7 FAMILY MEALS | $18 GROCERY BUDGET | NO BEANS | EXTREME GROCERY BUDGET CHALLENGE 2023

Looks like I still owe you a weekly dinner challenge for $15. I was actually $2.95 over budget in this one and didn't realize it. You can customize this to your own needs, but I've provided a grocery list, menu options, and tips for you. I'll be using basic pantry staples and no beans in this one.
#ardentmichelle #extremebudgetmeals #frugalliving
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VIDEO where I show making the empanada and mini pot pie referenced in the video.
I ATE FOR A WEEK ON $5
• BUDGET CHALLENGE: TO E...
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⭐️ GROCERY LIST - I SHOPPED AT WALMART
small container Great Value lunch meat (spam) 1.48
flour - 1 lb Great Value 1.38
eggs 24 -2 dozen 2.64
spaghetti - 1 lb Great Value 1.18
tomato sauce Great Value small can 0.53
roma tomato 1 small 0.2
potatoes 5 lb bag or as large as you can get 3.87
* shop sales for cheapest potatoes
onion 1 small 0.25
small canned chicken 1.38
carrot 1 whole 0.21
evaporated milk 1.38
beef buddig 1 small pack 0.8
kale 1 bunch 1.99
corn canned 0.66 ( I got 2 ears of fresh corn on the cob)
Total 17.95
Notes
I probably wouldn't buy the beef slices again. I would substitute the money for more potatoes or vegetables. You could still make the dish with the beef gravy though, because it was delicious. I ran out of time and didn't end up using much of the evaporated milk, but I had planned to make a curried potato and kale soup with it.
⭐️ RECIPES
KENTUCKY BISCUITS - from ALLRECIPES
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 dash salt ( 1/8 tsp salt)
1 tablespoon white sugar
½ cup butter
¾ cup water (original recipe calls for buttermilk)
1/2 tsp white vinegar
Put dry ingredients in bowl and mix together. Grate in frozen stick of butter, add in water with vinegar already mixed in. Combine. Roll out on floured surface. Be careful to not overwork your biscuits. Makes 12. I suggest making at least 2 batches of 12 biscuits and one of 8 biscuits. Make the 8 biscuits larger in size. This works for some of the meals. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until done.
⭐️ SMOKED PAPRIKA SALAD DRESSING - I cut this in half
½ cup red wine vinegar
⅓ cup honey
*optional -1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard - I used Dijon
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ teaspoons smoked paprika
dash garlic powder
dash onion powder
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ cup olive oil
mix together ingredients
MENU IDEAS to FEED 4 - ADJUST THIS TO SUIT YOUR FAMILY!
fried potatoes with spam and a fried egg on top biscuits on side - 4 EGGS
egg biscuit with hashbrowns with onions small side kale (1 stalk) -4 EGGS
open faced chipped beef sandwiches with gravy on biscuits with mashed potatoes and small side kale (1 stalk) = 1 EGG for egg wash
eggs and spam with large biscuit 4 EGGS
biscuits with milk gravy and scrambled eggs 5 EGGS
spaghetti with marinara or frittata with kale and tomato sauce drizzled over the top served with corn on the cob and kale salad =5- 6 EGGS
chicken and dumplings - not shown in video
curried potato empenadas -briefly shown in video
potato and kale soup with curry - not shown in video
chicken, potato & onion mini pot pies
or chicken pot pie with biscuits -both briefly shown in video
FRITTATA - link to original recipe
cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/6...
I omitted bacon and parmesan cheese and seasoned with fried onions, kale and garlic salt.
Let me know if you need any other recipes.
*Be careful with the biscuits and potatoes or you will run out. You can't eat them every night - unless you already have some flour on hand and purchase a larger bag of potatoes
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[@patpeters6331]

Keeping canned meats in the pantry is a must for me here in the midwest, especially in the winter. When the snow and ice builds up I am still eating with style and it's versatile

[@ArdentMichelle]

That sounds so cozy! 😁

[@redshed2020]

Agreed. I learned to can my own meat, which I have found very economical. I'm in the Midwest too, way far north, fully prepared for power downs for a couple weeks. Have to be, right?

[@wendoxia]

I always have some canned fish, some tuna, some Salmon, sometimes some crab meat if I can find it on sale I love salmon salad and I make a salmon mixed with cream cheese spread for bagels or crackers. If I’m having company everybody seems to love it I just make salmon with a block of cream cheese and then add whatever toppings I normally add to a bagel like some chopped up onions, paprika , and some capers, if I have them it’s great on crackers or toast or even in celery

[@lifetobelived9102]

I got caught in the 2021 Texas freeze grid failure without any ready made foods. Now every winter I stock up because I don't trust we won't lose power.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@wendoxia How are you making your salmon salad?

[@user-mc3ci6wu9y]

You can never go wrong serving homemade biscuits and fried potatoes. Great video this morning.

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍 and thank you so much! 😁

[@user-mc3ci6wu9y]

Hi Michelle - I was thinking since we are in the Fall season, will you be making recipes with pumpkin and other winter squash/root vegetables? I would enjoy seeing your creativity with these ingredients. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

sorry, I didn't see this reply. I would love to use those ingredients. Expect to see recipes with those in the coming months.

[@beckyw9000]

Your biscuits are beautiful. You made them! No one else could make them just like you. It includes your personal story and the purpose of feeding the family that you love. I am sorry about your recipe book.

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much 💜

[@janebrown3587]

Ardent Michelle's KZbin channel could be (should be) recommended watching and learning for everyone receiving SNAP benefits and it's indispensable for all of us wanting to save money, whether on a budget or not. ❤ *Knowing how to cook is invaluable. The icing on the cake is seeing how she presents the meals to prove we don't have to feel like we're dining on a budget!* I loved that my grandparents and my parents cooked and I learned from them. And THEN I was thrilled that we had Home Economics in 8th grade for more cooking! That should also be required for every student regardless of sex. Boys should know how to cook for themselves, too. Ardent Michelle consistently shows us how much can be done for so little money. I know that grocery opportunities aren't as available in all areas of the country (or world), but what she does isn't unlike magic with food items that are available to everyone. Absolutely amazing! I'm no longer on a tight budget, but I am soooo hooked on this channel, her meals and her recipes. *I love that she proves **-in real life-** how she does this by showing us how she shops and what she's paying.*

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks so much 💜 I agree that this should be part of education. Would be so helpful.

[@janebrown3587]

Oh, man! I just noticed that when I used dashes to emphasize the phrase "in real life" - it resulted as a strikethrough. 🤔 Ugh, that wasn't my intention. ❤

[@patpeters6331]

I remember in high school that my friends were so excited to take Home Ec classes. I had been cooking, cleaning and ironing since I was 12 so I didn't understand the attraction. Lol I was excited to take typing and shorthand....

[@clark509]

Little tip for biscuits. If you like fluffier biscuits roll the dough into a log and cut it into slices. Learned about this because my Memaw used to do it.

[@christinajones6491]

Born and raised in Texas. Beans in chilli is a personal choice. I love beans in my chilli.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Understood 😁

[@maryegerton6848]

Well done! I really get a lot out of your videos. I live in the country so I grow some and get seasonal produce and can it up for the winter. I live too far from the store to do what you do, but I must say it looks fun and kinda satisfying. Once my pantry and freezer is stocked and the ten thousand feet of snow arrives, I am tucked in and use videos like this to make fun things to eat. I’m finally done with all the processing. Hallelujah 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 It would be fun to use your own frozen or canned veggies in this menu. Congrats it's almost winter. Time to rest 😂

[@valeriechapman6056]

Soaking the carrots to revive them is a great tip! Thank you. Love your channel ❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@erinnola-raised6543]

Breakfast for Dinner is Win-Win!

[@quinn7214]

You're always so thoughtful! And your voice is so calming. Things are pretty tight this week, but after watching this and getting some inspiration, it feels like things are going to be okay. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much 😁 I'm glad my videos are helpful.

[@cedarvalleycrafts7042]

I eagerly watch your video each week. I am working so hard with so little and you are very encouraging.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you find my videos helpful. 😁 Thanks for letting me know!

[@allyrooh3628]

I have to say, I look forward to your video so much. I literally went and got myself a fresh drink, my lunch, and made sure no one was going to need anything for the 30 minutes I was gonna watch this video. Another option to slice beef on the open faced sandwiches would be to make lentils and mix them in with that gravy. I’m sure that would be delicious. Thanks for sharing with people that they can eat. Delicious food on a budget. See you next week. Have a good one.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Michelle 😁 I'm so glad you look forward to my videos 🥰 Love the idea of the lentils with the gravy. Have a great week!

[@emilym1854]

Also on the chili, we not only use beans but macaroni noodles lol

[@ektom90]

For the hash browns, I have found that if you don’t want to bother dirtying a strainer or a cheesecloth you can just take handfuls and easily squeeze the liquid out. Takes a bit more time but then you save some cleaning time lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

that works too 👍

[@kellychuba]

I used to work for Human Services, our immigrants bought healthier food and stretched the SNAP dollar farther than anyone. They did not buy the stuff with preservatives. It made their kids sick. True story. Look in their grocery baskets, then look in ours.

[@christines2787]

Awesome budget meals. For me, with a celiac kid, we use a lot of rice and dried legumes. Peanuts, eggs, stuff like that. Cornmeal for breads and cereals. Our favorite cheap meal is polenta with pasta sauce and Parmesan cheese.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like this! 😁 Polenta and some kind of a ragu has been on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this.

[@chandaharkins4418]

I give kale stems to our dogs. We call them kale bones. 😊 Thanks for all the work and kindness you put into your videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I need to try this! 🐕‍🦺 My dog loves broccoli but she's kind of picky about veggies. 😂

[@lenoraw1098]

The spice Cavendars is the best seasoning for milk gravy. We use the no salt variety and it is awesome!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've never thought to add Cavendars Greek seasoning....and I love that stuff. But then, what is it not good on?!?!? 😂 Thanks for sharing this. I'm adding it to my milk gravy next time! 👩‍🍳

[@margeebechyne8642]

I don't know if you have ever had Red-Eye gravy, but it is delicious. It's basically a pan gravy made with coffee. It's usually served with fried ham steaks, but when I saw your hash made with spam, I immediately thought Red-Eye would be delicious with that dish!! Everything looked so good! You really are very creative!! Thank you, Michelle!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 No I still haven't tried red eye gravy. Just put it on my bucket list! Glad you like this video.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Often times I make my mashed potatoes with butter or margarine - milk - pepper, salt and shredded cheese Soooo good

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes that sounds good 👍

[@shanjan9896]

Add a bay leaf in the water. Game changer!

[@Rebelartist83]

You can also use sour cream or Mexican crema in your biscuits if you don't have buttermilk and if you grew up in the south your grannys biscuit recipe very well could've came from the fanny farmer cook book and if you find one you might have your recipe it could also been a old king Arthur flour recipe especially if it was the deep south but try the sour cream or creama also if she was a product of the depression like my granny then powdered milk and lard also made good biscuits lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great suggestion. I'll try the sour cream sometime.

[@Rebelartist83]

@@ArdentMichelle ok and I understand being a partial vegetarian you probably don't feel good using lard or it could also be the cost hog fat is just so high and you can only save up so much bacon grease it takes almost a half a cup of bacon grease to make good biscuits and I'd rather save the bacon.grease for pinto beans or eggs but yes try the sour cream and if it's too heavy regular old club soda mixed with it will help..you can also use I think parmesan cheese the grated stuff not the good quality.kind .but the grated kind is supposed to make up for milk and make a mock sour cream taste too but I know here where I live some times crema is a sour cream option friends of mine use plain yogurt..too hope it helps 😏take care and God bless and have a great day...

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Rebelartist83 thanks for the tips! you too 😁

[@Rebelartist83]

No problem and definitely been liking your channel and taking some of the recipes for a dollar tree dinner next month lol

[@sydneyalisonbaker]

Lol. Yes biscuits! Tips: do not knead, barely mix them turn out and roll. Butter and flour the cutter then re-flour between cuttings.

[@ArdentMichelle]

how do you combine the ingredients without kneading at least a little?

[@sydneyalisonbaker]

@@ArdentMichelleWooden spoon, barely mixed, it will look kinda like just pieces of dough, but smash it into a pile and then roll out. It will come together once it’s rolled with a rolling pin. I hope that makes sense. Kinda hard to explain.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@sydneyalisonbaker the recipe called for kneading it for 2 minutes which I thought was way off so I only did a few seconds. I'll try your method next time.

[@osoniye4209]

You are such a creative cook, Michelle. I want to eat at your house!! 🏡💖

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗 I would love to have you all over for a theme party! ⭐️

[@withoutlimitsbudgets]

Absolutely love the fact that you did incorporate canned meat into your video! I just went back to his standardize diet when it comes to having meat was a Vegan for 26 years. It was a vegetarian for roughly about six months maybe eight months and I’ve gone back to a standard meat-based diet now not heavy meat just a little bit of chicken, ground turkey, and a few other ends and pieces of some meats! Being able to use canned meat is really a money saver for sure! I definitely prefer the corn beef hash. If you have that with eggs it’s so good and a piece of toast. The corn beef hash is only a couple of bucks but I used that in three portions of roughly around 4 ounces each time and it has meat and those potatoes in it 12:58

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't mention it, but I spent all day Sunday planning a completely different menu that was vegetarian. It had lots of Mexican and Latin influences and required a lot of cooking. I decided that since I had just done a vegetarian menu that featured that type of cuisine that I should do something different, so this is what you got 😂 I like to mix it up since I have viewers of all types. I'll have to try the corned beef hash.

[@patpeters6331]

Corned beef hash with eggs and toast is delicious for breakfast or dinner. I like the eggs easy over so that yolky goodness floods the hash. Yum...

[@withoutlimitsbudgets]

@@ArdentMichelle I think your channel is absolutely wonderful and it helps a lot of people stretch their ideas and budgets even if they’re not on a low budget if they’re on a no budget for spending then they can incorporate different ideas that you give them to make their budget stretch for the small amounts that they spend! I absolutely love all of your videos whether it’s vegan or vegetarian or even meat-based! You’re doing an absolutely fantastic job

[@rebekahhansen1112]

I like to fry a couple cubed potatoes and add a 15oz can of corned beef hash and will have enough for 4 people.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@withoutlimitsbudgets I appreciate the complement 💜

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

You are absolutely amazing. That's all I have to say. I wish I could have had you around when I was a young bride back in the 1980s. xo

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thank you so much 🥰 I appreciate that.

[@patpeters6331]

I was thinking about something different to do with the spaghetti noodles in my pantry and today you suggest a frittata. Lol. And that's another reason to watch, you think outside the box. So many creative meal ideas. 😋 Thank you...

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Pat 😁 Thank you so much 🥰

[@smegilligan77]

Michelle - it amazes me so much each video how you give all these alternate ways of preparing. Thank you so much for your videos. These look amazing. I hope to try some of these. BLESSINGS!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you like my video! 😁 🥰 Thank YOU for watching!

[@shirleylangton7967]

Very tasty country-style meals. Everybody loves them. 😁😁😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them 😁

[@jeanineruby]

It's harvest time so most all produce is very reasonable right now. Stock up today and freeze or can for later.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip 👍

[@WorldOfWonder66]

Yummy 😋

[@pennybelle18]

Love this! Great meals as usual. Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 I'm so glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@turniptater1002]

Looks great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks! 😁

[@Crafty_Chari]

LOVE it!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it 😁

[@emily--m]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😊 Thank YOU for watching!

[@lindabeard488]

Good recipes and super easy. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😊

[@cindybledsoe2423]

Outstanding

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@Dee-ps3um]

Thanks for this one!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure! 😁

[@pbudinsky1]

Fantastic job!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😁

[@pek5117]

Looked great Michelle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁

[@tubeyou2184]

New subbie! ❤ great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 Thank you for the sub 🥳

[@SuzanneU]

Good ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊

[@wendoxia]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe.....thanks Wendie 💜 I appreciate you friend!

[@cheriemonami]

What a great set of meals!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them. 😁 I had more meals I wanted to make, but I ran out of time!

[@BudgetsWithELMA]

Happy Monday 👑 Great grocery haul video 🤑

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello and happy Monday 🥳 Glad you like my video!

[@tbarbrick3643]

Love your channel, you are so creative!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@poshnpourcooking]

Great ideas, love your style! xx

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lifetobelived9102]

This video was very helpful

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@josephhoag2366]

Another great menu and video, Michelle! I've probably told you this before, but here goes: when our sons were teenagers, they were both vegetarians. My husband is the family gravy-chef (he learned from my Kentucky-born mother) and the way he came up with an acceptable gravy for them was browning the flour, as you did, then using soy sauce for flavoring. He still makes it like this sometimes. It's very good. Also, the beans in chili thing is personal preference, We also live in the Lone Star state (my husband is a native) and I won't eat chili without beans......Carla

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Carla 😁 Yes I remember the soy sauce in the gravy now, but thank you for reminding me because I want to try that sometime. I love soy sauce, I just never thought to add it into my gravy. I agree with you on the chili thing 😂

[@loriburgess1866]

Good job. You always do a lovely video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gailgulliver8970]

Thank you Michelle some great meals..xxx

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@roeileen2148]

This is so amazing, Michelle. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe...thank you 💜 and also thanks for watching!

[@luisasfiat]

I loved this video, as always. Thank you for sharing your creativity ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 Thank YOU for watching 🥰

[@CathieG]

Lots of great ideas friend! 🥰😍🤩

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 🤗

[@melodioushaste]

Oh my god, those baby cinnamon rolls are so cute.

[@teresitap5778]

Always sich appetizing meals, budget doesn't impact it negatively! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@CraftyComeLately]

So many excellent tips and love the biscuit and gravy recipes and your voice and presentation are excellent!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@earlenebrown7181]

Wow great ideas 😮😊Thanks again that as a lot for 15.00.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You’re welcome 😊 Glad you like my video!

[@mollygardens6646]

Great job! I appreciate the work you do. It’s good to learn the variety of possible meals that can be made with basic simple ingredients. I also enjoy reading the comments and ideas of your viewers.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. 😁 I agree about reading the comments. I get lots of great ideas this way!

[@omapanther222]

This is first time I've watched.I appreciate the simple but appetizing meals you prepared.Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure and welcome to my channel 😁

[@kathyduer7108]

WOW. BEST video in my opinion for low cost meals.😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 Thank you!

[@NoNameNoFace162]

As always, I love your use of simple ingredients to make a different variety of food. I definitely want your eggs benedict sauce recipe.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. 🥰 Here is the link to the eggs Benedict recipe I wanted to try but I might have modified it to make it more budget friendly 😂 downshiftology.com/recipes/hollandaise-sauce/

[@lbelsick2689]

Great job. These meals remind me of foods my mother prepared when I was a child to stretch a very tight budget. We loved this way all the time.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it! 😁

[@Dee-ps3um]

I lke this pasta frittata recipe. I'm going to try it ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you enjoy!

[@paulabroadway1697]

You provide so many resources that many families will be able to survive any form of hard times. I just love your common sense ideas and food plans. Thank you for all you share!♥ BTW, the kale looks fabulous on the plate...with great nutrition too!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@debimorsette1685]

Excellent! I’m going to make some biscuits this week! Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you enjoy 😁

[@richardschmidt2430]

Wonderful use of your food! Keep going, girl! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Dawn 😁

[@muttersmenu2422]

Very good presentation of the meals. You demonstrate how to use basic ingredients and make lovely dishes - good job🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁

[@heleeneverson8256]

❤❤❤❤love your channel cannot wait to see new videos. We have a shortage of eggs and chicken here in south africa due to avian flu.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you are enjoying my content 😁 Oh that's terrible. We had the same issue here awhile back. 🐓

[@JordanHPonies]

That shredder looks very handy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I LOVE that thing! I use it a LOT 😁

[@gloriaskryski5222]

Oh Smokey Paprika Dressing yummy! ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...that one is going in the recipe book. 👩‍🍳

[@wendoxia]

Michelle that’s so funny I can’t see a speck of brown on my eggs ..I have to remove it…. But I also have to beat up my eggs in the blender because I also can’t see a speck of white in my scrambled eggs, but doing them in the blender with a little water makes them very very fluffy.

[@ArdentMichelle]

nice 👍 I bet the blender does produce perfect and fluffy eggs. There's some pride to be taken in great scrambled eggs 😂

[@sameoldsteph]

Awesome video, Michelle! Those scrambled eggs are perfection. I love when they come out perfect like that. And the spam was an excellent idea. I just tried spam for the first time yesterday in the form of musubi. Delicious. I'll be cooking with it for sure now. Thanks for another really inventive week of low cost meals.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁

[@emilym1854]

I like how you take time to plate your food in an appealing way. I know in my family even good food when slopped on the plate makes it unappealing

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you

[@jodeanhearn6964]

Place your bunch of kale in a vase or glass of water (just like you would a bouquet), then put it in the frig to keep it happy (not limp) until you use it. Or, if you don't have room for a vase, you can soak a paper towel (make it very wet), place it bunched up around the ends of the kale stems, wrap the paper towel and stems securely with foil to keep the water from evaporating and dripping...then put the kale in your vegetable bin. Results...happy kale and chef.

[@ArdentMichelle]

love these tips 👍

[@christinejunk8184]

It blows me away how inexpensive flour is in the United States---well, groceries in general (although I did find a 10 pound bag of potatoes this week for 1.94 which was amazing). I love breakfast for dinner!

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow that is a GREAT price on potatoes. Surprised you could find them that cheap in Canada. 🇨🇦

[@user-po3lj2ug4w]

In order for me to get the most out of my shopping it's the reasonable Spanish grocery store, where you can weigh the jasmine rice not always buy 10lbs bag. I frequently get carrots and other fresh vegetables in mark downs and buying small amounts of fish and frozen lamb and goat meat low as $4.60 each I have cornbread mix always and drink fresh grated ginger root also try keep habernero peppers for smoky spice.

[@kell_checks_in]

Corned beef has spices added (usually mustard, black pepper, coriander, cloves, ginger...) I've never had the Buddig version. Sounds interesting.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

A fine budget video. I do want to try YS biscuits. They look delicious. The pie at the end would also be nice with mashed potato on top. I wonder how low the budget can go though? Thank you for the video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Daniel 😁 Glad you like my video. Yes, I think you should try the biscuits. 👍 I don't think you'll be disappointed. I agree mashed potatoes on top would be nice. Great idea! 👩‍🍳 Well....I guess I failed at this challenge by not realizing I had accidentally gone over budget. The only problem for me is that the very low budgets do require so much more cooking, and I just don't have that kind of time usually. I had actually spent all day Sunday planning out a Mexican / Latin American themed menu but then I realized I had just done a vegetarian menu with Mexican fusion meals. 😂 So I nixed it and started over, plus it called for a very large amount of cooking, and since it takes me at least a couple days to edit, it wasn't going to work out that week. Plus I had sick family members to care for. I was passionate about the menu though, so I will probably do it in the future. Anyway....I hope you try those biscuits. Let me know if you do. 😁

[@LoriFalce]

That dressing sounds like it would be fantastic on a warm potato salad. Maybe a warm kale and potato salad!

[@ArdentMichelle]

That DOES sound good! Yum 😋

[@autobotdiva9268]

we had a mobile fresh veggie pantry truck this week. gave away free bananas. it was perfect for breakfast on the way to school or have for afternoon snack. i freeze all my onions and peppers, always have those on stand by. love the potato shredder

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love bananas and when they are old I put them in the freezer for shakes or to sweeten my oatmeal.

[@Patchouliprince]

I love making biscuits! But I don’t have a proper cutter so I always cut the biscuits out with a wine glass I find it makes the perfect little size plus the bottom can be used to squish the extra dough biscuit at the end to make it look more uniform lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's what I always did before I got a pastry cutter. Works just fine! 😁

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hi Michelle, we pretty much like the same foods (I don't like tofu 👎) there is one difference 😕 anyway I make hash with Walmarts version of spam too. I like to make sweet and sour spam with bell peppers and onions over rice. I love biscuits and gravy, so these recipes i really make quite often. Yesterday I made an Irish recipe and was going to make Irish soda bread but didn't really want it, so I made buttermilk biscuits with dried cranberries and rosemary and decided to add a little caraway seed, they were delicious. One thing I have not done is revive carrots in water, now I will start doing that with any sad looking ones. Have a great week. Your faithful subscriber, Charlotte

[@smegilligan77]

You biscuits sound AMAZING! Cranberries and rosemary - makes sense - however I never thought of it with biscuits.

[@charlottekearn5185]

@@smegilligan77 it worked well. Give it a try sometime.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Wow....those biscuits do sound amazing! I've never tried that before. That spam was so good, I also like the idea of using it with bell peppers and onions over rice. I'm going to try that on my channel. I can see why it would be good because the flavor kind of mimics a spicy sausage and would help to balance the sweet and sour sauce. Thanks for sharing these awesome tips with us! 😁👩‍🍳 Have a great week.

[@charlottekearn5185]

@@ArdentMichelle I forgot to mention, if I have pineapple chunks I use them in the sweet and sour spam

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@charlottekearn5185 ok thanks for clarifying that.

[@sheliapeters2082]

Try heating the biscuits in the oven for just a few minutes they taste better than the microwave to me . I tried the peppered gravy homemade and it was delicious on mashed potatoes. I'm gonna try the hash browns your way . These meals are great and filling.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like the biscuits reheated in the toaster oven too. 👍 Glad you like my video. Thanks for letting me know 😁

[@diannthomas7849]

These are some great budget meal ideas. I grew up with a southern mom and we had biscuits with every meal. I make them at least once a week myself. Funny, but I love scrambled eggs the opposite of fluffy. I just break them into a hot pan with melted butter and stir them up enough to break the yokes and mix them into the egg whites. We call them diner style eggs. Thanks!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you. 👍 Another one of my viewers was saying the same thing about the eggs.

[@Only1God]

I love using Kinders butter season on a kale salad!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm going to try this. Are you jut sprinkling on top or are you adding it to the dressing?

[@Only1God]

@ArdentMichelle I sprinkle it on top in place of salt. Rub your leaves with oil and kinders then squeeze a little lemon over it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Only1God ok got it. 👍 Thanks. I have kale in the house so I'm trying this soon!

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

You made a good variety of meals for only spending $15! Budget cooking is possible!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@twinnish]

I parboil the potatoes because they fry up into hashbrowns or home fries or any kind of fried potatoes better that way. Shredding them when they’re already nearly cooked is super fast and easy and then they cook super fast and easy so it’s great if you can do that ahead of time like when you’re preparing dinner and you can have it or another meal..

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a great idea 👍

[@lisablack9634]

What a wonderful menu. Each meal was great. Can really stretch dollars.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Lisa 😁 Glad you like my video!

[@Dee-ps3um]

Love your recipes!😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you 😁

[@danasandlin2435]

I always eat fresh corn on the cob when I find it (*usually at end of summer, when watermelons and peaches are also in)...a couple of tips: only buy what you will use in a day or two; do not shuck them until you are ready to use them (they will lose water overnight and look pruney/wrinkled if you shuck them early)...do not leave them soaking in water for very long before boiling, or a lot of the flavor goes out of them, eat whatever you have cooked--leftovers are not super good--the freshness is gone...do not be bothered by a dark or black spot on the cob, simply cut it off and proceed with boiling (then, of course, do not eat that spot where you cut)...also very good in recipes (like creamed corn; corn muffins; corn bread; fritters, salads, etc--you have to cook and cut off the cob with a knife before proceeding with recipe)...dts/usa

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Great haul! I use the buddig honey ham in white gravy. I shred up the ham and add to the gravy, then pour it over biscuits and scrambled eggs. Makes enough gravy for two-three servings.

[@patpeters6331]

I am a big fan of Budding meats too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 I'm glad I used the little meat packet then. One packet goes a long way in a dinner. I like the idea of shredding it. 👍

[@robinholbrook8296]

I am from Kentucky and make biscuits a lot but never put sugar or vinegar in it. I just use whole milk. I do use real butter in the biscuits….. Enjoy your video’s.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...I'm not sure why they call them Kentucky biscuits, although I have seen a lot of those with buttermilk as an ingredient, but then again there are plenty of biscuit recipes that call for buttermilk that are not labeled as Kentucky biscuits. 😂 I think it's that highly debatable thing I talked about. 😂😂

[@angelawossname]

The recipe for American biscuits is very similar to the recipe for Australian damper, but it's cooked very differently. We wrap it in alfoil and cook it in the oven, more traditionally cooked over hot coals. I should try American biscuits one day, though.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes you should try them. 👍 They are so good and I like making a big batch of them and then having them on hand during the week.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Well done Michelle 👏. You had me on potatoes. You presented a few things I haven’t tried.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle you earned it. So now what??? 15 dollar holiday special?

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a good question 🤔 That sounds about right....then maybe an optional ad on for an appetizer?

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle yes. I enjoyed your holiday videos . Appetizers yummy. Savory or sweet.

[@user-qb8ip8jd7r]

Two things, the frittata recipe is behind a pay wall at NYT. Could you add the oven temp and time in the notes for the Kentucky biscuits? The recipe at Allrecipes uses buttermilk not water and vinegar. A tad confusing. I really love your videos and the notes are great! I also am glad you don't repeat recipes in videos and so much variety. While I have dietary restrictions, it is easy to make a few changes to the meals because there is such variety to keep things fresh. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I frequently modify recipes to make them fit into my budget which is why I mentioned the original recipes. People with larger budgets may want to use the original recipe. The butter, water, and vinegar was a sub for the buttermilk. The Kentucky biscuits are cooked at 400 for 15-20 minutes. Here is the NYT Recipe for Frittata ¼ pound spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine or other long pasta Salt and pepper to taste 4 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup minced pancetta, bacon or prosciutto 6 eggs 1cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Cook pasta until barely tender. Drain, and toss it in a bowl with half the butter or oil. Let cool. Preheat oven to 350. Add remaining butter or oil in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet, and turn heat to medium-high. If you are using meat, add it, and cook, stirring occasionally until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes Combine pasta with ingredients. Pour into skillet, and turn heat to medium-low. Use a spoon if necessary to even out top of frittata. Cook undisturbed until mixture firms up on bottom, then transfer to oven. Bake until top is set, about 10 minutes. Glad you're enjoying my channel 😁

[@marynapoleone4748]

My Italian mother would make spaghetti with eggs poached in tomato sauce during Lent. Might be another option for the spaghetti. I always enjoyed it

[@ArdentMichelle]

I tried making eggs in purgatory, also known as Shakshouka. It was one of my only recipe fails. 😂 I overcooked the eggs.

[@marynapoleone4748]

Oh too bad. You should try it again. They are delicious 😋

[@seaotter1975]

I like to make a big batch of biscuits and then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the biscuits on the cookie sheet and freeze them. Once they are frozen I put the frozen biscuits in a zippy bag. Its just me who eats biscuits so I take out what i need and defrost them and bake as normal. Saves time and a mess at later dates. Lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

GREAT tip 👍 Love this.

[@mommajo]

I add a tablespoon of mayonnaise toy scrambled eggs and season to taste. It's makes them so creamy and fluffy 🤤 mayonnaise is a pantry staple in my house 😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing the tip 👍

[@b3thamphetamine]

For anyone curious about the elote seasoning, Aldi does have a version if you don't have a Trader Joe's near you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

and that stuff is good on more than just corn 😋

[@maidsua4208]

Thank you very much for many creative and exciting ideas! You are really good at cooking with a new twist! Well done. What I haven't seen are suggestions for picking up free herbs, mushrooms, fruit and berries in the nearest park or forest. After all, most of us are out for a walk in the afternoon, either with the dog, pram, toddler or just ourselves for fresh air. So why not take home something completely free? I picked 2 liters of blackberries yesterday after work. Half has been frozen to be used in a smoothie, while the other half has been made into jam. I freeze the jam to avoid having so much sugar in it for preservation. My husband has picked several types of mushrooms that hang to dry in the sun wall and there is a lot! Just avoid harvesting the food where there is too much car traffic, go where there are mostly pedestrians and cyclists. The new electric cars generate a lot of particulate matter because they are so heavy and tear up particles from the asphalt. Another tip is to go to the market at the end of the day when the market traders are packing up. Then you often get vegetables and fruit at a greatly reduced price. Last week I got five cauliflowers that I paid about $1 for, they usually cost between $2 and $3 for 1 cauliflower. I have blanched them and they are ready in the freezer for use. I saw a film you made that you drove for 15 minutes to get there, it's a long trip and there are extra fuel costs when you drive that far. I am 60 years old now, but I have never in my life driven as far as 15 minutes to reach the grocery store. Now you wanted to show us other shops in your film, but otherwise it can hardly pay when you have to be aware of what every dollar is used for. It will be cheaper to shop in shops close to where you live, then you can walk or cycle. I must also remember to thank you for daring to use foreign and unknown ingredients, I find that both exciting and instructive. Many greetings from Scandinavia. ​

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tips for foraging. 👍 The only thing I've been able to find in my city are mushrooms and I wouldn't want to use them due to the amount of pesticides used here. That is so awesome that you were able to pick 2 liters of blackberries. I used to pick huckleberries in the mountains many years ago and then freeze them for winter use, but that was in another state. You have to be careful when making assumptions about things I do on my channel. The decisions I make as a content creator aren't necessarily the ones I would make on my own. For example, I frequently buy in small quantities on my channel. In real life, I buy staples in bulk, but many of my viewers cannot afford to buy in such quantities. Also, for those that drive gas powered vehicles, I'm sure they take distance into consideration in their budget and choice of stores to shop at. It's easy to plan on stopping by a particular store if you have to be in that area anyway. I've found that organization and planning are the biggest key to saving at the stores and I ALWAYS plan my grocery outings around other errands. If you've never driven more than 15 minutes to get to a store you must be VERY close to one. I can't afford to shop at the nearest regular grocery store to me. It's just too expensive. My local Walmart is only a couple miles from where I live but it takes me at least 10 minutes to get there. We have a lot of freeways in California and you can frequently get somewhere further away faster than you can somewhere closer to you. I try to venture out to stores not just for my own entertainment value, but for that of my viewers also. By doing so, I've been able to discover many new foods and discount stores. I would be so bored shopping at the same place all the time. I'm always excited about the chance to drive somewhere 😂 I'm so glad you are enjoying my videos. 😁 Thanks for the comment. Have a great rest of your week.

[@maidsua4208]

@@ArdentMichelle I understand that you adapt your channel to many people who really need your tips and recipes. You do an amazing job and I am very impressed with your creativity. Being able to vary your meals means greater well-being. I got a lot of ideas to thank you for! Too bad there are a lot of pesticides in your environment, here we don't have any particular agriculture near us, but we have parks and forests around our town and there everyone is welcome to harvest what nature provides. In the autumn, keen mushroom connoisseurs put their knowledge on display where you can get help so you don't go home with poisonous mushrooms. It's free and a great deal. The municipality also has an area where the local garden team grows and cares for herbs for the city's citizens. There we can pick up known and unknown herbs completely free of charge. I usually water there for a couple of weeks in the summer. It is a great measure that many people are happy about. We're a little proud that we've been making it work for over 20 years now. We have four large supermarkets where it take 10 minutes to walk to and then we have two supermarkets where it takes about 7-8 minutes to cycle to. We never use a car when we shop as the shops are so close and we enjoy moving around 🙂 It hurts to read that there are so many people who are struggling with the economy, we tend to say that it is expensive to be poor, since the best offers are often in larger packages and that many people then cannot afford the best offers. I wish and hope for better times for all of us!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@maidsua4208 Wow that sounds like an amazing set up where you don't need a car. That must be nice! 😁 and so much better for the environment too. Thanks for sharing this with me. It sounds so lovely there. 🌸🌱

[@bethpowell6466]

I like to crack up a few ice cubes and let them melt in the pan as the eggs cook..extra fluffy.

[@PeriwinkleBluetag]

Never heard of this. Will definitely try.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That sounds like a great technique. Thanks for sharing! 👩‍🍳