EXTREME BUDGET ONE POT MEALS

[@dawnt5587]

Anyone who says healthy food is more expensive than junk food hasn’t watched your videos. You do an excellent job of creating recipes on a budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I appreciate this comment so much 💜 thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I especially appreciate it now, because I'm trying to focus my content on extreme budget meals...even while I'm working.

[@leannepayne4081]

For anyone who is facing food insecurity, please find the help within your community. Most have food pantries or something. Nobody should go hungry

[@leannepayne4081]

If you need more ideas on how to save on your groceries, check out Frugal Fit Mom videos. She gives you all the tips and tricks to save money and she does lots of budget friendly meals as well.

[@barbarabruce7648]

Hi Michelle, I may have told you this already. Two weeks ago I made a similar soup to your first one. I made 150 bowls for $30. That was 20 cents a bowl! I made it at my daughter's High School for every student for lunch. She goes to a specialist music high school for gifted kids and they are so open to new things. I make vegan soup for them about once a month . This time I made Vegetable soup with a dollop of mashed potato, onion and parsley. I just bought what was in season.

[@patpeters6331]

Whatever works for your schedule is A OK with me and I am sure a lot of your viewers. Your recipes are worth the wait. You do what works best for you. I would be sad if you got burnt out trying to make content. I have seen several channels I followed disappear because of creator burnout.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I always feel so supported by you 💜 I know that once I get my regular schedule at work (after training) everything will be fine. Thanks for the concern. Burnout is a real thing and unfortunately I did experience it with my past job when I was trying to do both. I had to stop filming for a couple months. That job required a TON of overtime though... Thanks for always supporting me Pat 😁 I appreciate you so much!

[@patpeters6331]

I am a fan of soup too. One thing about soup, when you think you have nothing in your fridge or pantry you can usually whip up some sort of soup. Some bullion, rice, noodles or potato, onion, lentils, left over meat no matter how little and poof walla soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 👍

[@dianaobrien463]

I did that yesterday and still have some for today

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Stone Soup is the best. 😁

[@bettyir4302]

Yes, we've been cleaning out the fridge the past 2-3 days and making comfort food. Froze some old bananas and milk. Had zucchini with a thrown together dip and turned the carrots into carrot soup, yum. Used some frozen homemade beef stock in the carrots and used the rest of the stock today in rice, an onion and some mushrooms just out of the dehydrator. There is 1 tomato left so it'll probably go into sandwiches tomorrow to finish up the bread. French toast will finish the bread for breakfast which will take care of a couple eggs, too. It is easier to clean an empty fridge.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@bettyir4302 love this 😁 so resourceful.

[@patpeters6331]

I realize that you don't have a lot of time because of your job but I chop and freeze celery, peppers, cilantro etc for use in my soups. That way when prices are high, I am still enjoying the veggie bargains. It really makes a difference in my budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love this tip and also because it's a huge time saver!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Any special tips for freezing cilantro? I didn't know that could be frozen, that would save me so much.

[@ErinM-p3w]

This afternoon I made a pot of lentil soup. Celery, onion, carrot and garlic. Fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth with some seasoning. A cup or so of lentils and simmer till done. Plenty for dinner with leftovers for lunch. I try to make a different soup every week in the winter. I call it Soup of the Week! 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds great with the tomatoes added in there and I bet the chicken broth makes it especially rich and savory.

[@tereclemmer7923]

Wholesome and healthy soup ideas. 👍🏻

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 glad you like my meals!

[@patpeters6331]

You can keep celery for weeks if you don't cut it up or wash it just wrap really well in aluminum foil. I just break off the stalks and wash them as I need them. My celery stays firm and nice for up to 4 weeks. This also works very well for lettuce.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've never heard of that method. Sometimes I get stuff on sale at the local market and then the next day it is COMPLETELY wilted if I don't put it in water. I'll have to try this method.

[@jerrieanderson2245]

Thank you for this hack! I live alone and do t use it as fast do a great money saver for me.

[@Ms_AP_]

You can also wash it, chop it up, dry it off, and freeze it. No waste.

[@theresaduffy8222]

You can freeze the bags of spinach too if you can’t eat them fast enough.

[@C.L.Hinton]

I've never done this, but it makes a lot of sense. What a great suggestion; thanks!

[@momof2momof2]

To preserve ginger, garlic, herbs.....you can chop or grate it put in ice cube trays and cover with oil, water or stock. Then freeze, and then you can pop the cubes out, bag them and keep them in your freezer for whenever you need it. Making your own dinner rolls from scratch is even cheaper. Those little sweet peppers are so good cut in half and filled with cream cheese. Happy Easter ! 🥰🌷💐🌿🐣🐇🥚💗✝ Thanks for sharing !

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the tips! Happy Easter 😁

[@joanacker917]

Great video!! Another tip I recently came up with is: Run the crockpot while you are sleeping. It’s a great time saver and it’s really nice to wake up to a meal all cooked❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh I like that idea! I could do that with my soups.

[@suekurtz1024]

And then freeze soup in 2 cup portions. Great for my work lunches@@ArdentMichelle

[@LLNTMY]

I absolutely love soup. If I could eat it for every meal, I would!

[@ArdentMichelle]

feeling the same way lately.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Ginger and turmeric are so great for you! I often keep my ginger in a pot with potting soil. It will grow.

[@ArdentMichelle]

interesting 🤔 I've never seen ginger growing. I love it enough to grow it though. Wish I got more sun through my window.

[@kristyh982]

I put my ginger in the food processor then freeze it in ice cube trays. I just keep the loose ginger cubes in a freezer bag and grab as I need. I do the same thing with garlic. It just saves time in the long run

[@ArdentMichelle]

love this idea👍

[@sarahpauline4904]

lentils are an amazing cheap and healthy food.

[@annac9534]

I have been ranting and raving about soup since I was a child. Literally! Lol. I’ve loved soup my entire life. It’s so comforting and I love how versatile it is. What I love most about soup is that it tastes and FEELS so medicinal. I truly feel like I’m healing my body when I eat a homemade bowl of soup. Also, making pots of soup is incredibly fun! It’s my favorite thing to cook because I find chopping everything so incredibly relaxing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree.....I'm still eating the soup even though the weathers warmer.

[@patpeters6331]

Have you tried slicing radishes and adding them to your soup? I tried it and it gives my soup a nice crunch. It was one of my experiments that turned out well. I also cut my meatballs into fourths for soup. A few meatballs goes a long way and I never feel deprived.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...I made the meatball soup again later in the week and that time I split up the meatballs. Easier to eat that way. I have NOT tried the sliced radishes inside the soup. Although you can bet I'll be trying that this week. I did have the radishes on top of my green pozole soup and loved that so much. Are you just adding in at the end or cooking them in the soup a little bit?

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle I added the radishes when I was adding the other veggies. But nearer the end leaves them crunchier. I hope you enjoy them and I haven't steered you wrong. We all have different tastes after all.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@patpeters6331 I think you and I like a lot of the same kind of food though. 😂 thanks for sharing this. Looking forward to trying it.

[@tinashort9098]

I love Sundays because you’re here!! I made a giant pot of what I dubbed Taco Soup yesterday out of leftover taco filling and a bunch of random stuff and it’s great!! I love soup of any kind any time!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 thank you so much! That sounds like a soup I would like! 😋

[@KimberlyA.Cooper]

As a newly single person who loves to eat healthy, I really enjoy your videos. They give me a lot of ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad. Thanks for letting me know! 😁

[@michelleadams8309]

Another great & inspiring video, helping us to eat frugally, healthy & greatfully too. ❤ take care & good luck in your new job! 😊 watching you from BC, Canada 🇨🇦

[@Makeitbymandy]

Im watching from BC too! I love watching her vids and seeing what she pays for some of her items. .33 celery?! I havent seen it less than $3 in years haha. ✌️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. 💜 I'm so glad you like this video!

[@bonniebrown1305]

Another Canadian from Ontario!

[@honeybadgerisme]

❤❤❤Fan! Thank you for the excellent recipies! I learned a long time ago that you can cook fancy shmancy gourmet for less than the cost of McD's! 😮

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 Thanks so much! and yes!!!!! So true 👍

[@thelisaofmonalisa4829]

Yay for warm soup when you work in a cold place! Same here, I love warm food for lunch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah....for some reason, I've always loved hot food at work. Even when I worked my last job and I wasn't freezing to death 😂

[@TUKByV1]

I freeze certain vegetable cuttings, and bones (mostly poultry), and when I have a full bag, it gets boiled for broth. This leads to a notable inconsistency I know, but, it's fun. Almost always turns out good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love this style of cooking! It's what saves the most money and then you make some wonderful discoveries along the way!

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

I love to use celery leaves as lettuce like on a tuna sandwich! Yum!

[@ArdentMichelle]

they are so sweet...they're my favorite part of the celery.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

@@ArdentMichelle mine too! Love them!

[@ritalawson7020]

Celery leaves are fabulous in soup cheers from Aussie 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🐨🐨🐨🐨

[@sct4040]

Vegetable bean soups are such a great idea.

[@gabrielawhitten3131]

I have a ton of lentils (and other legumes) and need ideas on how to prepare them. I am on a diet with a lot of restrictions due to some health issues. So thank you for all your ideas. Your creativity and mindfulness to nutrition is like a treasure to me. 💖💕 Thank you for sharing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

this makes me so happy 💜 thanks for letting me know my videos have been useful! 😁

[@happycook6737]

Cooked lentils work great in a sloppy Joe style sauce served on a bun. I was surprised how tasty it was! There is also a Turkish style vegetarian lentil "meatball" called "mecimek kofte" made with red lentils. I've successfully made it with brown or green lentils too.

[@loveandjoy810]

This is soothing. I don’t know why. 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you think so! 😁

[@susantaulli6580]

I love soup. I eat soup all year round.

[@ArdentMichelle]

If I had central air, I would too!

[@ksacosta69]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the longer videos! I love seeing the unique recipes you are able to create with whatever is on sale for that week! 😍

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for letting me know that you like this video!

[@Stacy-s1s]

Celery freezes & dehydrates super well. Can freeze without blanching 😊

[@robininva]

You’re about as soothing to listen to as that soup is soothing to the soul. Soup if the best!! Thanks for all the tips!

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...💜 thanks so much! I'm glad you like my voice and my soup! 😁

[@kimhumphrey4053]

Thank you for all the lunch ideas. I don’t know why but it seems like it is so easy to get into a rut for lunch!! You are saving an absolute fortune by planning & taking a lunch from home. Restaurant food where I’m at has skyrocketed to scary proportions!!!! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 glad you like my video. Restaurant food is VERY expensive here too. I mean you can't even go to McDonald's anymore 😂 it's as much as a sit down place.

[@happycook6737]

​@@ArdentMichelle A younger coworker told me fast food places all have their own apps and the apps give you discounts. This morning I splurged paying $3.79 for a bacon egg cheese biscuit and potato wedges at Wendy's. It didn't come with a drink and the wedges were kid's portions size. I could make it at home for half the price. Without bacon would be 25% of the price. So even sales at restaurants are expensive.

[@ktbooberrys]

I love making lazy garlic bread with nutritional yeast. It's just butter or olive oil on toast, with nutional yeast and garlic powder. I love having that with soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I want to to try this! Saving this to try!

[@dianasanchez117]

Yummy. I make turkey meat balls and freeze them in a baking sheet. When they I put them in ziplock bags.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great idea 👍

[@nancyculp6968]

I just wanted to let people know that some grocery stores and restaurants give their beef bones away for free. Ask to talk to the butcher and see…if he says no, go to the manager and ask. Sometimes people are lazy and just do not want to be bothered…also, a vegetable soup can be made with pork too. Doesn’t always have to be beef. If you buy a roll of sausage, cook it all up and make sure it is diced up finely while you are browning it up…no big pieces so it will go further. Put into small one cup containers and use only half to flavor your soups. Also there are soups like pasta Fagioli, Minestrone, Sausage and white bean soup, creamy chicken & wild rice soup( made with long grain and wild rice boxed ingredient like rice a roni ), Zuppa Toscana, chicken & gnocchi soup. All very filling and makes enough to feed a family with some leftovers, to freeze for later. These served with some crusty bread and a salad are filling and nutritious. Make a crustless custard pie for dessert( serves 8) or some rice pudding, and your family will surely be happy.

[@ArdentMichelle]

all great ideas!

[@honeybadgerisme]

😂❤Love the suggestions-all excellent! It makes me giggle, however, to hear you speak of freezable left overs. You have clearly not met my precious pirhannah--I mean family! lolz

[@moonstoneway2694]

Thanks. I feel better after eating a good veggie soup too. Very comforting and nutritious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's it! It's like a big hug! 😂

[@muddymississippientertainm7285]

Just love watching Always healthy meals from fresh ingredients

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you 😁

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

Soup looks amazing. I am a big soup eater too.

[@gaildawson5464]

You found such great bargains at the store, and it was great how you combined those with foods you had in the refrigerator to make some tasty soups! I found myself thinking about how soup has been an integral part of daily eating across all cultures and time periods. I got to thinking about the Middle Ages in western Europe, before tomatoes and potatoes were available. People couldn't afford to waste any edible food, and at the same time, most everyone had to do hard physical labor so people had to eat as many calories as they could get. Soup would have been eaten with rye or barley bread. So much like your eating your soup with a roll!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You make a good point. 👍I think soups are underrated in the extreme budget segment. Plus like you say, it helps with zero waste.

[@aikanae1]

I'm stunned at how much cheaper and the variety of your produce. It is what it is, I guess.

[@randaray24]

You are the absolute best. ❤️ thank you!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 welcome. Thank YOU for watching my video!

[@laura-id5nd]

Trying to change over to plant based, I really appreciate your ideas and cost comparison!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I am far from vegetarian, vegan or plant-based, but have found two really wonderful channels for both. Caitlin Shoemaker has excellent vegan ideas and recipes. Flourishing Miranda currently is doing vegetarian while she's pregnant, but is usually budget friendly WFPB and has a ton of WFPB content already on her channel.

[@patriciacooke886]

I love your ideas, anyone who have grocery challenges because of low income I hope see this. Thank you for the awesome video

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@stormyweather2807]

I've begun making a white bean, greens, veggie broth and noodle soup. It's so filling and delicious, but i also make a 9x13 pan of cornbread with jiffy mix, creamed corn, kernal corn, eggs and sour cream. Cut into small squares and freeze. Throw a couple in your soup as it heats, and it's so good.

[@effiecross2008]

That all sounds really yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love cornbread with soup. I've been craving my Mexican spoon bread lately but yours sounds delicious with the sour cream and creamed corn. yum 😋

[@allyrooh3628]

I don’t have a cooking channel (yet 🤪) so I make my soup in bulk & can it. It’s so nice to come home & have my homemade soup at the ready. I’m so excited for Spring produce & farmers markets. I live in the Midwest, so produce gets ridiculous in the winter. Btw, cream cheese goes with everything! Good video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

This is such a great idea! You and Pat need to teach me how to can. I did it years ago, but don't have any supplies now. She said I could just use a regular pot and some jars to do it. I think this is the push I need to buy the jars. I have an Amazon gift card I've been saving. I hadn't thought of canning soups for some reason. 🤔 My younger son would love this too because he likes to sometimes take it for work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 😁 I can also Google 😂

[@janinelegrand1513]

I freeze my ginger whole. When you take it out it is easy to peel with a spoon after very briefly sitting. You can also chop it up in whatever shape you need even when frozen. What you don't need, just pop back in the freezer. Works great.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for the tip. 😁

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Everything looks absolutely delicious and I cannot get over how beautiful the okra is absolutely picture perfect I will tell you when you freeze ginger be sure and great it as soon as you remove it from the freezer I have forgotten a couple times and it turns into a liquidy mush so be sure and great and immediately thank you for sharing so many recipes again this week great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 💜 I was thinking about dicing the ginger first and then freezing it.

[@brightpurpleviking]

Great ideas, thank you ❤ I need to get one of those soup travel things for my husband.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm wanting to get one for my son too. I really like the 25 ounce one for myself. It's perfect. They also sell some that are 32 ounce or maybe even bigger would be better for your husband. Just watch out for the lid thing with it being easy to screw on. 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

and you're welcome. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@brightpurpleviking]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you for the heads up! 🥰

[@christinasimmons8325]

I am really enjoying your recipes. You have wonderful energy. I like how clear your instructions are and how easily you make the meals. I might even try lentils.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 I hope you do try them. I have an excellent lentil soup recipe on my recipes channel. That would be a great place to start.

[@osoniye4209]

Great video. So helpful. Now I'm ready for some soup!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like this one! 😁

[@isaett8380]

I love soups and last a couple days! Lentils are a must. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

hello my fellow lentil lover 😁

[@marenwilliams2787]

Love your soups! Still eating off a batch of caldo verde I made & froze. I used Brussels sprouts instead of the kale- it’s almost $6 a pound right now! Luckily I planted some & it grows super well here, so pretty soon I’ll have more than I know what to do with!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I loved that caldo verde too. There is just so much variety with soups and they're all so tasty! I love that you subbed in a less expensive vegetable.

[@colettebishop2173]

A nice addition to a chunky soup is the little pastini shapes, pearl barley, orzo or noodles. Alternative starches could be plantain, cocoyam or rice.

[@connieblack5276]

Only good thing about the cold office room is it will help keep some of the germs down😂 winco had a sale Thursday for a large loaf of French bread for 49 cents and it was really fresh. Thanks again.

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow that's a great deal. I want to plan a trip to Winco soon! 😁

[@rphomemovies]

The soup looks delightful! The only thing I would do differently would be to have a whole grain roll instead of white. Or maybe some homemade oil free chips made out of corn tortillas. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed...that would be better 👍

[@ToriE1073]

Everything looks so good!! As usual. 😊I am planning to make that soup thanks for the great idea! My Aldi has big bags of lentils on sale right now for around a dollar which is pretty good! Regarding the celery, I thought you might like to try making your own celery salt. It’s so easy! You remove all of the leaves and dry them out in your toaster oven. (or dehydrator if you have one) once they’re dry just throw them in a grinder or use a mortar and pestle and grind them with a little salt and that’s it! It’s kind of fun and I like it better because I can use different salts.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like this. 😁 I had no idea making celery salt was that easy. Since I love the flavor of celery salt, I'm definitely adding this to try in the future. I've been thinking about buying a dehydrator. 🤔

[@rphomemovies]

@@ArdentMichelle I just looked on Allrecipes and you can make celery salt by drying the leaves in the microwave 🤯

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@rphomemovies wow....that's crazy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

excellent use for some celery that is getting old too! Although that rarely happens in my house 😂

[@ToriE1073]

@@ArdentMichelle same! We love celery! But I always do this with the leaves now and I never have to buy celery salt.

[@julieeacott7644]

Thanks again for an inspirational video, Michelle. God Bless.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 and thanks for watching!

[@amyfinnell3349]

I bet your coworkers are jealous of your lunches! 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

The turmeric-pepper magic also requires a bit of fat. Proportions are something like 90 percent turmeric, 2 % pepper, 8% fat. Screw the lid backwards till it clicks down, then screw it tight. Lines it up right the first time, every time.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I always have fat in my soups, so that works.

[@rachael6927]

You've really inspired me to go outside my veggie comfort zone. I tried tofu for the first time this past week because I'd seen how you used it in several videos! Thank you for sharing, loved this lunch theme long video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh good! Did you enjoy the tofu? It may take a few times cooking it to get the hang of it and the style you like. I prefer firm tofu myself. I find the soft to be a little gross 😂 If you have a great tasting sauce it's tasty. Glad you like my video! Thanks for letting me know.

[@rachael6927]

@ArdentMichelle Aldis had a 16oz extra firm for only $1.70 so I thought it was worth a try. I pressed it and pan fried it (like ground beef) with taco seasoning and made a taco salad! It was good! I think pressing even more moisture out would have made the texture more meat-like but it was very nice in the salad, I would definitely use tofu in soup, or in a salad like that again.

[@helenkathrynhoover7298]

I also make soup every weekend and take to work. I make a big pot and freeze extra in lunch portions. I take my Hot Logic to work and heat it with that. Also, I tried the black lentils you recommended! Delicous!! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 I'm glad you liked the black lentils. That is so AWESOME that you have a Hot Logic. How fun!

[@jerrieanderson2245]

These soups sound great. And two servings is just right!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@lindawilson290]

AM, I bet your co-workers are envious of you and your yummy, nutritious lunches! I'm looking forward to when your office's A/C is fixed and you create some non-soup recipes as well.🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you're looking forward to more of my content. I've got some fun recipes planned. 😁 Have a great rest of your week.

[@chandaharkins4418]

That okra looked amazing! I love hearing about your produce. The prices there are great. I don't know why i don't make soup - it's so easy. Good reminder! Thank you!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Once you get dialed in to your own taste buds and what they like....it's heavenly 😂

[@thirstymercfan]

Always great ideas on a small budget, you can def eat healthy there’s no excuse. Prepping the meals or the ingredients is the key. I like to prep my meals and make a whole batch ahead of time and then freeze them…. I’ve learnt this works better for me to eat healthy food. I also love to make soups too… they are great to use up whatever is kicking around in the vege crisper. Then if there isn’t a lot I add a bit of pasta or a potato or sweet potato and done 😊 I like to make my own bread and slice it all up and leave in the fridge in ziplock bags until I need to. So much cheaper

[@ArdentMichelle]

I put some of my bread in the fridge too. Some also goes in the freezer because I can't eat it up before it goes bad. Glad you like my video! 😁

[@ingriddavis1201]

Thanks Michelle, I appreciate the lunch ideas 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome. 😁 Glad you like them!

[@maryellenbeltracchi]

I clean and freeze my ginger whole. You can use it frozen on a micro grater. Quite fluffy but works so well and the skin isn't an issue. Also...a small container of everything but the bagel seasoning to dip celery in is a favorite.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for the tip on the bagel seasoning and your suggestions for freezing ginger. 😁

[@MommaMakesCents]

I love those baby peppers! My favorite uses for them is to cut them in half lengthwise then fill them with buffalo chicken dip or leftover taco meat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

this sounds amazing! Are you heating them at all?

[@MommaMakesCents]

@@ArdentMichelle Yep! Well, sometimes. I typically do the taco peppers in the oven or toaster oven. The buffalo chicken peppers I have heated and they're amazing. Or eaten cold if I'm feeling lazy, or rushed, either for a snack or a light lunch. The taco peppers might do well cold as well if you're really good about getting the excess fat out of the meat. Cold fat in a bite is yuck haha.

[@saraherber1887]

I feel angry knowing there are individuals and families finding it hard to afford food. I applaud your efforts, Michelle, in providing real help to them and all of us who are frugally minded. Your soup looks wonderful. Lentils are great in taste and nutrition. Sorry your workplace is so cold. Brrrr.

[@ArdentMichelle]

me too 😞 It's very sad. Glad you think my video is helpful! 💜 Have a great week!

[@ms.thrify631]

Thank you again for your great food videos! I didn't grow up eating lentils and I just started to cook them this past year due to divertculosis diagnosis. I have to eat lots of high levels of fiber. I make an awesome celery; carrot and lentil recipe from Andrew Lessman's soup cookbook. It's a great recipe & I freeze it. If you freeze your ginger or tumeric, let us know how that goes. When I tried that when I unfreezed it, it was rubbery. Perhaps I wasn't supposed to take the whole piece out and just pieces as needed. I don't know....I stopped doing that. I have never cooked with okra and I will save your video and try it! Keep up your amazing recipes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 I know a friend that's in the same boat. He was having some issues and his doc told him to eat a high fiber diet. Did you see that other okra recipe I made on my channel? It was the okra stew with tomatoes? It's a southern meal. I ate it over rice and it was so good! But don't ask me where that video is. I don't remember 😂 I'm trying to post recipes to my recipes channel when I come across them so that it's easier to find individual recipes. Glad you're enjoying my channel.

[@patriciatzai]

I love the veggie haul. Veggies here on the east coast seem to be more expensive (and sometimes less fresh) than they seem to be where you are. Still, I try to prioritize getting them, they are the most favorite part of my own grocery hauls.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I get a positive emotional response from a good veggie haul 😂 plus there's that little dopamine rush from getting a good deal 😂

[@beckywhinery4652]

Those soups look amazing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 glad you think so!

[@gailgulliver8970]

Thank you Michelle that was lovely if you put your celery in foil it lasts for weeks ,congratulations on your new job.xx

[@ArdentMichelle]

glad you like it 😁 one of my other viewers just mentioned the foil. I had never heard of that.

[@dixiebell7011]

Looks yummy. You are getting good prices.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank you 😁

[@rachelhero3413]

I really want to try this! I’m hoping it doesn’t spike my blood sugar.. but it looks so good and it’s all whole healthy foods!

[@ArdentMichelle]

which one are you going to make, the meatball soup or the first one with lentils potatoes and cabbage?

[@CFord-wu3in]

Excellent! I love seeing how inexpensive one can make a meal. You've done that and also made it delicious. Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁 glad you like my video!

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

Good morning. I really enjoy soup too. My family is Caribbean. Growing up my Mom would make soup most Saturdays. YOu should look up spinners. They are an easy dumpling you can make for your soup. Probably less expensive than your bread. I think I am going to start making soup more often.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Just added spinners to my recipe bucket list. Thanks for sharing. I know I don't have many more weeks of soup weather left, so I'm embracing it wholeheartedly. It's really become my favorite lunch. Let me know if you have any soups I should try. I would love to do more Caribbean recipes. I have at least a few viewers from there.

[@patpeters6331]

Hi Colette Thank you for your suggestion about Spinners. I just looked them up and am definitely going to try making them. It's always fun to learn about different cuisines. 😋

[@cav788]

Chilled soups are good and refreshing in the warm weather too! I had a great soup in France that was made of melon and cucumbers!

[@happycook6737]

My Dad's Amish heritage has a homemade noodle dough that gets pinched off into boiling soup water. I'm excited to look up your "spinners" and compare.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

Wow. 🧑‍🍳 Loved the video for many reasons!!! SOUP. As always I love your ideas. Spending more time watching was a bonus. I won’t tell you what I paid for one potato today 😆. I went to pick up vegetables and fruit and bought some Italian sausage and wished I had more fennel seed to grind to a powder to kick things up a notch in my version of an Olive Garden soup. I have kale in the house. I bought a family sized package and like you with the spinach it’s in everything but ice cream. I am loving celery lately. Oh!!! I have been seeing some infomercial type videos and the hands look like yours. Oh my you do find some bargains. I found some today. Thank you my friend 💟

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome😁 thanks for sharing your food adventures with me. Love hearing this.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you too. Happy Easter

[@gloriaskryski5222]

We just finished some a pot of vegetable soup and never thought of adding lentils thanks for the great idea Michelle 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@fablafabla1036]

Voilà des recettes bien savoureuses, bien nourrissantes... j'adore comme vous, faire tremper du pain dans la soupe ! vous montrer bien comment on peut sortir de la "bouffe industrielle". 💐

[@ArdentMichelle]

Je suis tellement contente que vous ayez apprécié cette vidéo ! Merci de me l'avoir fait savoir et merci d'avoir regardé !

[@CMarie404]

Both look fantastic. Healthy, simple, and I imagine quite filling. I love soup, or "stewp" as I call it when I make it thick. I like a good hearty mouth feel. Sometimes I thicken it just by taking a portion and blending it into a puree, sometimes just adding some potato flakes, or some canned pumpkin or canned butternut squash. The pumpkin really adds no flavor, but it does add fiber. I'm a hungry girl so am always looking for ways to make something more filling. Seeing a video like this reminds me that I dont really need to spend a fortune on a healthy meal. Especially if using a lot of the same ingredients; just a few differences make a totally different taste. I appreciate the various food suggestions. You used vegan meatballs, yet you were able to suggest a cheaper option (the sausage links). Both options sound good to me. I am now so hungry!!!!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed my video 😁 I like to thicken soups sometimes the same way you do with blending up half of it. I haven't tried with the potato flakes yet, although it's on my bucket list.

[@tamaraspringer2511]

A dish I like to make on a budget is fried rice. You can add any leftover meat on hand. I've tried both leftover cooked chicken and also pork. You only need one pork chop or one piece of chicken diced up to add to the fried rice. I like to make mine with chopped green onions, 1 egg, and soy sauce.

[@Cthomas5678]

Love your ideas!! Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@maryegerton6848]

Hi Michelle😊 Soup is one of my favourite things to eat. I am making butternut squash soup today lol because I found a random squash in the pantry and need to use it. I usually roast the squash, some garlic and onions and toss it all into a soup pot with veg broth, then blend it until it’s creamy and smooth. I’m always on the hunt for a soup recipe, so thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁 I LOVE butternut squash soup and your's sounds so good right now!

[@midlifeandnailingit6342]

I make soup almost every week for my lunches. I large container of beef broth and fam size tomato soup make a super yummy base for so many variations of veg soup.. You can add lentils or beans too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's a great idea for bases.👍

[@chellesoup]

I’ve been eating a lot of “Dolly Parton’s Diet Soup” just because it’s delicious and satisfying.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I have to try this!

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing this

[@gypsywine]

In UK French toast is served as a savory item. Sometimes served as breakfast with bacon or sausage, fried in the bacon fat (ugh) served with baked beans or ketchup

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing!

[@a.wilcox5690]

I love your soup recipes. Especially like your use of ginger & turmeric. I suggest looking for whole grain or multigrain rolls or bread. Complex carbs are healthier than simple carbs (white bread, potatoes, white pasta). But this may be more expensive. I buy two loaves at Costco and then freeze 2 slices at a time in ziplock bags for use throughout the month.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them. Yes, I agree about the whole grain rolls.

[@DaniiSav]

Michelle back at it again with the bangers! I LOVE making soup. I also have never tried radishes with cream cheese, that sounds delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 yep! Doing my best with the content! yeah..there's something about the heat of the radish against the creaminess of the cream cheese that works so well.

[@danasandlin2435]

great idea to cut up and use bkfst sausage in soup...think I will try it...dts/usa

[@DaveSusick]

great video Have you explored Miso soups? Many variations with tofu, seafood and vegis

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've eaten lots of miso soup but never made it. It's on my bucket list and I just happen to have some miso paste that I picked up from Trader Joes. I should try this soon while it's still cold outside. 🤔

[@Godisgood-ut9kp]

Beautiful 💅🏻 nails! Do you also do your nails on a budget? I would love to know alternatives to polish since my nails chip within the day 🫣

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes I do them myself. Gel x nails. You can watch tutorial online and then order the products on Amazon.

[@danasandlin2435]

celery and hummus is also a good option: thanks for the tip on raddish and cream cheese--sounds perfect...dts/usa

[@danasandlin2435]

your second soup reminds me of a local soup that has been made for over 100 years here: Okra and tomato soup...is quite good...a classic here in the southeast...dts/usa

[@susanjones8938]

Delicious

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you

[@Willettee]

I love to make soup after I've made bone and vegetable broth. I usually eat it until it's gone. Yummy broth makes a big difference. I also like to add gnocchi to my chicken soups. It's hearty and costs very little to space out over several days.

[@ArdentMichelle]

homemade broth is the best! 😋

[@lauriesheppard3394]

Great ideas! Thank you!, so healthy and something I could do!

[@ArdentMichelle]

welcome 😁

[@mgom7646]

This is a very good video, thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@KarenJamieson-o9p]

You've inspired me to attempt to make veggie meatballs as it never occurred to me to add them to a soup. I know you used store-bought ones as they're so convenient, but I'm sure theres a recipe out there for homemade ones. I love spinach as well. We often buy it in the frozen isle as they come as a bag of individual pucks. Very convenient, as one member of the household loves them for smoothies everyday. I agree with other commenters that healthy does not equate to expensive. Loved your video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks so much 😁 I'm thinking the veggie meatballs would need a binder like eggs but I'm sure they would be a lot less expensive to make. I'm still thinking about that soup. It was SO GOOD!

[@kathyclarke6327]

Put some everything but the bagel seasoning on your peanut butter celery. Thank me later💖🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

I bet that's good. going to try it 😁

[@Frugalpleasuresinretirement]

Michelle love your videos with money saving tips for groceries. May I please ask how much is your grocery bill per month? Many thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've been trying for $150 but that's with me using some dry beans and rice from my pantry. I also buy things like oil and soy sauce in bulk.

[@pinkflamingosalwaysfascina8097]

This happens to me too If things in your fridge are all the way in the back and touching the wall they will freeze.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Too many adults with food in the fridge 😂