Ask Pat: Make snack dishes at a fraction of the cost

Funnel Cakes

2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
2 cups sifted or whisked all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups canola oil

Combine eggs and milk. Sift/whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg mixture and beat smooth. If it is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more flour. Heat oil to 360 degrees. Pour 1/2 cup batter into a funnel and drizzle into the oil, forming a circle with drizzles filling in the center. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar or your favorite funnel cake topping.

Yield: 6 – 8 cakes
Cost analysis: (each cake) Homemade = $1.25 Store-bought = $4.99
Source: Miserly Moms

Nonfat Brownies

1/2 cup all-purpose flour sifted or whisked
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
9 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla

Grease and flour an 8x8 square baking pan and set aside. Combine flour, cocoa and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, applesauce and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until just blended. Do not over mix. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool at least 15 minutes before cutting.

Yield: 12 brownies
Cost analysis: Homemade = $1.29 Store-bought = $2.29
Source: Miserly Moms