Buy bulk packages of corn tortillas. If you have a small family that doesn't use tortillas quickly repackage them in Ziploc bags containing six tortillas each. Then put the Ziploc bags back in the original tortilla bag and store in the freezer. This keeps them neat but lets you use just the amount you need without having to defrost the entire package of tortillas. Save the crusts from kids sandwiches (I know it's wasteful for them not to eat it but I also know that most kids won't eat it at one point in their life!). Also save hamburger buns, hot dog buns, ends of French bread and bread heels. Use them to make croutons. If you butter toast with soft butter while the toast is still warm you use less butter than if the toast or the butter is cold. Make several batches of bread dough. After the first rising, punch down, shape into balls, put onto a cookie sheet and freeze. When frozen transfer the dough balls into a freezer bag. When you want fresh, homemade rolls, simply pull out a few, let them thaw and bake as usual.

Croutons

3 cups bread cubes (any thick pieces of leftover bread will work) 1 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper (to taste) 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil 2 tsp. Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp. onion powder (or less to taste) 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning (optional) Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl mix garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Put bread cubes into a bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, onion powder and Italian seasoning, if desired. Pour oil mixture over bread crumbs and toss. Spread out on a baking sheet. Bake, tossing once, until golden brown about (15-20 minutes). Store in an airtight container. These taste best if they are allowed to sit for one day before using. From A Reader: I received a tip on heating rolls several years ago from a Deli restaurant that served cinnamon rolls, etc. Her rolls were never tough - so I asked her the secret. If a roll is frozen - place it in the microwave for anywhere from 35 seconds to 1 minute on Auto Defrost. This way the heat goes on and off and does not make the roll tough, but comes out nice and warm. You can use your own judgment (through trial and error as to the time needed - depending on the size of the roll). You can also heat hot dogs this way and they come out nice and hot, but don't explode. I also have learned that you can re-heat such foods as shrimp alfredo, etc (foods that do not do well heated normally on high). You might have to go through the process with this type of dish more than once to get it heated up to your taste. The food will come out just like it is freshly cooked. -Maxine in Washington

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