I know I've said it before, but food is expensive and it doesn't look like this fact is going to change any time soon. And since it is expensive, it's logical that wasting food isn't real bright. So I thought I'd share a few money-saving, savvy ideas on how to repair food that's less than ideal, rather than toss it out.

1. Produce-buying, especially in winter, can be dicey. The risk runs high on ending up with flavorless food—apples are a good example. When your apples are flavorless, just quarter them and dip in powdered anise or sprinkle them with cinnamon.

2. Overcooked asparagus: It can't be revved up, so puree the stalks and either freeze or refrigerate to use later in soup or chowder. OR puree them and set aside; lightly steam some cauliflower and then pour the pureed asparagus over the cauliflower. It tastes terrific. You'll come off looking like a gourmet cook!

3. Bland beets: This happens when they get old (I forget I have any in my crisper). Just add a pinch of allspice to the cooking water. And a pinch of sugar will sweeten them nicely.

4. Bland berries: Same thing—they've been stored too long, so perk them up with a sprinkle of brown sugar.

5. Bland broccoli: It can actually come from the store this way. Just add a small amount of mustard seed to the cooking water.

6. Burned butter: There's no way to save this, so toss it. BUT, next time, add a little canola oil to raise the smoke point to prevent burning.

7. Overcooked corn: Cream it!

8. Cream getting sour: Place a pinch of baking soda in it and it will sweeten for a day or two. No kidding. But hurry up and use it—tossing cream is well, like a crime to us Swedes!

9. Milk getting sour: Same thing—use baking soda, 2 teaspoons in each quart of milk, and that will extend the life for 1-2 days.

10. Tough muffins: This is caused by beating the dough instead of folding it. They can't be fixed, but they are delicious when sliced and toasted! Slice horizontally to make thin muffin rounds and toast in a toaster oven.

11. Stale or soggy potato chips: Oops, they weren't stored properly or they've been hanging around too long. For stale chips, lay on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with a little olive oil and toast at 350° for about 2 minutes—watch closely so they don't burn. This takes care of the soggies as well.

12. Too-salty soup or stew: Add tomatoes, or some brown sugar, or a piece of raw potato (which will sop up the excess salt).

13. Limp celery or carrots: Both benefit from standing in water; cut bottoms off celery and carrots so exposed cells can draw up the water (in the fridge for a few hours or overnight).

14. Weevil-strewn flour: Sift the flour, toss the debris, and freeze this sifted flour for 24 hours. In fact, always freeze flours and grains (even boxed cereals) for a few hours immediately after you bring them home from the store. Almost 100% of the time weevil enters our home via the grocery store.

15. Burned cookies: Scrape or cut the worst off; crumble what's left—when combined with butter and a little more sugar, they make an excellent alternative to graham cracker crust.