Can $15 Feed a Family of 4 for a full day? (No Pasta, Beans, or Rice!)

[@lucyburdine5337]

Rebecca, I have recommended your videos to a local charity that provides food to low income families. The director of the charity thinks they will be a valuable resource to their clients. You reach more people than you may realize and you show such compassion. Hoping you will recover soon and be back to full health.

[@pamela-gw7xo]

That was quite thoughtful of you! Great idea and so helpful!! May you have a blessed day.💞

[@patriciahurt5608]

Hope you are soon well again. I missed you and I am sorry you are sick.

[@tauna8941]

A food bank series would be great. I'm sure a food bank would work with her.

[@TracyLynn589]

Fabulous idea!❤😊

[@DebbieandEddieBFF]

❤

[@maryshirley4048]

I am 80 and live alone. I am on SS, so money is tight. I love your recipes. I cut them down to feed just me. So they last me several days. Thank you so much.

[@DKilnerScull-wu1gn]

You are so social security in 80 you can apply for food stamps in Medicaid that would help you out dear

[@coloradopackratprepper]

​@@DKilnerScull-wu1gnsorry it depends on your ss income.

[@Shantelle6253]

​@@DKilnerScull-wu1gn the COLA increase put many people over the EBT threshold. So they clawed back the whole increase, got to tax me and took away EBT. They found a way to keep their money plus some 😢

[@judimccune8875]

I’m also on SS and what I do is make the whole recipe and then freeze what I don’t eat. I have several different meal choices in my fridge. Hope this helps.

[@judimccune8875]

Take care of yourself and get better soon🥰

[@im_amil]

I'm 19 living on my own and you've given me so many great ideas and have helped me spend less on eating out. I appreciate these videos and I hope you feel better soon

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm so glad! That is the best thing to hear!

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

It’s great that you understand the importance of saving money on food/budgeting when you have your own place so you can still eat well and be able to put your money towards other necessities and bills. I wish I was that smart at 19 to budget better. I wasted so much money on fast food/junk food.

[@conniehahn4577]

That's great at 19...you are learning a valuable lesson...it will stay with you! ❤

[@mae88b.16]

Thats is great you start learning early, most adults don’t learn frugality until circumstances change, don’t wait for that to happen.

[@carnigob42069]

thank you for posting these videos. my sister and i (20 and 22) live on our own in a motel, and while we dont have access to a dollar tree i still use your tips and recipes daily to keep our meals budget-friendly. we are both picky eaters in opposite directions but every time we try your recipes we are united in our appreciation for them! ive made those microwave enchiladas countless times and they always come out so good.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much! The microwave enchiladas are excellent and I’m so glad you enjoy them ❤️

[@shaunacollier4925]

I don’t know why I teared up during this video. I guess because so many ppl have to budget like that, but it touched me knowing that they can do it and get their bellies full. Just made me see the humanity in everyone. I love your videos. Been watching for years.

[@ErdbeereRot]

Do not waste the hashbrown-water - collect it in a container, let it sit for a while, spill the water over the starch on the bottom of the container away, use the collected starch for a sauce or stew thickening slurry

[@michellefox7441]

GREAT tip! I'm absolutely going to try that. I'm gluten free and corn starch is expensive! Thank you for commenting 😊

[@jillghiati5761]

also very good (the potatoes water) for your bread making. Best from Jill

[@michellefox7441]

@@jillghiati5761 absolutely going to do that! gluten free bread is gross, so I'll try anything lol! I also make my own hummus and I use the bean water (aqua faba) to replace eggs in baked goods (not bread or brownies, just cakes & cookies). all canned bean water works as long as its not heavily seasoned. homemade works too, but let the beans sit in the water in the fridge overnight. garbanzo bean water makes really good meringue cookies!

[@lindanizamoff7981]

You could also make a hot dog casserole. with a layer of canned chili ,a layer of hot dogs ,some cheese and a box of jiff corn bread mix poured on top. No bread needed then.

[@dryellowkate]

Great idea!

[@texasstardust6010]

Yes, I was thinking about that, as I watched... my Mother made this but she used her Homemade Chili and we always looked forward to this, it's a fun dish for kids . ...she served it with a simple " wedge " salad cherry tomatoes ( each person had thier own small wedge ) and it was so good. She always added shredded cheese at the end, on top of the Cornbread, and broiled that fir a minute.

[@connieguzman8721]

Fantastic idea! 👍

[@tanishahogan9396]

This sounds delicious! I'll have to try it!

[@stacypappas9677]

That's sounds pretty yummy, I will have to try that 😋

[@katiepeterson2306]

The amount of times I grew up eating bread as buns is astounding haha. I used to have hotdog sandwiches a couple days a week with some chips or Mac and cheese. Gotta do what you gotta do with what you've got. My parents kept us fed, all that matters.

[@Amber-ghini]

Same! Never thought twice about it as a kid and still dont! Bread is bread and food is food! ❤

[@Tigertame4]

I grew up in a prosperous family and we used bread as buns as well. My parents grew up during the depression so were frugal.

[@kelliedurham6006]

They (he buns) make great submarine sandwiches

[@timkahler6869]

Saw a trick, where they turned a muffin tin upside down and put the bread in there so that it became and lightly toasted them in the oven so they became like a bun in shape

[@TXJan0057]

Reminds me of the old joke, a photo of a slice of white bread. Caption redneck hot dog bun, hamburger bun, biscuit, crescent roll.

[@justjet]

I make patties this way with tuna, salmon, zucchini or cabbage and I love them with a little sour cream. I will be trying your crab cakes. I'm alone so your 12 patties would give me 6 meals. Thanks so much. Feel better soon. Prayers.

[@barbwall3678]

What’s your recipe? What is the binder to get the cabbage to keep the patty shape?

[@xingcat]

I guessed the crab cakes the moment you got the stuffing mix! It's an easy shortcut, for sure. When I have to make a big batch of hash browns, I'll often do them in the oven on a sheet pan. If you get it right, they crisp up very nicely that way, and it saves things from being so crowded.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Oh that’s a great tip! I’ve never done them in the oven I’ll have to do that next time

[@The3Storms]

Excellent! Sure works for bacon, happy to try this. Thank you!

[@bernadettechute7998]

The crab cakes look like they are mostly stuffing. Not much crab. Might be better if the crab was shredded into smaller pieces and not left in big chunks

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I didn’t leave it in big chunks, I used my hands to break up the pieces

[@nysari_]

I love that lunch was crabcakes -- something we tend to associate as a luxury item. Everyone should get to eat something that feels a little luxurious now and then!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I think most of us grew up in a home where hot dogs were often served with a piece of bread wrapped around it instead of a hot dog bun. An actual chili dog sandwich? Any kid (grown up and pint size) will think they have died and gone to sandwich heaven!! Was interesting to see Food Lion (a store I'm not familiar with). Would love to see how Dollar Tree and Dollar General compare. And please take care of yourself!!! Feel better soon. ♥♥♥

[@janiehowington7622]

Food Lion, I believe if part of the chain of Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer and more.

[@originalcoverme]

Food Lion is an independent chain in the Southeast. It's similar to Kroger but not affiliated.

[@cynsi7604]

Headquarters are in Salisbury, NC. And was founded in NC. The name way back when used to be “FOOD TOWN” then was changed sometime in the 80s to FOOL LION. ✌🏻

[@bettyjoelauper]

My husband prefers white bread for bub hot dog or hamburger actually. It's a piece of nostalgia and saves money

[@Kathy-p2l3v]

I prefer bread over hamburger or hot dog buns. Buns is too much bread for me. My husband likes the buns so I just keep them in the freezer for him

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

A tip, if you shop at Publix and buy anything, they will let you get packets of condiments as well as a few pieces of plastic ware from the deli section there.

[@EllyKaye84]

Publix has great quality stuff. It is, however VERY expensive in a lot of cases. They have great BOGOs sometimes. Most items tho, watch out!

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

@@EllyKaye84 I am usually only there for the BOGO items. Aldi for the rest.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Me too

[@BLUECRABNETWORK]

Except that Publix is virtually THE most expensive place to buy groceries! 🎉

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

@@BLUECRABNETWORK absolutely true. I normally only buy BOGO stuff there

[@mzrlvr]

That virus going around is mean. My husband and I have had it for almost two weeks and we're still not completely over it. My ears have been plugged and I can hardly hear!! Take care of yourself so you get better quicker. You really do everyone a service with your ideas, even down to tips on cooking and prepping food. Thank you so much for all you do. God bless. *Extra note: I always made my homemade mayo in my blender. It was so satisfying to watch it turn from just oil and egg to mayo as you slowly poured the oil in!

[@allison471]

Look into Congaplex by Standard Process excellent vitamins/supplements helps build the thymus gland & made from whole foods, been using for years 😊

[@samanthag2740]

The ASMR cooking was just what I needed. It was so relaxing. I’m exhausted and burnt out from work already this week and this was the perfect way to wind down when I got home. And it was nice that it was real ASMR and not just tapping on things and slamming them down on the counter. I’d love to see more of these! Also, I can’t wait to try those crabcakes!!

[@ParisFashionista]

Same

[@EmilyinEPCOT]

The “I watched a single tutorial” is such a vibe

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It makes life more interesting when you don’t really know what you’re doing but you have just enough information to feel confident in attempting it lol

[@RocketNinjaSlap]

Your dedication to these videos is really impressive! I hope you're taking care of yourself, too. My secret recipe when I have any kind of congestion/upper respiratory illness is to put 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into a peppermint tea bag before steeping it. It doesn't taste great, but it gives me an hour or two without symptoms for every cup when I have a bad cold, and with a little honey to help your sore throat, it might taste less aggressive! Hope you recover well, and thank you for these videos. 💕

[@The3Storms]

👀 noted for use in future, thank you so much!

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

also i like to drink chicken broth or bullion with a little bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. It helps open up the sinuses...

[@diversekakes]

Also, slippery elm powder, honey and lemon in some nettle leaf or ginger tea

[@sallygordin2869]

A tip for flipping a huge batch of hash browns is to flip it on a dinner plate then slide it back in the skillet. Works every time. Great menu. Hope you feel better real soon. Blessings!

[@champagnemommy]

Brilliant. Why I never thought of this 😮 I don’t know. 😊

[@mariafentis]

@@champagnemommy The plate works well for flipping omelets too

[@bernadettechute7998]

They are quite burnt

[@tapestry6455]

Trouble with plate flipping you can miss and then hash browns all over the place!! Spatula you control the flip :-)

[@sharonoldham4374]

​@@champagnemommy Good menu for $15.

[@created2bless322]

Feel better❤️ YES, to your idea of comparing and making Meals from Dollar Tree items etc… Yummo to these meals btw!!!! Thank you Rebecca!!!

[@racheladams5299]

The crab cakes looked delicious. When making homemade mayo use a blender in a minute you’ll have a wonderfully delicious homemade mayonnaise.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Immersion blender in a tall skinny cup is the best way with the least waste.

[@rachelgunn1997]

I always recommend your videos to people in the budgeting groups I'm a part of or when I see people struggling to make ends meet. You have given me so many ideas, would love a cookbook or something from you sometime in the future!

[@craftykn9452]

Yes….a cookbook

[@kelliedurham6006]

Sorry your sick. Get well soon. Currently homeless and living in a hotel worth my 19 yr old. How can I make cheap meals with using just a microwave? Due to fire marshal rules nothing such as instapot, electric skillets, griddles, crockpot/ slow cookers

[@samanthalillibridge]

She posted a microwave only video about a month ago! It may be helpful 😊

[@VernaMarie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGrMZXaJbtmJq9ksi=8NcixMzPD7AK2mH5

[@Ni5nightingale]

There’s a microwave video about a year ago.

[@scook5599]

The video about microwave cooking is called, "What to eat when all you have is a microwave?" It was posted about one month ago. Wishing you well and I hope that life improves for you very soon.

[@bmolitor615]

type your question into youtube's search line - you'll get a BUNCH of videos.

[@shenlun]

simple recipe for homemade mayo. 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon of mustard (this helps the emulsification which is why you struggled earlier). 1 tablespoon of vinegar . Combine all three and then slowly drizzle in the oil a few drops at a time to start with and then gradually add more as the emulsification stabilizers.

[@ketoauntie7301]

That's how I make mine & add Himalayan pink salt.

[@fiesehexe8133]

If you make mayonnaise (or any emulsion) by hand, always whisk in one single direction. It prevents things from seperating! Very nice video, als always. Thanks for making these challenges!

[@ruthfreeman864]

Blender on lowest speed for making emulsions

[@Petsod]

I always use alittle mustard at the start (½ teaspoon or so), it helps to bind the egg and oil.

[@hawnair6624]

Love that you are addressing the public’s concerns - higher prices on food, but trying to make the best meals. Sorry you are not feeling well, but selfishly speaking, missed you!

[@maepixie1372]

The local pantries love to give you canned goods. How would you use canned Salmon, tuna, ground beef or ground pork (all 4 are canned products)? They also hand out lots of different types of dried beans. Lentils seem to be there favorite to hand out. :S Here a typical box of food from a pantry is 1 can of tuna, 1 can of Salmon, 1can of ground beef or ground pork (24oz). Then you get 2 cans of soup, one can of green beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of spaghetti sauce, noodles, and 1 can of mixed fruit. Then you get a bag with 1 stick of butter, 6 eggs, and 1 package of ground beef in a plastic roll if they have it. If they have random items like crackers or cookies then you get those too. This is typical for a family 1-3 people here at a no choice pantry. Then the fresh box you pick up typically will have 2 pounds of beans (usually lentils), 1 3-5 pound bag of potatoes, 3 pound bag of apples, either a 1 pound bag of walnuts or a 1 pound bag of roasted almonds, and last few months a small tub of cottage cheese and a 3 pound box of cheese that i would say is the generic of Velveeta. My question to you is could you show ways to use the salmon, lentils, cottage cheese and that 3 pound block of cheese. You don't have to use all of these in one dish. Just ideas for those that are getting these items. GREAT VIDEO! loved it.

[@3dogmom]

I grew up with my g'ma making salmon patties (much like the crab cakes shown in this video). She used can/packaged salmon and I still make them to this day. Very filling and easy to make- the salmon, an egg, bread crumbs, S&P. Add a veggie and you'll be full :)

[@beckygeer6480]

You could make the cakes with tuna or salmon or canned chicken the same way.

[@jolenethiessen357]

I use canned tuna and salmon for cakes similar to her crab cakes all the time. I use smushed up soda crackers instead of stuffing, but could also use finely ripped bread, other crackers , really anything bread and starchy like that. Lentils I love in soup. My friend used to get food hampers and would get like, 2 carrots and a potato. Those chopped up with lentils, along with any dredged of veggies you have, and a base of just water or bullion cubes makes a nice meal. Filling too. Cottage cheese makes a good topper on toast (add lots of black pepper), or can be layered with your pasta and sauce for a sort of lasagna thing. It's high in protein, so you don't need meat to make it filling. Growing up, I loved cottage cheese with diced fruit (usually apples or pears) for dessert.

[@lesliekanengiser8482]

Good job! I most certainly can do 100 bucks for 4 people. Even 5(my size family). But, I will say it isn't exactly like what I want for every day food. Meaning, my family won't be eating salad and fresh veggies and steak for every meal. But, they'll be full. During the summer, when we have our garden, I will say 50 to 75 bucks is doable for us as well. But, the flip side is we have to work way harder for it. If you have time to budget and plan, it's easier to achieve this budget amount

[@Anarchyinthe603]

Get well soon! I'm immunocompromised, so whenever I get sick it hits like a truck; I can relate to that feeling of being such for what feels like forever, and it's never fun. Oddly enough, I was just looking up your channel this morning, thinking to myself that I haven't seen an upload recently and was hoping all was well with you and yours. Hopefully, you'll be back to feeling 100% soon; spring has finally arrived and I'm sure you'd like to enjoy this lovely weather!

[@morgioes01]

Toasting the bread for the hot dog sandwiches would have elevated that meal even more!! I’ve had those a few times ☺️ Really wanna try making the crab cakes!

[@Linusxmom]

You could also butter both outside pieces and pan fry it to toast also!

[@Cherylhagemeister]

when I don't have buns I always toast my bread.

[@ParisFashionista]

I thought that as well

[@IlovTrunks16]

I *really* love the ASMR section! There's some kind of background hum from your HVAC that just *adds* to the clicks and mixing and general shuffling that reminds me exactly of hearing my great grandma cooking in her kitchen while I sprawled out on her itchy couch in summer! (She had a window AC unit in the kitchen that gave that nice hum.)

[@_NotHerRealName]

Sorry you're still sick. It reminds me to be thankful that I don't get sick. The new knives are so bright and cheerful. And hotdogs on whitebread is a staple but you even found a way to make it not seem like hot dogs on white bread. Well done all the way around.

[@Yesica1993]

Everybody gets sick at some point.

[@j4994]

First off I appreciate you still putting out content even while under the weather! And I can't believe you cooked three meals when not feeling your best, thank you! I really enjoyed the no talking segment, It made me pay more attention since I couldn't just listen while doing something else. Please feel better soon, and do more 😊

[@Shantelle6253]

I just happen to have all these ingredients on hand! Ive been looking for ways to use up stuffing mix so thank you! Feel better soon ❤

[@dryellowkate]

I am continually amazed at your creativity and ability to stretch a budget. I recommend you to all of my friends and the people I work with that are on limited budgets. Feel better soon!

[@ceciliaguevara6977]

Hi , i recommended your videos to my 17 yeae old daughter since she is heading to college soon . I told her your very creative with cheap ingredients . You have inspired me a 44 year old mom with a family of six . Four teens 13 boy, 15 boy , 17 girl, 19 boy and my husband and I . Thanks and love your videos ❤.

[@darkrandom9947]

Hope you feel better soon. Thanks for making this video even if you're not feeling 100%.❤

[@amandaf3663]

I shop at Food Lion when I plan it out between the sales ad, their online coupons and the rewards you get for buying so much in specific departments. I just have myself to feed so it isn’t as hard as a multi person family. I pretty much check all the sales ads and compare them. I am thankful I finally started listening to the money saving tips my mom used to give me. I really hope you get better soon. I have caught something that has kept me sick for a couple weeks now too.

[@hdhdjzhhhdhd6235]

I was taught to ALWAYS crack each egg into a separate cup. If there's a "bad" egg (rare in grocery-store boughten eggs, but not so rare in farmers market or neighborhood backyard egg purchases) it is easy to see. And egg shell pieces are much easier to remove from a cup than from a bowl or food mixture!

[@jolenethiessen357]

Oof, I learned this the hard way with farm eggs! That was THE most disgusting things I ever experienced! 😂

[@kathleenritter4532]

Another great video. As a mom of 4 who uses foodbanks to help my budget, your ideas are so helpful. Sometimes food ruts are a real struggle. I try to make as much home made but times using ready made (like the hot dog chili sauce) really helps the budget. Feel better.

[@randy-robindunn5431]

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, but thank you for posting. I really enjoy watching you! And I loved the ASMR touch. Very relaxing! Also, I'm retired, but while I was till working and would attend my industry's convention, I ALWAYS came home with a cold!

[@Tessie51]

The bread for the to make hotdogs buns like this Hot dog wraps, using sliced bread Generously butter a small baking dish. (For 5 wrapped hot dogs, I use an 8 X 8 inch pyrex baker.) Preheat oven to 375 F. Lay 1 hot dog on 1 slice of bread, on the diagonal. Wrap the hot dog in the bread slice. Secure with 3 toothpicks, through the bread and the hot dog. Place in the buttered baking dish. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 375 degrees F (less time if using commercial bread, 10-12 minutes total), until the outside dog-wraps are toasty, and the hot dog is hot. Remove the toothpicks before serving. The bread will hold its folded over shape, making a "bun". Top with regular hot dog toppings. Hot dog wraps, using sliced bread Generously butter a small baking dish. (For 5 wrapped hot dogs, I use an 8 X 8 inch pyrex baker.) Preheat oven to 375 F. Lay 1 hot dog on 1 slice of bread, on the diagonal. Wrap the hot dog in the bread slice. Secure with 3 toothpicks, through the bread and the hot dog. Place in the buttered baking dish. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 375 degrees F (less time if using commercial bread, 10-12 minutes total), until the outside dog-wraps are toasty, and the hot dog is hot. Remove the toothpicks before serving. The bread will hold its folded over shape, making a "bun". Top with regular hot dog toppings.

[@debbiepowell8172]

I hope you are feeling better. Thanks for the video. I know you probably didn’t really feel like filming it but I’m glad you did.

[@tereclemmer7923]

That was a good day's meals. I think I would have changed the hotdogs for lunch and the crabcakes for dinner. Great job!

[@patriciahagedorn5694]

I totally agree. The crab cakes and green beans were a little more filling for the dinner meal. Everything looked good.

[@nancywhite5629]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@jennfurr]

Thank you! We unexpectedly had a money crunch this month so I will definitely be doing this. As a plus, i already have quite a bit of the ingredients on hand, just never thought to put them together that way.

[@_E_P]

we now like to make out chili dogs as a casserole. break any bread up into bite sizes (buns, bread, rolls anything) cut the hotdogs in bite size slices and a can of chili dog sauce a squeeze of ketchup a dash of mustard mix all together (including onions and what not) and give a good stir, place some hotdogs or bun pieces evenly disburse and add some cheese and serve or pop in oven or microwave for a few seconds and then serve.

[@TXJan0057]

Sorry but I got a good laugh out if ass some cheese.😅

[@_E_P]

@@TXJan0057 OMG!! I had no idea , oops lol 😂 😂

[@mustwereallydothis]

If you save the water from the first two rinses of your shredded potatoes, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and slowly pour the water out, you will be left with a layer of potato starch. If you spread that out on some foil or parchment paper and let it dry, you will be left with potato starch, which works almost the same as corn starch. It will keep for a long time if you dry it throughly in your oven set to the lowest setting with the door slightly ajar. Obviously a dehydrator would do the job more economicaly and quickly. Many air fryers have dehydrate settings as well.

[@juliehowman3912]

Living on a really tight budget, not using the usual go to options is a great idea. Your prices seem really high in America. Using the generic store brands is not always cheaper, oftentimes they come in different size packages or have fillers in them. When on a tight budget I recommend taking a calculator with you. Also I don’t know if your supermarket chains do 2nd grade fruit and vegetables for example a 1kg bag of wonky carrots comes in at 60p for one person on their own like me, that will do me a whole month, the wonky asparagus were 80p for 3 portions. Regular asparagus for the same size package is £2.39. The wonky sweet potato is 60p for 2kg. The regular sweet potato are £1.39/kg so as you can see it really does pay to shop the wonky fruit and veg, Asda have the equivalent of wonky veg called great value veg, most of the supermarkets here have them it’s just a matter of finding out what they are called. You are limited to seasonal vege, but I freeze a lot of my produce as I cannot get through it quick enough this means I still have produce out of season. I shop monthly that way I get more bang for my buck. It does mean I have to batch cook and freeze my vegetables but it also gives greater variety. £15 / day does not yield the same £105/week. Hope you feel better soon would love to see more meals like these ones. I enjoy watching your videos as you do try to stay away from the usual suspects. I know it’s hard to get away from using the hotdog sausages, and deli ham or eggs but seeing you use the crab substitute was inspiring, and using stuffing mix to make the cakes was also a novel idea.

[@nixi-bixi]

We in the UK are having time of it with food prices but I am very grateful to be in the UK Vs the USA. Not only are our increased prices cheaper than the USA, they are generally significantly cheaper. Plus we have more rigorous food safety regulations so we know what is in our food has been deemed safe Vs hasn't *yet* caused any harm like in the USA. Whilst we too have issues with ultra processed food, we can get stables & seasonal veg and fruits at decent prices Vs only being able to get ultra processed food at budget prices. The fact that you have to be "better off" in the USA to be able to cook from scratch, fresh food is a travesty. Whilst the NHS has been significantly underfunded for over a decade, at least with nationalised health care, our government has skin in the game to at least legislate against things that are harmful or else be burdened with sick people needing health care and reducing the amount available for tax if unable to work. Tho I do hope that when we get a new government later this year, that they put the focus back on building the NHS back up, despite the time it will take.

[@juliehowman3912]

@@nixi-bixi absolutely, as a single person on my own my monthly spend has gone up to £55.00, and a 3-4 monthly spend of £30.00 (for staples like popcorn, soya products, grains, legumes, cornmeal, flour, cooking oils, spices, powdered milk, sugar etc) for that I get three meals a day made from scratch meals plus snacks. That’s around £2.00 per day. I’m constantly taken aback by their prices over in the USA. We can always get some form of unprocessed meat in the value brands, be it chicken, pork or beef. Making one’s own bread is cheap, and can be used as bread, or bread crumbs or as part of a meal, and making pancakes is pennies, they freeze superbly, the same recipe can be used to make vegetable fritters, or pancakes. The sweet potatoes that are so cheep at the moment can also be used to make pancakes, which freeze fantastically or as you would any other potatoes, and it freezes superbly.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

When my brother was broke, he made a dish similar to your crab cakes. He called them Krabby Patties.

[@kurtzxcvb3481]

I don't know if you did this step but when I make my hash browns I put the rinsed hash browns and a cheesecloth and squeeze out all the water as much as possible they make it seem like they brown up a little easier😊

[@rachellday485]

I hope you're feeling better soon! ❤ For the homemade mayonnaise, if you happen to have an immersion blender it goes so quickly. Literally about one minute and you've got mayonnaise 😃

[@picgirl5590]

Love the idea of turning the hotdogs into more of a filling meal! i'll have to try that as i sometimes don't use all the buns or its not in my budget to get them. Feel better soon!!

[@Tigertame4]

I LOVE your videos. I used to work with low income emotionally distrurbed teens. One thing we would do was make lunches for the week, planning meals and reading sales flyers. The budget the school provided was a dollar a day per kid. THESE Videos would have been such a help. THANK YOU for doing these.

[@DonnaSmith-ff2wu]

Love this! One tip, when slicing a lemon, slice in half the long wat, then into segments across the length It avoids having that rib and membrane down the center and they release their juice more easily.

[@tanishahogan9396]

I would love to see a series of this...one from DT, one from DG, one from Walmart, one from a combination or something like that...the no rice, beans and pasta is definitely a unique limitation to try to work around.

[@dawng.8836]

Thank you for showing budget meals that don't have beans & rice. Feel better soon.

[@jillgott6567]

One option would be to skip the bread as you already had carbs with the hashbrowns and purchase a large bag of salad mix . If you saved 2 eggs from breakfast you could then top the salad with boiled eggs or the imitation crab meat . This helps to get in more vegetables. I love the Crab Cake idea. I will make it.

[@AGee2217]

I always grab extra mayo and mustard from gas stations. It’s come in handy more times than I can remember. When my boyfriend and I go out of town on adventures we always bring our own food to save money. This is where those packets save the day.

[@lindsayjagneaux4402]

Any sandwich you make can be made better, by toasting your bread. Take a mayo packet and lightly brush it and toast in a skillet. This is how I make grilled cheese, as well. Also, if you have a gas stove, you can roast the hotdogs on a open flame, similar to bbq or campfire dogs. Another trick I like to use with hotdogs and sausages is hitting them with a cheese grater. Fry that on the stove, especially with a little seasoning or aromatics, it turns into a whole new thing. I hope this helps. I loved this video. Thank you, so much!

[@donnaj1546]

It could be allergies and a cold. Those knock me for a loop.

[@briannahudson6329]

I do grocery shopping once a month because I'm on such a tight budget being on SSDI. I tell you what I use the apps for walmart, dollar general and payless(our local kroger) and if it wasnt for comparing prices and the coupons you can find in apps i would not make it each month especially with the crazy restrictions I have on food do to health and medications. Seeing someone like you who does this just because they want to help and not because its trendy or a "challenge" is so heart warming.

[@cablegirl90]

Dear don't worry about making videos,go take care of yourself first and foremost.

[@jeffbarnes54]

I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been sick, and I hope you get better soon. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve just started watching your videos and they are fantastic. Thank you for all of the time that you put into making these and sharing all of this information. As an older person who’s on a fixed income this really helps and I feel like I’m so much more stable and prepared because I can really stock up on the items you recommend and eat well and it’s so appreciated.

[@leasabowman1557]

I never thought of crab cakes like that... definitely will try! Thank you for your content...you help so many!!!

[@SpecialCuriousity]

I have that same Cuisnart knife set. Got it from Wal-Mart around Christmas time for I believe about $17. It's the best, most versatile knife set I've ever had, and at that price simply can't be beat! Everyone should have this set!

[@cindydaniel6125]

1 of the reasons I always keep any of the packets from meals out. Even jelly, honey or butter...😊 I've eaten many a hotdog on white bread. Great ideas.😊

[@Yesica1993]

I've never had crab. These crab cakes look simple enough. I generally like fish, so I'm sure I'd love this! Thank you for doing this even though you're sick. That is so sweet. I hope you can get some rest and this stupid bug leaves you soon.

[@lisagrafton2529]

We like taking frozen square cut hash browns with peppers n onions, cooking them up, adding leftover ham, steak or sausage, beat some eggs with sour cream, and pour it over the hash browns and meat mixture, to make a delightful scramble, any time of the day. We especially enjoy it for dinner!

[@monica.d67]

I really appreciate how you bring food to the table for a family. I was wondering if you could do something around healthy alternatives you could purchase at the Dollar Tree or say Dollar General. Thinking if I’m feeding my family what are some substitutes I can use to mix say with other things I might have at home or need to pick up including snacks because kids, spouses…they all like to munch so having a variety of cost-effective foods and snacks would makes sense 😊.

[@amblingiris2875]

Hope you feel better soon! I loved the ASMR section and the captions, especially the “fork fork fork ;)” and “bloop,” lol. I agree that it was very soothing. And imitation crab is a neat idea! Thank you for making this video for us, even while feeling under the weather.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Haha glad you liked it, I wish I could find a way to be as comical in person as I am in writing 😂 maybe ASMR is my true strength ❤️❤️

[@paulabailey9791]

​@@DollarTreeDinnersbeing kind and gentle is your true strength. I hope you are back to full health quickly.

[@amyshort5625]

You helped me so much feed my family of 5 for a couple of months last year when we really hit a rough patch. We are in a better financial spot right now but I still enjoy watching what you come up with, I am definitely going to try those crab cake soon!

[@jeremywilson6387]

Oooh wow you just showed me why I don't like tartar sauce I never actually knew what made me hate it...the relish! I Love pickles, cucumbers in just about any form...except relish for some random reason lol I try relish about once a year thinking surely my love of pickles will have changed my mind. And in almost 43yrs it never has lol

[@The3Storms]

You can go Swedish and chop your favorite pickle instead of using relish (which I often find very sweet) and add some dill if you like.

[@jeremywilson6387]

@@The3Storms interesting! I like that idea I'm going to have to try that out thanks!!

[@juliewood4501]

My new Tartar sauce recipe calls for DILL relish. Total game changer. Yum!

[@The3Storms]

@@jeremywilson6387 You are so welcome! And Swedish/Norwegian recipes will often do a blend of mayo and sour cream with seafood, or if you live near Hispanic communities like I do you could use crema which is slightly more neutral than sour cream. I wish you great meals!!

[@jeremywilson6387]

@@The3Storms I do (I'm in Phoenix haha) and yea depending on the dish I use crema or sour cream so I'm definitely familiar. Thank you so much I'm constantly on Pinterest looking for new scratch recipes so you have pushed me right into my newest search haha

[@XwynntopiaX]

This was a great video! Whoda thunk you could feed FOUR people for $15 for the whole day, and no pasta, beans, or rice? I love your videos. Been watching you for a few years now and never get tired of seeing what you come up with. Love it, keep 'em coming!

[@jeremywilson6387]

Hope you get better soon! Rest up and some hot tea might help some. Me = enjoys watching your asmr videos Also me = immediately turns on blaring music when I'm cooking🤷‍♂️🤣

[@bubblegumplastic]

I love hearing you talk but the no talking was also nice :) relaxing, as you said. I hope you feel better soon! My household has been noticing a similar healing pattern in regards to colds, in the last two or so years. They take much longer to clear up

[@TBIJourney]

I hope you feel better. Ive been sick off and on since Dec. Seems to just never go away. Will keep you in my thoughts while you recover!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you my friend! That’s how it feels, some days I’m better and some days I’m worse, I’m going on 2 weeks of this now and it’s hard to see the end of it but I’m optimistic

[@TBIJourney]

@@DollarTreeDinners I'm currently not well. I'll stay optimistic with you so that way it's 100% optimism. Then you should get better 😄

[@dawnpatriot6248]

My boss has had a similar cold. Just fatigue, post nasal drip, mild cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Not a terrible cold, but just keeps her run down. Get better soon!

[@cheryljohnson7838]

You've been missed. Take care of yourself. But selfishly I'm glad to see you.

[@YouCanCallmeNet]

I hope you feel better soon !! It's awful being sick 🤒 Thank you for these ideas !!!!

[@rosemariemichel7050]

When I was younger we didn't know what hot dog buns were. All your sandwiches were on white bread.😊

[@crose174]

Wow, 🤯 😮 ❤ the crab cakes! I LOVE crab cakes but can rarely have them because I have a large family and a small budget and I’m the only big seafood lover, so my preferences often get the cut. A pair of crab cakes can cost $10.99, maybe $6.00 when they are on sale, but with this recipe I can have them for lunch when Im just cooking for me (maybe even every week 😂) 🎉 Thank you, I’m really excited!

[@hello-vs4me]

Hope you feel better ❤😊

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you! I appreciate that ❤️

[@calliecjs]

Same here. Cold in February. Another in March. Today doctor for antibiotic and a cream for nose sores. Nadal saline 2 to 3 times a day.

[@rebekahhansen1112]

I would grill the hot dog sandwich add a slice of cheese. Than u have grilled cheese, hot dog, chili , onion sandwich. And most likely a big mess of a meal 😅😅

[@Notlost-lj9qt]

That reminds me of a meal we used to have back in the day. You take a piece of bread, put a slice of cheese on it, then a hot dog, laying it on the diagonal. Then you pull up the two corners and secure with toothpicks. You broil the whole thing so the bread is toasty, the cheese is melty and the hot dog is heated through and a little crispy on the ends. Yum.

[@MonaCD2000]

Watching you make the hashbrowns reminded me of a favourite comfort food of my youth and ancestry, Rapure, is an Acadian dish. Don't know if you have something similar there. There are different versions in different regions and as many recipes as there are people who make it. My version comes from my Acadian grandmother. It is basically grated potato and onion with meat, most often pork (it's the tastiest) but chicken is sometimes used. It is baked in a pan or casserole dish. It can easily be upsized or downsized and, other than the potato and onion, other ingredients can be played with. I think it is a hearty affordable meal. If you like I can share my recipe with you.

[@adventurebythemile]

Try making meals without a ton of carbs and sugar. I can’t eat either and it’s a struggle

[@susielisle922]

I hear you, same boat here. However eating on such a tight budget it's near impossible to do it. I think the idea is full belies, full bellies are better than being hungry which is just as bad for your health. I beleive it's just meant as inspiration. As you know swaps are doable, like cauliflower mash, rice etc. Broccoli fritters, yum! Since she's cooking for 4, and say you cooked for 3... maybe it would leave more in your budget for different items for your dietary needs. Wishing you great success with your health! Good bless.

[@scook5599]

I believe that Rebecca recently made a video or two making healthier meals. For health reasons, I need meals with less sodium, fat and carbs so I do understand.

[@rachelgunn1997]

She did one video about a year ago? Low carb from dollar tree... I think. Also, I thi k Lifebyjen does keto/low carb meals

[@donnagent6046]

Pretty impossible on a super tight budget.

[@marymitchell8717]

You can eat healthy on a budget for less than $7 per person per day, depending where you live.

[@daisyd90]

The crab cakes look amazing!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

They are! Definitely recommend!

[@Sarah_Grant]

As a hearing disabled person, I really enjoyed the no talking/ASMR parts of the video. 😂 Feel better soon. ❤ I also had a flu type sickness recently that knocked me out for several weeks. Tested negative for everything but felt awful. Ugh.

[@chrystalconelly6890]

I am on SS & don’t qualify for food stamps. I eat healthy meals shopping sales, buying in bulk & vacuum sealing & freezing.

[@jenniferreynolds5003]

Ty for the great ideas sunshine. Hope you feel better

[@christinecopley9682]

Me and my mom and daughter love your videos, the meal ideas we have seen you make, and I have started doing quite a bit of my grocery shopping at dollar tree...thank you so much for what you do! Keep making these types of videos!!!

[@sunnihunny]

Girl! I had to pause the video and laugh when you said 2 teenagers . One can only HOPE they are both girls! 😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@camerynmorales6209]

I really hope you start to feel better. Since moving out this year your videos have been a life saver for my tight budget and getting to try foods Ive never made before makes me feel more confident in the kitchen. Thank you for everything you do!

[@Zenithxblack]

Take care! I'm sorry you've been feeling yucky.

[@LizFaith-sv4ng]

Not only are you giving me great ideas, you’re teaching me how to cook things I never learned before, in such an approachable way. One of the realest channels.

[@kwest5171]

Totally on board with the ASMR segments!

[@melodyphillips2388]

I was fine with it, too, especially since there were subtitles. Reminded me of the chef on Mr Rogers that didn't allow talking in the kitchen 😊.

[@clayripblair]

oh man, ive been having the same sort of colds. I have it now along with sinus pain. Hope you feel better and take it easy

[@peggyaustin5238]

I thought those meals were awesome for 15 dollars.

[@kaycee18]

You are very creative at making inexpensive food into something that tastes good and is filling and satisfying. This is what so many people need during these times of inflation when so many are just trying to keep up and get by. You are doing God's work.

[@KJDogluv]

Frugal Fit Mom is a great channel too, she feeds a family of 6

[@DollarTreeDinners]

She’s awesome too! Definitely recommend

[@michellefox7441]

Rebecca, I would love you to do a series of gluten free/non dairy! I'm in a family of 4 and I'm gluten free (Celiac) and two fo us are non dairy (severe intolerance). I budget $150-$200 and frequently only eat once a day (not good for diabetics). I also have access to Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Natural Grocers ($$$). I make just about everything from scratch. Amazon helps a lot.