126 MEALS FOR $34 | Emergency Extreme Budget Grocery Haul 2020

[@amandaconnally5741]

Anyone who hates on these meals was never poor... cuz that's how we have to eat/cook to feed a big family for as little as possible

[@YvaiatheDemon]

Amen to that!

[@scarlet8078]

Yes & these meals aren't bad at all. We eat potatoes like twice per day anyway, & u can make anything out of potatoes if u have experience cooking with them: potatoes mashed, baked, bread, pancakes, hashbrowns, croquette/ pierogi, etc.

[@deannealbrecht774]

Fried potatoes and gravy is a staple in the south.

[@overton1963]

Some of us are diabetic and potatoes, Rice, and pasta a hazardous to our health. She’s using them as fillers. People like myself could not survive on her meals.

[@davidbown2707]

Potatoes are Not bad for diabetics. It is all what you Put on the potato that makes them bad

[@lifeaslaceye]

It’s so sad there’s a need for you to defend what you’re making! These are the types of meals I grew up on too! It was ALWAYS an emergency low budget grocery hall type of week for us, and my mama was the queen of creating casseroles or combos!

[@beckyladd8302]

Sometimes you have to forget super healthy just to feed your family

[@shelleyobrien8180]

Apparently people complaining have never gone hungry.

[@truthhurts8312]

Agreed!

[@70foolio]

So true I remember left over casseroles always were good meals.

[@lisawoods9391]

My mom as well! We were military. . My dad only got paid once a month. (the 1st) My mom would sit down at the kitchen table, make out a menu for the month, and she kept us fed for under a 100 a month for groceries. She was amazing, my mom! :)

[@Healedhomegirl]

I think your channel could bless so many families! Although we have the money doesn’t mean we need to always spend it. This is a good way to save money and put it away for a rainy day! I pray that these videos reach families in need and make them feel good about putting food on the table! Thank you for doing this!

[@h.rdubya6207]

She is SUCH a blessing!

[@StEmS509]

Amen!

[@ShanaLawson]

My husband doesn’t understand that sentiment unfortunately. It seems every time there’s some money, he needs to spend it.

[@alikalindsay9528]

AGREE!

[@BiscuitsMom917]

Yeah anyone who complains was never poor! I would eat all of this stuff.

[@katg109]

This is the same basic foods my single mom made for us during the recession of the 70s. Lots of potato’s, pork (cheap meat) and sacks of pinto beans. I still love it!

[@ericanorton71]

DITTO. I wish my mother had her imagination when I was a kid. We were so poor. Bean and cheese burritos are not fun on day 20 in a row.....

[@AndreaGarcia-pq1ru]

Same I’ll eat that

[@danigarrett1466]

Exactly! Me too.

[@70foolio]

OMG I too bought 50 lbs of potatoes right when the COVID hit and people stripping the shelves at my grocery store. I said to myself I can make some food out of: potatoes, pinto beans, eggs, rice and chorizo. So you’re totally not wrong when you put these items together because some of us HAD to do it. I love your channel so much because you show the reality of budgeting and cooking for a family.

[@moniquemc4553]

Yvette Benavidez 100% 💖 Same for us. My first thought was potatoes, beans and rice. Cheap and lasts a long time. Plus you really can get creative and make many different dishes.

[@melindaroop1346]

Those are all good stuff though.

[@danakarloz5845]

Have you taken any of those potatoes and planted them? I took a few of mine and they are definitely growing! You will be more prepared for the next time.

[@danakarloz5845]

Monique MC and onions!

[@70foolio]

Dana Karloz -funny I did plant some and have to do more research on how long to keep em in. I pulled them out too early because the plants were huge but the potatoes didn’t quite grow.

[@zoe-elizabethmccray4868]

Sweet potato black bean tacos have become my favorite meal since going vegetarian!

[@pennynickels5216]

How do you make that?

[@tngardener231]

I love baked sweet potatoes in pasta alfredo. It’s so good and brings it to another level. I just sprinkle them on top

[@carlabakelaar8912]

How do you make them please?

[@Legal_Sweetie333]

Mix in MCT oil and collagen too

[@PethtelLady]

These videos that you’re doing are some of the most helpful & informative videos on the platform in my opinion! Especially at a time when so many are struggling....

[@FrugalFitMom]

I appreciate that!

[@sarahd2800]

Agreed!!

[@amberoleary5466]

"The kids have been home for months ans months and they get louder and louder!" YES!! I hadn't thought about it that way, but it's so true!

[@LP-NYc]

Why do people need to be so negative? Ok so you are having a lot of carb. Your whole family is extremely active. People need to get a grip and just enjoy. Everything can be modified to their tastes individually.

[@AliceHasenkohl]

potatoes are insanely healthy! way less carbs than everyone assumes, especially compared to how nutritious they are overall. potatoes got a bad rep, probably due to wheat sellers trying to expand their market back in the day

[@SPage-me5ko]

I'm jealous that your family willing participates in these challenges.

[@lemondrizzlecake7766]

@Nyesha Harris Does he at least cook his own meat?

[@HowImDoingIt]

Times like this I’m so glad to be single. Had a picky cranky husband for many years. When he got tired of being married & ran off, I really blossomed into my new role as head of household of my children.

[@kaydenl6836]

@Nyesha Harris if you don’t want to make him meals he’ll eat, don’t complain that he cooks his own food. It’s HIS body he’s putting HIS food into

[@Courtney11886]

I don’t know why anyone would criticize you! I think it’s great. Like with the soup for instance, people can add their own favorite cheese if they don’t like American. People need to get grip lol have a good day!

[@Courtney11886]

Also, Love the pregnancy nausea tip. I am suffering so bad!

[@americaneden3090]

@@Courtney11886 hang in there i puked until 10 minutes AFTER i gave birth to my last 2 kids. Hyperemisis is no joke, regular nausea stinks too. I tried chamomile tea it calms stomach spasms

[@anelmottley2630]

Power u all depend on ,, not THERE, what u cooking now?????

[@americaneden3090]

Her emergency budget cooking vids refers to the BUDGET as the challenge or emergency. There's loads of prepper vids out there this just isnt that particular genre. If u have methods of cooking to share tho, by all means do. Patara from #AppalachianHomestead did a #wouldyoustarvepantrychallenge series for 30 days. That challenge included different alternative off grid cooking measures. #OurHalfAcreHomestead pressure canned meat on her grill during a 69 hr power outage. Lets share not tear each other down

[@hollycaffeinatednerdgirl940]

blue oooohhhhhh this brings back the memorise 🤢🤢🤢 I'm glad it wasnt just me barfing the whole time and AFTER..LOL

[@amandaramsay5934]

You said $19.98 slow cooker...and I thought the year 1998. My brain just takes it own road sometimes. Lol

[@shellysadventures2875]

you're not alone in thinking that!

[@amandaramsay5934]

@@shellysadventures2875 I thought wow it's held up so well to be that old 🤣

[@tweet-tweettweety9704]

@@amandaramsay5934 I think I have that same crock pot and it may very well be that old. lol

[@amandaramsay5934]

@@tweet-tweettweety9704 that's awesome!

[@prachishah8342]

Lol

[@alejandraochoa5714]

You can cut up the potatoes into small cubes, fry until cooked add chorizo, and cook until chorizo is done. Tastes so much better because the fat from the chorizo goes into the potatoes🤤

[@leithagrover9116]

Sounds great

[@feliz1443]

They also get that lovely red colouring to them...i love that chorizo turns everything red haha makes bland beige food look tasty

[@melissashome]

I actually do breakfast burrito. Just put the egg when the potato and chorizo is done. Sooo good.

[@h.rdubya6207]

Thank you

[@saramoore6911]

My bestfriends family is from Mexico and they moved here when she was in the fifth grade and we started the same school at the same time and we're the only new kids anyways her grandmother made breakfast burritos using potato's chirizo the way you just described and here we are twenty years later and I still love Sunday dinner at her grandmother's house for her burritos one of the best things I ever had

[@olgaguerrero1369]

Hi Christine! You can also cook the chorizo and mix it with refríes beans and you have another meal for tacos

[@perlah6973]

Yes! My daughters love that with flour tortillas. I make them at home to save more money.

[@cameronmartin679]

How do u cook chorizo?!

[@Singlemombalance]

Yes and add cheese w chorizo beans & egg burritos!

[@TheLittleprincess79]

cameron martin cook the chorizo in a very low heat until you see a change in color then add beans that you already cook.

[@cameronmartin679]

@@TheLittleprincess79 thank u😊

[@deceptionme]

Christine you are setting an example for not just other parents but also young people who watch your videos. I don't know why someone would criticize you. You are doing an amazing job with the kids and feeding a large family. You do you Christine and stay awesome.

[@MrzTeria]

Potatoes, chorizo,and refried beans tacos... they're delicious

[@JB-hl7tu]

Potatoes and pepper tacos *mwah*

[@KC-zn1mg]

What might be a good substitute for chorizo. It isn’t easy to find in my area.

[@labullo79]

@@KC-zn1mg Smoked sausage and a bit of paprika. Best of luck!

[@HaleighBennet]

K C hot italian sausage has a similar texture but nothing beats chorizo!!! most walmart locations carry chorizo

[@catherinesteph]

@@KC-zn1mg are you looking in the meat section? I often find it in the cheese section instead depending on the store.

[@lisachapman6492]

For me, when budget gets tight I go for greens and cornbread. I could easily eat that all week.

[@mandlerparr1]

that chorizo and chili (anything with beans, really) would all be great with cornbread.

[@southerngrandma4353]

I could live on either beans and cornbread or greens and cornbread....fried potatoes and onions too, if I had them. All southern style for me 😋

[@lblake5653]

Sounds so good. I like cold greens too. I know I'm strange..😋

[@SarahLizDoan]

Me, too!

[@vernareed5534]

Ppl could learn what wild greens look like & gather to have with meals! Wilted,or cooked would add much nutrition!!

[@lesliekanengiser8482]

Love pintos in the instant pot. I bought a bunch of rice and beans right when all this mess started. Needed ways to use them up. No, these may not be the healthiest meals, but on a budget, you do what you have to do. Would I like to buy organic kale and apples and grass fed beef ? Yes. Can I afford that at the moment? Like most people right now? No. So this is much appreciated

[@antiantipoda]

Rice and beans is the official everyday dish of Brazil. You add some protein - eggs, sausage, chicken, fish, meat and a salad and there you go. Some Brazilians say if there's no rice and beans it's not a full meal.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Beef is not that healthy. Most people do not buy organic kale. Chicken is healthier and cheaper.

[@texasoutlook60]

Thanks Christine for recognizing the fact that not everyone can afford meat! Most meal planning videos do not take that into consideration and some have $300+ per week meal planning videos for a family of four!! Thanks & Blessings ~Sidney

[@vl8835]

We have a program where I live where deer hunters donate deer meat. They just want to hunt but don't need the meat. So they donate the meat and people get the deer meat for free. I have a friend with 10 children and they are constantly eating the venison. It really helps with their grocery budget. It is quite good but you have to know how to cook it.

[@Berribunnyo]

Or store fresh fruit for long. It rots so quick I’m the heat

[@Veronica-fc9td]

Uhhhh our grocery budget is 300 A MONTH!! And that's not just good that's toiletries etc...

[@alikalindsay9528]

Agree! I dont think ive ever seen her ever cook with tofu, but I love to buy tofu in bulk and keep it in the freezer. Super cheap to use in recipes when I dont have meat.

[@alikalindsay9528]

@@vl8835 thats awesome. Great lean protein! My husband tells me the trick to any game meat is to soak it in buttermilk.

[@perlah6973]

My savory Mexican version my mom taught me is: 2-3 lbs cooked potatoes. Mash them & add queso fresco, about a 1/4 cup of flour, 1-2 eggs (u want a consistency that won't let them fall apart)salt & pepper to taste. If you want you can add paprika. Make patties & fry them on little bit of oil until golden brown on both sides.

[@bearhugzfam649]

"Or as they're called in my area, funeral potatoes!" Me: *Mormon Intensifies*

[@sarahjayne2717]

Love these videos. I’m an Australian so seeing the cost of American groceries blows my mind, Some great ideas for cheap meals, thank you 😊

[@gailgrooms7824]

Sarah Thompson are we higher or lower for costs of groceries in Australia?

[@sarahjayne2717]

Gail Grooms I get my eggs from Costco because they’re the cheapest around. 30 eggs $7.99. Supermarkets charge $3.50 for 12. American eggs are cleaned too so they look white. Australian eggs haven’t been cleaned so they’re a yellow/tan colour . Potatoes in supermarkets are about $2-$3 a kilo (2.2 pounds). Can get bulk 5kg (10/11 pounds) from grocer for $5 occasionally but not always. 3 litres of milk (about a gallon) is $3.59 (just the cheapest no name supermarket brand). Chorizo is $16 kilo(2.2 pounds) (can get it on special occasionally just under $10kg)

[@alwayslearning9272]

@@gailgrooms7824 Way, way lower!!!

[@vegemitegirl1971]

I'm in rural SA. Earlier this year I paid $12.99 for ONE cauliflower and $17.99 for ONE 5kg bag of potatoes. Fortunately things are a little lower now. I love US food prices. In November 2015 we did a 3 week hunting/camping trip with American family in Montana. We bought the groceries for 7 adults for 3 weeks from Costco for $176. No one starved. I'm allergic to gluten and dairy so I obviously can't buy the cheapest things either.

[@sarahjayne2717]

Lee Golder oh yes prices go up so high living rural. Luckily I only live an hour from a capital city. Friends live about 3 hours west and the prices they have to pay are shocking. And there’s only one ‘supermarket’ out there so u have no choice but to pay extremely expensive prices!

[@ironwifesupreme]

You could make gnocchi with left over mashed potatoes.

[@CeCeHoran22]

I think she said she doesn’t care for gnocchi

[@lizfalk280]

My kids get so excited when they hear your voice!! Lol I tell them “It’s my bff, Christine!!!!!” 🤣

[@Steph-ck6wi]

Awe, how cute!

[@melissan9199]

girl you amaze me....well thought out..appreciate how much planning, thought and time you put into these videos....Bravo!

[@alejandraochoa5714]

You can also add the chicken knorr bullion to the rice👌 its how I make my white rice. Oh! My grandma loved to add butter and canned veggies a little before the end of the cooking time🤤

[@jmobennett88]

Yes and add a can of tomatoes or Tomato paste and make Spanish rice

[@alejandraochoa5714]

@@jmobennett88 gotta add more than that for Mexican rice. If you want authentic Mexican rice, cook chopped onion in a bit of oil, and in a blender you're gonna add garlic, whole peppercorn, and cumin seeds with a tiny bit of water. Add your rice to the pan with the onion, and cook until golden brown. Add your garlic cumin mixture, cook that down for a few minutes, add a can of tomato sauce or blended roma tomatoes, simmer for a few minutes and then add water along with the chicken knorr. Cook until rice is done ✔ 😋

[@vintagebrew1057]

I also use chicken cubes in the rice. Drain and add peas, cooked chop 1 egg scrambled, splash soy sauce and fry in little oil. Also large field mushrooms cut into strips and seasoned with salt pepper and dried thyme. Roast in a little oil and its a mushroom steak. Serve on top of egg fried rice. Its yummy!

[@GemsOfGrace]

That’s how I make my white rice too, with some chk bullion and butter😉 haven’t tried canned veggies yet!

[@Jen-Chapin]

Christine: when is the last time you bought American sliced cheese? Me: saturday 😂😂😂

[@marciesullivan3492]

Yup! My teenage boys like it on sandwiches and there’s nothing like a grilled cheese with that orange gooey cheese.

[@laurisaspears1202]

Same 🤣

[@FrugalFitMom]

LOL!

[@AC-qi9wo]

Costco, last month for grilled cheese sammich yum....

[@GemsOfGrace]

Right! 😂 It’s almost considered a “staple” in my fridge. Great on grilled cheese in a house full of 4 boys.

[@jennanelson2993]

As someone with celiac, I love that most of these ideas are gluten free as well!! It can be hard to eat frugally using other people’s meal ideas bc gluten free subs for things like pasta and baking flour are sooo expensive! For most of these meals I would only need some simple (and not terribly expensive) subs. (Chicken base for bouillon, different taco seasoning, gf “cream of” soup, gf flour in latkes. The only thing I’m not sure about is the canned chili- it is often not gluten free) but I am so grateful for these ideas!

[@sugarloaf10]

I noticed that as well! Many in my family are gluten free including myself. Several are dairy free as well and even that is modified easily. There are several brands of canned chili that are gluten free you just have to read the labels. I think Aldi has a chili with beans that is labeled gluten free.

[@debrasedgwick4697]

I need to get a good recipe and make my own Gluten Free taco mix. Last time I bought some for my daughter, it cost almost $2 a packet vs 50 cents for regular. The main difference, no non-caking ingredients are added. So I am paying 4X as much for them to take out an ingredient. I love this channel because so many of her recipes do not need major substitutions. Thanks for that Christine, yea you!!!

[@smlshawna]

Its so cheap and easy to make gf chilli in the crockpot. You can make a full crockpot of it then freeze flat in baggies

[@sarahjohnson9267]

@@maaaaaaaaaarbe true but you can substitute a gluten free item for everything here.

[@catherinesteph]

@@debrasedgwick4697 try just chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper ... in a pinch nix the garlic and onion

[@maccliff2115]

15:13 It’s called a “can opener” You’re welcome 😉

[@southerngrandma4353]

MAC CLIFF When I was a kid there were no pop top cans, some people called these beer can openers although they could be used for other cans too.

[@brenda1429]

Grew up calling it a church key in our house and still do today

[@mariazamora2713]

I grew up with a mom that was Hispanic. She too used a lot of beans and rice. You used too much salt from those cubes. We were 5 children and my mom and dad. My mom would give us a choice of what vegetables we wanted to eat. She would buy each of us a packet of the seeds we needed to grow our vegetables. That's an after school chore for the child. You have children. teach them how to grow veggies in containers. Carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomato green beans and different kinds of squash. Dollar tree has real cheese, chorizo, real butter and other goodies, cheaper than Walmart. I did enjoy your video. your children are blessed to have you. You are a good Mom.🌹🤗🕊️

[@brandyfreeman4098]

I love when you do these. Others that do these same videos don't come close to the awesomeness of yours ❤️

[@emelyjoyeckhardt390]

I agree with you 100%. Christine is the best!

[@kathedison3887]

Right me too..others have tried but Christine does it best.,katie

[@FrugalFitMom]

Glad you like them!

[@christinatareski8882]

Yes! So many different ideas!

[@koriwurangian6241]

Frugal Fit Mom chorizo is meat

[@ambereller750]

A great breakfast is cutting potatoes in half, bake them, scoop out and make mashed potatoes. Then you scoop it back and use the spoon to make your bed for an egg yolk and bake for a bit. Sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper.

[@ChickensAndGardening]

Here's a frugal tip: when your potatoes are starting to bud, go out in the back yard and plant them in the ground! (or in a 5 gallon bucket on the porch). Potatoes grow amazingly well, even without regular watering. I have extra potato plants coming up from last year - I must have missed them in the harvest. Each potato plant will yield 4-5 potatoes, or maybe more, if you give it time (and the pests don't dig down and eat them). It takes about 3 months. Then store them in a dark, cool place and you'll have a supply well into the fall and winter.

[@amyschmelzer6445]

Joe Tairei I had about ten volunteer potatoes this year. I have never overlooked more than one or two potatoes during the harvest before. It was weird. Most of them came up in a spot that I could leave them be. I figured they came up for a reason and that I should welcome any extra food.

[@kaydeebug24]

How long does it take to grow? Is it too late to start doing this in August? Thanks!

[@ChickensAndGardening]

@@kaydeebug24 Last year, I planted potatoes in July, and I had a harvest in early September. Massachusetts. Might depend on your zone & what kind of potatoes. Not sure but I imagine smaller potatoes would be ready sooner than giant Idaho ones :) Also, you can harvest any potato earlier and it will be small (and a bit sweet), not bad eating at all.

[@sooh6299]

@@kaydeebug24 As long as the potato plants have bloomed by the time you're harvesting you're good to go. Make sure you don't eat potatoes that are green. Those are toxic.

[@breeetienne5850]

great comment. If she plants them they will help lower her grocery bill in the future !!! Im def jusung your idea!!

[@savannahbusby3]

My husband and I didn't have a lot to work with one time but had a few random items in the cabinet. We sliced potatoes like you would for scalloped potatoes, boiled them then lined the bottom of a baking dish with them, then in a separate pot we warmed up a can of chili, and had a packet of brown gravy mix that we made and mixed with the chili, poured that mixture over the potatoes and topped it with shredded cheese and popped it in the oven. A lot of people we have told about it loved it and it was cheap and easy.

[@savannahbusby3]

@Frugal Fit Mom

[@thosewhowander5815]

Christine... You are like the mom I never had. I am learning so much from your channel.

[@janusjoplin3987]

We too ate a lot of potatoes. My Mother bought Valveeta cheese. It worked for Mac & Cheese, potato soup, grilled cheese etc. But now Valveeta is not cheap.

[@jerrysmith372]

There are no cheap cheese's anymore - the store brand would be as cheap as you can do these days. FYI - in the next 2 to 3 years, food will be 50% to 70% of what you spend. Get ready, there's no stopping it.

[@estellaeggleston1643]

I am also Hispanic and we cook the chorizo and then add eggs to the cook chorizo and when the eggs are cooked in we have it a tortilla burrito.

[@kerim.peardon5551]

My husband used to make breakfasts like that. So greasy. So tasty!

[@estellaeggleston1643]

@@kerim.peardon5551 right!

[@danakarloz5845]

Yep 👍

[@Lexykins2691]

Grew up on that!

[@lisamedrano9416]

You can also mash the beans, cook the chorizo on a separate pan and once it’s fully cooked add it to the mashed beans. Mix well and you have chorizo with beans . My kids love them as burritos with some “queso fresco” .

[@samanthajo1593]

Oh girl! These ideas are awesome! My husband and I are working on getting out of debt and these are life savers! We wasted sooo much money on food. Thank you for the ideas!

[@stormirose]

We made a similar potato soup recipe growing up, its my comfort food too! I made it whenever I need some good warm food just to get me through the day and feel snuggly and comfortable.

[@hannaheke9049]

I watch these to get myself ideas for university, I start in September!!!!

[@TsukinekoHeika]

Good luck!

[@CarolineSike]

Good luck at university!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I actually had no idea what Ramen was when I went to University. Learned about it years later. But was big on vegetables that kept (carrots, celery) cheeses, peanut butter and YES Potatoes.

[@hannaheke9049]

@@TsukinekoHeika thank you!!!! I'm going to be a nurse!

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

Beware of the Freshman 15.

[@sarahjohnson9267]

I am sure so many people appreciate the realness of this. Thank you for continuing to make videos of meals that brought us here in the first place! I had several weeks at the beginning of covid where I tried to make sure I wasn't wasting food! I actually didn't even finish a 10 pound bag of potatoes in a week for my lunches.

[@palomahhhh00]

Yes, Christine! Mexicans know how to stretch out and make dishes using simple ingredients. I'm 4 minutes in and loving this video!!

[@psymompa]

Definitely. We seemed to live off of pinto beans, potatoes, eggs, rice, corn tortillas, tomatoes and onions. This combo made so many different kinds of meals.

[@Simplylivinglifethebestican]

We’ve always called it a church key but I know others don’t and it always makes a funny conversation when people hear you call it a church key.

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

Canning, crafting, crocheting through life Always we call a bottle opener (for beer) the church key. I thought it was a Catholic thing because we like to drink.

[@lacyhay9022]

My grandmother would call these meals in a pinch. We never went out to eat but tax time going out to eat was a treat. Beans and rice she would keep on hand. With her working as a cook for the hospital her boss would order extra for her and take it out of her check. She took the spare bedroom and made it a pantry when I was a kid and have buckets labeled and full of beans and rice. They were labeled for specifics like i.c.e., for each month, and for if we can't buy groceries. I would help her carry in these 100 pound bags our of her chevette because that is what type of car she drives. You could see the trunk dragging from the 1,000 pounds of rice and beans she purchased. I miss those days.

[@vixiera]

Another good way to stretch your budget is to make your cream soups from scratch. It's so easy. Just butter, flour, milk and chicken bullion, plus salt and pepper! Do easy, I haven't bought canned soup forever! And it's fast 🥰

[@fredachase5193]

I soak my beans with apple cider vinegar (a tablespoon) and of course water...this helps to get rid of the phytates that impedes nutrient absorption....much less gas too....

[@auroras.2015]

OMG i've never heard of this tip. I hardly eat beans bc I have so much gas problems after eating. I'll try this. Maybe I can eat beans more often then. Thanks!!!

[@VallanaTrue]

@@auroras.2015 I boil the soaked beans for an hour with no seasonings and throw the water away. Then I add fresh water, bay leaf and real garlic and reboil until they are soft and then I add salt and such. Never any gas!

[@AliceHasenkohl]

I think draining after soaking and stirring baking soda/powder through the uncooked beans when they are still moist from the soak serves a similar purpose. just wait until the "sizzling" stops and top off with water/seasoning as normal, without rinsing again. also cuts down on cooking time.

[@alikalindsay9528]

thanks for the tip! ill have to try that. My tip on beans, add your bacon grease! dont waste good bacon grease! :)

[@alikalindsay9528]

@@AliceHasenkohl interesting!

[@karenennis6109]

You are very creative. I call your device a can opener, in the olden days when soda.& beer has bottle caps, we used the other end.

[@miscelany2]

Since you allowed the flour you couldda made gnoochi too.

[@chaoshome34]

I love potato anything and everything! Latkes, fried, mashed, au gratin, soups, yum

[@panama880]

I love that these meals are realistic, I always try to have a vegetable or fruit with my meal because I’m fortunate enough to be able to afford fresh produce but some people aren’t all the time. Kudos to you Christine for showing real meals that most people can afford without stigma for using products that are sometimes processed, I love these videos keep up the good work!

[@Stevie37]

A family member used to do some work with potato farmers in Eastern Washington and they'd sometimes pay that person with big bags or boxes of potatoes. The big bag of Pasco, WA, potatoes and the potatoes forming the base of every meal really takes me back. 🤣

[@destinyhawkins1155]

fried potatoes & chorizo with eggs, my FAVORITE breakfast 🤤 sometimes i have it with toast or in a flour tortilla! so cheap & delicious!

[@FrugalFitMom]

So good!

[@destinyhawkins1155]

adding eggs to the chorizo definitely stretches it way farther as well!

[@davidbown2707]

We need to buy chorizo. Haven’t had it in years

[@colleenshaw1607]

you could also dice up the meat really fine and throw it in with the rice water as well as a little bit of the chicken buillion to add flavor. you can fry the tortillas to make tostadas.

[@mbxtn]

For your refried beans, you need to cook them in lard. My mom will melt her lard in a skillet with a jalapeño or a tortilla. The trick is the get the lard HOT and smoky. Then you take the jalapeño ( save it for salsa or eat it fried, it’s so good) or tortilla out. Let the lard cool just a bit, carefully spoon your cooked pinto beans in and add as much liquid from the broth as you like for your desired consistency. Bring to a simmer for a few minutes. Of course, you’ll also smash your beans to your liking. Depending on how you cooked your beans, you may need to add salt to taste. Refried beans, tortillas, and cheese are enough to make a meal for me.

[@thebiggshomesteadkitchen]

My family LOVES mashed potato pancakes! Literally a fam fave. My sons are adults now and they still ask for them.

[@jillygirl2024]

💓 your frugal videos - gives me a great many ideas, I had to laugh when you mentioned Potatoes I have on hand : 1 package instant Potatoes, a 5 lb bag of fresh Potatoes , a 4 lb vacuum sealed bag of Mashed Potatoes, a 6 lb can of Potatoes - this wasn't planned but through a variety of occurrences I probably have enough potatoes to last a year ! - the Lord provides !

[@BitsOfThisNThat]

actually, I call it a can opener. It's an old fashioned bottle and can punch. Potato soup is still my all-time favorite. I make a big batch and eat the leftovers with my daughter for days. mine is always made with cheese. It's really good with Velveeta also. You can also thicken the soup with heavy cream or half and half and add some sour cream. Yum

[@lisamariefoye2853]

I need this potato cheese soup in my mouth. Like, right now. Immediately.

[@heatherbair7339]

I make the funeral potatoes pretty much the same as you! The topping I always put on top is a regular box(usually not much more than a $1.00) of store brand cornflakes mixed with melted butter! It is delicious!!

[@sarahjo6807]

Making homemade refried beans was a total game changer. I can't ever go back to canned beans.

[@antiantipoda]

Homemade are the best! I cook a full kilo (a little over two pounds) of beans, for just one person, then freeze in portions.

[@LynneGirl26]

Agreed. I thought it would be difficult or time consuming but it's easy and I try to keep cooked beans on hand, anyway.

[@kathysheeran6589]

Never made home made ones. Would like too

[@sarahjo6807]

@@kathysheeran6589 It's super easy. I just throw everything in my crockpot and then use my immersion blender (after taking most of the liquid out).

[@SAT2SAP]

@@antiantipoda how long do the beans last frozen?

[@nadtz]

My mom used to do a lot with a relative little and during the early part of the lockdown when some things were hard to get or lines outside stores were insane I suddenly realized I have a cuppoard full of spices and you can do a lot with beans, rice, potatoes and some kind of protein when you have good spices.

[@rp9248]

Love your videos!!! Don't know if you've tried this but chorizo con huevos is amazing!!! Chorizo with eggs. Also chorizo with beans is super tasty.

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

Awesome cheap meal ideas! Thank you for all you do. Much love to you and your family ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sleepygirll]

Yes that’s how you make homemade beans Latino style

[@gingerlee8819]

WOW! Everything you made looks sooo good! Joyful cooking!

[@bostonmom7247]

Those prices, so lucky! $10 for 50 lbs of potatoes? $5 for 5 dozen eggs? I pay almost $5 for ONE dozen. The price differences throughout the US is crazy!

[@tammysiltanen884]

I feel so much empathy for northeast shoppers! You guys are raped in food and housing prices. :)

[@bibekadhikari4357]

@@tammysiltanen884 I'll advise you to do what I do here in my country... I've house both in capital and outside in county... Then most of the time I've no work, I just go to county and enjoy cheap stuff... Difference of 2 days expense is enough for my flight cost... And whenever I'm coming back from county in car instead of flight, I fill my car with stuff that'd be enough to full my fridge for a month

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

@@tammysiltanen884 Please stop using the word rape to describe something like this.

[@tammysiltanen884]

@@Michelle-pn9xt get a life.

[@sonyavincent7450]

I buy only free range eggs because I'm not on a tight budget, but the best price here in New Zealand is $6.49.a dozen!!!🐔🥚🍳

[@tutuluvsminnie7129]

i am from NC and we always called the can opener a church key---it is a nod to opening bottled beer.

[@juliehoneycutt9707]

It’s shocking how many people have never heard of funeral potatoes.

[@danakarloz5845]

I’ve never heard of this before

[@nathaleewolfrich]

To the chorizo potato tacos add two scramble eggs and I called breakfast. Also just the potatoes with 1 fried chopped tomato and 1/2 chopped onion for breakfast..

[@zonorita08]

Good morning. Love these kinds of videos! :)

[@lance1625]

You're making Idaho and the Irish happy.

[@orphmills]

I've had your channel playing all weekend as I worked on things at home, and I'd like to thank you for the valuable information and how real and applicable it is! I think after hearing you for two days the advice to compare prices actually reached my brain. I placed an order yesterday on an online discount pharmacy kind of store, and compared each item with three other stores I could go to, and edited the cart to only items that were the most affordable there! I'll be on the look out for discounts from other stores for the other things. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@melissahodgson1958]

That's a great name for a can opener! I always associated it with fruit punch and pineapple cans, so church key fits.

[@BeeStingBea]

I'm vegetarian and broke, I've been looking for vegetarian options for myself. This is a PERFECT option for me. I know I can swap out the chorizo for another item. Sincerely thankful. ♥️

[@vickygarcia8603]

Vegetarian chorizo is delicious and has a much better texture

[@brandicharles435]

We sautee the chorizo with onions and mix in eggs and let them scramble together and you can even mix in potatoes. We eat them with tortillas or in burritos

[@kristihetle6463]

She's so blessed that her family isn't picky.

[@kimgutierrez212]

Scrambled eggs with pinto beans breakfast tacos Chorizo, diced potatoes and scrambled egg breakfast tacos. I find breakfast tacos taste better with flour tortillas Chorizo, fried potatoes and can of drained veg all wrapped tightly in corn tortillas then fried make crunchy flautas. Kids gobble these up fast. Very simple to fix and budget friendly.

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I love potatoes. I grow them so they never cost me anything .

[@iburger2177]

Tips for actually grooooowing them? Tried it once and they were tiny!

[@ashleybosvik3031]

@@iburger2177 growing potatoes is quite easy but they grow best in good soil.i plant my potatoes in may and harvest them at the end of sept

[@ablewindsor1459]

Always remember to hill up your potatoes several times during the growing season. As you would growing leeks. All the new shoots that form from the newly covered stem will set new potatoes, the lowest in the trench will be the biggest.

[@smexyphysics]

@@iburger2177 my dad always had beautiful potatoes from his garden. He grew his in tires and swore by it. He got some old tires stacked them up two high, lined them with a garden plastic liner, filled with soil and planted them. When he harvested then he jus had to life up the tire and they all fell out. It also keeps the bugs from getting to them he said

[@ablewindsor1459]

@@iburger2177 YES! The tire stacking method works superbly! I have gone up to four high. Also an old barrel, or 5 gallon bucket without a bottom also works, just place it over the growing vegatation when it is high enough to just peak out of the barrels top, then add straw or any potting mixture. A friend has used old tractor tires - three or more plants fit in the large tire.

[@evelynkrull5268]

Eggs are my go to. Were on a major budget here so I love these videos for ideas.... however I have to be nightshade, soy, and gluten free. Which means no potatoes, no peppers, etc. So many of the cheap options are impossible! Pork roasts are my go to meat because you can shred it to stretch it. My go to struggle meal is fried egg tacos. I put black beans in a warmed tortilla with an egg on top and shredded cabbage (with a sour cream and lime if you can afford it to make it a slaw)

[@ColleenH38]

Even though I have plenty of food and supplies for my family, I always watch your extreme budge meals. There were many times when I was young, I had to stretch food as far as possible. I know what that is like. And right now with times so bad since Covid began, you are providing wonderful information for people that are struggling. Now I want to make some of those potato and chorizo tacos because they look delicious. You are seriously good at this!

[@2cajunteacher]

The crockpot potato soup was SO good and easy! I added onion and cheddar. I will definitely add this to our meatless Monday rotation.

[@Pistonrager]

yeah, basically everything could have done with a bit of onion mixed in, also a quick thickener for soups is intsant potato flakes.

[@jessraspberry8315]

I know what you mean, can't live without onion

[@jessraspberry8315]

@@lsun5322 Yeah I love using that too :)

[@mm4chelle]

I never heard of thickening soup with that!!! What a great tip thanks

[@saraihernandez7951]

In San Luis Potosí México there is a dish called enchiladas which consist of fried potatoes and chorizo then it’s usually topped with goat cheese and cabbage and salsa. The tortillas are red because they are spiced. They are known as Enchiladas potosinas or tacos rojos.

[@westseast]

We had almost the same potato soup growing up. My mom would add ham or whatever leftover meat we had, if we had it. Soooooo comforting.

[@mandlerparr1]

yep, if you had ham one night, you just knew potato soup or split pea was coming next.

[@proudmammaof6148]

If you like a little kick add 1 jalapeno whole when you cook your beans. The flavor is amazing. That season salt tastes great .

[@BudgetMama2015]

We have made chorizo and potato tacos lots of times. It keeps you full for a while and it’s very easy. I like frying the tacos in the pan to make them easier to hold.

[@gabriellethomas2951]

Sharons Big Family Frugal Growing up my mom would make red chili sauce and we would do chorizo, fried potatoes with red chili and cheese in a fried corn tortilla. They are the BEST. Especially if she made beans too. We would eat leftovers for a few days. 🤤

[@BudgetMama2015]

Gabrielle Thomas that sounds wonderful

[@ppod1349]

Ignore the haters, you have a lot of people that love you and your wonderful family. I love watching your channel and Dave’s, you brighten my day. 😁

[@starrwinter]

Gosh I wish we could get eggs that cheap in Canada... potatoes yes since we grow them all around where I am but eggs = no 😭

[@liviadrusilla6778]

A dozen free range eggs is £1.75 in Lidl UK. Thats about 2.22 dollars US.

[@julietmarlowe5661]

The US still has Battery Hens so eggs are usually cheaper if they are farmed less humanely.

[@33snowgal]

60 eggs Is about $15 for me in saskatchewan

[@mandlerparr1]

@@liviadrusilla6778 what she bought are just regular old eggs. free range eggs would be $2.96 a dozen in my local Walmart. The pack of eggs she bought are $5.17 in my Walmart (and $3.30 for the walmart a couple miles away). I have watched some UK youtubers and I have seen when they go to the store that there are regular eggs available in at least some of the stores for cheap.

[@tammysiltanen884]

Grown in your garden?

[@conniehiemstra9398]

Yep, my mom made the same potato soup. She would also add chunks of ham. With the ham it would taste even better the next day.

[@jerrysmith372]

Try a can of corned beef and some butter - makes yummy potato soup.

[@dianaperez6369]

I want to try that potato soup! How creative

[@kateymateymusic1]

You’re amazing. Great dishes, thanks for taking a starchy week for the team 😁

[@cjillwrite8249]

Your family will never want potatoes again, lol. Reminds me when my mom got a deal on the fish orange roughy, we literally ate it for six months straight, I have never eaten it again, lol.

[@pennynickels5216]

Lol. That's because you can't get it anymore! I love it.

[@kearymchugh7454]

Lol. Back in '76, my mom and her brother did this big road trip down the Eastern seaboard. Mom said that, as they were broke college kids, they mostly ate peanut butter and Spam. It was a LONG time before she could eat peanut butter after that, and she STILL can't stand the sight of Spam!

[@antiantipoda]

When my mom planted lettuce in the garden. I never did like it, but after those months with nothing but lettuce it was years until I would eat it again. She also planted broccoli, but that didn't bother me. I love me some broccoli.

[@DaynaEpicLifeJourney]

Everything looks so yummy, but I’m keto, so I can only make these for my teenage boys, and maybe have that potato soup as a cheat meal and then walk 12K steps. Lol!

[@raenewnham7490]

I got a free 10 lb bag of potatoes a couple weeks ago. It’s just my boyfriend and I and we still haven’t finished them 😅

[@MacshaddyMarie]

Mine usually rot before I finish them but I also forget about them also too

[@SundayCookingRemix]

They keep longer in the fridge xo

[@raenewnham7490]

Tracey Easter I kept them on the counter and luckily they didn’t rot! They lasted soooo long too.

[@ericanorton71]

Every single one of these amazes me! I love your videos! Thank you!

[@SkirtRockerr]

Here's an idea for the chorizo: Pan fry some diced potatoes with diced onions. Once the potatoes start to get crispy, add chorizo. When the chorizo is fully cooked, add a couple of eggs and scramble. So good with a warm tortilla. You can make a super simple sauce with mayo and milk. Just a little mayo and enough milk to turn it into a sauce. It's kind of like sour cream and adds the perfect tang. Thank you for all of the ideas!

[@daripar8049]

You can cook the chorizo and refry some beans mix them together and the flavor can go far in the beans. Or like you said papas with chorizo and you can add peppers and onions in the potato mix.

[@rosewhitley9304]

I was working... but I can't ignore a new Christine notification!

[@alwayslearning9272]

Me too! :) Told myself as soon as I finish my reports I can reward myself with this new video, something to keep me going! :)

[@rebeccafoxworth1772]

You can also use broth in the mashed potatoes when you’re out of milk.