While retail prices may have increased since Juliet Corson published her ""Twenty-Five Cent Dinners For Families of Six"" in 1879, what has not changed is the homemaker's interest in creating interesting, economical meals for the family. Corson, a noted teacher of cookery and advocate for the poor based her philosophy upon four ideals: 1) Utlizing every part of a food source, thus eliminating waste; 2) Serving several inexpensive dishes rather than one expensive one; 3) Using homegrown herbs and inexpensive spices to embellish dishes; and 4) Using lentils, peas, and macaroni as alternative, inexpensive sources of protein. Corson's philosophy of thrift will resonate with the modern family, while the recipes she provides will also serve the modern family with delicious, inexpensive meal ideas.