EMERGENCY GROCERY BUDGET MARATHON | BEST Cheap Meal Ideas | Extreme Budget Food

[@claudiademoss6040]

I am a 70 yo woman who lives on her own, so...your videos are often not that appropriate for me. HOWEVER, I watch you because of your energy and sense of humor. You clacka me up, Christine!

[@chrissydawn2783]

She has great energy and she is funny ❤

[@phyllisschapiro7894]

Any of her meals can be frozen in portion sized zip lok bags, flatten, then close. Freezing flat, you can defrost very quickly. 😘

[@teeser2436]

Same🙂

[@betterlivingonabudget]

Hi Caudia, I'm 57, and just became an empty nester after my twin daughters graduated college, and moved out-of-state in July, so I totally identify with what you are saying. FFM was the first YT channel I started watching, and wasn't sure if my newly empty-nest brain would still jive, but yep, still loving it! I always feel inspired to save money on groceries, fritter away less money, and work on my fitness when I watch Christine doing all the things. 😍

[@amandasnailtasticnails9657]

As a single woman I can totally relate to her channel. In my head I can wrap around how to create the recipes for a family of one so I could have leftovers for the next day.

[@kprairiesun]

Team savory on grits! Plenty of butter, salt and pepper

[@mimismegalife4976]

I am a 60 year old widow. I have been going to a food bank for the past 10 months. I recently was able to find great channels like yours to help me save money and prepare food from the food bank. Thank you for your creative ideas. God bless 🙏

[@debbiedickens8192]

we started going to a food bank last year. Medical bills almost cost us our house. My best friend urged me to utilize what was available to us. I use $15-$25 to fill in the gaps. Sometimes we need to be very creative with what we get , but so very,very grateful for what we get. And for videos like this one.

[@chrysvest4746]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you still show really low budget options. Many times when content creators get successful they forget what made them popular and aren’t relevant to their audience anymore.

[@patsmall4386]

I've watched a lot of videos of different young ladies. You're the only one I watch now because you just talk and there's no fooling around and you get right to the point. I really enjoy your content of your KZbin channel. Thank you for taking the time to put out great videos

[@FrugalFitMom]

Yay! Thank you!

[@bonniehilt2202]

I fry cabbage with sausage and carrots with soy sauce and sesame oil, serve it over rice. I call it egg roll in a bowl, it’s so good.

[@rebeccasladky1138]

DIY your own brown sugar! If your making cookies let’s say and OH NO! your out of brown sugar. So mix 3/4 cup white sugar with one tablespoon molasses and mix with a fork. Use two tablespoons for dark brown sugar. Molasses and brown sugar are a byproduct of making granulated white sugar. TA DA! You are the queen of DIY.

[@thak44]

Awesome tha k you that’s so good to know! I’m gonna try it

[@colinkaak9874]

Another Pioneer Woman hint that I use is to add a small pinch of turmeric to chicken stock/ soup. It makes it look more chicken-y because of the yellow coloring.

[@bittylovin7973]

And really good for you!

[@sandyhartle]

I add a teaspoon of Indian curry to my chicken soup. It also has turmeric in it, and it adds a little extra flavor.

[@dragonflyy000]

All great ideas!

[@joniahaworth]

Christine, we need a new clearance grocery haul where you touch all the things!! 😂

[@leytonfortnite4724]

Yes please!

[@michelle36978]

I agree!!!

[@nunusky3942]

For the love of God!!!!!!!

[@melissalee1531]

You can mix the leftover turkey and gravy . Put it in a 9x13 put homemade biscuits on top bake until biscuits are done . Granny called it turkey pie !!! It’s good and easy ! You can throw corn , carrots, peas and green beans if you want .

[@AriesRising4444]

We do this with any leftover chicken, turkey or beef and gravy with any available leftover onions, carrots, peas, beans, green beans. It is the last leftover version and we love it! We call it "hash".

[@abigailmuser5871]

I never thought to scrunch the parchment paper to make it cooperate instead of curling 🤯, mind blown its brilliant! I saw your bread video a while ago and I now scrunch my parchment paper EVERY TIME! Thanks for sharing your simple brilliance!

[@janetharrah8407]

I am heading to see my daughter who is away at college. I told her I would bring her a treat bag. She asked me to bring her a loaf of your no knead bread. It has become a family favorite and so easy to make.

[@pikayla5749]

Not sure which recipe you use but I started making my Dutch oven bread fancier. For an Italian meal I roast a couple bulbs of garlic and chop up some fresh rosemary and add those to the dry ingredients for a garlic rosemary bread. Another iteration is raisin bread. I mix a cup and a half of raisins in lots of cinnamon and a couple tablespoons of sugar then mix it with the dry ingredients. Both breads are yummy!

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

​@@pikayla5749 I've been thinking of something like that, but adding the ingredients I put in from an onion bread recipe. I make it as a substitute for onion Bagels for my hubby.

[@janetharrah8407]

Oh my daughter would love the rosemary garlic bread. I may have to try that.@@pikayla5749

[@carmarasmussen8118]

Instead of apples, I chop up fresh peaches onto my cinnamon spice oatmeal. YUM!! 😋😋

[@debiwillis9045]

I vary the fruit too. As I'm sure she does.

[@jacandalison8101]

YUM!

[@cassidydavis4421]

Yum! Makes me think of Peach Days in Ferron, Ut

[@biblechick1025]

My husband loves peaches and cream oat meal

[@kellykersten8828]

Pecans and raisins are really good to put in oatmeal

[@nancyculp6968]

I have watched so many different you tubers cook beans and all the same way. No one has ever taken beans to make pork & beans! With the sweet pork roast would have been not quite as sweet, but added another level of flavor if you used juice from an orange. Then if your family enjoys the crispy texture they have in restaurants just pan fry it. Also, you could have added barbecue sauce to pork for pulled pork sandwiches…that you could have served with pork & beans, slaw and chips. Then made barbecue nachos and/or used any leftovers to top baked potatoes topped with cheese and can drizzle either with little ranch. Any pieces can be used to make a homemade barbecue pizza. Any leftover pork & beans can be served with a cast iron pan of Mexican Cornbread! Also, I have made a Mexican Casserole from leftover ground breakfast sausage, rice, leftover cheese dip, rotel or fire roasted tomatoes, cheddar cheese and/ or Mexican blend cheese. I just threw a bunch of things had left in my pantry and what little protein I had leftover and turned it into a 13x9” casserole. Did you know if you do not have tomato sauce or puréed tomatoes you can use a can of tomato soup. Also, carrots can be turned into cream of carrot & ginger soup. Swirl a tablespoon of sour cream or plain yogurt and it is delicious…especially served with some of your beautiful crusty bread and a green salad. Just some ideas.😊

[@MauraMarcus]

I keep chopped cilantro stems in the freezer and add them to the Dominican beans after the peppers are mostly cooked.

[@biblechick1025]

How do you make your beans?

[@MauraMarcus]

@@biblechick1025 Dominican Beans (adapted from FrugalFitMom) 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 green bell pepper 2 T tomato paste 4 t no-chicken base 1 T red wine vinegar 2 15 oz. cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 t each dried oregano and basil garlic powder cilantro stems of half a bunch, chopped 1 bay leaf 3 c water, to cover rice, for serving optional on the side: chopped raw onion, sliced tomato, avocado In a large skillet or wok, saute in some oil onion, when starts to brown add bell pepper and when soft, add cilantro stems and cook a bit then add garlic and cook a few min. Add tomato paste and cook a bit. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cover, Btb (bring to boil), Rts (Reduce to Simmer), and simmer 2 hrs. Serve over rice with chopped raw onion on top and sliced tomato and avocado.

[@pauletteschirmer4906]

I wasn't introduced to grits until my last husband. Definitely team savory with grits.

[@tinamarienelson8469]

I’m a recently divorced 56 yr old woman. I’ve had to use a food pantry this year. My sister is a SAHM and she goes to the food pantry, then we split the food she gets. It’s helped us both tremendously! Don’t be ashamed to utilize them. Everyone needs a little help sometimes ❤❤

[@j.j.savalle4714]

Grits: team savory (butter, salt, cheese). ! great ideas for low cost eatin'! Extra refried beans are great to thicken black bean soup!

[@terrip8451]

I love adding dried cranberries and blueberries to my chicken salad along with celery and onion. Sooooo good.

[@melgroves9937]

My 1 year old heard the alert the only KZbin I allow notifications and came running to watch.

[@alexanderschwarm7755]

To join your channel is always a pleasure Christine, what have we done to deserve all of this content 🙂

[@makeit2649]

Girl, forget the stove; make those oats in your InstantPot! Add some water to the IP liner, then add a trivet. Put your oats with the appropriate amount of water into a heat-resistant bowl (an old round Corningware casserole dish will work perfectly, but so do Pyrex glass bowls). Put the bowl of oats + water on that trivet inside the IP. I typically cook two cups of dry oats for nine minutes, and then wait for the pressure to drop. You can set this up at night on a delay timer, so they are done in the morning when you want to eat them. You are welcome!

[@staceyhaleysmit3451]

Totally psyched about seeing the title of the video…I have been cleaning my pantry this morning….cleaned and organized my chest freezers, and have been processing my veggies from the garden - canning and freezing them..feeling food overwhelmed ..but need ideas for meals..perfect timing…have a great day Christine.

[@allikat1352]

Love the tubed tomato paste! So convenient.

[@jennifermusgrave6998]

You can also save bacon grease in your fridge and use that in the place of shortening in the biscuits.

[@elliejellie22]

I love the crunch of the uncooked apple on my oatmeal. So yummy!🍎🍏

[@caroleilola7424]

Many thank you’s for all you do and putting these all together! Due to the smoke from fires,it choked out our blossoms for our pumpkin crops. This is our bread and butter so to speak, leaving us without that income and loss and then having to save extra to afford to plant next year. All great tips and using so many of these recipes, it won’t feel like we are on a tight budget while giving up so much else in life! Help keep our bellies full and our minds even more to feeling positive ❤

[@rosamomdmartin]

Buy a late pumpkin and save the seeds and you can replant for free and enjoy the pumpkin.Gods Blessings to you all ❤️🥰🙏 From London UK 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@musicianswife8596]

I love this video! I wish 20 years ago I had realized the basics of cooking and how to be a little money savvy with groceries.

[@gippywhite]

That was AMAZING!!! Well done! I will have to write a lot of these down! One thing, though… WASH YOUR RICE!!! ALWAYS WASH YOUR RICE!!!!!!!!!!! 🗣️💙💙💙

[@timeforme9080]

I grew up in Texas also and I am TEAM SAVORY for the grits. Add some cheese and my heart melts.

[@tinamarienelson8469]

Yes!! Team Texas and Team Savory Grits!😂

[@329crys]

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you and your efforts to help all of us in these trying times. My small budget and I thank you for all of your helpful videos!❤

[@sherryr1222]

I like how the serving sizes for the meals are reasonable, healthy size plates. So often I see dinner videos where each 'serving' includes 2 or 3 pieces of chicken etc. and mounds of sides, instead of a balanced plate with a single serving of meat alongside the carbohydrate component and veggies etc. I also appreciate that you explain the calories in the total and then the amount per person so that it's clear that those really are normal healthy portions of food and all anyone needs. Not only easier on the wallet but also on our collective waistlines!

[@charylliss3741]

Portion your leftover pork, etc into muffin tins and freeze. They are portion controlled, pop out easily, and store well in freezer bags. "Slumgulian" was what my mother called a dish that was a bunch of leftovers combined.

[@leslieb4553]

My mom called it Slumgullion too😂I thought she made it up!

[@feliciamunoz6688]

We call ours 'mush pot' 😅

[@michelekirby-xv4sw]

I'm English and we always have chilli on rice with garlic bread. The best. We also love it on baked potatoes.

[@jodireaux965]

I add yogurt to the pancake mix all the time. Even syrup. I have added directly to the batter. Great flavor. I add and doctor mixes up and my kids always eat them and like them.

[@PB-fs3bh]

"That's a lot of salt." *Adds more* Ive never related to anything on the internet more than this. 😂

[@cassidydavis4421]

I’m glad we started gardening 3 years ago so that all year we have had green peppers etc. I highly recommend growing what you can! Even in an apartment you can still grow a container garden! We have discovered that we love cherry tomatoes in just about everything for that acidic pop and a pop of color. All of these recipes look delicious

[@jrae6608]

They can be grown year around same plant

[@billkelly3679]

One ingredient that goes surprisingly well with chicken salad? Grapes. It is now the only way the kids will eat it. Also, a cheat for when you use tomato paste: Dole out one tablespoon does onto a sheetpan that you put waxed paper on. Freeze the pan with the dollops of paste. When frozen, put them in a plastic baggie and back in the freezer. Any time you need a tablespoon of tomato paste you just go into the freezer and grab one.

[@BrynneC]

I see your grapes in chicken salad, and I raise you a pinch of curry powder

[@Legal_Sweetie333]

No it doesn't 🤣😂

[@GrandTime-17]

​​@@Legal_Sweetie333Yea, that's a good way to ruin chicken salad! I tried it with grapes and it was nasty!

[@user-fv1mt6sc5t]

I made the bread with wheat flour (adding a little more liquid until it looked right as I've read it's necessary to do with that flour) and added the everything but the seasoning on top and OMG IT IS SO GOOD. It takes everything in me to not eat the entire loaf in one sitting. I'm really loving this newfound freedom with homecooked foods I'm finding as of late, thank you so much for everything you do!!!!

[@chrissydawn2783]

And I love my instantpot. Glad to see I'm not the only one who forgets to plug my pot in then wonder what's wrong with it 😅

[@heidiburkard7464]

Done that

[@lorita3488]

one of my favorite recipe for dips: Dill Cheese dip: 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 tsp. dill chopped, tomato wedges, cauliflower florets and potato chips Recipe Instructions: Put in your bender container of cottage cheese, blend until consistency is creamy! Stir in dill. Let stand overnight. Serve with tomato wedge and cauliflower florets or potato chips

[@india1422]

When you are making porridge ( oatmeal), add salt. It needs to be enough to taste but not make it salty. The difference in flavour is amazing

[@lizzie5919]

As a single diabetic 60 year old i did not replace my stove when a squirrel got in it and died( thats a whole nother story lol ) i just kept my airfryer/toaster oven combo. I asked for a two burner flat top for Christmas and my sis got it for me. I have noticed a difference in my power bill and dont miss my stove at all. Ive added a pantry where the stove used to be.

[@pattywilliams788]

Good morning, Christine! Yay, I love videos from you, so thanks for sharing.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MsDoglover02]

I just picked up a brand new looking Instapot yesterday at Goodwill for $20!

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

I found an off brand Instantpot (basically the same thing) at a thrift store for like $10. The seal was damaged, new seal was like $10 at the time. So, $20 and a good cleaning and it works. I need to get back to using it. I've only ever made potatoes in it which turned out delicious.

[@pammy0809]

I find that soup of any kind is the best budget tip. Soup can be ANYTHING! Everything looks amazing! Thanks for some great tips.

[@patriciabellah9392]

Christine my chicken salad chicken basil oregano salad topper mix with cranberries (walmart) carrots celery onions.

[@mom2LandM]

I substitute pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. It doesn’t taste like pumpkin but has a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice and some have clove. It gives a more robust flavor to desserts! Great video. I’m going to try the apple syrup!

[@TDAEON]

I do apple pie spice for my oatmeal. Works great, too!

[@Brattyanne1231frugal]

I feel like KZbin is positive for me . I love all the tips . I’m looking forward to seeing your results. You’re very inspiring. As soon as my thyroid levels get back to normal I’m jumping on a health journey

[@bridgetmarden7224]

Poor Dave..... he is missing out!!! Tuna is the BOMB in my opinion. Love all of your videos and ideas ❤❤ Thank you and keep em comin 😊

[@patriciacarter8442]

Hey Christine, how's Hailey doing on her new adventure? Hope all is going well:)

[@remielsanna]

So many recipe ideas for these chilly fall evenings! Seasoned chicken leg quarters .99/lb this coming week at kroger, looking forward to prepping and freezing some wholesome warming meals 🥰

[@leytonfortnite4724]

Just realized how much i enjoy watching your lovely family eat your meals when you ar finished. Thats usually included in your videos or at least you eating it with your thoughts 😊. Love your videos!

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Like your cooking videos a lot. I love that you are flexible cooking and always able to use (up) what ever you have.

[@SeanNewhouse-mv9ez]

Steel cut oats healthiest Try with some pureed bananas, etc, creamed honey, vanilla!!, etc, apple butters so good too. I love some canned milk in too

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Love the tip of instant potatoes for thickening sauces ..

[@Dellabricks]

I always cook the apple in with the oats, lovely!

[@kathlynsteinman3599]

Steel cut and old fashioned oats are less processed than quick oats, too. I always go for them when I can.

[@ruthfreeman864]

Grits...salt pepper butter yum

[@lynnsaunders6374]

WOW! I actually made a turkey breast this weekend and made your turkey tetrazzini recipe! HUGE hit 🎯 Thanks for the marathon

[@KayKay-ov3md]

Oatmeal with crunchy apples is everything!!! ❤

[@mariayelruh]

We have oatmeal most mornings. For us I do a 'heart healthy' serving which is a serving and a half. Over the years I've found that an easy mostly hands off way to cook it on high with a lid on for 6 minutes, give it a stir and then 6 minutes on low, with the lid on and give it a stir at the end. Your time and temps may need tweaking, but having it mostly easy means we have it all the time.

[@carolinepalmer6910]

That bread at 8:57, I wanted to cry. Yum!!

[@alexishampton3943]

I just made a large purchase and was looking to cut my grocery budget down for a while honestly so perfect timing

[@mariahgalletta9783]

I personally love the time and effort you spend to make new and creative ways to stretch the dollar. Helps me keep it fresh in the kitchen. Love your channel!

[@lisapalmeno4488]

I like it that she starts with oatmeal and she bought a bag of apples. Very nutritious. Most of these shows have people cooking food that's economical, but it's not really healthy long term. This is the best way to go, in my opinion.

[@baileyjo1996]

What do you think about better than bullion? I’ve used it for a few years and I actually really like all the flavors! It lasts forever in the fridge too!

[@chrissydawn2783]

Yes a new video ❤❤ I always get happy to see your notifications 💗 May not always get to watch the video right away but trust me I do watch! ❤

[@Addy1027]

Longest video and LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! That took a lot of time Christine, thank you! ♥Recipes rocked!! If you know how to cook, like you and I do, your like dang.... thank you again! ♥

[@PrincessKryssiQT]

I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that are adequate enough to say right now. May peace and comfort find you and your family at this time. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.. Requiesce in pace.

[@shelliewilliams9840]

I don't know why people don't understand that it is ok not to be ok 100%. I understand it and I'm not going anywhere.. I really like this video. You are the most real person I follow. I would love to see more of you sitting on the floor going through a big box of fun ideas. Take care of you always, please.. I've been trying to teach my daughter that. Me and her are just like you it doesn't feel ok to take care of ourselves but we are trying

[@veronicavatter6436]

Grits are a staple in my house. We eat them savory with cheese. Although when i was little i ate it with grape jelly.

[@martynscott7006]

Again, WOW! I am watching this video again, and I'm learning more. Rapid fire, but with confidence and skill.

[@martynscott7006]

And, I've moved on to dry beans. No more canned beans (unless I'm having a recipe bean emergency...).

[@dannarodriguez8981]

Great stories, as always Cindy! And yes, in our family myself and 2 siblings have always enjoyed the stories that our "boomer" parents shared! Like the Helms delivery trucks, or seeing the Beatles on Sullivan, to my gramma, "silent generation", and her stories of the piano player at the movies! So glad she would make my sister and I watch The Lawrence Welk Show (at that time it was TORTURE!!!) Now with my son sharing my time growing up in the 70' n 80', like the "odd/even" days to buy gas or MTV, riding in the bed of my dads truck...Good times!❤❤❤❤

[@christinewallace9251]

That was awesome!! I love watching you cook. The more the better.

[@jackieburnett6881]

Great video!! Love your energy and enthusiasm!! I highly recommend to anyone you can freeze these divide them up for your needs. These were fantastic

[@TheGalvannyVEVO]

1:07 cheers from Dominican Republic 🇩🇴🔥🔥 🫘 🍚 🍗 is the national dish love itttt

[@heatherjohnson2511]

Shrimp and grits with cheese....all the way!! ❤❤

[@lorelynleisure4048]

I have a friend that raves about souper cubes. As my kids grew up and moved away I have never been able to make my family sized recipes into smaller batches for two so I ordered them. now I feel like I can cook again, toss the leftovers in the various cube sizes, and it works so much better than I could have imagined. Several recipes you made I can't wait to try!

[@motherhenn8850]

Christine, this is your masterpiece video. Thank you for your efforts in making these recipes. Videoing them and editing. I am sharing with all my kids.

[@donnamullins2089]

Yes Ma'am it was a two day video. I will try a bean and rice dish. ha ha Shrimp and Grits are always savory at our house. Never ever sugar. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@tanjacavlovic8053]

You are such an uplifting addition to my life. I love your sense of humor! I made that bread again today, thanks for reminder. Absolute genius.

[@cynthiagilbert]

Really enjoyed rewatching this cooking recipes!! Got great ideas ty 🎉

[@lisam5744]

Lots of good recipes. I'm going to try the chorizo/bean/rice recipe. Plus (not in the video) I purchased some small corn tortillas at Dollar Tree and I'm going to make some homemade tortilla chips. My husband said we can't have tortilla chips without bean dip. I laughed and said that I had frozen pinto beans and I can make some bean dip. Thanks for the ideas!

[@tiffanytunoa7240]

I loved watching this video! So many meals to give inspiration. Thank you.

[@jaewhite4722]

Ready for a new shopping experience with current pricing. You rock!

[@Alyssughbre]

I love seeing videos with the old counter tops. It makes me happy for some reason 😂

[@juliedavidson5596]

There are so many recipes that I can't pick a favorite. Great job Christine.

[@gwenroireau6203]

So cute! Your interpretation of the craft was excellent! I say use these 2 on the mantle and get some of the smaller ones with hangers to go in the trees. Good job 👍🏼

[@homesteadincrazy7773]

Grits with butter, salt, and pepper. Yum. Alabama here.

[@darlingwolfyful]

I saved this video and made this soup...OMG it was AMAZING!! thank you for always leeping it real and fresh!

[@LisaofHopewell]

Back beans with 1 or more chipotle peppers in adobo sauce--super good, super cheap. Freeze the rest of the peppers.

[@theresamiller1446]

Sweet all the way! Butter & sugar, so good!

[@jamahackney4434]

Would love to have your family reactions on some of your new dishes.

[@RebeccaL0108]

Love, love grits… we do grits with butter, water, salt, pepper with 2 fried eggs on top with cayenne pepper sprinkled on top & it so delicious 😋

[@deb8119]

Grits with a ton of butter!!! MMMMmmmmm!!! Thanks for the budget friendly meals. Great ideas for THIS pitiful economy!

[@kathleenodonnell7800]

Applesauce as a topping for pancakes....yum

[@kelleybeecher1779]

Is there somewhere to get the written recipes? Can't wait to try them!