Eats on the Cheap

Use dried beans instead of canned and save big. A 15- or 16-ounce can of beans (about 1 3/4 cup) usually costs around a dollar, while a pound of dried beans (about 5 1/2-6 1/2 cups) will run you almost the same–$1.07. That's roughly five times more beans for your money! Soak beans overnight before using, then add them to hearty recipes like this one. This dish takes a little while to prepare (lots of soaking or chilling), but the results are well worth it.

Recipe: Ham Hocks and White Beans