$25 GROCERY HAUL WITH QUICK AND EASY MEALS

Today I'm sharing a recent grocery haul with you that includes my meal prep and some delicious new recipes.
#ardentmichelle
#groceryhaul
#walmartgroceryhaul
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⭐️ GROCERY LIST - WALMART and my local produce market
Olive Garden dressing 2.09 9 (amount used for week) 4.18 for jar
peanut sauce 2.06 (amount used for week) 4.12 for jar
lettuce 1.25 Wholesome Choice
carrots 0.77
red cabbage 1.78
peppers on sale 1.25 amount used Wholesome Choice $2.50
chickpeas 1 can Great Value 0.87
eggs 18 1.92
avocado 0.84
black beans1 can Great Value 0.87
sweet potatoes 1.93 half of bag
LINGUINE 1 box Great Value 1.18
TOFU 1.29 HMART
BROCCOLI 1 lb 1.62
cottage cheese Great Value 2.12
peaches canned Great Value 1.54
bananas 2 0.34
tortillas 8 shells 0.4 - these were taken from my bulk supply (Samsclub)
1 apple 0.37 Wholesome Choice
roma tomato 0.38
okra fresh 0.54
TOTAL 25.41
Here are some of the meals I ate with this haul, but you will probably need more food. I already had milk, bulk rice and some other things on hand.
BREAKFAST
2 MEALS 2 EGGS with sweet potato mash and 1/6 of sliced avocado
2 MEALS 2 POACHED EGGS ON MASHED SWEET POTATOES WITH BLACK BEANS AND BROCCOLI
2 cottage cheese with peaches
1 MEAL SWEET POTATO MASH WITH 2 fried eggs and shredded carrots
LUNCHES
5 THAI PEANUT PASTA SALAD AND PEANUT SAUCE,SIDE OF BROCCOLI
1 SERVING BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH beans lettuce and tomatoes
1 serving 2 EGGS MASHED SWEET POTATOES,BLACK BEANS & AVOCADO
DINNERS
2 CHICKPEA SALADS WITH AVOCADO AND HARD BOILED EGGS
2 THAI PEANUT PASTA SALAD AND PEANUT SAUCE,SIDE OF BROCCOLI
sweet potato mash with 2 fried eggs and shredded carrots
1 SERVING BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH beans lettuce and tomatoes
1 cottage cheese with peaches
SNACKS
2 BANANAS and 1/2 APPLE
2 hard boiled eggs
1 cottage cheese with apple
LEFTOVERS
red cabbage
1 head Romaine lettuce
RECIPES COMING SOON
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[@MaryEavey-dc3sk]

Of all of the cooking videos I like yours the best because they are frugal, they are easy to make, your presentation of the food is outstanding. And you have hints of how to put some extras in that are not included in the budget but most of us have on hand already. Feeling squeezed in the grocery budget is a depressing feeling but your vidoes always make me feel like I am eating out (fancy) and makes me feel empowered .

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love this 💜 Thank you so much. 🥰 I'm glad my videos inspire and empower you.

[@sparklemotion8377]

Amen!I

[@jujumama5825]

The Aldi’s version of the Olive’s garden dressing/croutons are better than Wal Mart’s and also cheaper.

[@lindawilson290]

YES! Aldi's Tuscan Garden Italian salad dressing is a great dupe for Olive Garden's!

[@charlottekearn5185]

I live in Washington State, sadly no Aldi stores here. 😞

[@ArdentMichelle]

great tip 👍 I'll try Aldi's brand the next time I'm out.

[@stephanieburton951]

The thai salad looks the one at Trader Joe’s.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@stephanieburton951 This one was better 😂

[@MauraMarcus]

Peanut Ginger Sauce: ½ c peanut butter ¼ c soy sauce 2 T brown sugar or maple syrup 2 T lemon juice 2 t grated fresh ginger 6 cloves garlic, minced 5 shakes red pepper flakes some water to thin the sauce Put all the sauce ingredients in a heatproof measuring cup and microwave 1 min., then stir to combine.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing your recipe 😁

[@patriciatzai]

I love the emphasis on veggies here. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this year, which was a real kick-in-the-pants. You have a gift for not only being creative but also sharing your thinking process. Watching your videos has played no small part in helping me to adjust my approach to food (and get my a1c down!) while still making the process of planning, prep and eating enjoyable. I know a lot of people like your extreme budget videos (I do to!) but these more sustainable/holistic approaches to budget cooking, along with new-to-you ingredient adventures, are my personal favorite. I hope you keep them coming!

[@stanwolenski9541]

It’s the carbs that are the problem with type 2. If all one ate was protein sugar levels would drop dramatically. Sadly one cannot live on bacon alone so one must have a good mix of meat, fish and vegetables. I know there are vegetarian and vegan diets but my preference is meat, fish and vegetables.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I can't tell you how much comments like this mean to me. 💜 I'm so glad my videos are helpful. FYI- I'm working on something for all my viewers with special dietary needs. More info to come soon!

[@aikanae1]

Finding budget diabetic recipes is definitely a challenge since the budget part usually involves refined carbs that jack up blood sugar. This is the best channel I've found.

[@angelawossname]

I agree. Most budget cooking channels have food that is so carb heavy. Michelle gives us much healthier options. I don't have diabetes, but my auto immune disease flares up if I eat sugar or too much starch. I have found a diabetic diet is the best option for me while still be8ng realistic and affordable.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@aikanae1 I'm going to try to find a way to incorporate more low carb meals into the menus without actually labeling the video as low-carb. 😂 Plus I'm working on another project that should help.

[@janita7014]

The last time I was prepping broccoli, I decided I just couldn’t throw away those large stems. I peeled them with my veggie peeler, cut them into sticks, and stored them in water. I ate them in salads and I ate them as a snack dipped in ranch dressing. I was surprised at how good they were and felt ashamed that I’d been throwing them away!

[@buffys3477]

Try them in soup too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've done the same thing. 😞 You can buy them shredded in the bags at Walmart and make a broccoli salad out of it. I haven't tried shredding them yet in my doohickey but that definitely needs to be done. 😂

[@angelawossname]

We do that as well. We usually cut it into cubes after peeling and freeze them to add to soups or stews.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@angelawossname It's funny because I just found a butternut squash in my pantry. I don't usually set vegetables there. It's been there awhile, but it's still fine. I may try this. Just cube and freeze. Thanks for sharing this idea!

[@angelawossname]

@ArdentMichelle we do this all the time with veggies that are starting to look a bit old or manky. Great for days when you don't want to do a lot of cooking, and just throw a heap of stuff in the slow cooker for soup/stew/curry etc. We even chop up tomatoes that have gone a bit soft and add them to pasta sauce or chilli. We make our own herb and spice blends with herbs and spices bought from the middle eastern grocer. The bags of frozen veggies in my freezer were a godsend when I recently had surgery.

[@agirly1503]

This Vegetarian of 32 years loves you!!! ❤️ 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 I'm so glad you're enjoying my content. This makes me so happy! 💜

[@agirly1503]

@@ArdentMichelle gosh! Thank you for showing us one achievable version of frugality and an ethical shop!!! 😃💜

[@bethbrec]

Two of the Dollar Trees I've checked so far in my city have the Olive Garden dressing in 3 individual serving pods in a box. I haven't checked the ounce to ounce cost comparison to a large bottle at the grocery store, however, it has the advantage of having the unused pod(s) being shelf stable so they don't take up premium refrigerator space or have to rush to use it up. Also, one pod seemed to be a generous amount even for a larger individual salad serving.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm headed to Dollar Tree soon. I'll look for the dressing. Thanks for the tip. 😁

[@nasijathorn7069]

I recently bought a tortilla press and a bag of Maseca corn flour (since i like corn tortillas more) and made them myself. I got 5 dinners and a smaller lunch out of the bag. You only need the flour, a little bit of salt and hot water for the tortilla dough + whatever you want to put on top of it, after frying them in the pan. And it came cheaper then buying the ready-made tortillas in the store.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Do you know how much cheaper?

[@nasijathorn7069]

The bag was around $5 (but it is imported in my country). So it would be cheaper around a $1.50 to $2 for me. Don't know what the price is for the flour in the US, but all videos i saw used the Maseca for corn tortillas. i like the taste of the finished tortillas, so will buy more when the store gets a new batch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@nasijathorn7069 I had actually planned a Mexican and Latin America themed video for the $15 a week for a family but decided to scrap it because it was too much cooking for me and I had just done some Mexican fusion recipes. Anyway, I had planned to purchase maseca. It's still on my bucket list because there are so many other things besides just tortillas that you can make with it. Plus I want to try homemade tortillas.

[@nasijathorn7069]

oh that would have been a video i would have watched, but i can understand that about much cooking. But maybe make a video with the different dish's with maseca (i haven't it seen used very much other than tortillas, so would be very interesting for me). Homemade tortillas are something else. @@ArdentMichelle

[@JustMelissa]

I tried the Walmart knock off for Olive Gardens salad dressing. I love it!

[@ArdentMichelle]

good to know since it's half the price. 👍 Thanks for sharing!

[@wendoxia]

This was a good inspiration for me to prep vegetables. I often leave things way too long, unprepared, and then do nothing to add them in. I think a carton of shredded carrots and of cabbage, and make me add them to my meals, I’m very short on veggies

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do the same. Eating this week was so much easier though with all the veggies already cut up. I wish I would do this all the time. 😂

[@betterlivingonabudget]

I love seeing all the bright whole foods in your grocery haul. One way I like to use sweet potatoes (and butternut squash) is to cut it into cubes and roast it for about 20 min, then add it to salads for a colorful fall toiuch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my haul. I've actually never tried either sweet potatoes or butternut squash in my salads. Going to have to give this a try.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

It's a wonderful savory addition to salads, and I also like to toss in pecans and use a maple vinaigrette during fall. @@ArdentMichelle 🍁🍁🎃

[@CathieG]

Wow look at those gorgeous veggies! I think you said a long time ago that you “eat the rainbow”! Love it! 🍠🍅🥦🌶️🫑🥰😍

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cathie 😁 yes, I try to eat the rainbow. I figure that's the only way to get enough nutrition. Plus looking at colorful food makes me happy! Hope you are having a great week friend!

[@sherivinson1465]

I had 10 things from the list in my house already. I went shopping and spent $36 for the rest. Still not bad for 1 week of food. We must live in a more expensive area. Your meals are delicious and work well with my diabetes. Thank you for all your effort to put these video's out. Good bless you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sheri 😁 If you're in the U.S., the non-produce items should be within about 5% of my local Walmart prices. Since I purchased all my produce on sale, you probably wouldn't be able to match prices on exact items. For example, I saved $5 off what I normally pay on the mini-peppers. Ideally in this situation, you would purchase whatever is on sale in your area, but I know that's hard when you want to follow a recipe exactly with the same ingredients I purchased. I enjoy hearing what my viewers are able to price items out at. Regular groceries are usually a little less in the midwest. Although, I doubt anyone gets cheaper produce than I do here in California. May I ask what state you're in? Oh, and how did you like the salad dressing and also the Thai peanut salad? If you take a picture, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I would love to see it 😁 I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that my recipes have been helpful to your diabetic eating plan. I prefer to eat lower carb myself.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

🎉yeah for Sunday and a video from you Michelle. Such colorful meals. I never thought of having broccoli or shredded carrots with breakfast. I liked everything. Italian dressing is something that is so versatile. A great marinade. I like to make a vegetarian potato salad. The dressing is put on when the potatoes are warm. You can add what you like. I like mine warm with onion and celery and shredded carrot and a boiled egg. Peanut sauce is on my list. Have a great week and thank you again for the inspiration ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Victoria 😁 I'm so going to try the dressing on potato salad at the next possible opportunity. That sounds great. Thank YOU for the inspiration. 🥰

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle I am happy I could inspire you too. 💚.

[@FairyRosee_]

The olive garden dressing is SO GOOD. I can't replicate it. Keeps me from dining out so worth the $$.

[@micahstott5764]

Hi Michelle! I also live in Irvine so we are practically neighbors! I live in a small studio with no kitchen so I can't cook any of your recipes. But your videos are very entertaining so I just watch for fun! Thanks for all you do!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi neighbor 😁 I used to cook in my dorm room at UCI on a little electric burner. Have you thought about trying that or getting a toaster oven? I get it though, if space is a premium. Square footage is definitely a premium in this city 😂

[@rachelhero3413]

I love the Walmart knock off dressing! We use it exclusively for Italian dressing

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the input 😁

[@tmdavidson1478]

There was a time when all I could afford was a veg and fruit box that came to my door in an urban program, plus a box of fish sticks. Colourful veggies is really wonderful on a steep budget,

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed

[@sumaocaceres2097]

Thank you for the effort to provide detailed costs per meal. Even if certain ingredients are not available or are not affordable in Germany, there are some really excellent, adaptable suggestions :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁 glad its helpful

[@aprilok440]

I agree with buying in bulk like Rice.I like these type of videos.cause it gives me ideas on what to cook for m to family

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you are getting new ideas from my videos! 😁 Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@lindawilson290]

These recipes, as always AM, look simple and delicious! ~ I can't wait for your Thanksgiving video, regardless of what shape it takes! (P.S. I love the colorful array of veggies!)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 Glad you like this one! I'm busy planning the Thanksgiving video now! 🤔

[@ezbh810]

This is probably my favorite video of yours. I consider myself a flexitarian, which is basically a vegetarian diet that incorporates meat once or twice a week. I love the fresh food and the colors. Who says you can’t eat healthy on a budget.

[@spicycopper2436]

I love that word "flexitarian".

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my menu this week 😁 Thanks for letting me know.

[@beckyw9000]

Never would have thought of shredding carrots onto eggs. Going to try it soon. Loving the outro!

[@ArdentMichelle]

First, glad you like my new outro. 🎶 I love it too. Second, Yay! 🥳 Glad you are going to try the carrots. 👏 That makes me happy 😂

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

I have been without teeth for over a year. I am only eating things like soup, baby food, soft fruit, etc. in so bored with my food. Im here to see what different things I can make for myself.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm sorry to hear that. It must be difficult. Hopefully you will find a few ideas and then customize some recipes to suit you.

[@TheSusanhunter]

I love how nutritious and well rounded this selection has been.

[@nancyculp6968]

I do not know if you know this, but you can take advantage of the bulk prices on carrots and celery. I take my carrots and break them down after I use them in meals and sides( that turn into main meals). I peal them dice them up to go into the freezer. You do not have to blanch them either. Just put them in a freezer bag and freeze. I use them in pot pies, cottage pies, casseroles, soups etc. I think if cut into larger chunks would go great in stews. I use carrots in roasted root vegetables as a side and turn what is leftover into a roasted vegetable sandwich on some crusty bread with cheese…I also make a cream of carrot soup with ginger in it, and I swirl in a little plain yogurt or sour cream to garnish each bowl, then serve with a fresh salad of beets, sliced oranges and sliced red onion over salad greens and drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette. If you have any roasted nuts that goes well with it too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great tips 👍

[@momof2momof2]

I prefer roasting sweet potatoes, the flavor is so much better than boiling or steaming them.

[@iamenmotion]

First, I love your videos. Frugal and creative, my two faves. Second, speaking of shredded carrots, I add them to my tacos. It looks sorta like cheese. Just enough to trick my mind. Way less expensive and helps cut dairy intake.

[@ArdentMichelle]

love this tip 👍 and glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@kristine6981]

Thank you! I always watch your videos when they come out and I'm always thrilled to see some easy vegetarian recipes mixed in. This one is ALL vegetarian so I will thank you again! Keep up the great work!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

and thank YOU for watching!

[@aikanae1]

You hit it out of the park this week! The last thai noodle salad looked yummy. I bet glass noodles or thin mei fun noodles would be good too. In Montana as a kid, I remember a sweet potato salad made of mashed sweet potatoes, chopped hard boiled eggs, green onions (celery?) and the dressing was the same type of dressing used in devils eggs. I've never heard of storing broccoli in water. Keeping foods fresh is a huge problem for me. I wouldn't mind a video on the best ways to store perishables.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That mashed sweet potato salad sounds so interesting.🤔 I've never heard of anything like it. Would love to try that. 😁 I'll try to incorporate more food saving tips.

[@julieeacott7644]

Thanks for your videos. So inspirational. Always trying to save on groceries. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 I'm so glad you like them. Thank YOU for watching! 🥰

[@nancyculp6968]

Oh, since you love vegetables did you know celery can be made into a side dish? So can radishes! Melissa d’Arabian has recipes in her cookbook “Ten Dollar Dinners”, for a celery sides! One is a creamy celery with savory pecan granola crumble, another is a lentil and celery salad with Provençal Vinaigrette. Thought one of these or both could be used at Thanksgiving to stretch your menu.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love Melissa d'Arabian. I have some of her recipes in my recipe book.

[@cedarvalleycrafts7042]

Thank you for the menus. You keep me focused all week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 so glad you like my video! Thanks for letting me know!

[@ka6148]

Love your meal ideas But we use our garden produce instead of shopping So thankful for these nourishing meal ideas

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's so awesome to have fresh produce from the garden 🌱🌽 I'm glad you're enjoying my content. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@maryegerton6848]

I love how fresh everything always is. Well done, Michelle ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 🥰

[@glasshalfsunny]

Love all the orange veggies! I've been craving some buttercup squash, but sweet potatoes are a close second. I may need to try your last recipe with the peanut sauce. My husband doesn't have a way to heat up lunches, so having that as a cold salad will be great! Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad this looks good to you.😁 Squash would be great also 👍

[@Natalie-xy7zy]

Yum! That Thai peanut sauce with noodles, tofu and veggies looks so delicious.Something I would love to try!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it 😁 I find peanut sauce takes a lot of ingredients to make to my liking so I love the shortcut of the bottled sauce. Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you try it.

[@Dee-ps3um]

I buy Aldi Italian dressing and add my own garlic and olive oil. My husband loves it!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Is that the kind sold in the packet? Dry seasonings?

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

I always enjoy the inventiveness of your videos & colorful, healthy food!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 🥰

[@RachRolls]

I have an ingredient suggestion from your favorite store! 😊 Since you love sweet potatoes (as do I), if you haven't already, you should try the Japanese sweet potatoes from TJs. I actually like the flavor more than the orange variety, but I got them for a different reason- they are the lowest glycemic index potatoes, and I was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes. For a bunch of convoluted medical reasons I get dangerously low blood sugars overnight, so my doctor wanted me to eat something for dinner with complex carbohydrates, and my numbers are much better when I have one of those for dinner. I also read (and now can't find the original source) that cooking method has a big impact on the GI of foods. Slower methods, like roasting, increase the GI, while microwaving or boiling increases it less. What I do with mine is microwave for about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on size, then finish them in the air fryer (on a bake setting so a toaster oven would be fine) for another 4 or 5 minutes. That gets the skin crispy without increasing the glycemic index too much. Then top with whatever your heart desires. There's a recipe on my favorite vegan KZbin channel for Japanese sweet potatoes with miso tahini butter, and I usually use that with something like chickpeas, roasted tofu, or something similar. Next time I think I'll try eggs....🤔

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rachel 😁 Were you the one I was talking to last week about the purple sweet potatoes from TJ's? It's interesting because I actually had 2 bags of sweet potatoes to go through and clean up and in one of the shots (when I was editing) I noticed a purplish one and I was wondering if that was the kind being referred to. I think maybe I had some of those, but the flesh wasn't white. 🤔 I'll definitely look for them next time I'm at TJ's though and I'll try your air fryer method. That's interesting about the GI and boiling. Thanks for sharing this. 😁

[@sparklemotion8377]

I love a good haul! I bought red cabbage and apple too, to make a Dutch favorite of mine, red cabbage with apples and shredded beef. Yam yam! I also bought red beets to eat with boiled potatoes and tin mackerel in oil. Simple but good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds so healthy! I was eyeing on some red beets the other day. I wish they weren't so messy 😂

[@sparklemotion8377]

@@ArdentMichelle 😄

[@danasandlin2435]

this is one of the most nutricious set of meals that I have seen on a cheap budget--they look fabulous--and fresh...thank you...also, love your new ending drone video and music--so uplifting...thank you, dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

glad you like my new outro. 😁 I love it too. I love veggies so when I go without, I always start craving them.

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

second! im going to have to try some of these veggie. my daughter is a complex medical patient and im trying to incorporate more veggies into her diet.

[@ArdentMichelle]

🥳

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

​​@@ArdentMichellei came up with an easy Christmas ideas for my adult family members. create a food basket with shelf stable ingrediants, like pasta, sauce and a few differences. i think you have given me a few ideas. the gv olive garden knockoff would be a great addition. We all love OG salads.

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh good, I hope she likes these recipes. 🤞

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Laguns-ij4hn That's a great idea 👍

[@loriburgess1866]

Something I’d like to see for the thanksgiving video is thanksgiving finger foods or Hors d’oeuvres instead of the typical spread. Maybe foods in all the categories we typically have for thanksgiving but without the typical turkey and stuffing kinda event. I have wanted to do this for years and I can’t convince my husband it’s a good idea. I really don’t even like whole turkeys. What do you think? It would also make it easy to assign a food category to family members who typically bring something to share.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think that sounds like a great idea but I probably wouldn't be able to pull it off for a Thanksgiving video 🤔 I don't like turkey either. My family really likes the classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, etc. I love the idea of individual serving sizes though. I do that a lot with holiday videos.

[@dmmrad54]

Aldi has a creamy italian dressing that i tried instead of the Olive Garden brand. Very good.

[@Dee-ps3um]

I like that you added the meal plan.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you. 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's a little light, but I figured people could add to it.

[@Babsonthego4]

Amazing meals. Yes, that last meal was Super👍👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 glad you think so.

[@pinkiesmum]

Writing from a country in Europe here, and food "sales" are unheard of. Sales are for clothes, if at all. No one reduces food prices and Lidl is one of the most expensive supermarkets we have. Also, when supermarkets have food to throw away they place it in locked skips so no one can access it. It is in fact illegal to do so. Regarding food rationing and needing to save certain foods, I think one needs to have priorities, for example avoid buying kitchen gadgets that are not necessary and could be replaced by other things you already have; avoid spending money on make up, tattoos and nails if there is not enough money for food and children, and revising the attitude of family members to food preparation so that one can produce one pot meals that save on both time and money.

[@buffys3477]

I live in Europe too ( Scotland) and Lidl are one of the cheaper supermarkets here, along with Aldi. Most supermarkets here do a selection of reduced vegetables weekly and there’s cut price food available ( mostly stuff that’s nearly out of date) usually at the end of the day. A lot of supermarkets also donate to food banks/food kitchens too. It’s a shame if yours locks spare food up and it gets wasted.

[@pinkiesmum]

@@buffys3477 yes I know! Lidl is cheap everywhere except in Malta. They get the excuse of shipping costs but the UK is an island too so I don't see why our prices should be so high!

[@buffys3477]

@@pinkiesmum it may be that. Aldi and Lidl here use a lot of Scottish products so they don’t need to import as much. Most of the stuffs from the U.K.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a bummer that your groceries are so high. 😞 Regarding prioritizing purchases, I wouldn't want to comment on the choices that others should make, but I will say that hunger generally plays a big roll in those choices.

[@jacki6301]

I love garbanzo beans on my salad. Topping it with boiled eggs makes it more filling. Apples on top, that's one for me to try!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I eat salads ALL kinds of ways, and every now and then I like some diced apples on it. I also like dried cranberries, pears, and any kind of nuts. Oh chayote squash would be good too! I agree about the eggs 👍

[@chandaharkins4418]

I'm inspired to shred some carrots! Thanks as always!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 😂

[@kcali_058]

Will definitely try the pasta. Looks delish! Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. Take Care. Much love from No. Cali!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there neighbor to the north😁 Glad you like this. Hope you love that pasta dish as much as I do.

[@KarenJamieson-o9p]

I love the ideas you share. Thank you for sensible easy recipes that are wallet friendly!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 I'm so glad you like them.

[@Rebelartist83]

I use the sweet and spicy tobasco sauce it's better as a meat marinade but like with other stuff like gv version of heinz 57 and dijon mustard..but I only use it sparingly and once in a while since I am Diabetic and I cant always afford sugar free so im super careful and look at the bottles for sugar content and only make my meat marinade with that sweet tobasco once in a while but you can mix it with your favorite yellow mustard and sauces to make it to your taste .i prefer more savory too but I get it on sale cause of not that much sugar and dad likes it and it's a good base for making your own sauces..and your videos have certainly blessed us.much love from Tx

[@stacel1972]

Oh the cold noodle salad🤩i have edamame I can use since I don’t have tofu. And make my own peanut sauce. I’m going to make this for my lunches this week. Thank you very much! Your meal prep was gorgeous. Beautiful produce makes me so happy. 😆🤷‍♀️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Stace 😁 Edamame will be great instead of tofu. Glad you enjoy the looks of some colorful produce too. 🥰

[@sameoldsteph]

Those rainbow veggies in the containers! So satisfying to see. I love those meal prep containers for my husband's lunches - super easy to pop leftovers in. The Olive Garden dressing has been a hit in our house too. And I am intrigued by the shredded carrots on eggs.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I almost exclusively eat out of those containers these days 😂 Hope you try the shredded carrots on eggs 😁

[@htas6888]

I really enjoyed this weeks meal prep video, I would definitely try some of these dishes. I found myself wishing you would show how you followed up with the next week's meal prep using the ingredients you set aside from this week. I really look forward to your videos... For Thanksgiving, it would be great if you showed a vegan version as well, without going into artificially created vegan versions of meats...

[@ArdentMichelle]

It makes senses to carry over the leftovers into next weeks meal planning. Still not sure if I'm doing the Thanksgiving video next. Just sat down to do some planning. Thanks for the input.

[@tereclemmer7923]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@pennyrasnake1401]

Oh my goodness I love cottage cheese and fruit -especially canned peaches! I also love it with tomatoes. I am going to try you shredded carrots and eggs. I’m not sold but I’m willing to try.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Penny 😁 Oh please do try the shredded carrots on eggs. As someone that didn't LOVE carrots before, I was excited about the discovery. I appreciate your adventurous spirit and willingness to go there with me 😂

[@RachRolls]

I sometimes think I'm the only person on earth who loves cottage cheese! 😂 Nice to see I'm not alone.

[@eloiselle7933]

I LOVE your budget meals, especially when you include the holiday table decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. I think I need more ideas concerning decorations than I do with the budget meals!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them. 😁 Can't believe it's already that time again!

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Great ideas, I have tofu carrots and broccoli to use up, yay! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's perfect! 😁

[@christinejunk8184]

Looks great! I love your salads-they are my kind of eats!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@nancynewman6592]

Love the colourful meals :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@lenoraw1098]

Ty!😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@jenniferherrington]

Awesome meals! Well done! I will follow these recipes. Thank you so very much, Michelle!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome. 😁 So glad you like them.

[@angelawossname]

My dil loves anything with peanut sauce, I'll have to try some of these salads for summer. ( summer is only 6 weeks away for us)

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, or you could just eat it hot. I sometimes do that for a quick meal.

[@noraclemons6537]

Really great recipe ideas! Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁 Thanks for watching 🥰

[@tamjames3997]

🏦, thank you for this video. Organization is so good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁 Glad you like it.

[@velocityakaslothmom8083]

I would like to see for your Thanksgiving thing what you do with the leftovers because leftovers is a problem

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm thinking a video for leftovers would be good 👍

[@jessguzman7676]

This video is my on my top 5 thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 I'm so glad. These are my favorite kind of videos to make. Thanks for letting me know you like it

[@mommam.6101]

I noticed that one of your sweet potatoes was sprouting. Root it in water and it makes a wonderful vine in your house.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I wish I could grow some in the house. If only I didn't live in a cave 😂

[@mommam.6101]

@@ArdentMichelle you can try it, or find a plant that doesn't need a lot of light. I don't have a lot of light in some places so I just move plants around until they either die or they seem to be happy. You can kill plants easier by overwatering them, and when you do water, occasionally add a little hydrogen peroxide to the water.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@mommam.6101 I have 4 plants right now. I recently tried to grow cilantro next to the window and it didn't work 😞 I felt so sad about the poor little spindly things.

[@mommam.6101]

@@ArdentMichelleI can't grow cilantro or basil, even on my porch in the summer.

[@CathieG]

Ooooh I’m excited thinking about your Thanksgiving video coming up! 🤩🥳 As for suggestions….. 🤷🏻‍♀️ idk but you will go above and beyond as always! 💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much for the vote of confidence 💜

[@joanacker917]

I’d like to see cranberry recipes somebody showed me how to make cranberry juice, but then what should I use the cranberries for after that? I just love cranberries

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I love cranberries too. I made the best cranberry appetizer a couple years back. It's in this Thanksgiving video. Highly recommend. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGa9oYV8ad56e9E I also like to throw cranberries in my smoothies.

[@sylviaseri4235]

Can you please show some budget meals using meat, less veggies and beans? I could never be a vegetarian.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Nope. I cannot. I love vegetables and since my channel focuses on extreme budgets, meat is not a primary focus. That being said, many of my videos include meat in some form that has been included as part of a low budget meal.

[@allyrooh3628]

I took the time to prep my food for the week while watching your video. It makes the week so much better. I got an eggplant this week. I haven't made one in forever. They are super cheap, and I'm going to make some sort of breaded chicken parm sandwiches. (wish me luck!) Thanks for the inspiration to food prep. What a healthy week you have planned!

[@ArdentMichelle]

It really does make for an easier week. Glad you like my video. 😁 The eggplant sounds good.

[@Crafty_Chari]

Delicious ideas thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@nancyculp6968]

Since you had the tofu and vegetables could you make hot and sour soup or egg drop soup out of your ingredients? I love this type of cuisine. I do take any scraps of leftover chicken( if you looked at the amount, you would think I can’t do anything with this tiny amount), and make pot stickers out of it. I think the same could be done with other types of protein in making egg rolls. I would love to see you make these along with some type of dish with little bit of protein ( that might otherwise be discarded, because someone might think it is not enough to stretch for their family. I use starches and vegetables as my main base then add in a protein for flavor and take second place to the vegetables. A stir fry dish loaded with all of those beautiful vegetables with the tofu or even like a half pound of shrimp to stretch ( six shrimp per person is a portion). We all seem to go overboard on our portions as a whole. If you could show something like this would be great…just something different than what everyone else is showing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great ideas 👍

[@lees2268]

I’ve tried the Walmart version of the OG dressing and it’s pretty good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing.😁 Glad we have a less expensive option.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hi Michelle, That noodle/ peanut salad looks really tasty. I also use those containers with the lids, they really are the perfect size. Thanksgiving budget recipes would all be great, a budget dessert would be good too, dessert recipes can really take a bite out of the budget when making something that is spectacular looking. I hope you received the spice package, let me know if something happened and you didn't. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Glad you like my Thai noodle salad. Thanks for the input on Thanksgiving! No I haven't received anything yet. Last we checked was Wednesday though. It might be there now. Thanks so much for sending me something! 😁

[@charlottekearn5185]

Don't thank me yet if you haven't received it. Please let me know as soon as possible, I will need to tell them.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@charlottekearn5185 yes, of course. 👍

[@luisasfiat]

That linguini dish looked AMAZING 🤩

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you think so 😁 It's the best thing I've had in awhile!

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Thank you for sharing all you amazing recipes. You are the highlight of my day watching you cook these budget meals . ❤😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's such a nice thing to say. Thank you 🥰

[@Dee-ps3um]

I like this vegan edition😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you. 😁 Me too.

[@micahmiller5923]

I'm honestly not a fan of sweet potatoes because I feel they're too sweet, and I'm not a fan of Sweet Potato Fries because they tend to be overly spicy. But, I do love them cooked one way only: I love to dice the peeled potatoes and toss them with a little oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon before roasting them at 425 for 25-30 minutes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing your method for cooking sweet potatoes. 👩‍🍳 Sometimes when I roast them they come out a little dry but I think that's because I try to roast sometimes without oil. Are you covering them when you roast them?

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle Michelle if you have an oil sprayer it is the perfect way to get a bit of oil on your veggies without soaking them. I purchased the Misto oil sprayer for my air fryer but find I use it for frying and regular baking. Hope this is helpful. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@patpeters6331 actually Pat, I got two of those oil sprayers from TEMU and I LOVE them. I use them a lot actually for baking. I recently tried to go a week without any oil and it was very hard. 😂 You're right though..it works well for roasting.

[@patriciatzai]

I'd love to see some low carb Thanksgiving ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm sure that would be very helpful. I'll think about how to do this 🤔

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle My sister uses half potatoes and half cauliflower rice when making her mashed potatoes. Hope this is helpful. 🙂

[@angelawossname]

​@patpeters6331 I add sour cream and pureed chickpeas to my mashed potatoes, I usually do half potato, half sweet potato, but I could probably add some finely chopped cauliflower as well to make the carbs even lower.

[@patpeters6331]

@@angelawossname That sounds tasty. I will have to try that. Thanks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@patpeters6331 That's very helpful. I just put mashed cauliflower on my menu.

[@coquetscache]

the Walmart/O.G. dupe salad dressing is very good, I have already used half a bottle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh good 👍 Thanks for letting me know. I'll try it next time. Someone said the Aldi brand is awesome and even less expensive.

[@lisablack9634]

This is really a great haul and menu. That Asian salad looks so yummy. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 I'm glad you like this!

[@ninajohnson6578]

Thanksgiving dessert please

[@ArdentMichelle]

Will do 👍 Thanks for the input on my Thanksgiving video!

[@hazelg5019]

I love the meals in this video because I need a change of pace 😅 although I'm not big on carrots, I will give them a try on my eggs 😬

[@ArdentMichelle]

yay! 🥳 glad you are going to try it. I was never big on carrots either.

[@MaryEavey-dc3sk]

do you have any Indian cuisine videos? My son is dating a lady from India; hence the sudden intrest...😍

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've made a few dishes, but I can't remember which videos they were in. 🤔

[@hayleymccall904]

Yayyyy ! Maybe first haha good morning Michelle ❤ this like always a great video! Thank you

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Hayley 😁 Congrats on being first 🥳 I've been thinking about you lately and your request for low carb. 🤔 Working on a solution. More to come!

[@hayleymccall904]

@@ArdentMichelle you are amazing! Thank you & always appreciated! Happy Sunday! Cooking anything good today? 🩷🩷

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@hayleymccall904 Cheese enchiladas. Sunday is a splurge day 😂 Yes, Happy Sunday 🥳 Hope you have an amazing day!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I’m Canadian 🇨🇦 so Thanksgiving was last week LOL. I don’t have any suggestions because everything that you make is terrific. i’m sure you’ll come up with something awesome. The only thing I might suggest is some type of interchangeable recipe where people can swap out the proteins based on their preference. Or could you possibly design a menu that can be prepared in under an hour? 🙂❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for voting on the Thanksgiving menu even though yours is past 😂 Hmm...under an hour? 🤔 Interesting.

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

@@ArdentMichelle I just thought it would be interesting and especially for people who are so busy at this time of year. Or maybe, perhaps, for people like me who hate to cook or those who want or need to get in and out of the kitchen quickly. Thanksgiving or no Thanksgiving. 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@BrowneyedGirlmjd You hate to cook? Are you vicariously cooking through me friend?

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@BrowneyedGirlmjd I agree that it's not fun being in the kitchen all day, and I love the idea of the protein swap out since I have so many viewers with different tastes.

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

@@ArdentMichelle Absolutely! I watch you and think oh that would be a great thing to make and then it’s almost like I made it myself. 😁

[@craftybeachchic]

These look great 😍 Gotta try the pasta Asian salad... looks delicious 😋 Would love to see a budget dressing recipe...the kind you bake. I love to eat it but my dressing never turn out right. Either too hard or too dry😐 So, we end up eating Stove Top stuffing fixed the usual way. I did see the chicken flavor is on sale for $1.98 at Walmart but I still think that's too expensive. Anyways, can't wait to see what you do for Thanksgiving this year. XOXO Dawn P.S. Would love to see a budget friendly party foods or a meal for Halloween. I do one every year but I always end up spending more money than I'd like to. What's a Grandma to do? My grandkids love it.😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the input on the Thanksgiving video. Sounds like a good idea for the dressing/stuffing. I love homemade stuffing. I can't do Halloween video due to time constraints. But would otherwise love to. The cost of candy is ridiculous this year!!!!

[@craftybeachchic]

@@ArdentMichelle Yes, candy is way too expensive. I haven't and won't buy any bags of candy, especially from big box stores.

[@annmich4593]

❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜

[@amermaidstudio]

when they put a lot of produce in one bag, and you dont need all of it cuz your just one person, very frustrating sometimes

[@WorldOfWonder66]

For some reason I have no sound. I even fast forward to see if it would come on and it didn't 😔

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's strange. You're the first person to say that. It must be something on your end. 🤔

[@WorldOfWonder66]

@@ArdentMichelle I just tried it again and now it's working. I'm glad I gave it another try. I love your videos 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@WorldOfWonder66 yay!!! 🥳🎉🥳🎉

[@vinnydabarber]

Hi Michelle, I finally get to comment on videos again! I've been without a laptop for 3 weeks. So hard to comment on the phone. Great videos and your food always looks so GOOD! Ttyl 💯😊💝

[@ArdentMichelle]

As soon as I saw it was you, I thought to myself " I haven't heard from Vinny in awhile" 😂 this explains it. I couldn't imagine being without my laptop for even a day. Glad you got it back and you're welcome 😁