ALDI $5 FOOD CHALLENGE | BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER for 3 DAYS

[@patpeters6331]

Am a big fan of Rebecca from Dollar Tree Dinners. Always fun and economical ideas. I like that she's down to earth like you are. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like her creativity 😁 and thank you so much 💜

[@sheenamaclean8324]

Me too, they are both very creative.

[@wendeestafford]

We also know what Rebecca looks like. But I do wish she whispered like this woman. But I’m sure there’s a picture of this woman somewhere right?

[@sonyavincent7450]

Shes talking in her car in one of her videos. ​@wendeestafford

[@allyrooh3628]

I hope that anyone living these challenges takes the steps to get food assistance. Thanks for helping so many people eat delicious food on minimal money. Have a good week!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much! 😁 Hope you have a great week too!

[@lesleyguzman8816]

I wish no food assistance in my rural town . half the time I go hungry. diabetic can't have carbs

[@lifetobelived9102]

@@lesleyguzman8816 If you refrigerate or freeze rice, bread etc it decreases the glycemic index level

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

One of the things I absolutely love about your channel is your willingness to suggest and try a few extra ways to prepare something (like the bacon variations). For those of us not quite as clever with their cooking, this is very helpful.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. 😁 I'm learning as I go, so we learn together!

[@nanny8675309]

I just need to say it’s crazy how much I missed your video last week. I am also dumbfounded how you do not have more subscribers. I just want to suggest that everybody who is liking your videos please let the video play for a few minutes before you like it because I’ve heard that if you like it immediately, KZbin thinks it’s a bot and doesn’t take it into consideration when pushing her videos. I do not know if this is true, but this woman deserves way more subscribers! and that is a very easy thing to do😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much 💜 I really missed the interaction with you guys also! I wanted to mention, but I ran out of time. They took away my 4 10's schedule right before it was about to start. Apparently they made a mistake with about 200 of us so they switched our schedules. I'm back to the flex day (day off) every other week. A bit of a bummer, but I'll make it work. As for why my channel isn't bigger, I think it's because the extreme budget market is already very small, then add in the fact that I don't cook much meat on the channel makes me a very niche channel.

[@Moonlightpearly]

​@@ArdentMichelle i love your Videos! Meat or not! Low budget does not alow for Much Meat depending on how many you have to feed! I found you when i looked for budget dinners for my partner and I once we find a house and live together. I stayed because of your great Ideas and your lovely and calm voice. Sometimes i an just listening to you whilst cooking, gaming or sewing for my son ❤😂 (this is why i am Broke these days ...fabric in germany is so expensive vut soooo pretty!😂)

[@lindawilson290]

@@ArdentMichelle So glad you're back, AM, and sooooo glad everybody's okay!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Moonlightpearly Thanks so much for being a viewer! 😁 I appreciate your support and I'm glad you enjoy my channel!

[@tracyq989]

Thank you! I did not know that!

[@kippytx]

I look forward to your videos every Sunday

[@intuitivegina]

Oh my God I love her I love Rebecca from Dollar tree dinners. You and her you were the two that I watch and that's it. I feel that you're both very realistic and have a sweet personality

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah....she's awesome....and thank you so much 💜

[@wendoxia]

Oh Rebecca is great

[@abou8963]

And SouthernFrugalMomma!

[@diannthomas7849]

So funny, these 3 are basically the only cooking channels I watch on KZbin. I just havent found any other channels that I feel like I have to watch every single video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@abou8963 I love Southern Frugal Momma!

[@tereclemmer7923]

Amazing food! Your creativity to transform $5 worth of food into delicious meals is amazing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much!💜

[@calihapamama]

The next time you try making the tofu “bacon”, consider freezing it after you cut it, but before you marinate it. It should result in a firmer, crispier texture when you cook it, and it will absorb more of the marinade.

[@ArdentMichelle]

sometimes I freeze it. I'll try it with the tofu bacon.

[@Molly-pu3dh]

So creative! I love how you make me think of using things I normally wouldn't use

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@TXPrincessPaula]

Your creativity is, once again, off the charts! The condiment drawer added to the fun. I was playing arm chair quarterback/chef cheering for you to use a ketchup packet on the fried potatoes! LOL

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh my gosh! Yes, those potatoes would have been good with the ketchup 👍 and thanks so much! 💜

[@jenniferlisow2901]

Michelle, you are one of the queens of taking alittle bit of money & turning it into so many different meals. Everything looked so delicious & fairly healthy, too. I love Dollar Tree Dinners. Rebecca is wonderful, especially when she does cooking for community where she makes complete meals for a senior citizen for the whole week. She puts so much consideration into everything. I love watching Atomic Shrimp meal challenge videos, too. I think his name is Mike. He is like Michelle, in that his creativity knows no limits & always makes amazing meals with very limited money. You all are so inspiring.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 💜 I'm so glad you enjoy my content!

[@colettebishop2173]

A pinch of black salt, if you had it in your spice drawer, would really make the tofu taste like egg. All looked very tasty.

[@l.chelseegobin7853]

Rebecca is how I came across your channel originally. You both make budget cooking approachable. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you're here! 😁

[@LAactor]

I liked how you put every item you selected with care into your cart in this video like you were making a point to value ever ingredient vs usual. Usually you just chuck or flick at items without care lol. Missed you last week!! So I went back to look at old videos I missed. One video said you wouldn't post a video that week if it didn't turn out good and that's a big statement to your integrity. Honestly, I would just post it to your recipes channel. No pressure there and people who miss you will go and check for you just to see you for the week. Of course the community post was very helpful. We're glad to hear you're doing okay and just busy instead of having to worry something happened.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It was just too hot, plus I had my schedule changed so not enough time that week. It's nice to be missed. 😁It feels odd to me when I don't talk to you all on Sunday!

[@sandrareaves8113]

Aldi over charges me almost every time. They charge for two when I only have one. It’s because they are going so fast… but I’ll keep going! Aldi is my store!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree with you...a person needs to check their receipt EVERY single time!

[@tinashort9098]

So good to see you back today!! Oddly enough I can eat for $5 for several days because I eat potato soup made from instant potatoes allot!! It’s not because I’m food insecure, I just love it!! I don’t care for meat very much even though my protein stays low due to other issues. You’ve got one hell of a condiment drawer😂😂. I love it!!! Looks like mine!!! I wish I liked tofu. I’ve never had it that I actually enjoyed it. I’ve never

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's easy for me to eat cheap when I'm eating soup, but we are currently in a heat wave....so no soup for me. I'm actually really looking forward to it again though. I'm very excited for fall. 🍁

[@tinashort9098]

@@ArdentMichelle I eat soup year round !! I just love it so much. I went through a time that I was making a copy cat version of the Cheesecake Factory’s cream of chicken soup and swear I lived off of it for 2 months!! It’s so good!!! If I eat meat it’s usually chicken in some form

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

My mother's pot of potato soup can feed multiple people for days. She does a mirepoix (celery, carrots, onion) with hers, and she adds egg noodles (I've never seen any others do this) and evaporated milk at the end. I sometimes have done it with regular pasta, but then you have to cook the pasta separately and only add it as you eat it. She doesn't add any meats or cheeses to it, and literally the only seasoning she uses is salt, but I have experimented with that, too. In all my variations, my mom's version is still my favorite though. lol

[@calihapamama]

@@ArdentMichellethere is a French potato soup, vichyssoise, that is usually served chilled that might be easy to adapt to use instant mashed potatoes…

[@LindaC616]

​​@@ArdentMichellegazpacho! And its cousin, salmorejo (no cukes, fancy vinegar, egg on top)

[@jillgott6567]

I love Avocados ! They can be high $1.49,$1.89 a piece. But usually I can get 4/$3.99 . Half an Avocado each day is economical and a super food

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree with that statement. 👍 I would pay that. Avocadoes are an integral part of my diet.

[@jillgott6567]

​@@ArdentMichelle I cut my Avocados and Bananas in half so $1.49 becomes $.75 still high but I love Avocados yum

[@intuitivegina]

Wow I'm going to have to try cooking with tofu you make it look so good

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

Yes to toasting the English muffins until they’re crispy!! That’s the way I really like them…with some jam on top, yummy!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I like them with butter and honey too, but I never buy butter.

[@emilysmalls6508]

I'm so early! Love my Sunday mornings with Ardent Michelle ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thank you! 💜

[@nanny8675309]

I know! I see the alert for the new video and I get ready with my cup of coffee to enjoy❤

[@dr.cherylkayahara-bass2571]

Wow, that was outstanding! Your tastes and methods get more and more sophisticated with every challenge. Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁 Thanks for letting me know!

[@niefiazupancic3063]

Love your challenges - I always come away with great ideas & marvel at your creativity.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😊 that's the best complement.💜

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Dinner one looked excellent as a burrito filling. A few homemade tortilla shells would have really stretched this excellent grocery haul. Well done, Michelle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed 👍 and thank you so much! 💜

[@betterlivingonabudget]

Love the idea of adding turmeric to tofu because I love it, plus it makes it look like real eggs.

[@olearymiriam]

You could soak the tofu in lemon, garlic and ginger and the soy sauce. You could make a BLT by using the avocado and tomato and some of the tofu bacon with the muffin. Another thing could be to make a potato hash and serve it with tofu or an egg. You could also make a potato soup or potato chips with hot sauce or the ketchup. You could also fried off the refried beans with potato and add the avocado on top with paprika if you had it in the store cupboard.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great ideas 👍 I thought about a potato hash but I ran out of tofu.

[@seekingserenitydaily]

I always toast my english muffins twice too! I think the toasting just adds a nice flavor and the muffin has more structure that way.

[@patpeters6331]

I have tried tofu periodically thru the years but never liked it until I found a shelf stable tofu at $Tree. You may have just convinced me to try regular tofu again. Lol. Michelle you're always expanding my cooking ideas. 1st dried beans & lentils and now tofu!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Pat 😁

[@nanny8675309]

I love tofu and now I need to hunt down shelf stable tofu at dollar tree because I’ve never been more curious.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

​@@nanny8675309my local grocery store sells shelf stable tofu, but it is not cheap. It is an IGA store.

[@codymartin6117]

Its so important to teach people how to budget shop and to cook with what you can afford ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed.. and I find that it's surprising how many delicious things you can make without a lot of money.

[@jenniferjohnston5548]

Very good Michelle! You're so smart! Thanks for all your ideas! ♡

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@donnamarsh3474]

Love Kara and Nate!❤ Nice mention. You were very creative with these limited ingredients!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much!😁

[@kerryrowles5217]

Your creativity and ingenuity knows no bounds! Thank you for these videos. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe..thanks so much 💜

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

The results look fabulous!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 I'm so glad you like what I came up with! Thanks for letting me know 💜

[@lindseybsmith]

OMG! My OCD self so wants to come organize your condiment drawer! I love tofu! I wish more people would give it a chance! So versatile.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Do you remember awhile back how organized my condiment bag was? It felt so great to have it organized. This is kind of my sons drawer, since I don't use condiments regularly, nor do I eat out often. 😂 It needs help!

[@lindseybsmith]

My idea of fun is organizing! Looking at your son's drawer looks like Christmas morning! Am I odd?

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@lindseybsmith no that's not odd at all. I organized my library (2 Ikea shelves) last weekend and it made me so happy that I had planned to do some more editing and purging this weekend but it's over 100 here and all I can do is set in front of the fan! 😂

[@abou8963]

😂

[@charlottekearn5185]

Morning Michelle 🌞 I really laughed at your condiment drawer yikes!! I guess your kids really do fast food 😉. I might have less than 10 packets of stuff. I buy canned potatoes every once in a while but never thought about frying them, thanks for that idea. Hope you have an outstanding week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

They do a lot of Uber eats! But of course we've been collecting for awhile too. Hope you're staying cool! It's the only objective this week here in this household! 😂

[@danneyandroid0391]

I'm so glad to see you back this week!!!! 😀 I've recently discovered Rebecca's channel and love watching her as well. Y'all are very similar in your desires to help others with your knowledge, skills, frugality, and creativity.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad to be back and thanks so much!! 💜

[@tabiwatermelon961]

I watch Dollar Tree Dinners & love her channel too! You are both so calm and relaxing to listen to, AND I love this type of content!

[@thelullinthestorm]

You are so clever with what you can make with such simple ingredients! Glad to see a new video up 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jonicabeird4657]

Yayyyyy I've been waiting for a new video!!

[@justin5045]

Great video as always and thanks for the great ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@beckyw9000]

Michelle, you are so creative!!!!!! Thank you for your videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yay! 💜 I'm so glad you like them!

[@kaelynnmartin6521]

On Food Network, there is a recipe for a tofu “egg salad “. FYI

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't tried that yet...but I definitely want to!👍

[@LindaC616]

I love that you appreciate and insist the necessity of naking this fun and tasty! It's crucial to avoid the scarcity mindset, makes it less of a burden. I wish I could like tofu...just can't get past the texture.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree about the scarcity mindset. That one's hard to overcome when you have an impoverished background.

[@LisaHenderson-gy8lq]

So good to see you again! Thanks for the great veggie bacon idea. Also, it's good to show what packet condiments you can use

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad to be back after that little break. 😁

[@steveg3981]

Great video. Very creative. Never tried Tofu so will have to give it a shot. Thanks

[@michelewesthuis9940]

Yes, liquid smoke is very strong! Use sparingly.

[@LauraLegge]

I love watching your channel for fun new ideas! You’re so creative!! I’ll definitely have to try your version of tofu scramble and that tofu bacon!

[@ArdentMichelle]

glad you are enjoying my content! 😁

[@lstokes25]

This is the first time seeing your channel. It is great

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁 Hope you decide to stick around!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

All of these haul staples make excellent toast toppers, too. I've often done a lazy meal of one or two toast slices topped with these.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love that idea for easy weeknight meals!

[@wolchfam]

I was thinking I would have got a loaf of cheap bread instead of English muffins as it would stretch farther . You could even flatten the bread and fry it to mimic a tortilla perhaps.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@wolchfam I like that idea 👍

[@jujumama5825]

I love Rebecca’s channel too.

[@pritees.5793]

Oh my goodness! Everything look delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it!

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Good blessing 😁 thank you 👍🏾

[@ArdentMichelle]

of course and thank you for watching! 😁

[@sandygordon496]

Your condiment drawer is so funny, also I had to laugh at how you sounded about the kid's fast food consumption 😄. Thanks for the good ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

they don't prioritize budgeting like I do! 😂

[@christinejunk8184]

I regularly use a can of refried beans with 2 tortillas and make a refried bean quesadilla with a tiny bit of goat cheese (prefer the refried black beans by Siete when on sale). I will add a bit of hot sauce and if I have it some sliced avocado on top after it's cooked.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love ANYTHING with tortillas. Since I can't eat goat cheese anymore, I was looking up a way to make vegan goat cheese last night. I would love to try your quesadilla 😋

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I've often done "nachos" with any variety of beans, rice, salsa, cheese - as a leftover, or as a lazy meal. These items are always in my pantry. These staples are also excellent as an egg topper or in a scramble. I've never thought to make it as a sandwich in lieu of having them with chips, so this video is a definite game changer for me.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

My caregiver makes sopas from scratch. After she made the dough into four little circles, she baked them. When she took them out of the oven she put them on a plate. Before they could cool, she formed the edges around each circle using her fingers. She says when you bake them you need to use them the same day or they get hard, unlike the store bought sopas.​@@ArdentMichelle

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@dianethoroughman9541 love this 😊

[@wendoxia]

Liquid smoke is the bomb! I had a few drops to that to canned salmon with cream cheese for a smoked salmon spread that is delicious

[@ArdentMichelle]

great idea!

[@estherhurst4741]

Thanks for all you do to help us!! Blessings ❣️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜 I'm grateful for the support and glad you like this video!

[@Melanatedminimalist]

THanks for the videos so helpful!!!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Always good to see you 👩‍🍳 💟. As usual you put so much into the challenges and discover as you go. You tube suggests your friend. The kabobs looked yummy. Cholula is my favorite. I use it on so many things. A bit of apple cider vinegar too. Brightens up the dish and helps me cut back on sodium. 🩵 ☮️ 🙏

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I just love sodium..it's a constant battle for me in trying to avoid it 😂 Have a great week 😁

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

A week late but I’m here! I think my favourite out of all of it was everything you did with the block of tofu. I didn’t think it would be enough for you for three days worth of meals. I admire you for sticking with the challenge. Your videos remind me that food insecurity is somethings so many people face every day. In the last two years, most of my charitable dollars go to food agencies in my city. I’m aware of every day and grateful that I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to buy my groceries.

[@ArdentMichelle]

The breakfasts were not big enough. $5 for 3 days is just not enough. But I love doing these emergency ones because I make so many discoveries.

[@LindaC616]

I also love the music you use here, outro and in the video

[@ms.thrify631]

THANK YOU for another fantastic menu planning. I am really excited to try your tofu bacon, in addition to playing around with the muffins as you did! You're brilliant sister! I recently tried a tomato, avocado & cucumber salad for the first time & it was quite refreshing. I think you did one on your channel awhile ago. I was gifted some farm tomatoes and I didn't know what else to do with them besides grilling or adding to my salads. I missed your channel last week! I am going to try your recipe tonight for the stir fry tofu. Thanks lovely lady! 🥰😍♥

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh yes! I LOVE the tomato cucumber onion salad, and I'm sure I would love it with avocado too! It's so refreshing! I love tomato mayo sandwiches too! Oh, and also fried tomatoes with bread crumbs are amazing. I hope you love the tofu bacon as much as I do! Have a great week!

[@smileawhile6881]

Outstanding video 🌹💕🌻

[@ArdentMichelle]

Many many thanks 😁

[@sharonfarnsworth3325]

I missed not seeing your last video also!! Again, amazing the creativity you use to make inexpensive, healthy & yummy food!!💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

I missed you all too! I'll try to always make a post here on my page when I can't release a video. Glad you enjoyed this. 😁

[@hmeerdink9606]

I missed you last week. I know you need to take a break sometimes, though. I'm so glad to see you back! I love every one of your videos. Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe..thank you so much 💜 I do my best to get videos out, but sometimes it's just not possible with my schedule.

[@sheemaalen9286]

Yum! These all look very yummy and ill try!! ❤ 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 Hope you enjoy!

[@rachelhero3413]

Just a suggestion. For that last meal, bean soup! Add broth (water and bullion) , chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder until it becomes a bisque texture let simmer on medium low heat for 10 minutes and serve. We ate that quite a bit growing up. It was refried bean soup..the crispy tofu bacon would be delicious as a topper, maybe a Parmesan cheese packet and hot sauce packet as well.. I remember making “tomato” soup with ketchup packets, hot water and dry coffee creamer.. it’s still pretty tasty..

[@dianethoroughman9541]

About 3-5 years ago, KZbin creator emmymade did video of really frugal eating. She has a Playlist. On the one called Hard Times, one of her videos shows her making tomato soup with ketchup packets, hot water, and coffee creamer.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea. 👍 I'm very much looking forward to soup season. I'm pretty sure I have your bean soup on my food bucket list.

[@rachelhero3413]

@@dianethoroughman9541 yes! I love her videos!

[@lexicuryk4414]

The Tofu bacon sounds great, I will definitely give it a try...also the tofu scramble.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you're going to give these recipes a try. I loved them. Enjoy! 😁

[@moonstoneway2694]

Looks and sounds delicious!

[@marilynthomson9564]

What a great video, thank you so much!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 Glad you liked it!

[@ladybirdehrmantraut1245]

Hi michelle great video per usual! I made breakfast burritos with a few scram eggs and a whole block of tofu, it was really tasty!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I like that idea of mixing the egg with the tofu. Glad you like my video!

[@teresitap5778]

You're amazing and I greatly appreciate your dedication to saving money when making meals.❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much!

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Another amazing video I absolutely cannot wait to try a tofu scramble that sandwich looks absolutely delicious and the tofu bacon I can't wait to try and I would also add some black pepper to the tofu bacon everything looked absolutely delicious thank you for sharing great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked my menu choices. Big hugs back to you friend 🤗

[@jmknudsen5357]

Small avocados were 3/.99 at the grocery store yesterday. 5 pound bag of potatoes was .99. I was trying to think of ways to use them.

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow...great deals 👍 I would be all over those.

[@jmknudsen5357]

Also, you inspired me to make a (much more elaborate) tofu scramble for breakfast burritos this coming week.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Potatoes can be such an excellent budget stretcher and a wonderful blank canvas. Everything Michelle purchased in this haul would make excellent toppings for a baked potato meal.

[@reniedavisson8532]

I never imagine myself eating tofu until I watch your videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's very good! It just has to be cooked right. 😁

[@alanbirkner1958]

I got some bags of dry beans 50% off, I think people don't check the clearance aisle at the grocery store. Tina, Al's wife

[@tamaramckelvey6804]

Aldi's has an awesome salsa!! On the chip aisle next to their spicy jarred cheese!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love it too...but not as much as the one at Walmart with the fire roasted tomatoes.

[@courtneya.1849]

I’m so excited that you have discovered some more tofu recipes- it’s such a versatile, high protein, cheap option! I’m vegan so I use it all the time but it’s so cool to see someone who isn’t plant-based actually embracing tofu!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked my video! I do love tofu. Not sure whey I haven't tried it in these different ways.

[@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t]

I love your channel and learn so much about frugal cooking. Could you do a budget challenge that will keep teenage boys from starving, but is still healthy with enough veggies and protein?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Gosh I would love to do that, but unfortunately due to my work schedule I have to mostly just do the budget videos for one. This was an extreme budget video, but I've done some that are more along the lines of what I normally eat, which is about $30 a week right now. Those have more food. You might like my upcoming video. Thanks for being a regular viewer 💜

[@debimorsette1685]

Great ideas! I’ve got some canned potatoes to use up. Thx! Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

[@JasonGli]

That bacon tofu recipe felt super creative.

[@ArdentMichelle]

it's a keeper.

[@marypeterson1053]

Great ideas thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them!

[@lauradavis3559]

I make a ZLT where zucchini subs in for the bacon. If you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika also works well to get that bacon taste.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was thinking about the paprika too and wanting to try that with my next tofu bacon. I love zucchini and will eat it whenever possible 😂

[@christinarodriguez7642]

I enjoyed this video. As far as using Tofu to supplement scrambled eggs I know that there is a product that Vegans use ( I think it is a powder ) that makes your Tofu taste like egg since egg is so distinct. Never made Tofu bacon either so I might give that a try. Kudos to you for what you do!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 I actually don't like the smell of eggs...but I know the product you are talking about.

[@lenoraw1098]

Great job on the challenge! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mindymilton8585]

Very interesting! Thx!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome!

[@earlenebrown7181]

So creative as usual you always amaze me. And I watch Rebecca too. The both of you are so creative. Thank you for all that you do will be watching next time.😊 I can only imagine what would happen if you guys did some kind of a Collab together. Exchanging ingredients or something.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that would be fun! Although with my tight schedule these days it can be hard to do coordinate. I'm always so strapped for time!

[@htas6888]

That is a really good price for the avocados, the best I paid so far is 99 cents and last week I paid $1.25, they are very tasty at this time though. I do need to try the tofu bacon, all of these looked delicious. I have never tried canned potatoes, would be good to keep some in the pantry :) Don't you wish they would sell eggs individually? Thank you for another great video :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah..they should all sell smaller packs of eggs. 👍 I love the canned potatoes as a short cut.

[@sheemaalen9286]

These looks delicious. Like the cornstarch. Thot maybe u could stretch that tofu and add lentils etc. I got a bunch of free cans of kidneybeans from a food bank. Saw u can make them into hamburgar patties and use onions, etc! Also, on Sweet Simple Vegan, she makes buger patties out of a blend of mushrooms and walnuts, i think. Its great for tacos, burgers, etc. Just an idea! Tfs. Glad ur back! Oh and luv the real life, drawer of condiments ha! My apts getting that way tee! 😂 😢 ❤ 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes I love bean patties. I've made a few of them on my channel!

[@lindabader-acosta7808]

I just love watching your videos. My hubby & I eat very little meat now so your videos give me great insight & ideas on what to make. Thank you so much for inspiring us with food. I watch Rebecca from dollar tree too. She’s great as well.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad my videos inspire you! 😁 Thanks for letting me know!

[@osoniye4209]

Very creative! I love how you can take a few ingredients and make very different seeming meals. That wouldn't have been enough volume for me. Were you hungry during the 3 days?

[@ArdentMichelle]

The breakfasts were definitely not enough, however the lunches and dinners that had the beans and potatoes were very filling.

[@osoniye4209]

@@ArdentMichelle That's encouraging! I can imagine adding a breakfast salad or even some oatmeal to what you have and make it work!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@osoniye4209 true 👍

[@momof2momof2]

Amazing ! Once again! You are so creative ! I watch Rebecca too . Both of you are wonderful at these challenges. 🥰💐💗✝🇺🇲 When I saw you had beans left over, I was thinking bean burger as an option.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@josephhoag2366]

I like to use toasted sourdough bread as a dipper with hummus.....Good use of your condiment drawer. A few days ago I made a good sauce by combining about 4 different kinds of sauces from Panda....It looked like sesame seeds on your fried potato slices. I don't think it was, but maybe something I'll try.....Excellent work, once again!.....Carla H.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you 😁

[@SometimesMyself]

If you freeze the tofu, it will drastically change the texture, and will release a lot of water as it thaws. That can be good for certain uses, but not in a sandwich.

[@ArdentMichelle]

true. 👍 I think frozen tofu would also give a good texture to the tofu bacon.

[@tinashort9098]

I wish I liked tofu. I’ve never had it that I actually enjoyed it. Maybe if I cooked it myself and was able to add spices to it I’d like it better.

[@ArdentMichelle]

it's all about the sauce and or seasonings that you add to it.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Some people don't like the soft texture. But you can press it and/or buy extra firm. Watching some WFP based videos can really show the variety tofu has to offer, it's a blank slate. I haven't experimented with it yet myself, but my DIL has and she makes most of our meals.

[@LindaC616]

Same

[@connieblack5276]

I use liquid smoke all the time a little goes a long way I marinate my chicken in lemon juice liquid smoke garlic powder and soy sauce and cook in the sauce it's fantastic .

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think I need more experience with it.

[@abou8963]

Have you seen the new toaster? It is fantastic! You pick color you want on toast!

[@ArdentMichelle]

no I haven't. Sounds interesting though. I'll have to look for it.

[@diannthomas7849]

I cant believe how much you were able to do with $5. I am not a fan of soy products, but I might actually be able to deal with some of these meals if I was down to $5 for a few days. Great job Michelle!! (I have a feeling if I actually had to stretch $5 for 3 days. Id probably live on pb&js and coffee. Lol)

[@moonstoneway2694]

Just remembered what I meant to say earlier about corn starch. Add a quarter cup to your waffle batter if you like a bit of crunch. Still tender on the inside. And now I need to put maple syrup on my grocery list. 😊Have a great week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great idea! Thank you for sharing it with me. I would have never thought of that.

[@1524scooter]

Interesting, I wouldn't have selected those items, but it just depends on what you like, I'd b basic, loaf of bread, eggs, milk, tuna maybe.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've done lots of these and I try to make each one different. I always try to get a protein source and usually that's been eggs, but this time I wanted to do something different and besides....eggs are currently too high to fit into this budget anyway. It's tough to get enough food for only $5 and this certainly was not enough food for breakfasts.

[@marcidehm8083]

Your tofu sandwich reminded me of one of my favorites - kao fu. It takes a while to make but it's cheap as its mostly vital wheat glutin which I get in the Winco bulk bins. Bold Flavor Vegan has a great recipe and video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Haven't made that yet!

[@marcidehm8083]

Do try it! Bold Flavor Vegan cuts it in strips and it makes amazing bbq sandwiches with the addition of bbq sauce, or teriaki strip sandwiches or philly cheese steaks!

[@lindawilson290]

Another outstanding and innovative set of recipes, AM. ~ I am still on the hunt for your "orange knife." It seems to have a name printed on it, but I can't make it out. Perhaps that would help me find it. ~ I'd love to know what spices and seasonings to which you're brand-loyal, and what spices and seasonings you're fine buying store-brands of. Many thanks, and have a great week!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I just looked and it's Farberware. I think I bought a set on Amazon, but that one is the only knife in the set that I like. I don't think I would recommend the set...but I do like the serrated edge knife. I use it all the time. I buy the spices I use the most at Samsclub. Hope you have a great week too!

[@lindawilson290]

@@ArdentMichelle Thanks for the info on the knives and spices!

[@lindawilson290]

Just an update on the "orange knife:" I found the set on Amazon, as you said. Sadly, there were many negative ratings. Wish that knife were available by itself!!