Eating for $1 a Day : EXTREME BUDGET CHALLENGE

[@GloriaNak]

What you are able to do with so little money is always so impressive. Love your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁 Glad you are enjoying my content.

[@CreepingThyme]

As someone who cooks for 1, these recipes & your channel is perfect! Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 I'm so glad my content is useful for you! Thanks for letting me know. 🥰

[@shess1640]

I love how you take on these strict challenges and double up on them by trying vastly different food than you normally eat. Great job. And now I'm a little less hesitant to try cooking nopales.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this video! 😁 It was risky....but usually the risk pays off. 😂

[@InternetPersond]

You can use nopales anywhere you’d use green pepper. So good. Thank you for this very fun and informative video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the tip 😁 Glad you like this video!

[@stevedesanctis6311]

I’m such a huge fan of your videos! I cooked like this for decades, and appreciate all the effort you make to research, shop, and prepare these tasty dishes. One thing that would be helpful is knowing how much food your recipes make, as it’s sometimes hard to gauge from your lovely visuals. Thanks (and kudos) for doing this important work on keeping people fed who have limited resources. May you reach a million followers!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Steve 😁 I'm glad you've been enjoying my content. I'll try to start adding how much a recipe makes in cup sizes. Thanks for the positive feedback 😁

[@pek5117]

Yay new $1 challenge.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there 😁 Glad you like this.

[@susanjane4784]

Seafood tacos! You can even make canned tuna or sardines work -- it's working with the texture and seasonings. I grew up with leftovers inside tacos -- Mom did it all the time. I've even done leftover mac&cheese with slivered onion, bell pepper, and hot sauce. For less calorie needs go with 99% ground turkey and season the heck out of it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great ideas 👍 Love this!

[@TheAggromouse]

No such thing as too many tacos! Flour, corn, soft, crunchy, meat, veggie, bean, red salsa, green salsa, crema….. so many variations!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed 👍

[@Koolala75]

You never cease to amaze and impress.... You are so adorable and clever and your creativity is off the charts... I love your channel! You should have your own chef show on food network

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks so much 😁 I appreciate that. 🥰

[@dorothywest8557]

This was a lot of fun! Thank you for taking us along on your frugal tasty day!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mcanultymichelle]

If you think a Spanish grocery store is crazy with all the things you just don’t know how to use them, what a but those Asian grocery stores.l wish they had cooking classes in those grocery stores🙌🏻

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes, I totally agree, there are even more unfamiliar items at the Asian stores. 👍 I usually just get one or two new items at a time to learn about.

[@mollygardens6646]

Great use of simple ingredients! I love to shop at Mexican and Asian markets.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Glad you like my video and enjoy shopping these different markets like I do. Thanks for letting me know.

[@colettebishop2173]

That supermarket looks amazing. The second implement you picked up in the Hispanic market is to make Mexican hot chocolate. You twist it by rubbing between your palms and it froths it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Colette 😁 Thanks for sharing this. I would have NEVER guessed that was what it was for. 😂

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

I am impressed at how you research what you are going to cook, and that you can do these special meals on a tight budget!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you

[@maryellenbeltracchi]

When my kids were in high school bio, they needed to make some food with something growing wild and local. My son chose prickly pear cactus leaves and he made a chili which he served to his class as a dip with fritos. De-spiking the leaves is quite the task!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love any food that you can eat from the wild. I bet it was good in the chili and lended some much needed acidity to it. Yum!

[@stacel1972]

The beans and rice reminded me of the pinto beans and rice I’d buy from Taco Bell for .59c as a poor teen living on my own. You are a sorceress🪄🪄what you did with a dollar is pure magic. 👏 Tacos😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Stace 😁 awe...thank you so much 🥰 That was resourceful of you buying the sides from Taco Bell. I too lived on my own as a teen. I don't even remember what I ate back then...it's all a blur. Probably lots of ramen. 😂

[@lindawilson290]

Thanks for taking us along on your "little adventure." So interesting and fun!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Linda 😁 Glad you enjoyed this. It's always nice when my adventures are entertaining to my viewers 😂

[@cheriemitchell3399]

This was so interesting - I loved the walk around the vegetable shop and seeing all the unusual vegetables, plants, legumes, and grains. Very different from what we see in New Zealand!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cherie 😁 Glad you enjoyed this adventure with me. Thanks for letting me know

[@momof2momof2]

Wow ! You did SUCH AN AMAZING job on this challenge !! Well done !!!! Thanks for sharing 🥰🪷🌺🌸🌼💗✝💖🇺🇲

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@Bluevolon]

You know the sad part about this is everyone goes through this everyday this video was incredible to watch as it's spreading awareness underrated as always

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁

[@Jean_in_Stillness]

Michelle, your sense of adventure when preparing food AND on so restricted a budget is outstanding! And you even came through with impressive "damage control" on the cactus and "lasagna sheet!" 😄Even if someone didn't want to incorporate certain ingredients, you always show how to create the foundation of a budget meal without sacrificing taste. Well done again! 👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jean 😁 I'm glad you liked this little adventure video. Thank YOU so much for watching! 🥰

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

Yay! Michelle is back ❤ I love your cooking and all of your creative ideas. Thanks friend

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello friend 😁 I'm so glad you like this one. I think I have the most fun with these extreme challenge videos, so it's especially great that you like it. Thanks for letting me know.

[@rivahcat8247]

I love shopping at ethnic stores! Here in Richmond, Virginia, about 25 years ago, the only ethnic store you might find would be the occasional generic Asian store. About then, there was suddenly an explosion of ethnic stories of every type (due to our city suddenly becoming very popular as an immigrant destination) and I have been so happy ever since. There are so many interesting spices, cuts of meat, exotic vegetables, and unfamiliar condiments. Good old Google can always help you figure out what the different items are and how they can be used. I enjoy your budget challenges very much; I'm currently doing fine financially, but there may come a time when these challenges may be very helpful to me.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I'm so glad you are enjoying my content. It's great that you live in a place that has ethnic stores. For me it's so entertaining to visit these places and explore. I bet a lot of people live near ethnic stores but don't even realize it. They can be kind of hidden and unless you are doing an online search for them, might not notice them. Next I want to find an Indian store.

[@trinitybreann2535]

I love nopales !! I always use it in breakfast burritos and with omelettes or eggs I’m glad you liked it and I’m definitely gonna think about adding it to some Mexican rice next time

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I hadn't thought of adding it to breakfast burritos, but that sounds great too! I'm so glad I discovered them.

[@chellesoup]

Your creativity is off the charts.

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe....thank you so much 🥰 Glad you like this one. These dollar challenges are always so much fun for me.

[@Alvarez-Shaw]

I looove these videos of yours! My favorite ways I grew up eating cactus is basically as a Pico de Gallo (tomato, Serrano, onion, cilantro, salt) with cactus. I sometimes add lemon. I always grew up referring to it as a salad. And I also love eating it with pork (usually Neck bones) with a red Chile sauce (like the one used in pozole) and then throw in the nopales at the end to cook together. Both versions the nopales are precooked before incorporating. I grew up with my mom always boiling them with a dry corn husk within them (like the ones used for tamales) to take away the slime. I'm not sure if it's affective because it always seems slimy to me when done boiling. Lol. I just make sure to rinse them after with cool water. Thank you for these fun videos! They always inspire me! 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Thank you so much. I definitely want to try the nopales in the pico de gallo. I think I would like that. Looking forward to lots of new recipes with this fun new ingredients. I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@barbaramorris1677]

I enjoyed watching you do this challenge! Well done Michelle!!😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😁

[@mgb5170]

you can get "granulated garlic" which is without salt (if you want to avoid additional sodium, or if you are open to it "Mrs. Dash" has so many flavored options, including with garlic granules. I really like her lemon garlic salt which I use for dressing or chicken.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 granulated garlic is what I normally use. I was treating myself to a little salt this day 😂 For some reason, I haven't been too much of a fan of the Mrs. Dash seasonings although it's been awhile. Maybe it's time I gave it another try.

[@HairyTaleFarm]

That was so fun! I used to live in southern Arizona 🌵where cactus are plentiful. But I have only had the cactus pads with eggs. Now I want to try more things. Your rice dish looked delicious. It would be fun if you did another challenge where you have a bit more budget. O r spread out over a few days where you can afford to get some of those other foods you found. I love seeing different unique foods. Great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Glad you like this one. I forgot to mention that this is popular in Tex Mex cuisine also. Seems like it would also be common in Arizona cooking since like you said, cactus are so plentiful. Did you see my $5 a week video? I would love to spend a little more at this store. I also did a $5 food adventure at a hispanic market, and LOVED the food I made from that video.

[@keralee]

Fyi...usually one deals with the thorns on nopales and prickly pear fruits by singing them off over an open flame...gas stove is handy for this. Then can handle them without issues! Cooked nopales slices make a lovely salad with roasted red pepper slices and some onion.

[@muttersmenu2422]

Enjoyed the visit to the Spanish supermarket. Certainly different ingredients but the meals looked tasty. Good video😊.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@kristyreal]

I get these giant cans of tomato juice from the food pantry and hated to open one for fear I couldn't drink it all myself before it went bad. One day I was making rice and and added a can of diced tomatoes (like I love to do - you know, drain the juice into the measuring cup and add tomatoes to the pot) and realized I could add tomato juice instead of water to make up the rest of the cooking liquid. I froze the rest of the juice from the can (I told you it is giant) in amounts I would use to make a pot of rice - I lay them flat to freeze and then stand them up like file folders once frozen. I like to saute onions and peppers in bacon grease (I know it's not the healthiest, but I grew up poor in the South and I'm pretty sure it is actually a crime to pour out bacon grease. At least, that's the way I heard it. lol) and add all of it to cook with the rice. It is a full meal once it's all said and done and I love it even more with the tomato juice. Since becoming disabled, I've had to do without some of the more intensive prep meals I love, but I have adapted. I buy pre-sliced or diced veggies in the freezer section and produce section (things I never bought before because I am very frugal). I cook a whole package of bacon on a day that I have leftovers in the fridge (so no other cooking for that day). I save the grease in a container in the fridge and freeze the cooked bacon slices in a baggie for later use. I still can't bring myself to buy the pre-cooked bacon and where would I get bacon grease if I did that? lol. It helps to break down tasks so that I don't have to do it all at once. I was able to make tomato dressing (it's a made-up recipe) this way recently (in a disposable 9 x 13 pan so no extra pans to wash) and I want to try squash casserole next. Now that I have ti figured out, a whole world of possibilities has opened up for me! I still have trouble pan frying things like fritters (it requires standing at the stove the whole time and I can't do that - I can fry things that don't require constant attention, but it is hard and I don't do it often), but I am thinking of making the batter a tiny bit thicker and cooking them in the air fryer since I got an oil spray bottle. Now I just have to decide if the batter will keep for the next day refrigerated or if I will have to learn to make a smaller amount of batter (I never measure). Now, can you make fried okra in the air fryer? They do sell whole frozen okra at my grocery store, so I guess I'll work on that next. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I haven't tried making fried okra in the air fryer, but I bet it would work. I love fried okra. Using the tomato juice as seasoning is brilliant. I love anything with tomatoes in it 👍

[@genevievemeza7467]

I love nopales. I usually boil them and add chili and dried shrimp patties yum.

[@kell_checks_in]

Hispanic markets also offer unique cuts of meat that are hard to find anywhere else, but are great in all sorts of stews, stir fries, etc.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@lizpadron1477]

The stick with the end 'ball' at the end is normally used for hot chocolate to foam it up 😀

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing! 😁

[@maggiedolly123]

I love your challenges! Your creativity is inspiring! I’m going to try your tomato rice; two things we love! Not sure why I’ve never thought to cook that😂😂😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 and thank you so much. I feel like there are lots of add ins that you could do with that rice, such as onions, bell peppers, black beans, ground beef, etc. I could eat it everyday. I think the spices and the tomatoes are what make it. The nopales acted the same as the tomatoes in adding acidity. Hope you enjoy!

[@debbiedavid4392]

Great video. There’s a really, really small Mexican market in my small town, but larger one about 20 miles. Have not visited one in years, but did enjoy it at the time. Just a suggestion…Garlic powder is all I use, black pepper with a little added pink salt if I need it. Thanks again, definitely interesting concept for just $1. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Debbie 😁 Glad you like this video. Garlic powder is what I usually use 👍 I think it might be my favorite seasoning.

[@gaildawson5464]

I have such a good time exploring new markets! Great fun to have you as our guide!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Gail 😁 Glad you enjoy this like I do. Thanks for letting me know!

[@nneichan9353]

the pork/pasta sheet was a surprise! the first rice would have been good with peppers if you don't like nopales. my favorite meal was the last one. looks tasty!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Thank you Michelle. I love your adventurous food spirit. I love tomatoes too. Beans and rice are a perfect protein and so economical. I liked how you flavored up the refried beans. The canned ones are like wallpaper paste. I love salsa. I am thinking the cactus leaf might be a nice addition. I think I might sit down and see how much I spend on an average day for food. I know I will be far off from $1. 🎉 kudos to you for doing so much with so little $

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Victoria 😁 I agree... I think the cactus would be good in a salsa and I'm hearing that some people eat it like that - like a pico de gallo. I'm looking forward to trying that. Have a great rest of your week.

[@minimom3447]

I love that you're not afraid to try new things! I have learned a lot watching your videos. I love the cactus rice but I doubt that's something I can find in Ohio!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I'm glad you like my videos. You might be able to find canned cactus, which I just discovered is a thing 😂

[@craftybeachchic]

I love your $1 challenges ❤ Helps me to think outside the box. The rice looked delicious 😋 My husband has been wanting to try the nopales. I think we'll try the rice dish first. XOXO Dawn

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Dawn 😁 Glad my rice dish looks good to you. Remember to use those tongs if you shop for the nopales cactus so you don't get a thorn like I did 😂

[@craftybeachchic]

@@ArdentMichelle LoL 😁...ok

[@beckyw9000]

This was such a great video! I have a jar of nopales sitting in my pantry now, thank you for the inspiration! Have a great week!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 You're welcome. Happy Eating!

[@TXJan0057]

Where i live every grocery store has a tortillaria . Nopalitos growns wild in our back field we eat it chopped and fried with eggs on occasion its more tender in rhe early spring i never thought of it tasting like asparagus. In early summer I pick the cactus tuna i make jelly and sometimes vinegar with it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's awesome that you can pick the wild cactus 😁 I'm looking forward to trying the cactus tuna. I didn't know you could make jelly with it, but that makes sense. Thanks for sharing this info. 😁

[@joanacker917]

Love these challenges! How about doing one with just food grown in a home garden? (Since that’s mostly my life! Lol)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I would actually love doing that, although not sure how I could sell it to my audience or what would constitute what you could grow. That may be debatable 😂

[@kristinj7173]

I should try this for myself....but would still need more protein. Tried growing soybeans last year but the deer ate them all! But I have enough for stirfry and kale salads every day.

[@christinejunk8184]

I love it when you try new things as it make me want to try them too! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Christine 😁 That's great. We can try them together 👩‍🍳

[@kelleyhoppock6171]

I love our Hispanic market. Sometimes lines are 15 for a dollar, cilantro 4 for a dollar, etc. I've gotten chicken leg quarters for 3 lbs for a dollar. Cabbage, onions and tomatillos for 2 lbs for a dollar. So fun to go see what they've got. They also have some bulk items but not as big a variety. You did good today and that rice looked 🔥.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Kelley 😁 glad you already know how awesome these markets are! It makes shopping a lot more fun when you can find these amazing deals!

[@kelleyhoppock6171]

@@ArdentMichelle it's awesome!

[@arely294]

Hello i just wanted to say that those types of chicharrón is the same as the pin wheels u made we (mexicans) like to eat the flat ones with raw green cabbage,tomatoes,sour cream or crema,hot sauce and lime its so delicious i enjoyed your video and your sense of adventure and trying new things!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I love cabbage so I'd like to try the chicharron like that. Thank you for sharing this.

[@maryann1187]

I have to limit my salt (sodium) also. Use onion and garlic powders, instead of the salt added version. Use canned veggies w/no added salt. I always add my own salt later, if needed.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 yes, I have both the garlic powder and the garlic salt. I try to not show my low sodium cooking on my videos though 😂 plus it was fun to eat the salt this day.

[@maryann1187]

@@ArdentMichelle, I saw someone make meals with absolutely no added sodium, and then would sprinkle salt on top of the finished meal….. you actually end up consuming less salt this way…like eating a pretzel……business on the inside, party on the outside! Loving your videos btw!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@maryann1187 That's definitely one way to do it.👍 I find that sometimes I don't add ANY salt if I'm eating something that has salt in it. For example, sometimes I'll have a little extra sharp cheddar on my eggs in the morning and since there is already salt in the cheese I don't add extra-same with salsa. I like to show my cooking as a regular sodium eater though, otherwise people will make the meals like I do and then think they are bland. 😂 Sometimes I hear people say that their pasta is bland. The only reason pasta would ever taste bland is if you don't salt it while cooking. It's such an important step that normal salt eaters miss sometimes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@maryann1187 and I'm glad you are enjoying my content 😁

[@rachelhero3413]

I love love love your $1 challenges! These all looked really tasty. Nopales is a favorite of mine, I eat it like a salad with canned hominy, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and lime. If you blanch it put two washed pennies in the pot boil for 2 minutes the drain and shock it in ice water.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Rachel 😁 Ok that mixture sounds delicious! Saving this for later. 👩‍🍳 Thank you.

[@rachelhero3413]

@@ArdentMichelle I hope you like it as much as I do!

[@kell_checks_in]

Other good seasonings to have on hand are the various Mrs. Dash varieties. You can replace a shelf of spices with just two or three versions. The Chipotle is especially good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I would like to try the chipotle one 👍

[@rosacoria5629]

I normally boil the nopales with salt until the slime is gone. Add the nopales to a pico de llagó, or I’ll fried the nopales a little then add beans and fried the beans, or I’ll make nopales with meat and chili, or nopales with scrambled eggs. Or just eat with a tortilla and Mexican cheese and chili

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 You're giving me lots of great ideas on how to try the nopales next time. Thanks for sharing. I'm eager to explore this more. I wish I would have tried it sooner.

[@sameoldsteph]

This was really enjoyable! And wow, Meesha has the life. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Steph 😁 Doesn't she though?

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've been waiting to hear from some other pet moms. 😂

[@sameoldsteph]

@@ArdentMichelle I’m not currently a pet mom, but I was! And hope to be again.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

that twig whisk looking thing is a scrubber for cast iron pans and pots. I got a bag of matcha online and i love it. I used to have a russian tortoise and i fed her nopales as treats. she loved it :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this. 😁 I bought the matcha from Trader Joes but in my opinion it's not as good. Same with one I tried from Amazon. I've been thinking about trying some different brands though. That tortoise had great taste 😂

[@rosavargas9125]

@@ArdentMichelle& that second one is called a molinillo aka hot chocolate frother that you swirl around between your hands to dissolve your Mexican chocolate tablet as your milk heats up & froths (chocolate abuelita is my favorite brand). You got the last 2 right. We use the bean masher to mash potatoes as well.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@rosavargas9125 Hi Rosa 😁 Thanks for sharing the info. Would love to try this in the fall.

[@CathieG]

Wow great ideas! 🥰 That rice looks awesome! 😍🤩🥳

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cathie 😁 Glad you like it. Hope you are having an awesome weekend.

[@CathieG]

@@ArdentMichelle Thanks! I’m trying not to melt! 🥵🥵🥵 Can’t wait for cooler weather at the end of the week! 😩😭 Hope all’s well with you. 🥰😍🤩

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@CathieG Oh no! I totally get that. Sorry you are dealing with the heat. I can relate. I watch that weather app daily 😂 Stay cool friend ❄

[@CathieG]

@@ArdentMichelle you too! ☀️ ⛅️ 🙏🏼🥶

[@estherhurst4741]

My husband is from Texas, so he loves to add pickled nopales to chili and beans. Delicious! 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Esther 😁 Oh I love that idea! I Hadn't thought of using them that way. I definitely want to try that.

[@chandaharkins4418]

In my fairly small town, we actually have a Thai market and some Hispanic grocery stores. I've never been in them, but you're inspiring me! As usual!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was just looking for a Thai market near me.

[@victoriastewart7116]

omg that hot food bar looks so scrumptious! I'd be going back for those tamales... and no such thing as too many tacos lol! creative recipes as usual. And, just curious, any idea of total calorie count?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I'm not sure on the calorie count, but definitely not sufficient for a day.

[@victoriastewart7116]

I didn't see the very end before commenting! I love sleeping dogs little snores! 🥰🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

that was a growl 😂 I think she heard something outside but was too lazy to get up and give a sufficient growl and bark. 😂. She's a queen.

[@viennafingers26]

Always so inspired by your channel, and today by the idea of a Food Bucket List! My mom always uses a bit of jalapeño juice (from the far of jalapeños) to thin her refried beans.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you find inspiration from my channel! I'm passionate about good food. I love that idea of thinning the beans with the jalapeno juice. I'm going to try that.

[@cilantroyepazote5160]

The first item you picked up is a brush to wash veggies, the other is to make tradicional hot chocolate, and yes the last one is to mash beans.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the input 😁

[@elenacala]

the durro thing turned out almost like a tostada. I love cactus, so yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was pleasantly surprised with all of my finds this week.

[@jeannereddig5080]

Hi Michelle, this was a very fun video. All the meals were different and exciting. I wish my small town had some of these great items. Yum❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Jeanne 😁 Glad you liked my little adventure. Thanks for joining me 🥰

[@jeannereddig5080]

@@ArdentMichelle ❤️

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

The rice really did look delicious! Thank you for the video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Daniel 😁 Thanks so much. Glad you like this one!

[@Mrrngglory3043]

traditional molinillo whisk (the pretty wooden piece that had the ring) is used to make Mexican hot chocolate

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Stephanie 😁 Thanks for supplying a name for this so I could look it up. Mystery solved.This is so interesting.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

The small hand brush is used for either whisking eggs or adding oil to a wok or pan

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing this. I love the idea of using it for eggs.

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

Great ideas again in that video Michelle 👏 I will do some searching here in Amsterdam... And happy belated b-day 😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 Oh I'm so curious of what kind of little markets you could find in Amsterdam. Let me know if it works out.

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

@@ArdentMichelle I will report back! You inspired me and I sure could use some inspiration. Thanks 🌷🙏

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Dutch_Gonneke That's awesome. I'm so glad. Looking forward to hearing how it goes! 😁

[@pek5117]

Well done as always Michelle. Glad you got to try cactus and liked it, it's really good in tacos or fajitas. The fake lasagna sheet seems similar to Indian papadums, they can be made it the microwave, brush both sides with oil and place on a paper towel and it will puff up. Pity about the hominy, I know of a way you could have made a drink from it tho. Thanks for the video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much and also thank you for teaching me something new 😁 Now I need to find an Indian market near me. I didn't know about the papadums, even though I've had them before at a restaurant. Love this! 👩‍🍳

[@pek5117]

@@ArdentMichelle quite welcome.

[@sheilalaurence9209]

These are my favorite kind of videos! I want to try your method with the tomatoes in the rice. That looked very good. I live in AZ, but have never seen how the cactus can be prepared.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Sheila 😁 I'm so glad you like these kinds of videos! They're my favorite to make too. Hope you enjoy the rice!

[@ennyschlaghecke4516]

You are so creative and inventive. Michelle! The food looks delicious, although I asume that the portions would be a little too small for me. Many greetings from the Netherlands, Enny.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Enny 😁 the portions were definitely on the smaller side in this one, especially the breakfast portion. I definitely wanted more.

[@ruthrelyea7388]

I'm so proud of you for you did some research and found out that you fry it, you go girl

[@ArdentMichelle]

I always have to spend some time on Google when I shop the ethnic markets 😂

[@ruthrelyea7388]

By the way nopel is good to lower sugar level and possibly get rid of type 2 diabetes I know some one who did it

[@ruthrelyea7388]

You gave me a idea to use it in a different way instead of a snack, thank you

[@ArdentMichelle]

You’re welcome 😊 I'm wondering how it will turn out used as a pasta. Let me know if you try it.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hi Michelle, This was a great video. I have never used cactus leaves before, I don't think I have ever seen them in a store, I will have to check it out. Also your dog is so cute. I'm hoping you got the letter I sent you, I mailed it this past Tuesday so it should have been there by now, let me know. Thanks Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Yes, I did. 💜 I emailed you on Friday. Did you not get my email? Check your email. That was so thoughtful of you. 🥰 I was so surprised and it just really made my day. Thank you so much! That was so nice of you!

[@charlottekearn5185]

@@ArdentMichelle either I didn't get the email or somehow it got deleted by me, I'm not sure, I am just glad you got it. I usually drop stuff off at the post office but this time just used the mailbox in my community. I ordered something online that was coming USPS but never received it even though it was marked as delivered, also an Amazon package that didn't come to my door but was thrown over a fence and the end of the street ( long story). I was so happy to send this to you, it's one of my favorite stores to shop and when you do videos you use their products a lot. We have a Mexican grocery store not too far from me so I'm really curious about cactus leaves. I know you do a lot with not that much money but to get several meals for $1 was amazing. Some of your creative thinking is rubbing off on me. 😄😉 Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@charlottekearn5185 I just resent the email to you. You KNOW that's my favorite store! It was so touching that you sent me that. Thank you so much! I was very surprised. Yay! 🥳 I'm so glad my videos are getting your creative juices flowing. I find it's so fun to venture out and try new things! Let me know if you discover anything I should know about 😁 Have a great rest of your Sunday and thank you again!

[@Dinki-Di]

I agree that ethnic food shops are a great discovery. Here in Australia, we have a wide range of Asian groceries that stock a great range of Asian vegetables, rices, noodles and dim sum, as well as good value bulk spices and sauces. The only thing that daunts me is the meat section, because Asian cuts of meat are so different, and I’ve no idea how to use them 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 The meat cuts are very different from the meat cuts here in the U.S. too. So much to learn.

[@christinad132]

Impressive! The food looks really good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@anna.m8]

you are very creative and think out of the box. I love your channel

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😊 I'm so glad you enjoy my content. Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@paulamattos725]

Love your channel! Great ideas

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@melindaoa8668]

Wow, so creative and lovely!❤. I live in NM and some people fry the nopales with bacon.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Oh wow...I can definitely see why that would be a good combo. The richness of the bacon with the tartness of the nopales. Thanks for sharing this.

[@TheGramaLady]

Great video. I love ethnic markets. I’m pretty sure what you were calling hominy must be nixtamalized (processed with an alkali agent) before it becomes hominy. It also makes the nutrients bioavailable. Nopales are fantastic with eggs.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I read about the nixtamilization process and realized it was too complicated for my little adventure 😂 Glad you like this video. Thank you for watching!

[@lisablack9634]

Great options. I need to pick up Spanish Paprika. I've had the cacti before. Best with slime cooked off.thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lisa 😁 yes, the smoky paprika is the best. I used it a LOT! Glad you like this video. Thanks for letting me know, and thanks for supporting me 🥰

[@jenn9119]

I think that the wooden utensil with the black markings is for frothing mexican hot cocoa.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Its fascinating all the answers I'm getting, but I think the hot cocoa is the majority so I bet you're right.

[@Rebelartist83]

Yay bodega..glad you tried one i love the bodegas where I live

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, such great deals. 👍

[@Rebelartist83]

@@ArdentMichelle yeah we have 3 in my town and when I'm being asked when I'm doing some canning and pickling especially beets I'll get my veggies at the bodegas

[@susanparslow3753]

Very impressive and creative and all for just $1.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁

[@Natalie-xy7zy]

Add that rice and chorizo to tacos. Yum! You can never have enough tacos. xD

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh yes, that would be great too 👍 and I agree!

[@juliea.6603]

🎉🎉Happy Birthday Michelle! 🎂 🎁💐🥳🎈 not sure if belated but hope it's great all the same. Thank you for your wonderful videos! ✨️🍾🧋🍵

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Julie 😁 yes, it's belated. Thank you so much 🥰 Glad you are enjoying my content. 😊 Have a great rest of your day!

[@juliea.6603]

@@ArdentMichelle 🥰 Very welcome! Hope you have a great weekend and week! 😊

[@kippytx]

Very interesting. I loved this episode

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 I'm glad you like this one. These are my favorite to make, so I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@RB-zm4fk]

Omg I didn't know you could eat cactus leaves! Love your channel ❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁

[@barbarawalker3366]

❤❤Meesha❤❤ Lovely video. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it! 😁

[@gailgulliver8970]

Hi Michelle that was such a great challenge for a dollar as inflation now is so much higher but you did so well and it all looked so tasty and the presentation was impressive well done love from the .U.K. xxx

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed my video!

[@Dee-ps3um]

I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Me too! 😁

[@y3rbat3ra]

@6:03 That's a molinillo which is used for making hot chocolate

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the input. 😁

[@naty1012]

I did not know people eat cactus, you really do learn something new everyday.

[@ArdentMichelle]

it's quite good too 👍

[@danasandlin2435]

end cap items: straw brush for brushing glazes on meats, butter on meats/buns, etc; wooden stick with bulbs--I believe that is a matcha stick for frothing matcha--you put the bulbs in your tea mug and rub the stick part back and forth between your hands to create the frothed milk, etc; the others you are correct, can also use the masher to mash potatoes...I adore pinto beans--make their own gravy--delicious and versatile (and cheap!)...thanks for the tip on soaking hominy (yeah--I have heard that it takes literally days, with boiling in between--several times); you can buy canned/jarred cactus leaves (nogales) cut up in the Mexican section of the stores--surprisingly affordable--about 1.25 for a can--and they go a long way...can eat sort of like a substitute for green beans, if cooked well (you did a great job of cooking it)...dts/usa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Dana 😁 I'll have to try the canned cactus. I didn't realize it was sold that way. Thanks for your input on what those items were.

[@MySpaBunny]

Loved the wooden stick with bulb on the end. Is for hot chocolate when you used the "chocolate abuelita" chocolate brand or atole....basically for froth 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@MySpaBunny Thank you for sharing the info. 😁

[@Dee-ps3um]

I live in Ohio. I wish we had a store like that near me.

[@ArdentMichelle]

There are ethnic stores in lots of cities in Ohio. Have you done an online search for them? Or, do you live in a small town? Even if it's an Asian or other type of store, I bet you would have a lot of fun exploring. I'm always shocked at the amount of stores nearby that I didn't even know about.

[@loriburgess1866]

What a great video, Michelle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lori 😁 Thank you so much. I'm glad you like this one. Have a great day!

[@evelynhamdon3648]

Another amazing video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@anna.m8]

omg the birds were so cute

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed. They were kind of loud too 😂

[@brendabeelee]

Love Northgate! I’m in the SFV so there aren’t any close by, but I do have Vallarta!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Brenda 😁 I just checked and the nearest Vallarta is in Anaheim. Kind of a drive, otherwise I would check that market out also 😂 it's surprising how many are nearby.

[@brendabeelee]

@@ArdentMichelleHi Michelle! Aw bummer but thankfully you have NG 😅

[@nancyjohnson8913]

Love your videos! So creative!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁 I appreciate the complement.

[@jacki6301]

Seasonings can take something ordinary to fabulous!

[@ArdentMichelle]

True 👍

[@Emma.E.Emerson]

Yes!!!!! I agree. The last few years been buying more varieties of spices. This month I got Simply Organic brand of organic smoke paprika. Wow...I am experimenting using it on different food. Last month got Bragg Organic 24 Herbs and Spices. I basically buy the same food monthly but with different spices feels like so many new meals....but still just eggs, chicken turkey, ground beef, brown rice, quinoa, veggies...adds new scents, too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Emma.E.Emerson I agree with this. Getting a new spice really elevates the cooking and adds some extra interest to your cooking!