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

Buy whole chickens -- They are less expensive than chicken pieces, so take the extra time to cut up your chicken or roast it whole and save a few extra bucks.

Chipotle pepper -- This smoked, dried jalapeño chili is a great flavor substitute for bacon, ham hocks or smoked turkey.  It gives you great smokey flavor without the meat.  If you don't like spicy foods, just add a small amount because chipotle peppers add a big kick!



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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert
Raw sugar aka Turbinado sugar -- This is a great alternative to granulated (aka white) sugar.  Raw sugar crystals are a bit larger, golden brown in color and have fewer calories than granulated sugar (see photo below).  They are also healthier because they aren't as processed as  granulated sugar.  Their flavor is a cross between molasses and brown sugar.  Raw sugar has a bit more moisture than granulated sugar, so I recommend storing it in an airtight container. Use it as a sweetener in tea or coffee.  It's also great in cakes, muffins, cookies and sprinkled on top of desserts.

                             
                                        Raw Sugar       Granulated Sugar

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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