Feeding a family is an expensive endeavor. Growing bodies, picky eaters, different schedules, soaring food costs -- families today are challenged to eat well and save money at the same time. Coming up with creative ways to budget for your family's meals doesn't have to be a full-time job.

Your child doesn't have to miss out on classic childhood recipes, such as macaroni and cheese, simply because she cannot tolerate gluten, the protein found in wheat and some other cereal grains. Several manufacturers produce a gluten-free pasta, typically made from quinoa, corn or rice flours or a combination of several gluten-free grains. You can find the pasta in the traditional elbow macaroni shape or in more interesting shapes such as spirals and letters. Check the ingredient lists of any condiments to make sure they do not have hidden gluten.

Whether you family prefers vegetarian food or ethnic food, or if everyone has a different favorite food plan, you can create a diverse and nutritious family diet plan. Consider your goals and your family's goals with the family diet. You might want to lose weight, change bad eating habits, develop fitness, diversify food choices or simplify the meal preparation routine. Use these goals to guide you through the steps of budgeting, shopping, cooking and eating out.

Although barbecue has been an integral part of southern cuisine for hundreds of years, it is by no means an American creation. Many countries around the world have their own style of barbecue that bears little resemblance to the traditional barbecue that takes place in our backyards. The increasingly health-conscious American public often replaces ribs and brisket with chicken to satisfy that barbecue craving, and looks to recipes from around the world.

ModernMom was super excited to snatch an interview with Chef Rock Harper, season 3 winner of the acclaimed cooking competition "Hell's Kitchen", book author, philanthropist and most importantly, father of three. He opened up about everything -- from sharing some touching personal stories to offering moms advice for healthy cooking that kids will actually want to eat. Here's our Q&A session with the endearing chef:

Mix all ingredients and top generously with layer of cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Serve with chips.

Impress your friends around the grill by coming up with your own secret, knock-your-socks-off barbecue recipe. For most barbecue recipes, the great taste lies in the sauce or spice rub that is used to season the meat. When concocting the sauce, you want to make sure you have the flavors balanced just right. Too much tomato sauce, and your guests will think you simply poured ketchup on the meat. Too much spice and only a brave few will enjoy the sauce.

Before becoming a proud Momma, I never thought about food. I did occasionally think about my next meal or perhaps dealt with a bit of guilt after inhaling a “gotta have it” sundae with all the toppings, but food was a not such a big deal. However, as a mom in today’s world, it has become one of the things I find myself constantly racking my brain with. When I do my weekly shopping I find myself struggling if I should buy the ding-dongs and Popems for my kids. I think to myself, “If they have it in moderation it’s fine -- but if I don’t buy it, they’ll never miss it”.

Budget cooking for families provides multiple challenges, including integrating healthful ingredients that children will eat, keeping dishes simple to prepare and using fresh and unprocessed foods. Frugal cooks begin as frugal shoppers, locating basics that help them stretch their grocery dollars. Establish a few key favorite recipes that you vary with whatever fruits and vegetables are in season and affordable to keep flavors fresh and interesting.