My neighbor Mary is the author of the "The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book." She is also a regular blogger. So I was not surprised to see her featured in this week's Portland Press Herald, discussing ways to keep costs down in the kitchen.

Mary is quoted as saying,

"What is really funny now is listening to people with all these exciting new tips that are as old as my mother's."

It is funny--and a bit sad. We are a nation of extremes. When we are flush with cash (and oil, and food), we forget to be mindful. Then things shift, and we feel scared...and we decide to be frugal again.

The thing is, most of us still have plenty. We do not need to revert back to eating "Spam," as seems to be a recent trend. We can find delicious, nutritious foods that are not costly. Bulk grains...legumes...seasonal produce: it is possible to eat well when costs are up. We do not need to feel scared. We just need to pay attention to what we are putting into our mouths--and the mouths of our families.

Something we should probably be doing anyway.

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