Easy Kitchen Tips to Save Time and Money

Aug. 31, 2009— -- Back-to-school season is always a busy time for families. Lifestyle expert Nancy Soriano stopped by "Good Morning America" to share a few easy shortcuts that will save time and money in the kitchen.

There are many common foods and drinks that Soriano says you can freeze in order to save and reuse later.

Take an ice cube tray and fill it with leftover wine. You can reuse the wine cubes to spice up your sangria or for cooking casseroles and sauces.

Freezing tomato paste is also a great way to save time and money. Many recipes do not call for an entire can of tomato paste. Instead of throwing the remainder away put the rest in an ice cube tray or in teaspoon or tablespoon drops between two pieces of waxed paper and freeze it. Later simply tear off the amount you need.

In order to keep the ice cream cone from dripping through the bottom, Soriano suggests cutting up a marshmallow and placing it in the bottom of the cone. It prevents the ice cream from leaking and is a sweet treat at the end of the dessert.

Use lifesavers to hold the candles in place on children's birthday cakes. The kids will enjoy the candy and it prevents the candles from falling.

Soriano says placing cookie dough onto a baking sheet does not need to be a sticky mess. Simply dip the spoon in milk before scooping the dough. It should easily fall off the spoon onto the sheet.

If you don't have enough batter to fill an entire cupcake tin, place a tablespoon of water into the remaining spots. This prevents rust from forming on the tin.