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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@thosewhowander5815]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@mr.nmoney3554]

Pasta, beans, rice, eggs and potatoes is how you live below your means and how you stay OUT OF DEBT. Keep going this is what long term success looks like

[@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.

[@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

[@melissan9199]

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

[@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😊

[@ironwifesupreme]

You could make gnocchi with left over mashed potatoes.

[@CeCeHoran22]

I think she said she doesn’t care for gnocchi

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@tracyq989]

The first thing I want to say is THANK YOU! What you share in these extreme emergency meals is such a blessing! I am a person on a pretty difficult medically necessary diet (Autoimmune Protocol). So with these times and the food prices skyrocketing, all my family can do is our best. And though I can't make these meals like you do, the ideas you give help give confidence in being able to figure out how to save money even on a very expensive, difficult diet. SO appreciated!!

[@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.

[@kimberliebuffington910]

I love these videos. Ideas when you have to stretch the budget. We had little growing up but my mom always knew how to stretch inexpensive ingredients into amazing meals. Creativity scratch cooking can be super inexpensive.

[@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.

[@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?

[@miscelany2]

Since you allowed the flour you couldda made gnoochi too.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!🐔🥚🍳

[@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 !

[@katquiroga]

Mexican tip. Put half an onion and a few cloves of garlic boiling whole in your beans then fish them out after, or smash them in with your refried beans

[@labullo79]

The beans in the liquid, my mom calls them "caldo de frijoles" and we just add crema if we're having them for dinner. For lunch you also add some rice. You can also cook pork rinds with the dry beans, season with garlic, onion and bay leaves. You can chop some cilantro and add it to your potato pancakes dough, or sprinkle it fresh on top.

[@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.

[@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!

[@kristihetle6463]

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

[@Minnie_Bear]

The kids have always been here, but now they're HERE here!

[@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

[@MrDannyinla]

Love these, so many good and delicious ideas. The variety you are able to come up with, the focus on the food while being mindful of the budget, and really like the various suggestions and alternatives you give.

[@RippingJack76]

Christine I'm so old that in my single-digit years. They made soda pop cans out of steel. And if I could scrounge up a dime you get a can of pop. Or a bottle of Pop. I had my own can opener. I think I was about 15 before I ever heard them called a church key. But the early seventies brought along the pull-tab cans. Which evolved into the type which didn't leave loose aluminum pieces around. I grew up in a household which had more than a dozen church key can openers in the silverware drawer. Now if I find a couple of the cheap price I grab them. I think canned milk is about the only thing left.

[@RobinFlysHigh]

There are a few things that don't have pull top lids yet. Especially generic brands. I'm not sure how the spin style can opener works into the equation lol

[@Marialla.]

Hey, remember making chains out of the pull tabs? That was totally a thing when I was a kid in the 70's.

[@seinawhite4400]

Love what you share. I grew up on similar meals. Great meals for large families and everyone has a full belly. When times get tight its these type of meals that will help large families. No shame at all, good food.

[@sleepygirll]

Yes that’s how you make homemade beans Latino style

[@jpaulswan]

Potatoes were a literal lifesaver for mee when I was younger! Baked potato for lunch at work was a staple! So cheap, so easy!

[@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.

[@klouise2800]

So creative and frugal. You are an inspiration and don't let any negatives make an impact on you. I don't think you are the kind of lady that lets little things get you down but focus on a way to make things work. Love your videos.

[@dianaperez6369]

I want to try that potato soup! How creative

[@amygee230]

The potato soup is AMAZING! I made it today and will again and again! Love your videos!

[@sbenefield76]

We still always have American cheese on hand - still my favorite for grilled cheese sandwiches. Also add a piece with my instant Ramen - drain 1/3 to 1/2 of the water before adding season packet, one slice of cheese, and ground cayenne pepper to taste - yum!

[@onlyvistarick3607]

Stacy Benefield Try provolone cheese for grilled cheese awesome. I get it at Aldi’s

[@e.p.6462]

Try a couple cheeses on the inside and a nice Parmesan on the outside and let it crisp, so yummy

[@future.homesteader]

Try cooking ramen by using less water than called for (how much less varies depending on how many packs you're cooking, how high the heat is & pan size- I eyeball it) & add less than the full season packet BEFORE you cook the noodles. You have to cook a bit longer & stir more often but the flavor cooks into the noodles & IMO tastes better that way.

[@roslynlea]

I always fully drain mine then add the seasoning packet. Then you put your cheese under it and it melts and is so yummy

[@professionalpainthuffer]

I feel you on the eggs. They go with everything, they're fast to cook, and they keep forever, even if the electric is out and you don't have a fridge.

[@greyhatdone]

She says "this soup may look weird"...and I'm like "damn that looks good!" 😆

[@mandywinter6490]

I love struggles meals or poor man suppers I was raised by a single mom of 4 with many extra kids around we didt always have lot food or money this reminds me of my childhood

[@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

[@jeanlee1911]

the potato soup brings back so many memories. my mom and I moved in with my aunt and her family (making it 9 people in a large house) the first night she showed me how to make this in one of those giant electric cooker (the big black thing that looked like an overgrown crock pot) sometimes she would put hamburger in it, sausage, or what ever she had on hand. thanks for reminding me.

[@bearhugzfam649]

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

[@jennifers.7037]

What about frozen peas, carrots and green beans to get some veggies in? Bulk bags of frozen veggies are generally pretty cost effective!

[@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.

[@akavienne]

While I've never eaten this way even in more extreme circumstances simply because I keep a well stocked pantry when I have more money, I can fully appreciate how you make choices to stay within the set budget. Actually, for maybe $20 more, you could add some more vegetables and a 10 lb bag of chicken leg quarters that can be cooked and shredded up that would give more variety to your meals.

[@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! :)

[@carmensandiego2395]

Just a suggestion. You can purchase bulk seasoning to avoid buying package foods. Even chili powder and cumin could be mixed with beans to avoid canned chili. Great job!

[@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

[@gabriellekelly3462]

I've noticed when I'm researching frugal meals, alot of them end up being southern dishes. Odds are if you have a southern dish it can definitely be cross referenced into the frugal meal idea category. Then the trick to me is how do I make this cost effective and healthier at the same time 🤔. Brown rice instead of white. Chicken instead of fatty meats ect. Maybe switch some white potatoes for sweet potatoes. I've mastered affordable cooking. Now, the challenge is making it healthy 💪

[@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.

[@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.

[@1594lex]

You can make been patties/burgers too if ever you want to switch things up!

[@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.

[@jscott0174]

These are MY FAVORITE videos to watch on your channel 🤗🤗 so excited to watch! Thanks so much for sharing ❤

[@FrugalFitMom]

Glad you like them!

[@danacaro-herman3530]

Hi Christine, thank you for the frugal recipes. I think it's really great how you stretch your dollar. God bless you and your family ❤️🙏

[@lisamartinez4647]

I really like these videos. Is there anyway you could do a two or three week challenge so we could see how to build on ingredients week to week based on your budget.

[@zabrendalangdon1289]

It is the simple foods we enjoy and eat the most

[@lisamariefoye2853]

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

[@christine1373]

You can make your own seasoned salt and taco mix in bulk. Most of us have those seasonings in our pantry already and it keeps for a long time in a sealed jar. In addition I make my own chili seasoning mix, and cream of soup base.

[@juliehoneycutt9707]

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

[@danakarloz5845]

I’ve never heard of this before

[@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.

[@70foolio]

Can’t wait to try the cheesy/baked potato soup in the crockpot looks delicious. Thanks to mom.

[@kandie128]

My Grandma, and then my Mom, used to make "tuna on toast". Mix a can of tuna, a can of peas, and a can of cream of mushroom soup together. Heat on stovetop. Spoon onto freshly toasted bread.

[@southerngrandma4353]

Kendra Chandi I bet that would also be good over homemade biscuits, rice, or pasta

[@kandie128]

@@southerngrandma4353 probably, I haven't had it in many years... But I bet that would make it better!

[@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.

[@DonnaDoveWinters]

Potatoes are always my go-to when I want to make budget meals for the week. So filling, tasty, and nutritious. I'm anemic so I always leave the skins on, such a good source of Iron. Keep up the good work Christine! We're all rooting for you!

[@d.y.h.w.]

I eat the skins as well. 💖

[@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.

[@NaturallyDOPE0990]

I just call it a can opener. I remember using one when I was a kid at my granny’s house

[@michellesicble1440]

I love when you do these and that they’re mostly gluten free! I can swap around the tortillas for tacos and voila! I try to spend $400-450 on is as a family of 5 sometimes it’s tricky gluten free dairy free and now I’m on a diet lol but when you do these it gives me some cheap meal ideas to help lower the bidget even more! Our fav meal that’s cheap is bean and cheese quesadilla 🤤

[@TheCraftyOrganizer]

So helpful! Thanks for all of the great tips!!! Potato with chorizo looks amazing!

[@zonorita08]

Good morning. Love these kinds of videos! :)

[@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.