"Vanilla extract" usually isn't made with real vanilla. The good news is that it's really easy--and affordable--to make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Use as a dip for veggies or a spread on pita and sandwiches.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

I love this recipe! It can be used as a sauce for grilled meats, a dressing for salads or steamed vegetables, or as a marinade for tofu or other lean proteins. You will always find it in my refrigerator.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try this dip on a toasted whole-wheat bagel at breakfast or with apple slices or whole-grain crackers for a snack. It's even good with carrots.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Want to know the secret to great chili? Start with great spices--and skip the packets at the supermarket, which are full of sugar and salt. Make your own to save money and skip the salt.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Forget buying packets of seasonings. They're expensive and often full of salt. Save sodium and money by making this easy herb blend. Use it in sauces, soups, stews, on meats... anywhere you want to add Italian flavor without fat or sodium!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Making homemade stock is so easy! It's a third the price of buying it in stores.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Garlic is good for more than keeping away vampires. It's also quite good for you and full of flavor. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and gives it a creamy texture.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Vinaigrettes are perfect as salad dressing, a dipping sauce for steamed vegetables, and a marinade for lean cuts of meats.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Makes 4+ servings

Submitted by KERIG1973

Use this on falafel or a salad. Add fresh or dried herbs and it becomes goddess dressing. The toasted sesame oil imparts a stronger sesame flavor to the dressing.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A healthy alternative to Maple Syrup on pancakes and waffles and a great way to add fruit into your kids' diets.

Submitted by LILYBYTHEWATERS

Makes about 1/2 C dressing.

Submitted by TDUFOUR

This is a great basic to always have on hand! Instead of spending money on expensive, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg's homemade and natural ricotta cheese is easy to make and a fun project for someone who likes to cook.

In summertime, when herbs are abundant and fresh berries are in season, it's the perfect time to try this. You can even get the kids involved.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Cookbook creator says: If you don't likie rhubarb, skip it!!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love this spread this over whole wheat toast for breakfast with nut butter or to thicken my fall soups. My son Josh loves it with bananas. You won't believe I didn't add any sugar!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Making homemade peanut butter is easy, as long as you have a good blender or food processor.

This sauce is great on grilled meats, and it makes enough for two meals. Try it on cooked pasta or roasted vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

There's no need to buy pumpkin pie spice. You can easily make your own at home. And it makes a great hostess gift for any fall event! Feel free to double or triple this recipe!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by C5GALAXY

Those who know me well will say that I am not a snob--except for when it comes to icing. I want the real stuff! To me cakes are ruined with fake whippy icings made with shortening.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG