Creamy Greek dressing

This dressing/spread can be used in a number of dishes. It has a tangy taste, and it doesn't take much to be satisfied. Use it as a sandwich or wrap spread, dip for crackers, sauce for pasta or dressing for salad.

CREAMY GREEK DRESSING

1/2 c. light mayonnaise
2 T. oil
2 T. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 T. feta cheese

Combine all ingredients and whisk together.

Makes about 11 servings.

Total cost:$0.72
Cost per serving: $0.07
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 51
     -Fat: 5
     -Protein: 0
     -Carbohydrates: 1
     -Sodium: 58
     -Fiber: 0
     -Sugar: 0

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a cultured milk, meaning it has a bit of bacteria added to it, like yogurt. It's usually not something you have handy because most people don't drink it by itself. It's used for recipes like pancakes, bread and even salad dressings. It adds a tangy taste and a fuller texture to foods.

Buttermilk is also what I named my stick horse when I was a little kid! :)

Here's an easy shortcut if you need buttermilk but don't have any on hand.

Buttermilk can be made from milk and either vinegar or lemon juice.

BUTTERMILK

1 T. white vinegar or lemon juice
Enough milk to make 1 c.

Mix together both ingredients. Let sit for five minutes to let it start to curdle.

Using vinegar
Total cost: $0.25 per cup
Compared to: $0.35 per cup of store-bought
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 75
     -Fat: 0g
     -Protein: 8g
     -Carbohydrates: 11g
     -Sodium: 127mg
     -Fiber: 0g
     -Sugar: 11g

Using lemon juice
Total cost: $0.23 per cup 
Compared to: $0.35 per cup of store-bought
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 75
     -Fat: 0g
     -Protein: 8g
     -Carbohydrates: 11g
     -Sodium: 127mg
     -Fiber: 0g
     -Sugar: 11g

Maple syrup

Homemade maple syrup

A pancake, French toast and waffle essential. A complement to bacon and sausage (try it!). It's maple syrup.

(I admit, I have yet to sample real maple syrup. I grew up on Mrs. Butterworth's, Log Cabin and, thanks to my grandma, microwavable Hungry Jack. What do you think? Am I missing something great? Well, I'll get to that someday.)

In the meantime, you guessed it. I'll make my own. Short 'n' sweet!

White sugar gives the syrup a lighter flavor, while brown sugar intensifies the warm maple flavor. And of course, using sweetener instead of sugar is the healthiest option. Normally a serving size of syrup is 1/4 c., but since I don't like to drench my food in syrup, I've cut the amount in half for this recipe.

MAPLE SYRUP

2 c. white or brown sugar or sweetener
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. maple flavoring

Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and maple flavoring; stir until dissolved. Let cool before serving.

Serving size 2 T. Makes 16 servings (2 c.).

Using white sugar 
Total cost: $0.63 
Cost per serving: $0.04 per 2 T. 
Compared to: $0.08 per 2 T. of store-bought 
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 90
     -Fat: 0g
     -Protein: 0g
     -Carbohydrates: 24g
     -Sodium: 24g
     -Fiber: 0g
     -Sugar: 24g 

Using brown sugar 
Total cost: $0.78 
Cost per serving: $0.05 per 2 T. 
Compared to: $0.08 per 2 T. of store-bought 
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 90
     -Fat: 0g
     -Protein: 0g
     -Carbohydrates: 24g
     -Sodium: 0g
     -Fiber: 0g
     -Sugar: 24g 

Using sweetener
Total cost: $1.02 
Cost per serving: $0.06 
Compared to: $0.08 per 2 T. of store-bought 
Nutrition facts:
     -Calories: 0
     -Fat: 0g
     -Protein: 0g
     -Carbohydrates:  0g
     -Sodium: 0g
     -Fiber: 0g
     -Sugar: 0g