Save money without standing in the drive-through line.

Dining out has always been a fun pasttime of mine. My parents grew up dirt poor in the 40s and 50s, never setting foot into restaurants until practically adulthood. In my childhood home, dining out was a special treat that we all looked forward to.

I grew up in a culture of eating out, though. It's more common nowadays for some folks to get take-out than it is for them to prepare a meal at home. While I still love the restaurant experience, I know that it's cheaper -- and often tastier! -- to cook our meals at home.

Over time, I’ve learned to make at home some of the things that we love to eat at restaurants. While it may not be the same as at a restaurant -- there are dishes to wash -- these dishes are super yummy — and just as good, if not better, than what we'd order for take-out.

See for yourself if these 7 recipes don't become some of your favorites, too:



Chicken Flautas - similar to taquitos, these flautas are stuffed with chicken and cheese. They are also freezer-friendly.


Summer Rolls - these used to be my favorite thing to order at Asian restaurants, but not now! I can make my own! 



Homemade Corn Tortillas - my husband and daughters make up the Tortilla Team at our house. Homemade tortillas take simple rice and beans to new levels.



Mexican Rice - Mexican rice is a delicious and easy side dish to accompany tacos, fill burritos, or otherwise enhance your Mexican style meal. 



Homemade Pizza - You can make homemade pizza easily and economically. You’ll save a ton of money and eat better pizza. Guaranteed.



Fried Chicken Sandwich - Tackle something that fast food restaurants have battled over for years: the fried chicken sandwich. It's so much better made at home!

I'd love to hear what YOUR favorite take-out fake-out is! Shoot me an email and let me know what I'm missing out on.

Have a tasty week!
Jessica