Skip packaged produce! Do you purchase produce like three peppers in a cellophane bag or pre-rinsed salad mixes in a plastic tub? It may seem convenient that some produce is pre-washed, but pound for pound, it costs way more. And given the recent news that pre-washed mixes aren't necessarily clean, you may find yourself washing it again anyway. Investing in a simple salad spinner can help you save money in the long run, plus you'll feel better knowing it's truly clean, because you did it yourself.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Pastry chefs say the best surface to roll dough, make chocolates and do other types of baking prep work on is a marble countertop, since it stays cool to the touch. If you don't have a marble countertop and don't want to invest in one, think scrap heap instead. Countertop fabricators often have square slabs of marble waste leftover from the holes they cut to fit sinks when installing new countertops. Those slabs can be purchased for a few dollars or are free if you become friendly with your local fabricator.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

There are lots of compost pails you can buy at the store that feature tight-fitting lids, integrated carbon filters (to absorb odors) and pretty designs so they look good on your kitchen countertop. Instead of buying one, you can always repurpose an old stock pot into a compost bin. A stainless steel one works best, since it can be washed easily, but any stock pot with a tight lid will work and keep odors and insects away. If you don't have one, there may be lots of used stock pots at any thrift store that can work, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION