A NEW WAY TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES THAT's ACTUALLY KIND OF FUN!

[@geraldinelucas3143]

I am almost 84 and a widow my grocery bill is really low because I volunteer at several food give aways where I am aloud to pick products for myself.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's awesome 👍

[@margaretwhiting3073]

That’s most definitely a win-win!

[@dixiebell7011]

Good strategy. I call that working for foid

[@shelzp7272]

Sounds fun because you get to help other people too! 🎶

[@pennyrasnake1401]

That is wonderful because you are helping others and yourself. Blessings.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

I love to use finely chopped cabbage in my tacos. Cabbage last a long time in the refrigerator.

[@ArdentMichelle]

me too!

[@saraw112]

Thanks!! Could you share what you buy on your $100.00 shopping trip please?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'll share next time I do that.

[@danettemckinnon7251]

I am lucky enough to have a salvage grocery store in my area. If anybody can find one in your area please go check it out the food there is pennies on the dollar. The only thing is you’re dealing with sometimes no name, brands and or very close to expiration dates, but for me, I eat expired food, and I’m still alive to talk about it

[@patpeters6331]

Same here. Most foods are still good months after the expired or best by date. So many people throw away perfectly good food because they don't understand that.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I don't have any salvage stores near me. I've actually searched. Lucky you! I bet that's fun to shop at!

[@LaundryFaerie]

I'm pretty sure there's a Grocery Outlet in Irvine. It is nicer than the typical salvage store, but it operates on similar principles.

[@janicecrosby6649]

We love you and wish you warmth and love.

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thank so much 💜 I love you guys too! Hope you have an awesome day!

[@janicecrosby6649]

Your sweet tenderness comes through. You really help us.

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

That's how I do ❤, $50.00-$100.00 the first week, and $10-15.00, maybe 🤔$20 towards the end 😁 fruits and vegetables if a snack on sale... okay 👍🏾😋😂😂😂😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

It makes it so easy!

[@saraherber1887]

I really like the simplicity of your ginger sauce. I like to freeze my sauce in ice cube trays,pop the sauce out in frozen cube form and store them in the freezer. I can then pull out as many as needed. It makes for a quick cooking weeknight meal.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a very good idea 👍

[@rphomemovies]

I would love the written recipes! 😃

[@ArdentMichelle]

Ok. I'll add the one for the pasta shortly! 😁

[@rphomemovies]

@@ArdentMichelle Yay! 😄

[@lesliekanengiser8482]

Any way to save money on food sounds good to me!

[@ArdentMichelle]

😁

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

FYI Candied ginger is a great remedy for nausea and upset tummy's.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maryegerton6848]

Shopping this way is so smart. Happy Easter Michelle🐣🐥

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 🤗 Happy Easter to you too friend! ✝️🌸

[@patpeters6331]

That's exactly how I keep my budget in check too. I try to have a variety of pantry staples that have multiple uses.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's so much easier this way!

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

❤❤❤❤❤❤🐰🐇 🐣❤❤❤❤ and resurrection 🙌🏾🌹 he has risen ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Amen sister! 😁💜

[@LaundryFaerie]

I really like desi chickpeas (the dark brown ones you mentioned). They're smaller and firmer than what Indians call "kabuli chana" (Kabul-style chickpeas), but they have their uses. Here's my recipe for desi chickpea salad: 1½ cups cooked desi chickpeas 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded and minced about 1 cup red onion, minced 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped juice of 1 lime or lemon chat masala powder to taste salt to taste In a bowl, mix together chickpeas, jalapeño, onion and tomatoes. Add lime juice and chat masala and toss well. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed. Chill until ready to serve. You can also add a little chopped cilantro on top, but hubby says it tastes like soap so I left it off his serving. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm clipping the recipe to save and try! 😁

[@michelleadams8309]

Yum yum yum! That ginger sauce/tofu looked fab! Years ago, I was the 1 800 gal, answering the phones for a tofu company & it's funny that I forget about using tofu now. Lol 😂 I used to GIVE OUT recipes & now I'm getting them from you. Thank you for sparking my memory. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome. I do the same thing with old recipes!

[@patpeters6331]

Happy Easter to you and your family. 💜🐰🐣🥕🧡🌹

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Pat 😁💜 Same to you! Hope you have a blessed Easter! 🌼

[@hayleymccall904]

I love the idea of shopping like this. ❤ so helpful! Thank you Michelle! Hope you are doing well f well transitioning back into work office life!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊 It's going great so far. Still in training until May 1st. 🤞

[@julieschlabach1506]

We really enjoy your channel ! You have changed our lives for the better ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad! 😁 thanks for letting me know!

[@DvLnDsGyZ]

Try cooking the chickpeas longer and make hummus!

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a good idea for the black chickpeas!

[@micahmiller5923]

Love these recipes and ideas! If you're looking for a good sugar substitute that doesn't have a bad aftertaste, I recommend Monkfruit sweetener. It tastes just like sugar, is granulated like sugar, and it works as a 1:1 ratio to sugar. It's pricy, but I think it's worth it. I also love Sesame seeds, especially black sesame seeds. My grandmother used to sprinkle them on lots of dishes because they have such a distinct flavor and are supposed to have cancer fighting properties.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I need to try the monk fruit sweetener.

[@KarenJamieson-o9p]

Thank you for the inspiration once again! I made a ginger-garlic sauce using your recipe for some pieces of leftover salmon this evening, and I must say, it was easy to make. Adding a simple sauce can certainly diversify leftovers.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh I'm so glad you liked this! 😁 Thanks for letting me know!

[@helenkathrynhoover7298]

I LOVE the black lentils!! Thank you fornthe tip!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@heatherl8063]

Another great video. I especially appreciate all of your vegetarian recipes. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊 Glad you like my meals!

[@pek5117]

I like the chunks of ginger and garlic in my sauces. That packet of meat would last me 4 meals, my general rule is 1/3 meat and 2/3 vegetables served with rice or noodles. If you only use half the meat then you be eating less of the same meals all week. A Sydney shopping/cooking channel I watch just sent a picture of cabbages for $20 each here! Cabbages are very expensive in my city it seems. Hope you and your family have a great Easter Michelle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I used to live in a place where cabbages were very expensive too! I love your strategy. Sounds like a good one!

[@ericar2856]

In Colorado, I am not seeing those great prices on produce. Wish we had those cheaper prices

[@htas6888]

Corn starch isn't expensive and it keeps for a very long time, nearly indefinitely, nice to keep on hand. Especially for people w gluten problems, I discovered that I do have a gluten problem,. I used to thicken sauces and soups w a little wheat flour but now I am using a little corn starch and it is working great :) I love all these money saving approaches, and trying different ingredients and recipes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

true and good point about the gluten free option for gravy.

[@rosemarie3908]

love ur channel. thank u for sharing with us

[@happygardener28]

I use spring mix chopped and stirred into my eggs, into seasoned rice, or into a short cut potato soup, as a base for meals.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great ideas 👍

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

This was amazing… thank you! Ii will have to try your ginger sauce. I have a rather substantial pantry of Asian ingredients and I have everything I need to make it already. I know you’re supposed to make it with fresh ginger but that is the only thing I don’t have I want to try it with jarred ginger and let you know how it turned out. ❤️

[@teresitap5778]

Written recipes if possible,love your videos so much, everything is healthy AND tasty looking.

[@ArdentMichelle]

They should all be in the description area of the video. Just scroll to the bottom. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁

[@pennyrasnake1401]

After such a busy week leading up to Easter, I love watching you create beautiful food with lovely sauces. I ate out way too much last week and I feel the difference. I just didn’t eat well. You make it seem so easy Michelle. Thanks for everything. Be blessed this week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Penny 💜 Blessings to you also friend and much good health! ✝️

[@janecraftswhen...8115]

Keep sharing whatever you can please, I value the ideas and appreciate your presentation

[@ArdentMichelle]

Will do 👍 Thank for watching! 💜

[@Angela27red]

Have you tried slicing your tofu thinly or using a shredder? Do you ever marinate your tofu then put it in air fryer or oven?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I used to marinate it but I don't so much anymore. I've never tried grating it, but sometimes I slice it thinner.

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Yummy 😋 blessings

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks and same to you! 🌸

[@niefiazupancic3063]

I love watching you cook - you have such great ideas - I also meal prep & budget my food dollars - thanks for the inspiration!

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome. 😁 Glad you're enjoying my content.

[@lenoraw1098]

Yum! I’m definitely trying that ginger sauce! From Oklahoma with love and appreciation! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Glad you like it! 😁

[@LisaHenderson-gy8lq]

Thanks for coming out today. Maybe you can give some suggestions for the pantry that you work from. Happy Easter 🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah... I thought I would take you guys with me when I do my pantry restock in a couple months. I'll see if I can talk about the basic pantry staples in an upcoming video though.

[@wendoxia]

Great video Michelle!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it!!

[@moonstoneway2694]

During the 2020 lockdown I had to learn to make Keto salad dressings and Asian take out entrees that turned out so well I was really surprised. Thank you for your many tips on cooking on a budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Thank you Michelle again for the great tips and recipes. I cook for 4 or more though it’s just me and that helps me save money and time because I freeze portions. I love going shopping with you. I will be taking you with me when I shop this week. I hope you had a great weekend and work week my friend. Looking forward to next week’s video. 💟 oh oh Tofu lasagna is really good. I am sure others would like it too. I couldn’t find black lentils.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Victoria 💜

[@Cookie7294]

Everything looks tasty and nutritious with all the veggies. My daughter taught me a trick with dried beans. I add a generous spoonful of baking soda to the beans, pour boiling water to cover plus a couple of inches. Then cover and let cool, strain and rince. Then once you cook them, the black chickpeas should soften more. I now do this every time i cook beans and lentils. Hope it works for you. Happy Easter.

[@momof2momof2]

Wow great shopping ! 🥰🌿🌷💐🌞🐣🐇💗✝Happy Easter !🥰🌿🌷💐🌞🐣🐇💗✝

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 Happy Easter 🙏🌸✝️

[@hmeerdink9606]

I just found you and I'm hooked! I really enjoy your videos that I've been binge watching for the last two evenings. I'm not vegan or vegetarian but I do eat more plant forward. I love all things beans, rice, grains, and lentils. You have some great and really helpful content. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🎉🥳 Welcome to my channel! I'm so glad you're here and that you are enjoying my content! 😁

[@thedailymakermaking]

Oh, this is really smart. I am going to try it…. ❤️

[@CathieG]

Happy Easter! 🙌🏻🙌🏻💖💖

[@ArdentMichelle]

Happy Easter friend 🙏 🌼 Hope your day is amazing!

[@annagia153]

Yum 😋 I would love the written recipe! New to your channel

[@ArdentMichelle]

I put it in the description area of this video. Let me know if you need anything else and welcome to my channel! 😁 I'm so glad you're here!

[@estherhurst4741]

I love ginger!! Still love your videos, CA friend 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜 I'm grateful for the support. Yes, that's right we're neighbors! There's a few members in California.

[@estherhurst4741]

I meant that you are my CA friend! I’m over to your east, in GA 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh I forgot to mention. I wanted to make a ginger dressing too. You know the kind like they have on the salads in the Chinese restaurants? Ugh! I ran out of time. I'm going to try to squeeze it into another one. I was thinking you could use the knob of ginger to flavor your soups, make a ginger sauce, and also a salad dressing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@estherhurst4741 oh darn! I was happy thinking you were close by! 😂 well in that case, you'll have to share with me some of your wonderful southern recipes that I need to make on my channel! 👩‍🍳 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@estherhurst4741 oh darn! I was liking the thought of us being neighbors! 😂 In that case, maybe you can give me some more ideas for some southern meals that I need to make on my channel! 👩‍🍳 I'm sure Georgia has a ton of delicious food that I need to discover 😁 I just responded, but then it disappeared so I'm typing it again! 🤷‍♀ I'm off to work. Have a great day! and Thanks again for your generosity friend! 💜

[@marenwilliams2787]

Love beet salads!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've had a few, but looking forward to the one with ranch dressing!

[@barbaramorris1677]

Everything looked so delicious!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@DollyJohanne]

Thank you for sharing ❤ The ginger sauce looked amazing and just delicious with the tofu 😋🥰 I am going to make some scrambled tofu for my freezer later today, and some bites of tofu with (smoked) paprika, turmeric, ginger and soy sauce for some meals for the next days. I found a 1lbs block of tofu on cheap, and normally they are half the size but they come out with a larger one called “family size”, and it was way cheaper for the kilos/pounds 🤑 It’s only me, but I read that scrambled tofu freezes well so I will try 😊 I use nutritional yeast, turmeric, paprika, some soy sauce and salt, and pepper in mine. I don’t care for the black salt, with the egg taste, so I save the money and just use the salt I have. I can recommend mushroom soy sauce if you come across it, I will never change back after trying that after a recommendation for several years ago 😋 Thanks again! Love form Johanne, Norway 🇳🇴

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for all of these tips 😁 I think I would like your seasoning mix on the tofu.

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Thank you for sharing that sauce looks absolutely amazing also the shade of your fingernails are absolutely beautiful great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@joanacker917]

I bought the exact same things that you did, except for those salad bags that were attached!! Yes, please we would like the recipes

[@ArdentMichelle]

Recipes in the description area. Let me know if you need anything else.

[@CMarie404]

Ooh it all looks good. I adore asparagus but never seem to get it when it is on sale. Think I will just go for it no matter the price next time I am in store. I have some palmini "pasta" ordered, and now will try it first with a nice assortment of vegetables like in this pasta dish. As always, thanks. I'm trying to meal plan more often. Not so much down to specific dishes/days/meals, but just have a better idea of what I want to make so it isnt always the same thing. Aiming to eat more vegetables, and as much as I love them, my mind can draw a blank when coming up with something on the fly. So then I default to something like just spaghetti and sauce/meat sauce. Yum.. but not varied enough in nutrition. Your channel actually inspires me to eat better. I prefer these types of food like you make but end up grabbing something else. For example, today, instead of grabbing a bagel or snack bar (neither "bad") but I went better with a high fiber tortilla, smashed and seasoned chickpeas, sliced tomato, avocado, and drizzle of olive oil. Just little things like that. I have the food, I have the know how, I just get.. lazy. So yeh, inspiration helps. And then to save money too? Yes! That sauce is right up my ally. I have some tofu blocks begging to be drenched in it. Or maybe chicken thighs. YEESH your channel makes my stomach growl! 😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

your meal sounds delicious! 😋 glad you're enjoying my content.

[@Dee-ps3um]

❤❤❤

[@kippytx]

Good ideas. That sauce sounds so good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@margaretwhiting3073]

If you ever have time you could make a weekly plan of just “here’s what I ate and this is how to make it” I would 100% pay just to be able to be able to food prep just like you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds like a video I could do. Glad you like my videos!

[@wendypanozzo9133]

I'm in the OC area. Where can you find lettuce for $2 a pack? Wholesome Fresh? I think it's called. Id love to find those prices.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wholesome Choice in Irvine. They always have a great deal on vegetables.

[@dixiebell7011]

A lot of money is saved by making one's sauces and healthier

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 😁

[@ToriE1073]

Agreed! And tastier too!

[@LaundryFaerie]

Homemade ranch dressing is better than anything you will get from the store in a bottle. And it's usually cheaper.

[@ellendurkee5444]

great video! thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome!

[@rosemarie3908]

ur prices for fresh food is awesome. not aure where u live or where u shop. but where i live food costs 1-3 x’s moreso. but. i think im going to see if there is dif stores or area to save money. i even went to a place that all they sold fresh fruits and vegis and i thought they were as expensive as my reg supermarket. the only reason why i went there is bc. they sold escarole and i cant find it in any of the stores i cant find it st any of the stores i go too. escarole in my soups r just to die for. its very tasty. but again this is just my opinion

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm in Orange County in Southern California! ☀️🌴

[@kenyonbissett3512]

😀😀😀👍

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Did you put Kalamata olives in that stirfry? Looks so good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes!

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

@@ArdentMichelle I need to make it😊

[@kathymoyers3428]

Recipe for the ginger soup?

[@ArdentMichelle]

It was ginger sauce and it's in the description area of this video.

[@naty1012]

Happy Resurrection Sunday ! ❤😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes! 🥳🎉 ✝️ Happy Easter friend! 🌸🌼

[@charlottekearn5185]

Happy Easter Michelle, I love making my own sauces, I recently did chicken wings and meatballs for a community potluck and I think homemade is better. When I do I just put a bit of this and a tablespoon of that until I like the taste, it's kinda different each time because sometimes I use more of one thing than previous. I think of it as a chemistry class for myself. I recently bought frozen lemongrass from my nearby Asian market so I will come up with something to use it with. If you have any suggestions let me know. Anyway have a great day and a fantastic week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Happy Easter! 🙏🌼🌸 I bet your meatballs are delicious! It makes sense to make them yourself so you can make them perfect to your liking. I've actually never used lemongrass before, so you'll have to report back to me on how you ended up using it.

[@Pamzollman]

What's the name of the music you play at the end of your videos?

[@jackierust5105]

I love the music. What ‘s the name of the song and artist preforming?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I lean on you from Wildflowers featuring Christine Smit

[@GreekVegetarianRecip]

Hi, what state do you live in? I've n.e.v.e.r. been able to find baby spinach for less than $5.00 (16 oz.). The same for the greens (16 oz.) I shop at H Mart, Costco, regular grocery stores in my area, and mom and pop grocery stores. Edit:Or, putting it another way: In which stores do you find $2 (16 oz) spinach and greens? I'd like to shop there.

[@ArdentMichelle]

California. Even SamsClub has good prices on spinach. Organic for $3.88 for 16 ounces

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was shopping at Wholesome Choice in Irvine, CA

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Do you have a recipe for chicken feet ? They are supposed to be good for you . Also have you ever eaten them. Thank you for sharing this ginger recipe. I copied it. 🎉❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I don't. Never tried them. Glad you like my ginger recipe.

[@uweschroeder]

Too much in a package for me. I found a nice little farm stand in the area that sells seasonal vegetables at a very competitive price. So that's where I go for most my vegetables these days. It's definitely more expensive than those biohazards in a bag, but for that the veggies are not washed in chlorine, irradiated and packed in nitrogen. I do buy staples in bulk - flour, rice, beans, salt, sugar etc. all in 25lbs bags. Those things last for many months and are so much cheaper in bulk. I use a lot of flour because I make all my bread, tortillas etc. myself. I'd never pay $3.29 for 10 or 15 small tortillas when I can make them for pennies on the dollar in just half an hour - plus mine don't contain all those preservatives that make tortillas shelf stable for months.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Great ideas! I will try powdered ginger instead of fresh, Splenda or apriva instead of sugar, and liquid aminos instead of soy sauce for my ginger sauce. I can’t have gluten and only like sugar in GF cookies lol 😂 keep up the great work! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you 😁 Let me know how it goes with the ginger powder....it' not alway a good way out for fresh, so I was actually wondering about this.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

@@ArdentMichelle oh ok I’ll start slow and taste thanks!

[@hello-vs4me]

Please have recipes

[@ArdentMichelle]

Just added the recipe for the pasta. I'll also link the video to the other recipes I referred to.

[@nikkipage9132]

I can't buy in bulk. I get 990. A month. Its a bigger challenge.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Understood. I would buy in as big of quantities as possible on your favorites.

[@sandygordon496]

I must have misheard. I thought you said it's just you by yourself, but then you said your family must have used the cornstarch?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I only buy and prepare meals for myself, but my sons and I live together. They are over 18 and buy and prepare their own meals.

[@barbarabruce7648]

Goodness. The similarities. Shell pasta is my least favourite and I always buy firm tofu. I dont like the taste or texture of soft or silken tofu. I only use soft tofu with spinach too. 😯

[@ArdentMichelle]

We're so in sync. No wonder you like my channel! 😂

[@cathyeller5722]

That isn't really saving you any money since you are just spending more in one week and then 10 or 20. Add all the numbers up, and see what your total is then divide by 4 that is what you really spent per week. You would be better off watching for sales and only buying your basics when they are on sale. Rather than just going in and buying what is on your list for the month. Prices are supposed to do another jump up this week on all jarred sauces, so if you need anything you better get two now. All those sauces cost money see if you can make them at home yourself, stock up on spices, I heard that Aldi is the only one that hasn't done the jump yet, however, our local big lots has them at a reasonable price. I refilled my pantry, be careful with cayenne pepper it will get weevils in it, weird. Keep a good supply of basic ingredients in your pantry, all this fancy cooking will fall to the side when the prices get to high.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I ate for $123 last month with my dried beans and rice from my pantry. I consider that saving money. I've found that getting below that and there tends to be a compromise on nutrition. I'm glad you think my cooking is fancy 😂