ARE $3 FAMILY DINNERS STILL POSSIBLE?

[@robinlacey9273]

I'm a newbie to your KZbin channel. I bought the ingredients to make one of your recipes just yesterday. A bonus to your recipes is that several of the ingredients can come out of my garden. Thank you for sharing

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome to the channel 🥳 I'm so glad you're here! 😁

[@staciesabatino3817]

I love your videos and have gotten such good ideas from you. When I watch them my heart rate slows down because of your soothing voice. Thank You so very much.

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe....I appreciate that 💜

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

I agree she has the most soothing, calming voice I’ve ever heard. I could just listen like a storybook at night to go to sleep, but I don’t wanna miss the video.❤

[@JEANNEHUNTER-q5t]

I love that you add veggies and protein, which is often a problem with low cost meals.

[@leem200]

Yum, you're the best. Peace!

[@patpeters6331]

What a great gift. You can do so much with a Dutch oven. Even bake bread, though I haven't actually done that. 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's what I was thinking. It would be the perfect size for a loaf.

[@bridge7528]

I use mine all the time for bread. So easy! Our favorite is cheddar jalapeno!

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Carrots are so pretty 😍

[@ShopLiveBeyondTheLines]

Yes!!! I bake sour dough in mine 🤤

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

What else can be done with it?

[@mey7579]

My Italian born father made chickpeas with pasta,garlic, and tomatoes frequently. I made it for my children, and several of my grands love it. Cheap, nutritious, and delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@colettebishop2173]

Looks delicious. I love canned corn in pasta salad, and olives or artichokes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I actually have a can of artichoke hearts in my pantry and I've been wondering which meal I want to throw them into. I'm thinking maybe a future quinoa salad. I haven't tried corn in pasta salad yet. 🤔 sounds yummy though.

[@slategrey2879]

That pasta and chickpea dish looks great and really healthy. Thanks for the video!

[@lisac4375]

Reminds me of pasta e fagioli soup. Yummm!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think net time, I'll try the brothy version.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

🧑‍🍳 💟 hello Michelle YES I liked the video. Very much. Definitely 0:26 can do recipes from what is in house. Pasta salad. I never noticed a box labeled as such. Elbows were usually used. I am cooking what’s left in house. Turkey chili from the freezer. Then I made a pasta salad. I had a celery and onion. Some picked cauliflower and carrots. I definitely should have added some beans for protein. Today’s food costs I would say was under 5 bucks for the three meals and a snack. Have a great week 🩵

[@ArdentMichelle]

great job 👍

[@kristinj7173]

Great idea to purée half of the chickpeas!

[@nanny8675309]

You read my mind, adding red peppers. I too thought of chickpeas; however, I thought of pouring it over some kind of green/lettuce to up the nutritional content. I also would’ve added spinach to the soup just for nutritional content. Thank you for another delicious video 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, yes, and yes! 😂 I really wanted to add some kale or spinach to the pasta.

[@kimhumphrey4053]

I love that your recipes so often are simple, adaptable, & attainable!!! I really wanted to stir in some fresh spinach in the first recipe & let it wilt just a bit before eating! I must be hungry for spinach 🤷‍♀️ Everything you made looks delicious 🥰❤️ Thank you!!! I LOVE your channel!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!!!! I was thinking the same thing as you! So much so, that I picked up a bag of spinach at Aldi yesterday 😂

[@kimhumphrey4053]

@@ArdentMichelle That’s awesome! Great minds think a like!!😃

[@ladybirdehrmantraut1245]

Yay you uploaded! Awesome. You have the best ideas 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😃

[@pek5117]

There are many pasta based soups in Italy that are worth a try. Mainly vegetarian also so good for you. More winter dishes tho. I just bought pasta salad and ours comes with carrot and celery for texture and colour.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I forgot to mention celery. I do love it with celery. 😋 Let me know if there are any pasta soups I should be looking at.

[@pek5117]

@ArdentMichelle if you search pasta soup recipes you will find many, they normally use small pasta that's cooked in the broth. For the meat versions you use Italian sausage and take them out of the casings and cook up like ground beef with onions then add your tomato puree/sauce and water veggies and pasta and cook until pasta is cooked. If you added your tomatoes when you added the pasta you would have still had them whole in the soup.

[@barbaramorris1677]

Your meal looks delicious and you have the sweetest voice ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you so much 💜

[@patpeters6331]

Tuna pasta salad has recently become a favorite. I make it pretty much the way you do. So delicious and versatile. With or without tuna or eggs or peppers and a great way to use leftover pasta that isn't soup. 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't get enough of this actually. I took a small container in my lunch and then my son gobbled up the rest 😂

[@effiecross2008]

As always everything looked delicious! I really love pasta tuna salad, and several years ago I was looking for a way the cut the fat and calories a bit so I tried making it with greek yogurt instead of mayo. I found for me a ratio of about 2 parts greek yogurt to one part mayo really works well. The mayo adds creaminess and keeps the yogurt from being too tart, and the greek yogurt signifigantly lowers the fat and calories while upping the protein content. I actually much prefer it that way, it really lightens up the flavor. I f I have them I also substitute cut up grape tomatoes and cucumbers for the pickles. SO good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this 😁

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

Love the Video. I am doing a self challenge of pantery and freezer clean right now. Looking for new recipe ideas using similar ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like this! 😁

[@marisa3434]

Watching from Sydney Australia ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 thanks for tuning in 💜

[@pek5117]

Same. It's very cold tonight

[@barbarabruce7648]

Me too. How expensive are tomatoes at the moment. I get them pretty cheap at the Grocer store in Miranda Fair. Pre packed kilo bags usually half the going rate of Coles and Woolies.

[@margeebechyne8642]

My maternal grandmother always made macaroni salad with ditalini. It was much like regular macaroni salad except she stirred in some chopped black olives. It was delicious and a great memory. Thank you for reminding me! 😊

[@charlottekearn5185]

Morning Michelle, I love dutch ovens, I have a smaller one that I like to make bread in and a large one for other recipes. I like using those small pastas for making soup and salads too. After watching this I decided that I am going to make tuna pasta salad today, I haven't made it since last summer. I laughed when you said you usually buy mayonnaise only in the summer, I go through many many jars of it, I am pretty crazy with it😂. Anyway have a great week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 yeah...mayo is pretty darn delicious! I love the idea of tuna salad. Such an inexpensive but fabulous meal! I did NOT get enough of the macaroni salad. My son ate it all! 😂 I may have to make some more. Although I think I have something else delicious and fresh to make for next weekend. See you soon! 😁

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Great ideas! To lift up the vegetable content in dishes, I often add a grated zucchini and/or carrot. Especially in anything that already has onion. Thank you for the video!

[@CMarie404]

That first dish is just my style.🤩 Looking like a nice main dish, or as a side for my husband. Ooh butternut squash would be really nice. Looks like a dish that can be adjusted any which way. I never really know what to do with ditalini, so this helped. Mac salad looking nice too. "invested in mayo" 😅 ain't that the truth. Basic mayo has gone way up, I imagine plant based is a budget buster. I'm yet to find one that I like more than regular egg based Hellmans/Best. I dont go through much. Beans & legumes are great. So versatile in how they can be prepared to make different tastes and textures. Between low cost and high nutrition it is a pantry staple. You do quite a service to this cheap staple. Love that you put together really nice, healthy meals that dont break the bank.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much!

[@donedennison9237]

I like taking the harshness out of onion by tossing them in some vinegar. Even the pickle juice would be great. It doesn't take long.

[@bettyir4302]

Give the onion a while to marry into the dish and they're usually fine.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do that sometimes too 👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

good point!

[@DustWind-wh5qy]

Nica pasta salad! I make my potato salad same way, and people just love it.

[@DreadlockSoldierSubliminals]

I Love your channel! So helpful ❤🇦🇺

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much!

[@julieeacott7644]

You are such an inspiration, Michelle. I am making this soup for dinner tonight. I used canned chickpeas and canned tomatoes and I’m going to pour it over cheese tortellini. Also added fresh onion and a yellow pepper. It smells fantastic. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your Sunday videos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Reading this is making me hungry! That sounds delicious with the cheese tortellini.

[@ToriE1073]

I am definitely adding this to my lunchbox menu for this week! It looks delicious! I like this because it is not only quick and easy, but with the exception of the pasta, I always have all of these ingredients on hand. I was thinking of adding a little kale too for some greens. Do you think that would be good?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was thinking the same thing. 😂 That would be delicious!

[@ToriE1073]

@@ArdentMichelle yay! Great minds!! 😂 I will let you know how it turns out.

[@debragrossbach102]

Great video, as usual 💛. I loved the soup idea. I incorporate many varieties of beans in my cooking, but don't use chickpeas that often (although i love the flavor and consistency). This has inspired me to pick some up and try this recipe. I grew up in central Indiana, and macaroni salad was a mainstay at church picnics, family gatherings, etc. I typically add thinly sliced celery because I like the crunch, also I love celery. Thank you for your inspiration and budget friendly content. I hope you and your subscribers have a blessed week 🌞

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love celery in my macaroni salad too! 😁 Have a great week!

[@saraherber1887]

Great video! I really needed a something different pasta recipe for this week. The idea of blending some of the chick peas for creaminess is just the inspiration I needed. Tomorrow night is pasta night with this new recipe. Thank you. I think I might just make a pasta salad with green goddess dressing. Any time I make a less nutritious pasta salad, I add cabbage. It makes me feel better about eating it.😅😅😅 all goodness to you as you start your work week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@sumaocaceres2097]

Thx for sharing your experience 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 💜 thanks for watching.

[@CathieG]

I love using ditalini! It’s so fun and I love the texture. I was just thinking about making a loaded macaroni salad last night. 👍🏻🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay for summer foods! I'm in the mood for fresh items. 👩‍🍳

[@ArdentMichelle]

Excited about next weeks recipe.

[@CathieG]

@@ArdentMichelle me too! 🤩😍😋

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Another great video and everything looked delicious as always great big hugs 🖤

[@arraybabe8514]

Great video, totally with you on keeping some larger pieces of tomato in the recipe. Glad it works without onions too, as hubby is low FODMAP and can't have them. Summer produce will be coming soon too so hopefully some good deals on veggies in the stores, and for those of us with little gardens, that's another way to lower the budget. My lettuces are almost ready to start harvesting, and I have a bunch of baby jalopenos fixing to be ready soon too. Glad for every cent I can save right now!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My future goals are to have some kind of garden. Even if it's a patio garden. 😂

[@annettegregson5381]

Stater Bros has chuck roasts for $3.99/lb this week. I made a pot roast in the crock pot with carrots and mashed potatoes ($2.99 for 5# bag Grocery Outlet). There wasn’t much fat on the roast. I seared it along with some onion and leftover peppers before cooking on low for several hours. We will get at least 6 meals for about $13. I love your show and look forward to watching it every Sunday. The recipe I used is Mississippi Roast and is on The NY Times site. This was an extraordinary buy on the roast; I haven’t seen roasts that cheap for several years.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I lOVE making roast for my family. Thanks for the heads up on this recipe. I'll check it out.

[@connieblack5276]

Yummy, thanks again!

[@lisamillercreates]

What a great gift to receive. Your channel is so amazing and very informative. I'm definitely going to make the first dish. Unfortunately I'm not a pickle person. You're absolutely right about the processed foods. All my cooking is scratch. When I eat processed food my stomach can't handle it even more since I've had Gastric Bypass Surgery. Beans were a mainstay of my diet after the surgery.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I usually eat beans twice a day. Sometimes I get requests for substitutes but there really aren't any. 🤷‍♀️ Nothing beats the cost and nutrition.

[@lisamillercreates]

@ArdentMichelle I'm in total agreement. When I make soup, beans are added instead of pasta.

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Love those Macaroni salads especially during hot summers. As I was watching i thought... and to that I would add mini sweet peppers 😊 and in the next frame they appeared. Sometimes I'll roast them in my airfryer , cool and than put in the pickle jar. Good in the Macaroni salad along with hard boiled eggs . Another frugal meal is imitation crab, finely chopped celery , dried dill, mayo and a lemon juice. # 2 Waldorf salad with my finely chopped celery , apples , canned or cooked chicken, maybe toasted almonds , or walnuts . I find a bunch of celery for about a dollar. Such a great filler , salad addition. Like you ,using what is on hand to extend & vary the meal . The butternut squash sounds delightful for your soup ...maybe with coconut milk too.

[@tinashort9098]

Hey Michelle!! Had to work cleaning horse stalls today and your video was a nice lunch break distraction ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad. 😁 That's so awesome that you have horses! 🐎

[@charlottekearn5185]

Love horses but cleaning stalls not so much. Great exercise though. 😂

[@thelullinthestorm]

Looks good! There’s a recipe from the Cookie and Kate blog called pumpkin marinara that this reminds me of. I think you’d like it. Also for the salad if you put the onion in the bottom and top with the vinegar or pickle juice first you can “cook” it in the acid to mellow it out while you prep the other ingredients

[@ArdentMichelle]

good idea 👍 and I love Cookie and Kate!!!

[@freebygrace18]

Years ago a lady at church shared she put frozen mixed veggies in her macaroni salad. I don't know if it was good or not as I don't care for those type salads. Great looking recipe.

[@maryellenbeltracchi]

I keep a bag of frozen peas and diced carrots for Mac salad. I only use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, so the bag lasts a long time

[@allyrooh3628]

The hot pasta dish would been good with lentils too. The budget meal on my rotation right now is corn chowder. Corn on the cob is 25c/ear here. That pasta salad is also a great idea since it’s starting to get hot here in the Midwest. I love your Dutch oven. Isn’t it just more fun to cook in nice cookware? Have a good week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree......and GREAT price on corn on the cob. Now I'm thinking about the corn salad I made last year. It's time to get into summer recipes...and I agree about the cookware. By the way, thanks again for the liners for the crockpot 💜

[@twinnish]

Looks delicious! My husband does not appreciate hearty soups. As a meal it does not make any sense to him. Having a super light broth along with the meal is something he really likes and wants but if I try to make a hearty soup or stew or chili, he wonders why I’m not making more things for dinner. You know I make a bread maybe a simple veg or salad and then a soup. He’s gone a lot, and I could eat on that soup all week:) Dinner is much simpler when I’m alone. Probably not as nutritious generally but I never can eat everything I’m making when he’s home anyway. It’s a lot of food.

[@bettyir4302]

Mine won't eat anything with pasta in it. Says pasta is for sissies.

[@ArdentMichelle]

This is definitely an unusual pasta dish (at least for Americans). But only because we're not used to having beans in the pasta. I wonder if he would like this more as a brothy type soup?

[@twinnish]

I can just give him the broth. He doesn’t want stuff in the broth. It’s weird. The good news is I could still make that for me and be just fine with it all week like I said.

[@tonip9844]

We eat pasta and ceci regularly and pasta and patane (potatos), pasta e fagioli.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't tried pasta and potatoes. 🤔

[@LindaC616]

I'm a new subscriber, gonna try this with whole wheat pasta, and take your advice on blending some carrots.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for subbing! 💜 I think this will be great with whole wheat pasta.

[@LAactor]

Thanks for taking down the splatter on the Dutch oven. It was killing me!! 😂😅😂 Aldi said they were going to lower prices for the summer and I went and saw a lot of red tags. About 10-15¢ off non staple items that are around $1-$2 And I love that you went to Ralph's even though you didn't say. It's my favorite store. Unless it was Food4Less. Same difference. You can find great deals sometimes there at the Kroger brand.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Understood 😂😂 I'm excited to see the lower prices at Aldi.

[@LAactor]

​@@ArdentMichelleif you like the best foods mayo, it's a reasonable price at Ralph's usually. And every month or two the big jar that you got goes on sale a few dollars. The little jar of Kraft at dollar works in a pinch. I don't love* any other brand too! I've tried Aldi mayo and Burman's tastes like nothing I've tried before. I can't even figure out who makes it.

[@maryegerton6848]

Hi Michelle 😊 Is the first meal okay to freeze? It seems to me it would be. I love to have portions of different things in the freezer because it’s just me. I might make that pasta dish with some frozen pumpkin purée I have in the freezer. I’m kinda wondering what to do with it. Now I know. Happy Sunday ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hmm...🤔 Not sure how the pasta would hold up. I'm the same way as you. I like freezer meals. I say give it a try!

[@DajanaWindtSpaargaren]

If you dont like mayo you can simply substitute the dressing with italian dressing for pasta or even tuna salads.

[@MasterSkillet]

I hate mayo. I never thought of using Italian dressing for tuna salad but that sounds delicious. Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@DajanaWindtSpaargaren]

@@MasterSkillet it tastes a little lighter and refreshing. I do not like mayo either

[@ArdentMichelle]

true in fact, I'll be making one of those soon!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for mentioning this!

[@JordanHPonies]

I've got some spicy bread and butter pickles that would be great in some macaroni salad.

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍

[@kathyclarke6327]

I have watched other tubers that blend cottage cheese. I think that would work as a protein source in the Mac salad🤔

[@sonyavincent7450]

I think subway bread has weird sugar and additives in it which play havoc with your blood sugar causing huge hunger pangs as you digest it!

[@marenwilliams2787]

That is exactly what it is!

[@htas6888]

That sauce looks delicious, I plan to try it. Macaroni does have nutritional value, it has protein and the enriched kind has vitamins and minerals. Adding some chopped red pepper to the pasta salad added some vitamin C and A among other nutritional values. I love the fact that you use food we usually discard, like the leftover pickle brine :) :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

you're right. 👍 I didn't realize that the macaroni has 7 grams of protein per serving. That's not too bad.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for pointing that out!

[@htas6888]

@@ArdentMichelle An adult needs about 40-50 grams of protein a day. Also, body is constantly cleaning up unnecessary things in our body and breaking them down and creating proteins, that is why intermittent fasting works. We have the proteins we need even if we don't always eat the maximum we need. Every piece of food has a bit of protein, even fruits and vegetables, they add up through the day. I just looked up, one medium carrot has one gram of protein, not much but still a little :)

[@judyj4527]

You have a beautiful voice for narration

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜

[@938quilt]

during the pasta salad I was thinking 'add some boiled egg, onion, and tuna' lol then you were giving add in suggestions

[@ArdentMichelle]

we were thinking the same thing 😂

[@TheSusanhunter]

yummy

[@lenoraw1098]

Watching from Oklahoma! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there! 😁

[@thelisaofmonalisa4829]

What's better? Being a pateron member or the KZbin channel member?

[@ArdentMichelle]

for me...the Patreon, but you get a membership sticker by your name when you join here. I can't post on this site to channel members like I can on the Patreon. Although, I rarely post so its best to join only if you want to support me 😂

[@ka6148]

Why do you remove the bay leaf?

[@ArdentMichelle]

because I don't want to eat it.

[@berniewhit]

My family calls mayonnaise vitamin M !😅

[@pek5117]

Yay!

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜

[@vonneblazier814]

I know pasta dalads are popular in the summer but I can’t stand mayonnaise or cold pasta. I'd have made another hot pasta dish.

[@annmich4593]

❤

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

I am going to male this. I have all the ingredients.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 Hope you enjoy!

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

I made the pasta. The sauce is so good. It is very filling. I didn't have the same type of pasta. I used shells, I had onion. I used it as suggested. I added a little Italian seasoning. I think it would be good with some red chili flake.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@colettemcwilliams1325 Yay! I'm glad you liked it. I agree... red chili flakes would be a great addition.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Yep not enough protein in a giant bread Sammie for sure

[@vonneblazier814]

Subway doesn't satisfy me either.

[@CourtneyTaylor10001]

Does the recipes call for that much oil? Seems like a lot.

[@ArdentMichelle]

use as much as you want.

[@bettyir4302]

How about $3 without pasta, rice or beans?

[@ArdentMichelle]

that could be done 👍

[@oldfarmshow]

❤️👍

[@happygardener28]

A mayonnaise is extremely easy to make if you have an immersion blender. There are at least two excellent tutorials for here on KZbin. Eggs, oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt and other seasonings to taste (mustard powder, garlic powder etc.) So, while convenient, it's not necessary to buy any. I've not had much luck making mustard though.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's true, an egg based mayo is easy to make!

[@eileenkung5839]

No bread is 4,99

[@ArdentMichelle]

correct. The loaf I bought was $4.99