Frugal and fabulous

The third edition of “The Frugal Family Kitchen Book” is hot off the presses. Written by Mary Webber of Yarmouth, who worked as Maine Savings Bank’s family thrift counselor for more than 15 years, the book offers “practical wisdom on saving time and money, buying good nutrition, and watching your weight, all while feeding your family for less.” Included are shopping tips, nutrition and diet advice, and recipes for basic and not-so-basic dishes. The book costs $14.95 plus $3 for shipping and is available at www.amazon.com, the L.L. Bean store in Freeport, or online at www.frugalfamilykitchen.com.

Get crackin’

Looking for a healthier snack? Skip the trans-fats with Late July Organic crackers, recently developed by the company that makes Cape Cod potato chips. The crackers come in three flavors – organic cheddar cheese, saltine and rich (similar to a Ritz, but less flaky). They’re made without hydrogenated oils, but you won’t miss them. They cost $2.99 for a 6-ounce box and are available at Shaw’s and Hannaford.

Salad days

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to trade in heavy side dishes for a crisp salad. You can add a bit of zing to spring salads with one of Tabasco’s tangy dressing recipes. To make Zesty Ginger-Sesame Dressing, combine 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped ginger, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce and 1 clove garlic, minced, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender. With machine running, slowly add 1/4 cup each vegetable oil and sesame oil until well blended. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve over Asian greens. To make creamy dill dressing, combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Tabasco green pepper sauce, and 1 small shallot in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. With machine running, slowly add 2 tablespoons olive oil until well blended.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to

941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.