Once you've arrived home from your weekly grocery expedition, you can continue your campaign of cost savings using a few very easy strategies. You might discover a new twist on a recipe and find yourself a new favorite dish. Corn flakes, wheat germ or bread crumbs are sometimes cheaper substitutes for cracker crumbs. Consider making your own salad dressings out of vinegar and olive oil.
Spices are notorious for being expensive.
Consider just how important that spice is to the dish you're cooking. If you must have it, purchase it in bulk. Some ingredients are listed merely for presentation and add little flavor. Extracts also can be expensive, and chances are good that you'll use them only once or twice. Vanilla is often a good substitute.