proteins, minerals and essential fatty acids.  Research shows that it helps strengthen the brain, heart and immune system.  Spirulina is available at health food stores in tablet and powder form.  I usually add a tablespoon of spirulina powder to a smoothie to give me an energy boost throughout the day.

Learn more about Von Der Pool's exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.

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Do you have a culinary question or tip to share? 

Email your questions and tips, along with your city and state, to  drakeel@drakeelenterprises.com.  We will do our best to publish as many as we can.  

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