TRYING TO EAT FOR ONE DOLLAR A DAY | EXTREME GROCERY BUDGET CHALLENGE

[@susans9491]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow. Thank you Susan for the generous donation😁🥰 I appreciate you so much!

[@susans9491]

@@ArdentMichelle your carefully crafted videos are such a gift to all of us viewers, I’m happy to show support!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@susans9491 awe...thank you 🥰🤗

[@lucasstrider3211]

@@ArdentMichelle I think your videos are good,but they're not really realistic to my area. We don't have a store that we can go to with a bulk section of dry goods and be able to choose 2 ounces of something to pay 20 cents in order to reach a budget of 1 dollar.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@lucasstrider3211Hi Lucas 😁I understand that not all viewers can join in the fun of doing a $1 a day challenge but you can still eat for $1 a day by purchasing from places like Walmart in larger quantities. I've done a similar video where I priced out quantities used from Walmart. Obviously for demonstrative purposes, it's easier when I can get the smaller quantities. I'm fortunate to have lots of stores to shop from, but I realize that not all viewers do. The important thing for me is discovering foods and meals that I want to eat during my regular budget of about $30 a week. Thanks for the comment.

[@thomasinabrown314]

I don't think I have ever seen a better $1 food plan!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 Thank you so much for the nice complement! 🥰

[@jacki6301]

That sure made a lot of food for the day. It shows that cooking from scratch pays off!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Jacki 😁 It really does payoff.

[@queentinadoire6931]

It pays off. I cook meals from scratch weekly and I have saved a lot.

[@kj7653]

This is amazing. At first I thought was $1 a meal. I was shocked to find out it was a dollar for the whole day!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi KJ 😁 This is a series I've been doing. I release a new video every 4-6 weeks. Glad you liked it. 🥰

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

When I was very poor, I routinely mixed tvp with an equal amount of hamburger to stretch it out. It worked well with any dish using ground beef. This was a good video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 Some of my viewers have told me that they also use TVP to stretch the meat out....and some don't tell their families 😂😂 That's funny.

[@SusanR0928]

That was an amazing use of $1! All of it looked delicious and filling. Just goes to show you what you can do with a little creative thinking! Great job

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Susan 😁 I appreciate the complement.

[@ennyschlaghecke4516]

Hi Michelle! Thank you for your wonderful ideas! When I boil potatoes or vegetables, and they are done, I never waste the water. It is full of flavour and vitamins and I use it for making gravy or for soup, You can leave it in the fridge when you don't use it the same day. Many greetings from the Netherlands , I wish you a merry Christmas! Enny.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Enny 😁 That's a great idea to reuse the potato water. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip. Merry Christmas 🎄🧑‍🎄

[@Angel-rq3pi]

I was thinking the same but you already commented :)

[@sparklemotion8377]

I do that too and use a little water as possible, saves on water and gas. Fijne feestdagen en een gelukkig Nieuw jaar!

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Potatoe water is very good for homemade bread.

[@ennyschlaghecke4516]

@@sparklemotion8377 Dank je! Groetjes, Enny

[@teresakryvenchuk6205]

My husband is Ukrainian and he makes these. He loves cottage cheese as a filling too. You can serve with polish sausage,minced onions, sour cream. He always boils first and then fries in butter. You did a great job.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Teresa 😁 Thank you for the complement 🥰 Using cottage cheese as a filling sounds great because it would increase the protein count. I would like to try them that way. Thanks for the info.

[@gaildawson5464]

I'm impressed by how a small amount of bulk foods plus a potato made so much food! I always have frozen, store-bought pierogies in my freezer but watching you make them made me feel I could make my own from scratch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Gail 😁 They were a LOT easier to make than I thought they were going to be. Some recipes call for egg in the dough but I didn't miss it at all.

[@starababa1985]

I wasn't sure they'd hold together in boiling water without an egg, but they did! I cook 6-8 in the microwave with a little butter, a quarter cup of water and a dash of onion powder and then cover to steam for about 3 - 4 1/2 min. The water and butter also saute the pierogi and make a light sauce. Fast, with no pots to wash.

[@JamesBrown-xg2jr]

We're witnessing true culinary alchemy here ,turning these simple ingredients into gold , absolutely awe inspiring 😲☺

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 I'm glad you liked my meals!

[@JamesBrown-xg2jr]

@@ArdentMichelle You're very welcome , thank you for all the amazing recipes and ideas , I'm definitely taking notes 😁

[@starduster6687]

I used to eat on less than 30 cents a day with foraging and fishng, but your creativity certainly can help in these high inflationary hard times as now.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@ArabellaCharm]

I mean, I'm floored. This is amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 I'm glad you liked this video. Thanks for letting me know.

[@cristea9429]

I don’t salt my lentils until they’re done cooking or they never seem to soften. You make miracles happen with every meal!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 hmmmm..... 🤔 I've never had a problem getting my lentils soft but I've heard that from some of my other viewers.

[@tanyaaustin4123]

I'm in awe of the delicious looking meals you was able to create with just $1

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for letting me know you liked this video 😁

[@sameoldsteph]

What an incredible day of eating for $1! When I first saw your ingredients I thought it looked like far too little to work with, and yet you made some of the most amazing meals. Best challenge yet!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Stephanie 😁 Glad you liked my video 🥰 I always think that when I see the ingredients. 😂

[@theilluminati4654]

She did do a good job but still failed the experiment. I have a question. If she only has a dollar to spend then how did she buy all the other ingredients she used , like oil ,salt, sugar, pepper, onion powder just to name a few? She exceeded her budget. You can't say one thing and do another if your truly honest with your self.

[@sameoldsteph]

@@theilluminati4654 'you're'

[@theilluminati4654]

@@sameoldsteph Thank you , you're correct with my grammar mistake.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@theilluminati4654 Why would you think spices are not allowed in my challenges? I clearly posted a slide at the beginning of the video showing that pantry staples like oil flour bouillon and dry spices are allowed.

[@michellehommes9773]

I love the idea of treats from around the world. It always amazes me at how you are able to eat for an entire day with 1.00 dollar. It goes to show that perhaps I can do more to save money with the portion size that I have been using in my meals. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Michelle 😁 It always surprises me too. That's why I like to do these challenges. It's inspiring to try to plan and do better with ingredients. Plus I discover new foods.

[@gergokerekes4550]

they are really easy to make, especially if you have a bit of help. child me always used to do the dough circles while at my grandmother. in an hour we had enugh for five people all weekend long.

[@megablessedgram]

Wow! You are so creative and imaginative! Thank you for sharing this video on how to stretch a dollar for a full day of meals.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 Thanks for letting me know that you liked it.

[@shess1640]

Gosh, I just adore your extreme grocery budget videos! Thank you so much for all that goes into making them❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁🥰 Glad you like these videos!

[@saraherber1887]

Bravo ! You made wonderful food. A great teaching video. Thank you for sharing about the increase in food prices. I feel sad for anyone who is struggling to pay for food right now. I hope they feel they can go to a food bank. Everyone deserves to eat well. I made potato soup today and fried the potato skins to garnish the bowl and give a little crunch. I have put pierogies on my to make list. Please know I appreciate your hard work as a content creator. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sara 😁 You're welcome. Glad you liked my video. Aren't the potato peels great?

[@cheriemonami]

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. You're the queen of great tasting budget meals. Thank you so much for this effort.

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😊 I'm glad you liked this one.

[@CFord-wu3in]

I love these challenge videos! This one was very creative! Looks yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@kathrynpiche4864]

Great ideas, in a pinch know that you mentioned it was vegetable short so not good for too many days a week. You are a wizard in the kitchen, thanks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Kathryn 😁🥰 I use olive oil 95% of the time. I use canola oil only when I need high heat - although I realize that a lot of people cannot afford olive oil ☹️

[@donnavee3943]

Michelle, I've been watching you for years. I also am a SO Cal girl and shop at the same stores. I'm plant based for many reasons and the economy is one of those. I know you always offer suggestions for those with this lifestyle but it would be awesome to show people how much they could save and what delicious food they could eat plant based even if it's just for a season. I know your extreme meals don't include meat or dairy but let's show them how abundantly they could live on 20- 25 dollars a week even in this economy. You're my hero 🤗

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Donna 😁 First off, thanks so much for supporting my channel for so long 🥰 I'll consider this. 🤔 Might be fun, because I would get a lot of fresh veggies in an all plant based menu at that price. I'll do it 👍

[@joyfullyraw]

Great idea! I eat plant based and Michelle is so good at what she does. I am looking forward to a series of videos like this. Thanks for bringing it up! 😊

[@jenniferlisow2901]

Michelle, you killed it yet again in this challenge. The food looked delicious & satisfying. I love how you are inspired to try different foods that you haven't tried before when trying these challenges. I also love how you try to make internationally inspired meals so I learn new meal ideas from you all the time. Great job & keep up the great work!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jennifer 😁 Thank you so much for this comment 🥰 I'm glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@redheadedreseller4873]

Hi Michelle. I really love these $1 a day videos. Literally taking $1 to the store, not just measuring out $1 worth of ingredients from larger items you’ve already purchased. I understand why you did this with the potato in this video but some people do this a lot. I have gotten lots of inspiration from you. Thanks and Merry Christmas!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for letting me know you like this video. 😁 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@jonicabeird4657]

No one else on the internet does an extreme grocery challenge as extreme or well done as you. You are definitely the extreme grocery challenge queen of KZbin. It’s truly amazing to see how creative and delicious your meals are with barely any ingredients. So glad I found your channel. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jonica 😁 So glad you are enjoying my channel. Thanks for the nice complement. 🥰

[@barbarawalker3366]

I am so jealous that I don't have a WinCo nearby. Great job making budget meals that I want to eat. Love your content ❤🌮🥔😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 🥰

[@southwesthomestead1234]

I agree. I really want a Winco !

[@kelleyrooks6735]

Great video. I love your budget videos. Not only are they budget friendly, they are also creative.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this one 😁

[@kelleyrooks6735]

I love them all. ❤

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

Amazing job! I am impressed by your skills to take cooking from scratch to a whole different level 👏👏👏

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 I appreciate the complement. Glad you liked this video!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

It always amazes me the individual servings available at Winco (reminds me so much of some of the UK videos I've seen) and wish I had one near me. You blew me out of the water with this challenge as always! Wow!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Yvonne 😁 Glad you liked this video.

[@andreahoppe7777]

I’m a vegetarian, and when I use tvp, I just add it to the chili that I make. I don’t pre cook it on the side or anything like that. I just add the dry tvp into the chili, and it soaks up the liquid that’s in there. It’s yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Andrea 😁 Thanks for letting me know. That sounds much easier, but is it still chewy?

[@andreahoppe7777]

@@ArdentMichelle I honestly don’t remember if it’s chewy. 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@andreahoppe7777 Understood. I love the chewy texture. I'll give it a try though.

[@kristyh982]

@@ArdentMichelle I use TVP for tacos and in spaghetti sauce. It def still has that chewy texture. For spaghetti sauce I just make sure to add a little extra liquid and for tacos I put the TVP in the pan w water and taco season. Let it cook while it reconstitutes. I’ve read you can make meatloaf with it tho I’ve never tried. It’s a good replacement for any ground meat

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@kristyh982 Thanks for letting me know. I'm excited to try the tvp in spaghetti and my regular tacos with corn tortillas, crisp romaine, and extra sharp cheddar. I'm going to buy a few pounds of this next time I'm at Winco. This was a great discovery!

[@ikeikerson7329]

Well it looks like to me you killed the challenge. I am impressed. Please keep doing this. I like oat milk also. You rock.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@ashsimmerman]

That was amazing! 👏👏👏 When I've used TVP, I just let it soak while I'm doing other things. It will soak up how much liquid it needs, so I'm not worried if there's too much liquid. You can use the leftover "broth" (I use bouillon, also) to cook rice, for soup, etc.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁🥰 I'll be trying TVP like that in my next video. 👍 Sounds much easier, but I'm hoping texture is still great.

[@JanetMorganmorgana]

You made some lovely dishes for the amount of money. Well done.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Janet 😁 Glad you liked this video.

[@tinablair2206]

Amazing use of basic ingredients. I can't believe how far that $1 went!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Tina 😁 Thanks for letting me know you liked this video. I'm so glad.

[@sonyavincent7450]

You did so incredibly well! I literally couldn't have finished all of that evening meal! Go you!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sonya 😁 Glad you liked my video!

[@rachelhero3413]

This just goes to show that if you have a few basic inexpensive ingredients and a well stocked seasoning/staples pantry you can make amazing food that is satisfying and affordable.

[@ArdentMichelle]

True 👍

[@melissawingfield8666]

Exactly ... definitely need to have well-stocked seasonings and pantry staples, otherwise it wouldn't be the same, and would go over $1.

[@richardschmidt2430]

Crispy roasted potato skins! Delicious!

[@allyrooh3628]

Thank you for helping those that struggle learn to cook meager ingredients into amazing meals. Super impressed! Love the snack box idea. That could be a great Christmas gift!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks 😁 I watch a lot of Japanese food videos and they always have lots of sides in cute little containers. I'm a sucker for little dishes. I always have been.

[@debbieyarsevich9486]

I’d never heard of TVP, I appreciate all that I’ve learned from you. I’ve researched it more, thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 I'm glad you learned something from me. We will learn together on this channel 😂

[@vinnydabarber]

My gosh girl, your cooking skills on a budget are brilliant! Thank you for the video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Vinny 😁🥰

[@TessaRietveld]

I’m lucky to be in a good place financially right now, but I feel like these videos are gonna save my life some day, when money runs tight! Keep it up, this is amazing 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you are enjoying my content and think it is useful 😁

[@TessaRietveld]

I really do! Your videos are addictive to watch

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@TessaRietveld Awe...I love this 💜 Thank you!

[@barbaramahan364]

Can't wait to try the potato peels! I usually put them in the compost pile. Not a waste but I know I would love them fried. Everything looked so good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Barbara 😁 I was surprised at how tasty they were.

[@Kiterpuss]

Life tip: if you want to clean a potato or carrot but you plan to keep the skin on to eat, use a scrub pad like you would for dishes to scrub off the exterior schmutz. Less waste and less effort than peeling!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I have it on my list to purchase one of those scrub pads for my veggies. Great tip 👍

[@beckyw9000]

I did not know pierogies were so reasonable to make. We are expecting very cold-shut down like weather where I live and this will be a fun activity. Thanks for the extreme challenge video.

[@beckyw9000]

Forgot to add…if the Dollar Tree increased to $1.25, I think it would be OK to do a $1.25 challenge.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome. 😁 I think you will be surprised at how easy they are to make. 👩‍🍳

[@AmiFriendsStudio]

That's creative cooking at it's finest! I've never been in a store with such a variety of bulk foods. Shopping there must be a fun adventure.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@sunflowergirl8912]

The oil and spices used increased the cost over a dollar.

[@deniseb7370]

You are amazing!!! This video also encourages me to look at the food I have in my house & try doing something clever with it instead of wasting it. 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Denise 😁 I'm so glad you think so. 🥰 Yeah it's surprising how far a little food will go. I'm thinking about doing a video on no spend pantry meals. I need to use up some ingredients that nobody else seems to want to eat. 😂

[@deniseb7370]

@@ArdentMichelle I would love that video; I’m right there with you! I am already thinking about New Year’s resolutions/ goals that involve using what I have on hand. I would like to see how long I can go without buying more groceries - I think I would be surprised! 😆

[@christinatareski8882]

Rice with gravy is such a textural treat! I tend to crave texture over flavor and rice with gravy is a favorite.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like texture too 👍 I feel like this had both flavor and texture. 😋

[@tanyapazdera5660]

Wow, I’ve never seen anyone who can make so much with so little. You are amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁🥰

[@wishingb5859]

I wanted to thank you. I work for a family business that has been in business for 55 years but this year there are changes that happened where I suddenly can't pay myself very often. I haven't had a paycheck since September and have been contemplating how to live on the $2 a day they give for food stamps if I go that way and a can of diced tomatoes is $2, so it would be 3 meals worth of money for 1 can and I had no idea what I would do. Your videos are life-saving.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 You're welcome. Thank you so much for letting me know how helpful my videos have been. 🥰 I'm so glad they are useful for you. I'll do my best to keep them coming!

[@wishingb5859]

@@ArdentMichelle Sincere thanks. You have decreased the stress-level for me already.

[@GeckoHiker]

After doing a 30-day free food challenge, I was inspired to live the $1 a day challenge full-time. Spending $1 for a day's worth of food is much, much harder than using $30 to plan and buy a month's worth of food because you can start using the economic savings of bulk buying with a longer budget. That free month consisted of asking a rural butcher for discarded bones and getting free bread, rice, elbow macaroni, and vegetables from Salvation Army. The manager knew what I was doing for the local newsletter, and I only took excess food that would otherwise go to waste. There were twenty shopping baskets of cabbages. I took four heads of cabbage. There was bone broth, soups, stews, pulled venison bbq, cabbage wraps, and lots of foraged greens, nuts, and berries. It was interesting, but I always knew that I was privileged and could buy food. So there was no sense of deprivation on the free food challenge. I was able to access good quality free food and transform it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sandra 😁 I loved reading this. I agree, it's much easier to buy in bulk and plan for a longer period. Great job on going 30 on $30. 👍 Impressive.

[@shettikkawoods3248]

Thank you, we all trying to work the prices on a tasty,manageable budget. 🎄 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 Thank YOU for watching my video and letting me know that you liked it.

[@ellefson1]

You always inspire me with how you're able to make such tasty food on such a low budget! I really appreciate your videos and how you take on these challenges. With food becoming more expensive I'll be putting some of your recipes and meal plans into practice. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!!! Thank you for all you do!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🥰 I'm glad my videos are helpful and that you are enjoying my content. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year 🎄🧑‍🎄🎉

[@Angel-rq3pi]

Hi Michelle. Angel, here. I was the commenter who recommended TVP (spiced up same as hamburger).... Im SO glad you tried it and that you are going to experiment. Just a hint: it usually should have the consistency of hamburger. Basically as nachos, tacos, meatloaf.... The consistency should be the same as ground beef no matter the "format". I hope that helps :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Angel 😁 Thanks for the tip 👍 I'm so glad you turned me on to this.😁 I'm loving it and can't wait to try it in tacos.

[@Angel-rq3pi]

Cool! Admittedly nachos and tacos are my fave lol. I know a lot of folks also use TVP as an "extender" to save on cost of meat in a dish. It's also a great added source of protein and fiber without added salt and or preservatives (nitrates/nitrates, etc ). Can't wait for you to upload a new video 💃

[@Layla-ir3sl]

You’re absolutely awesome! I have a suggestion re the TVP cooking: I normally put it in a container with boiling water and cover for 15 minutes. Then I drain it well and fry it on the stove with a bit of oil and spices until it’s browned. It makes for a more crispy exterior. Then you can add it to whatever recipe you’re working with or use in wraps. It gives it way more flavor and it’s almost like ground meat

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think you're on to something with this method Layla 👍 I like the chewy texture so this sounds perfect.

[@jeannebruner9242]

Save the potato water use it to make gravy. It will add to the flavor, nutrients and richness. Do the same with your frying oil.

[@estherhurst4741]

I love your videos, lady! You are just the coolest! Merry Christmas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh my gosh! 😁Thank you so much 💜 I appreciate your generosity and support of my channel! 🥰 Happy Holidays! 🎄🧑‍🎄🎉

[@bevintx5440]

It’s always amazing what you can do with so little! Thanks for another great video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁Thank YOU for watching!

[@teresacarnes2271]

Love your videos!I also love that you try new and exciting foods as well

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Teresa 😁 Glad you are enjoying my content. Thanks so much for letting me know 🥰

[@judycullen1111]

What an amazing use of $1 you did an amazing job to produce so much delicious looking food for so little! Well done!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lindawilson290]

AM, you never cease to amaze me with your food creations basically out of "nothing." Just goes to show you that a little bit can go a long way, and that one should not disparage left-overs. Great job! (BTW, where did you purchase that adorable, small rolling pin?)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 Thanks so much. 🥰 I actually don't remember where I purchased my wooden rolling pin. Maybe Walmart? I got it because it's small and fits nicely in my drawer, but I'm wondering how well the non-stick rolling pins work. This one seems to stick more than it should. ☹️

[@lindawilson290]

@@ArdentMichelle Thanks so much! I'll check out WalMart next time I'm there.🙂

[@LindaASJ]

I can’t believe how much food you were able to make out of your ingredients. Nice job!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 🥰

[@ninaarmitt9796]

You need to buy a 5” tall plastic microwave plate cover on eBay or Amazon - make sure you get a tall one - then no splatters in microwave, no plastic wrap cooking with your food!

[@jb6712]

They're available at Walmart for far less than ordering online!

[@tiedyekris]

I use tvp to extend my ground beef or turkey. I soak it ahead till it swells up and season with soy, or worstichire, smoked paprika or liquid smoke and my family can never tell the difference!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love this 👍 It's so similar to ground beef. I can see why they can't tell the difference. This is a great budget saver.

[@sparklemotion8377]

Hi Michelle, I hope, and you and your family are doing fine Thanks to your motivation and inspiration I have cooked once and eat for two weeks! I made a giant vegetable lasagna Cooked a kilo of beef Half a kilo of ground beef I used only what was in my fridge, freezer and pantry to make different meals First time in my life I used up all the tomatoes and avocados without throwing anything out! Happy holidays and a Merry New Year!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 That's awesome 👍 The vegetable lasagna sounds yummy! Happy Holidays to you too 🥰

[@sugarloaf10]

Wow this was amazing to watch. You prepared it all so carefully and beautifully.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it 😁

[@victoriastewart7116]

That meal you made with the TVP looked so delicious! I have been so curious about this stuff. They have it in the freezer section of my grocery store. My daughter is pescatarian and eats a lot of tofu as well as fish, but I would love to have some new things to cook for her that are vegetable based. I am so pleased to see this recipe!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Victoria 😁 I'm glad you liked this video. I've tried the MorningStar Farms crumbles in the freezer section but I think I liked this better. It's certainly a lot less expensive, but both work for meals as a meat substitute. I'll be using this again in an upcoming video.

[@CathieG]

Wow great ideas Michelle! 🤩🥳 Those pierogis look amazing! 😍🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks CG 😁🥰 I'm glad you liked my pierogis.

[@libertyg4402]

I'm in awe that you made all that for $1!!! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁🥰 Thanks so much for watching!

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

Your cooking and presentation skills are amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Nancy 😁 Thanks for the complement. It is greatly appreciated 🥰

[@jeannereddig5080]

You amaze me with your creativity. No way I would have come up with delicious meals like this for $1.00. I love tvp, lentils and pierogis. Great job. ❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Jeanne 😁 Glad you liked this video.

[@jeannereddig5080]

@@ArdentMichelle ❤️

[@balentay]

I'd love to see you revisit your dollar a day challenge using things like tvp! And you're right it does make a good substitute for ground beef! Sometimes I like to mix it into the meat as a way to bulk up my meat and once you cook it, spice it and mix the two together it's literally indistinguishable from the meat itself. I do wonder if you can incorporate veggies into a dollar a day eating? It seems that unfortunately greens seem to suffer when you scrape by :c

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Balentay 😁 I plan to use TVP again in budget challenge videos. It's true it is difficult to fit any veggies other than potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes into a dollar a day video. Sometimes I can get herbs for .30 but that's how much I'm spending for an entire meal.

[@rnbham39]

This is so amazing. I'm in grad school and I def plan my meals for the week and try to save when and where I can. This is a great idea I wish we had that grocery store!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you like my video 😁 Everyone needs a Winco. Thank you for watching!

[@maryegerton6848]

This was super good! I love to put TVP into chili. I don’t even rehydrate. I just toss it in. Same for pasta sauce. Best thing ever.❤

[@gaylemann1306]

Michelle Besides your outstanding meal ideas l find your pleasant voice so relaxing. Some of these shows have very unpleasant hosts barking recipes. Never hurts to add soothing music to listen to. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Gayle 😁

[@debbies.3109]

Hi, Michelle! I swear you’re the only person who could take a dollar and make 3 really good meals for a day. These look great. I got a kick out of the TVP popping out of the pan. :) I’m glad you said something about the Chobani Oatmilk. I’ve wanted to try it, but it didn’t appeal to me. I’ll give it a shot. Say Hi to Justin for me! Have a sparkling day, my friend. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Debbie 😁 awe...thanks 🥰 I appreciate the complement. I'll let Justin know you said hello. Oat milk didn't sound very appetizing to me either 😂 I mean, how good can milk made out of oats be? lol. But no, it was super creamy and delicious, and best of all, with no cholesterol. Thanks for letting me know you liked this video. 🥰 Hope you have a great day too!

[@ChrisRobinson-qd3mz]

I am so impressed with this creation. I am from England so I don’t think I can get some of these ingredients. I can of course compromise. You are very versatile with your recipes. Brilliant.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Chris 😁 I'm glad you liked my video!

[@dominikatoja9793]

Polish Dumplings. Pierogi are good for everything. In Poland, we also add cottage cheese (pepper and salt) inside.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this info 👍 I love the idea of adding cottage cheese.

[@XwynntopiaX]

That is insane. Thank you Lord, I eat hearty til full. Let me be mindful of those who don’t. Amen. Great job on your challenge.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yes food is getting extreme Buy in bulk, incl spices Eat beans daily Make cultured dairy Most poor ppl work (2 jobs even!) so keep meals very basic Porridge at brk (oats or grits), add eggs to it, & hopefully some butter to keep u full Lentils or split peas with rice at lun, add any meat grease or butter Half u meat at dinner and use pintos, black beans, etc too plus a starch-pasta, potatoes, tortillas, starchy vegs

[@npflaum]

Yay, you tried the TVP! I never cook mine in the microwave after plumping it up with hot water(or broth). I just cook it like I would any ground meat. It doesn't get crunchy though, so maybe I will try it your way to get that texture. Making oat milk is super quick and easy. Maybe it would be fun for another extreme budget challenge? Here's how I do mine: 1/2 cup rolled oats+2 cups water+pinch of salt. Blend in blender for 30 seconds, Set a fine sieve over a large measuring cup and pour the blended oats into it. Let drain naturally without pressing the pulp(important). Empty the strainer after the oats have drained and then strain one more time(optional). It takes less than 5 minutes and cost me about .26 cents per batch. Of course, you can scale the recipe up or down according to how much you need.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I'm so glad I finally tried TVP 👍 Not sure why it took me so long, because it was really delicious and it's so much less expensive than the MorningStar Farms crumbles. Thanks for the tip on the oat milk. 😊 I'll have to try making my own sometime. I think you're right, that would be great in an extreme budget video, especially if I'm able to then use the strained oats.

[@eeenyc5959]

Brilliant. You outdid yourself. Just think for a tiny bit more money, a piece of fruit or a few green beans or something else. Thank you for a great video. Of course in the UK many are saying they can not afford their energy bill, so not cooking or able to use hot water to wash their dishes. Dreadful. I hope they are helped. Thanks for great video. Whatever people can do, learning about creative ways to make life easier for less, is an excellent point. Would love to see you do a video on how to make 3 meals without using energy for as little as possible but nutritionally. I cannot think up a creative solution, but I have a feeling you could perhaps.

[@kj7653]

I also would like to see some low energy cooking.

[@ArdentMichelle]

🤔 hmmm.....without using ANY energy would probably require purchasing some processed foods to eat along with raw foods. I'll have to think about this. It might be fun! and thank you so much for the complement 🥰

[@kj7653]

Thermos, Saratoga Jack...?

[@eeenyc5959]

@@ArdentMichelle No rush. I have a feeling it will be as they used to say, sitting in the back burners of your unconscious...and ideas will pop up. Creative people always even amaze themselves. It could be helpful for people as energy cost rises.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@kj7653 🤔Now that's an idea. I was thinking about how cheap it is for me to use my camping stove - but I'm wondering if even those little fuel tanks are high in the UK

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

For the pyrogies, my baba always took the last scraps and left them flat and boiled them with the pyrogies. If you have milk and vinegar, you can make cheater sour cream to dip them in.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip 👍

[@nneichan9353]

I always keep dried diced onion in my spice cabinet in case I run low on fresh onions. doesn't take much to flavor a dish like the potato pierogis! I was amazed you succeeded.

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 👍 and thank you!

[@mamagrizzly5360]

This was so inspirational! Thank you for the great ideas. Also, you have lovely hands. Your videos are a joy to watch!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much and you're welcome 🥰 Glad you are enjoying my content.

[@susanwitte350]

I’m always amazed at what you are able to create! Great videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😀

[@susans9491]

Our power came back on so I finally got to see this. You are a magician! Such tempting meals, and such an amazing low cost! I am very impressed with your resourcefulness. We have a dear family friend, he’s like an adopted son to us - from Peru! He’s recently moved to the US and was so excited to see your box of snacks. He says that you got a mix of some of the very best snacks. My husband said I need to try your method of making pierogies, they look so much better than the frozen ones. Hope your holiday is merry and bright!❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Susan 😁 Oh my gosh....I didn't see you post for a few days and I was wondering about you. 😳 I'm so sorry your power was out. That's scary with the cold temperatures now. ❄️ 🥶 I'm glad you have power now. Sounds like you all watch my video together 😁 That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know you liked it 🥰 Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄🧑‍🎄🎉

[@susans9491]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you for your sweet wishes! We live in Vermont about 1.5 miles from Canada in a very rural area, so we have a generator, wood burning furnace, and propane for cooking and hot water. We do, however lose our slow antiquated DSL when lines go down. First world problems in rural life!🤣

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@susans9491 Sounds like you are well prepared for this weather then. I'm glad to hear it. 😁

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

Absolutely amazing

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@ultramagapatriot5874]

@@ArdentMichelle you are very welcome

[@Angela-ne9cy]

Fabulous ideas...but note the EIGHT additional items used to make it actually palatable (oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, bouillon seasoning, and taco seasoning). A well stocked pantry is still the key to frugal eating.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Angela 😁 Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked this video. Yes, I use seasonings and other basic pantry staples in all my videos. I reveal this at the beginning of the video.

[@joyfullyraw]

I am in awe of your skills. This could not have been done any better! 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😀 I appreciate the very nice complement.

[@sevasweets7856]

As always, great job! I look forward to trying these! Thank you for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 Thank YOU for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@danielleterry2331]

Thank you , so many will appreciate these type of vids as the price of food skyrockets and job losses . I love perogie and you can fill them so many ways .

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 Thank YOU for watching!

[@linelaurendeau5407]

wow, je suis impressionné de ce que vous avez fait avec seulement 1 dollar et tout a l'air délicieux, bravo à vous

[@ArdentMichelle]

merci beaucoup 😁

[@patriciah8377]

Wow! Brilliant ideas here…very creative. Snack box looked fun too🙌 Happy Christmas 🎄 to u & yours🎶⛄️🐶♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Patricia 😁🥰 Glad you liked this one. Merry Christmas to you too 🧑‍🎄🎄 and Happy New Year 🎉

[@vallovesnature8449]

Nice video. TVP is a fun product. My local Indian grocery store actually sells it in a meatball type style. Definitely a good store to shop in for bulk items

[@ArdentMichelle]

Love shopping ethnic stores.

[@MsDropofrain]

these dumplings are called "vareniki" in Ukraine. And yes, they are super delicious with pan fried onions as toppings or inside with mushed potatoes. Yum

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the info 👍 I can't wait to try them with pan fried onions. I bet they are delicious, because they were very good with the onion powder.

[@cherylbarcoski8251]

You are amazing !! I can't think of all the things that you do. I am so happy that you make these videos !

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...Thank you so much 🥰 I appreciate the nice complement!

[@flattlandermontgomery1524]

This was impressive. Generally hopefully people have more than 1 dollar to spend in a day but if you have money to spend for a whole week or more the cheapest foods are rice, beans, potatoes (russet), of course and the cheapest veggies are green cabbage and tomatoes (roma tomatoes are always under 1 dollar per pound) and the cheapest fruit is bananas. You could live indefinitely on these foods if you had to, (and stay healthy). What you have to make sure of is that you are getting vitamin C so if you are eating only rice and beans you have to include at least a little veggie or fruit every day but if you eat potatoes, you are ok because potatoes have vitamin C. So keep that in mind please. If you do that, you will be ok for a long long time to eat these cheap foods and stay healthy.

[@michelleutter8521]

Wow ! Great job.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you. 😁 I'm glad you liked this video!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Excellent choices! Looked like it would be filling, tasty and nutritious. Leftovers could provide breakfast in the am. If I only had $1, I would forage greens, I have greens pretty much 365 days a year. But dried herbs like Italian seasonings give you 3 greens. Since breakfast is set, for my $1 I would add a small banana and some oatmeal. Variety!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 I definitely missed the greens on this one.