Budget Meal

Grocery budget a little tight? Don't worry! You can still enjoy foods that are satisfying and full of flavor. Three frugal cooks prove it with this mouth-watering meal that's perfect for a springtime luncheon or a light supper.

"I love my bread machine and am always trying new recipes in it," writes Joy McMillan from The Woodlands, Texas. "Cracked Pepper Bread is one of my successes. When it's baking, the whole kitchen smells wonderful." Basil, garlic, chives and Parmesan cheese give this tall tender loaf a real Italian flavor.

Field editor Bernice Morris from Marshfield, Missouri dresses up her Garden Lettuce Salad with tomatoes, radishes, green onions, crisp bacon, hard-cooked eggs and a creamy homemade dressing. "It's a nice change from our usual wilted lettuce salad," she says. "This salad's also good with fried chicken and mashed potatoes or with a barbecue dinner."

Canned salmon and frozen peas streamline the preparation of hearty Salmon Chowder from field editor Pat Waymire of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Shredded Swiss and cheddar cheese, along with cauliflower and dill weed, add flavor to this appealing dish.