How to Eat for $15 a Week | Dollar Tree Budget Meal Plan | Extreme Grocery Haul

[@candied_ginger6813]

This is the saddest video of this style you've ever made. And that is NOT a reflection of you. You're amazing and I love these challenges. But the current state of grocery prices and availability is painfully apparent watching this. Thank you for still taking the time and effort to put out content like this. It feels even more important than it did 2 years ago. 💗

[@jessicad2282]

Yeah it makes you think about what it’s like for low income families where they can’t afford to have big fancy meals, you gotta do what you gotta do during tough times. Inflation is hurting everyone :/

[@galia8921]

yeah, i also wanted to comment that this is sad

[@jaythecraftymaniac6056]

You are so right, Mandy. Total testament to Christine that she been able to produce a variety of food. Let’s face it, how many of us have stopped going to as many stores because deals vs fuel isn’t worth it?

[@extendedpinky]

What’s even sadder is the dollar tree is shrinking items and some dollar trees are going “dollar tree plus” which is ridiculous prices up to 5$

[@ShanaLawson]

@@jaythecraftymaniac6056 Completely right about the fuel! The biggest thing that helped me save money was I able to go to multiple stores bc i know something’s are cheaper at certain stores but now it evens out with fuel price 😣

[@a62kathleen]

Your compassion for struggling families and people is remarkable! The world needs more kind and genuine people like you out there. Such an awesome video that felt authentic and you actually paid attention to meal quality. The services you listed at the end was just such a giving gesture. Wonderful video.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@cc-sb1is]

She's making BANK. $$$$

[@rosie4748]

@@FrugalFitMom an idea maybe if you make the greenbean pasta dish with the milk enchilada seasoning again you could thicken the milk first with pasta water and cornstarch or flour so it wouldn't be as soupy and could cling to the ingredients a little better (possibly taste better too)

[@idavo]

Anything that shows how to live & eat on a reduced income is welcomed. I would not buy the tinned veggies - too mushy! But using the beans is a great idea. I have a kitchen full of various beans, barley, lentils, brown rice etc... Tomatoes are a good deal here so I am eating & enjoying Chilli, ragu, Dahl, & I am happy and feel healthy. The cost of living & increase of fuel prices is worldwide. Here in UK it is crippling families with children or those with a low income have to choose between 'heating or eating' never did I think 2022 would be like this. Europe is the same as the US & UK. The pandemic & stupid tax cuts to the very rich need paying for. Stick with it guys, be creative - we are all in this together, some more than others. (I mean those of us whose $$$ does not go as far as it used to).

[@rosie4748]

@@idavo I've seen a lot of your "On benefits" shows from the U.K and how hard it is for people to get second chances and any job prospects when they come out of prison for even minor things like shoplifting. Sometimes even women with one child might have a place to live but the electricity, council tax and food there is not enough to cover everything and even single people are left to get help from food pantries and local churches. We have kinda the same thing over here, we have reduced housing, we get a certain amount on a food creditcard a month based on income that can only be spent on non hot food .Money is separate and only given as temporary assistance to help you get on your feet. We do have electricity programs that reduce the cost of electricity and in some cases can help you pay an overdue bill but it is limited to 2 times a year if they have funds to help. More and more food pantries are opening every month.

[@lu_to_the_wanna]

There was a time in my life when a bag of potatoes and 6 cans of green beans was all I had in-between paychecks. This video reminded me of that. Thank you for sharing where families can go if they are short on food.

[@gretchenarrant8334]

Two churches in our town help with food. One does 1 and 3rd Tuesdays. The other does 2 and 4th Tuesdays. 5th Tuesday. Nothing.

[@micheleolson9914]

My mom used to put leftover oatmeal into half gallon milk cartons, slice it the next day, fry it up and serve with butter & maple syrup like pancakes. Yum!

[@casckana]

This is very interesting, I might try this

[@aqua6613]

I grew up on oats as a kid and sometimes we didn't have milk... Some people say that they can't eat those foods anymore because they ate so much of it when they were poor but cream of wheat and rice pudding and oatmeal...still my favourite comfort foods. Maybe they keep me grounded to remind me of where I've come from and how I've struggled and worked my way out of it. And apple sauce on everything...that was the German syrup back in the day

[@micheleolson9914]

@@aqua6613 Yes to all you said! 💜

[@dakotamabry1645]

I can make actual pancakes from scratch and its the most inexpensive and common Ingredients that go along with most meals your essentially saving alot of microtransactions of multiple items in individual packaging I've had that same bag of flour for over a year now and I make alot of stuff from scratch

[@connieefurulee]

@@aqua6613 Not just German syrup it was the project syrup too. When I tell people we ate applesauce with hotdogs and beans most folks say eeeww. I say yum🤣

[@kathleenlacelle6671]

Haha hi Hailey! And yes as a teacher, I can tell you that food insecurity is a very real concern in even affluent communities. You never know by looking at a student. People have an idea of what poverty "looks like" and they make assumptions based on someone's clothes whether or not they are wealthy. Hand-me-downs from more affluent family members have really thrown me before. So we need to remember to never judge, and if someone, especially a kid, asks for food, please remember it took a lot for them to get up the courage to ask. Thanks for trying to shine a light on this topic.

[@nicholetteburris3925]

Yes, to not judging on the clothes ... Hand-me-downs are a life saver.

[@adoptada12]

Thankyou for this comment. 💛🙏

[@maddieb.4282]

I’ve definitely found very beautiful upper end clothing at thrift stores before too. Not to mention some people go from wealthy to poor very quickly- a family may have some high quality material goods but be in immense amounts of debt or struggle to put food on the table as they try to hawk what they have. It’s humiliating and we all have to keep an open mind and not be judgmental!

[@dianaschoen4485]

Agree! I am a teacher in a Title 1 District.😔

[@varyiaverner]

@@maddieb.4282 Thank you for brining that up! When I was 16 my dad got diagnosed with cancer allowing him to only work a few hours per week. My mom lost her job shortly after and like that we went from middle class to fairly poor. Nobody knew unless I told them because I still kept most of my clothes and possessions from when we had money. Luckily I went to a city school where that happened frequently and most of the teachers were understanding, but I was still judged by some when asking if I could have some of the fruits that were for kids who were poor.

[@samanthascott5558]

I’m from Southern California. I tried grits for the first time today because of this video. I put a little butter & brown sugar on top. SOO good. I found a 24 oz bag of grits ar Grocery Outlet for $0.47! Amazing

[@pennynickels5216]

Wow, that is a great price.

[@nothing2seehere34]

move away from the grits!

[@ritastutler1470]

Wow lucky u

[@dianaschoen4485]

Also great with shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and hot sauce! Add some shrimp!

[@undercoverfangirl5491]

I’m from SoCal too and I love grits. I’ve made grits with white sugar and put eggs and bacon on top although I think any meat would go good with it.

[@TarrynOneil09]

I’ve watched your videos for 3 years now. You’re the reason I became more financially smart and got rid of credit cards. We bulk buy when there is deals and thankfully even with inflation we are doing okay.

[@shawnoberry679]

⁰0⁰

[@crystaldon4995]

I'm doing good to when sales are cheap I stock up. I don't buy meats especially if they aren't on sale for really good.

[@mulallek]

And how is not having credit cards a good idea?

[@TarrynOneil09]

@@mulallek We didn’t close them, we just don’t use them. 🤷🏼‍♀️ We have no need too. We have savings, we budget, we have good credit. Life is better and less stressful not using them now.

[@Iheart2cook]

@@mulallek credit cards have high interest. If you’re carrying balances, start with the card with the smallest balance and pay it off as quickly as possible. Most importantly, don’t use them. Save instead for what you want.

[@betsymayo5822]

I love how you advocate for people using their resources... don't stop doing what you do!

[@AM-hh2kg]

A lot of dollar tree have seeds and gardening supplies. Growing your produce is a great hobby, and will really add to your mental health, as well as give you some food.

[@lindsaytaylor5732]

I actually really love that you found a Dollar Tree without a refrigerated section. This looks exactly like what you find at Canadian Dollar Tree (at least in my area), and its awesome to see options that can work with such limited choice!

[@TF-te7gi]

I was wondering if Canada had any refrigerator sections. I thought maybe it was my area that didn't.

[@marionpeebles3836]

I was wondering where this was shot because I’ve never seen I assume that is shelf stable milk at my local dollar tree but my local dollar tree has a refrigerator and freezer section so it’s fairly nice and it’s right next to Aldi’s.

[@kathiemott3988]

@@marionpeebles3836 I have two dollar trees within close range where I live. They both have refrigerated and freezer sections along with shelf stable milk and almond milk. The one a little further away has a bit more items.

[@nancyespinoza6228]

LOVED this video! Who’s not trying to save money these days? Do you think that you could do a Walmart haul for $25 that includes a few fruits and vegetables?

[@MadisonFalcoFoods]

I would love to see that

[@littlehummingbird1015]

You know, a carnivore diet includes NO fruits and vegetables...because humans are not omnivores, they are carnivores.....so you don't even need fruits and veggies!!! Amazing info, huh!

[@greysonphoenix3442]

Yes :)

[@lucyloo7457]

Yes

[@Purple0fairy0bunny]

Yes please

[@lannenpa37]

Building on Jennifer's comment from a couple weeks ago: what might be interesting is a series on "the best $10 (or $15) you can spend at Aldi, Dollar Tree, WalMart, and your local grocery store or grocery outlet. A different store each week for a month, with the idea of building some back up into your pantry and maybe improving healthy options. Maybe the best dollars spent at Aldi are all carbs (rice, oatmeal, tortillas, etc.) or fruits and veggies. Maybe the best dollars spent at WalMart are all for dairy, etc. Maybe the best dollars spent at your local grocery store are only on sale items...or only items on the discount bread shelf...or only on the clearance shelves, etc. Kudos for doing these videos!

[@leayape]

@ Lannen That is a great idea!

[@justthe2ofus850]

Can you believe you are at 430k subs?!!! I've been watching you since 90k. I Watch EVERY video! I am disabled, now in a wheelchair since emergency neck surgery 8 weeks ago and love seeing your outdoor videos, i live thru your videos! Thank you for what you do! 👋😊💕💕

[@carmarasmussen8118]

She had 27k subs when I started watching her! She is amazing! 🙂

[@teacherstreet]

I love how you can make something out of nearly nothing! You really challenge me to be more instinctive and creative with my cooking, not always needing to find a recipe. Love from Iowa!

[@VL-gs2wr]

I agree. And I love that she tried to make it flavorful as possible. I never would have thought about some of the things she made but it was extremely creative.

[@kathiemott3988]

The only time I use a recipe is when I'm making my breads. Everything else I make up and put together with what I have on hand. I usually try to have some precooked beans already zip locked and in the freezer so that I don't need canned ones as much. There is one and one half cups beans in each can so that is what I put in each ziplock bag. Yesterday I used the rest of a bag of potatoes, the rest of the garlic cloves, two large sweet onions, one carton of unsweetened almond milk, and some spices my son chose for me to use and made a nice, thick and creamy potato soup. It was still yummy today, and will be tomorrow and maybe the day after. About once or twice a week, my son and I work together in the kitchen and make a large amount of food for dinner that evening and for the next couple of days. Since I eat a plant based diet, he will sometimes have some meat on the side for himself. We have fun when we do this. :)

[@debbierossier3185]

I grew up in the Midwest, and my mother used to make yellow “cornmeal mush” (and sometimes added crumbled breakfast sausage), chilled it, fried in a pan and we ate with butter and syrup. BTW, I’ve lived in the south the majority of my life and I love grits! ❤️

[@cynthiabakke825]

That sounds delicious! I'm going to try that this week-sounds like something my family would like, too. Thanks for the awesome idea!

[@thegracklepeck]

That sounds absolutely amazing 🤤

[@robynw6307]

Hailey in the background - sneaking off and trying not to disturb you. So funny. Love your family.

[@udderlylost1178]

Christine, I went to my local liquidation store yesterday and found loaves of bread for 50 cents each, and 8 count boxes of Lara Bars for 50 cents a box! I bought a bunch! My family loves Lara bars so it was a steal! After I was done I thought to myself "Christine would be proud" 😂

[@viviannichols3582]

I am so jealous of that Larabar deal!!! 😮 I eat them every day because the ingredients are so clean, but they’re SO expensive! 😩

[@rh7968]

How do you find a liquidation store? Is that like dented can

[@chelseafailla9887]

50 cents for 8 larabars?! I count myself lucky if I find them for under $1 per bar 😂

[@joannaazar7396]

Aww 😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@laughingalltheway8399]

I don't remember the last time I saw a Larabar for less than $1.50. A 5 count box at my Winco is over $7. Where do you live? I will drive and deliver for everyone. Only somewhat joking. hahahaha!

[@janabuchheit3389]

I'm on a state line. On one side the Dollar Tree is $1.25, on the it's still $1.00. However, the $1.25 side has twice the selection. I often overcook my white beans and puree them to use as a filler or thickening agent in soups or casseroles. You did a great job, thanks!

[@littlehummingbird1015]

That too is a helpful tip....about the white beans.

[@janabuchheit3389]

@@americanwoman835 it is a great thickener, I have diabetes and potatoes are not my best friends. But it does work in a pinch.

[@trierchick]

In Tucson we have produce on wheels without borders, they collect excess produce from farmers and sell 70 lbs for $12,00. I get so much stuff, veg, fruit, that I am able to can enough basics for the winter when they are closed, it's been a real blessing with both of us partially disabled, these markets open almost every Saturday and what isn't picked up is given to farmers as animal feed and compost at no cost, it is a great program

[@pennynickels5216]

Awesome

[@tamrab2572]

What an amazing gift to give to people who need to stretch their dollar! Thank you for sharing all you figured out

[@trishawall9619]

I appreciate you efforts to tell people about the caloric content per meal and alternative places to get food. You go the extra mile.

[@connieefurulee]

Grits are very similar to polenta. I made a lasagna using “congealed grits” in place of lasagna noodles and was blown away with how simple and delicious the dish tasted.

[@thegracklepeck]

Ooh. That sounds really yummy

[@greenlantern1986]

Not calling them Grits Sticks is a missed opportunity. I'd love to see a challenge like this at an Asian or Mexican grocery store.

[@rae3356]

Yes or Indian :)

[@RinaBloom]

or Eastern European lol

[@anups7958]

Indian is very easy to do..only thing is you will end up eating a lot more carbs. Indian vegetarian is also very easy to do.

[@leahsiemens1424]

I was thinking grits bits ;-) haha

[@lynnkavanagh7361]

Greek would be good too. We made a Greek meal recently. We had a recipe for a marinade & the vegetables went in the marinade first. Using a slotted spoon, the veggies were removed & then put on a sheet pan. Next chicken went into the remaining marinade for a little while. The vegerables, were zucchini, tomatoes & artichoke hearts. We served it with a few pieces of naan bread, little hummus & a Greek salad. It was so delicious!

[@squisitissima2810]

I grew up with grits. You can absolutely reconstitute cold grits from the fridge. Just put the in the pan or the microwave with a little water or milk and stir. They will come back to a creamy consistency but you may need to add a little bit more butter at the end. Not that I don't like the idea of fried grits because I certainly do!

[@leayape]

@ Squisitissima Amen to that! 😋

[@Tianthira]

I once lived on this kind of budget. I learned as a child how to forage and gather. It helpsto reach out in the community. For instance, 2 blocks from our apartment, a church had pecan trees, and when they fell we could get all the nuts we wanted. And because I forage in a take 1/3 way, I could also get greens from their lawn. Plantain, not the banana looking thing, is good as food, as well as medicine, or even tea. Learning what grows in your yard that is edible helps, like dandelions, the weeds everyone hates, the greens make a great add to a salad, or added with plantain greens and cooked up in fat that just cooked pork chops, is divine. Redbud flowers are some of the first flowers of spring, they are edible. There are ways to supplement. Even now that groceries are not as scarce, I will still do these things and have taught my children and others the same.

[@kaylinsteckly4406]

I toss dandelion greens into any recipe that calls for spinach, because a) they're free, and b) I don't like spinach

[@danaduncan6436]

Southern girl here and I love grits but have never done sugar. I always put butter, salt, and pepper in mine. Shrimp and grits is also delicious.

[@FrugalFitMom]

My mom always did them savory but my dad was a sugar freak on the grits. We were a house divided, lol!

[@angelahawkins8069]

It really is becoming super hard times to pay bills, and to feed your family with the rising cost of living. When you were making the enchiladas and said if one had cheese you could add it...and said cheese is life (I believe)...truly Christine cheese is life!

[@lollysaldivar3597]

This really got my attention. My mother had to do “a lot” of frugal things to stretch the food for our big family. It left training in me as an adult for harder times. I still fall back on it as necessary. We do have to get all our nutrients but at least your still eating! Your ideas inspired me. I never knew what to do w/the congealed grits - and I love ‘em!! Great video! Never hurts to be informed.

[@leayape]

@ Lolly Exactly, at least one is still alive!

[@CR-zx2zi]

Hey FFM this is the first video of yours that I've gotten to see and I am impressed by your sincere concern for those of us out here who are really struggling. I've seen these other extreme budgeting food challenges and some of them make it seem like a game but it is NOT a game. Food deserts are a real issue regardless of inflation. Speaking of, about a month ago I went to Aldi and 12 eggs were $3.30! It's scary at here!

[@amysartcorner6799]

I think it would be interesting to buy the exact same ingredients from Aldi or Walmart or another grocery store and compare the prices

[@kimbarbeaureads]

The veggies would definitely be cheaper elsewhere.

[@denisehollebeke2725]

She did towards the end of the video. She went to Walmart

[@turkanovicmunib3627]

I love Aldi..

[@sprinklesparkleglow]

You’ve helped me completely change my cooking style. I used to only follow recipes exactly, now I throw together something with what I have, it doesn’t have to be exact.

[@rhiahlMT]

Some of the best meals I've ever cooked was because I messed up a recipe and had to find a way to fix it to edible. 🤣🤣

[@MadisonFalcoFoods]

Good job! It makes cooking feel so much more natural

[@leayape]

@@rhiahlMT Buahahahaha I know what you are talking about!

[@leayape]

@ Rachel That, is who I call a cook! When someone has the ingredients, the measures, the utensils and the instructions, anybody can cook right? Hello from Bronx,N.Y.!

[@susiegray8968]

Great video,just wanted to tell you that I love it when one of your children starts to walk into a room and realize your filming and turn around and run.. Always makes me laugh they are so cute and really growing...

[@dancieteague6854]

In my community we have blessing boxes and a community garden and just started a fridge free program for cold items. Also we have food drop off program just drive up and they load your car up. Got enough my daughter and I share between houses and share with neighbors. Got lots of fresh vegetables and meat this time. We don't ever have steak and got 2 ribeye not sure yet what to do but can't wait.

[@carmarasmussen8118]

My mom made us Vienna sausage sandwiches for lunch. Cut the sausages in half, lay them on white bread spread with mustard, throw on some sliced cheese and grill. Yum! This was in the 70's when we ate very simply. You know, before avocado toast was invented 😅

[@celticrose2]

Bologna sandwhiches and koolaid is what we had 👍🏻

[@Gaborillaa]

I mean for people who grew up in the Caribbean, avocado and bread was considered simple eating too

[@carmarasmussen8118]

@@Gaborillaa True but in America they put all sorts of fancy toppings on it and sell it for $15 at restaurants! 🙄

[@rhiahlMT]

Just grilled cheese. I love boiled eggs for a meal. Those have finally started getting pricey where I'm at. Fried bologna sandwiches. Lunch was simple. These days, I skip it entirely unless I have a light salad.

[@charleyme]

We ate Vienna sausages regularly but my mind was blown when at a friend's house as a kid and they made sandwiches with just sausages cut lengthwise and miracle whip. Also so good!

[@melissacruz1121]

Videos like these have helped give me budget meal plans for myself, family & friends. I love when you show how to use the items and the additional ideas you give!

[@lizhumble9953]

I have been eating grits my whole life, and have never made fried grits. I have used the leftover grits and beans to make veggie burgers. That is yummy!

[@beckywhinery4652]

Wow! That's a god idea.

[@joannaazar7396]

I absolutely love the dollar tree, the one near me is a hit or miss. Yours definitely looks better. Thanks for taking us along

[@lizworkman9967]

We always coated our left over cornmeal like this in flour before frying them. Helps them stay together better.

[@leayape]

@ Liz Oh, the crunchiness 😋

[@kristimoghaddam7611]

Hi Christine, could you do a sam’s club or Costco budget challenge? Would be interested to see since you can get way more food per serving. We’ve been trying to buy in bulk more to save money and I would love to get some more ideas. Thanks! 💕

[@FrugalFitMom]

Great idea!!

[@rebeccahherdener2068]

This sounds awesome!

[@ynthona95]

Love it

[@FirewindII]

Ding! Ding! Ding!

[@deliahhiley3948]

I have a sam's membership and do most of our grocery shopping through Walmart pick up. You have to really compare between the two because the Sam's version isn't automatically cheaper- always check unit cost. AND to make it more complicated, with prices increasing near weekly it seems right now, you have to keep re-running those calculations. Great value 42 oz oats used to be cheaper than the 10lb box at Sam's (unit cost) but the oats went up at Walmart but not at Sam's and now the quaker 10lb box is cheaper.

[@nichole4055]

I grew up eating Malto Meal cereal (similar to grits). My mom accidentally forgot to stir often and one time served it lumpy. She called it love lumps so it would be eaten. 😂

[@rebeccahherdener2068]

Partially lumpy used to be my favor way to eat malt o meal!🤣 Thankfully my mom did so intentionally cuz she noticed how quickly I'd eaten it when she had. 😂 I literally was a STEP below INHALING my food that day!😂🤣

[@josephineb4724]

I am good at making lumps. I always add my sugar before cooking so my lumps are at least tasty.

[@terriedahl9725]

Love the lumps in maltomeal and cream of wheat

[@rebeccahherdener2068]

@@josephineb4724 that's a definite good idea. I add butter,brown sugar, and a pinch or 2 of cinnamon to mine. Either that or honey and fruit(preferably strawberries!). I'll cook them in there, add a splash or two for milk, the honey, and then when it's all done, add some fresh strawberries (or whichever fruit) on top.

[@barbie3139]

yep, cream of wheat, malt o meal, Farina. dry cereal was only for Saturday morning

[@MittenPrepperVet]

my old cheap meal was Canned chicken mixed with ranch dressing and put on whatever you have : tortilla, toasted bagel, bread, crackers, use as a pretzel or chip dip, but my FAV was on clearance bakery croissants. 💯

[@pennynickels5216]

I love egg salad on croissants and tortillas! They become gourmet with avocado 🥑 and even better with bacon

[@FirewindII]

ANY day-old bakery stuff. I wonder if they still exist.

[@MittenPrepperVet]

@@FirewindII I usually find breads, rolls, sweets from the bakery in a clearance section at the stores. Check out some of my clearance shopping videos for my tips and tricks for finding all the "good stuff".

[@MittenPrepperVet]

@@pennynickels5216 I LOVE croissants!! They're fluffy pieces of Heaven for my belly. ❤️😄

[@FirewindII]

@@MittenPrepperVet Thank you. These "Likes" are mine. A trip to the grocery store is not complete without at stop at that section. Always reminds me of my version of the TJMaxx ditty: "Never never see the same thing twice!"

[@heleeneverson8256]

Hi there. We call grits maize meal here in South Africa. Try making it with a tomato and onion gravy and also for a different texture use more gritz and take a fork and fluff it. Tasty. Love your video's.

[@katerinakiaha6925]

I like to add tomatoes to mine.

[@stephaniecarey7629]

Yes! Fried grits... a family favorite. My grandmother always tossed leftover grits in a loaf pan for fried grits the next day. We eat them w/ butter and maple syrup!

[@FirewindII]

My grandpa did it with leftover rice and added cream to the above.

[@thurss2010]

I’m from Georgia and we put cheese in our grits, yum! Never put sugar in them,😆

[@katerinakiaha6925]

I also like to add tomatoes and ham.

[@Ilovehotmoms001]

Yeah I was at a restaurant and saw someone eating cheese in grits and decided to try it it was so good

[@Niraemius]

I'm from the Netherlands. It's always fascinating to see the differences and similarities between what people there and here reach for in terms of shelf-stable items and perishables. Your videos are always so informative

[@ivyc6984]

Some Spanish meals we make with similar ingredients: yellow rice with Vienna suasages and a side of beans, "milk soup" cook rice in boiling water add a bit of milk at the end and either add salt or if you want it sweet add sugar mix and a bit of cinnamon on top..a bag cornmeal is usually something cheap we make in a variety of ways too

[@leayape]

@ Ivy C - Arroz con salchichas y habichuelas al laito? Arroz con leche? Harina de maíz, para funche ,sorullitos , arepas o guanimes? You just made me hungry girl! Lol

[@terrimosier4393]

I love how the kids start walking in and then slowly back away....lol that's funny. Thanks for the laugh.

[@marthak9360]

Thank you once again for this video, Christine! It is so encouraging to see the ideas you come up with. I especially love that you compare the sizes/caloric output of the options - if money is really tight, it is very good to see what feeds everyone the best/most! Blessings to you and yours ❤️

[@meajent1351]

we called that "fried mush" growing up....we had it with a little bit of maple "syrup"...and thought we had hit the breakfast jackpot! So crazy good!

[@ISILDURDESTROYIT]

came to say the same! I still make it for my kids. and I do it with polenta now too.

[@lindarichey4689]

Cinnamon sugar and butter

[@leayape]

@@lindarichey4689 Oh yessss !

[@lizzycasanovagarcia2875]

Thank you so much for this video, it's been difficult for me lately, and your videos have been very helpful, and I love grits myself. Blessings your way.❤️

[@CMarie404]

I really enjoyed this video, FFM!. The added challenge of shopping from a limited option food section really highlights how creative one can get. Is it ideal? no. Is it doable? yes. Absolutely love how you incorporated the amount of calories for the price. Added kudos for doing a quick comparative from Walmart. With the extra tortillas, I'm inclined to crisp them up to use w/ the excess white beans (made into a hummus). Could still do the soup, looks like it made plenty. Great ideas to file away for what to do with stuff. I almost never have grits, and now I am inspired to add it to my pantry. The fried up version piqued my interest (makes me think of polenta, which I guess is very very close). Super helpful info, thanks! Take care!

[@adriennefoote1775]

I find that grits reheat fine in the microwave, I often meal prep them and eat leftovers for a couple days. You just need to mash them up with your spoon and add a drizzle of water before microwaving covered.

[@FrugalFitMom]

Great tip!

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Thanks Christine! Really makes us all appreciate having any kind of a grocery store in our area that we can shop from. I have a large Walmart, and Aldi, a Kroger affiliate as well as a regional grocery store all within 2 miles of my home. I am disabled and don't drive so I do rely on delivery service for my groceries which I am also very grateful for having available to me. Prior to grocery delivery being BD17 for me weekly. I can't imagine only having $15 to spend on food for a week but you made it work. I think I would have passed on a couple of the dishes you made and just counted on the white bean soup for more meals as it looked actually really tasty. Have a great summer Christine!

[@teresamessick2297]

Yes, love fried grits. I like to dust mine first with seasoned cornmeal. I love Linney's fresh ground corn grits. You get yellow and white-water stone ground.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

Whenever I make pork shoulder in the instant pot, i cook beans in the leftover liquid and add some spices and hot peppers cut up. it works perfect and you can almost eat them just as.

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

Great idea, will try that!

[@lucindapick2986]

These videos are great. I'm thankfully able to spend more on groceries than $15/wk but it's easy to take these recipes and add a few ingredients to take them from survival to delicious. I mean a little cheese and sour cream, etc. wouldn't raise the bill much. So if you can afford $25/wk, you'd be able to dress these meals up and still keep a frugal budget.

[@MarthaJ1129]

I think I need to try this…vegan style with picky eaters with all the allergies…on a budget.

[@theStarker]

One of my favorite cheap meals is just boiled noodles with Italian dressing! If I have them on hand, I'll add Parmesan cheese (shaky cheese) and cut up pickled banana peppers! I have always been good at putting together cheap pantry meals, but something I know that people really benefit from learning is the four taste "requirements" for tasty meals which are salt, fat, acid (citrus, vinegar) , heat (spice). If you can put those four flavor profiles together in the right ratios, you'll always have a tasty meal!

[@freedomcraft9]

I would love to see a video comparing identical items from 3-4 different stores: Dollar Tree, Aldi, Walmart and a high end grocery store.

[@robertadunaway7030]

Good recipes to use what a pantry generally gives (beans, lentils, rice, canned veg) by making a bean/rice or bean/pasta meal a week you can stretch your other groceries to last longer.

[@melissahuntsman1799]

So interesting! I would never think to eat from Dollar Tree, but like you said it may be some folks only option. Kudos to you for providing solutions

[@wyllia4]

I’m so glad you did the same food at Walmart. I was going to suggest it. ❤️

[@jenniferrivers1561]

I immediately went and made myself a bowl of grits after watching this. 😂😁

[@Midwestmomvolunteer365]

Love this - I am not sure why I didnt think of black beans for tacos! Thank you again for sharing your ideas with us.

[@laurenpigott885]

These are my favorite types of videos you do! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us all! I got those dollar tree hash browns you recommended previously- amazing! Great content and super accessible to all levels of cooks.

[@amandashipley3284]

My grandmother used to make cornmealmush with buttermilk to fry like you did with the grits...we ate it with 🍯 honey drizzle.

[@mrsbravo728]

A pasta salad would be really good too. Dollar tree has bottles of Italian dressings that could be used.

[@lindamusser7370]

I didn't think you could come up with new ideas, but you did! Yay!

[@michelledee9304]

Fried grits or fried cornmeal mush can be made in the air fryer too. Our family makes this a lot since my husbands family is from W. Virginia.

[@terrifobear399]

Amazing job I have never had gritty I think I would have a problem with the tacture

[@rsislandcrafts]

Have you ever tried deep frying the potatoes in a can? They’re amazing. They have this crunchy pop thing going. I’ve been making a simple summer salad. I mix chic peas and canned green beans for a simple bean salad. Add your favorite salad dressing and you have a nice side dish or small snack. I use dried chic peas and a honey Dijon dressing. Make sure everything is cold before adding the dressing. Otherwise the beans will soak up the dressing and lessen the flavor. Add your rotini pasta to stretch everything.

[@ptcreations8947]

I've noticed when it comes to the Dollar Tree, you REALLY have to look at the serving size and compare to other stores. Walmart, Giant Eagle (in WV), Krogers, Martins etc., because a lot of the time your spending MORE at the D.T....that milk.is awesome to keep in your pantry and for camping trips! ♥️

[@VL-gs2wr]

Especially now that is 1.25

[@tinadaniel5937]

Thank you! Looking forward to making some bean soup for sure! We all need ideas on how to save $$ on groceries. Would love to see similar idea with Walmart/more nutrient ideas….so glad I just recently found your channel!

[@katerinakiaha6925]

It was my favorite meal when my jaw was wired shut.

[@kathytappero7179]

I love that you address the reality of people’s access to food stores and shop/compare accordingly.

[@ALLIE742]

It’s so crazy your dollar tree is still only $1.25!! About 10 years ago in Canada it switched from “dollar store” to “dollar+ store” meaning everything is $2 or more, now everything is either $3-$6 you can’t get anything for $1 in the past 10 years $2 for a chocolate bar here! So crazy!

[@angelam4258]

we are lucky still we have dollar general that still has a lot of stuff for 1.00

[@Ocalane]

I think it was because we have dollar stores like that already. dollar general and five below both have items at 'general' dollar amounts. I think family dollar is the same way too. That's why dollar tree where everything was $1 ( or below) was so great. Now it's cheaper to go to Walmart for I think everything if you are trying to stretch your dollars.

[@ALLIE742]

@@Ocalane ohh nooo I wish😭😭 we only have dollar stores! The dollar general is 2 hours away which is the closest which is why I probably had no idea about this! This is awesome! I’ve never heard dollar tree or dollar family in Ontario before ever I wish we could get some near me!

[@Courtneyburns90]

About 2 years ago in the UK out poundshop started bringing in lots of items including clothes and homeware which is more than £1 however most of the shop and food is still £1 thank goodness.

[@ALLIE742]

@@iamnotgonnagiveyoumyname1373 You still get the same amount you would usually get except it’s just more expensive! And wages have not gone up either, inflation is hitting hard here! Cost of living is skyrocketing but pay/income stays the same, food banks are empty, homeless shelters are overflowing so people are living in tents on the streets it’s so sad

[@CGEproductions1]

Working in Logistics I can firmly say Diesel prices play a role on these prices and shortages. 1,800 mile trips now take 800-1100$ more in diesel. This creates problems.

[@MadisonFalcoFoods]

I love this crispy grits hack! Looks really good

[@genevieveskipper184]

I love your videos! Please keep them coming!

[@deborahlee9972]

Love your videos...they always challenge me to think outside the box! But I gotta say, I'm not tempted by these dishes...and I'm doing low-carb and EVERYTHING is looking good at this point. But I get what you're trying to do and respect that.

[@avelez3778]

I like how creative you get when you do this kind of challenges.

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

Great ideas! I did a DT for 15 doing Keto last year. It was not easy but I was able to get 21 meals out of it. Of. Course we had a refrigerator section. I really have enjoyed your videos since finding you.

[@OurPerez]

Wow your videos are SUPER USEFUL, especially now. GREAT JOB!

[@HeyNicoleHey]

Mmm.. the fried grits! I grew up in W Pa and our stores carried bricks of cornmeal mush in the refrigerated section. It’s similar to the grits, but made of yellow cornmeal. My Mum would slice, fry in bacon grease, and serve with maple syrup. When syrup wasn’t in the budget, she used dark Karo with maple flavor extract.

[@LaLayla99]

I grew up in Central PA. My dad loves mush and scrapple!

[@leonorhernandez7079]

What really helps these dishes are the seasoning elements . Well done because so many people can really get ahead with your help.

[@lynnkavanagh7361]

Great video Christine! You have an amazing skill with coming up with meals that will fill you up. I really liked your bonus meal & I want to recreate it. I'm doing Weight Watchers & love soups & I know I could make it fit into my plan. Your idea of using an immersion blender to thicken it was genius!! There are 3 of us in our household & when ever we make a pot roast we always buy enough for 2 meals. For the 2nd one, we cut up the meat, & add potatoes, onions & spices & make roast beef hash. It is such a delicious meal, you would never think it was from leftovers! Thanks for all of the great inspiration!

[@carisaguerrera4666]

Thank you so much! I love your practical helpful videos where your so patient in your teaching waiting for the rest of us to catch up to your skills! Blessings on you and your family!❤️🙏

[@user-wj3yr7xr2f]

When I trained I ate at least 190 cal. I would go nuts from trying to live on 1500. I know I am complaining, I still think its really interesting to see you put these weeks together. Some people don't have choice.

[@ceecee8203]

It’s definitely hard sometimes . And thankful for what we are able to come up with sometimes. Prices definitely went up from the Dollar Tree and the 99cent only store. So it’s definitely challenging. Especially trying to make Rent , especially where I’m at in California. And having three boys . Somehow I manage to do it !

[@tomsik11style]

Ok you can always make cheese with shelf stable milk, salt, white vinegar. My go to stuffing for enchiladas or blintzes, also all u need is flour and shall stable milk and water. Blitzes/crepes also good with sauté mushrooms and potatoes that are also in dollar tree. There are lots of options. Your bread recipe and my cheese should just live together in gourmet world lol

[@updem]

Excellent creativity. Showing that even on a crazy thin budget, you can eat for a whole week without starving.

[@user-wj3yr7xr2f]

I looked up what grits are. Its probably good to eat, but it contains almost no nutrients. I do oatmeal, peanut butter, blueberries and whole milk (or something similar) to pack the breakfast with nutrients. I would be hungry quite fast after grits.

[@lyndalinderman6085]

In the deep south (east) the sausages are pronounced vi eee ner. Also, I'm 77 yrs old, and I've just learned how to do grits, custards, and lemon curd in the microwave. No sticking to the bottom of the pot, no tempering of the eggs with custards, and done in 6 min. It's been a life changer for me. You can find these recipes on the Collard Valley Cooks you tube site. PS if you learn to make her corn bread, I promise your husband will ask you to marry him again.

[@lanakayphillips2849]

Lol !

[@LorreneRomanic]

I was thinking a little bit of flour to make a cream sauce would've been nice to make some casseroles out of the pasta. 🙂 I love how creative you are with your recipes - I would've never thought of most of those dishes! I've never tried to fry grits... might try that soon.

[@loubee8503]

I love how you are using your talents to help others. Well done!❤️

[@alishajennings2013]

I have never had fried grits but I like the idea. I will have to try it. Growing up my mom would make patties out of leftover mashed potatoes and fry them to make "potato cakes" and they were really good. I've never made them for my kids but this video made me think of it so I might do that sometime soon. Another simple but tasty meal I had growing up was cornbread and milk. I like it beat when the cornbread first comes out of the oven and its nice and hot. Just crumble it in a bowl, pour in the milk and put a little salt and pepper and enjoy

[@lillie1011983]

Potato cakes are so good! When I go home I always request fried mackerel patties and potato cakes.

[@audreymiller4466]

Am so glad you are making this kind of video again missed them hope you will makeing more of them you have helped me so much over the last two years have watched every video since, wishing you and your family the best

[@maryrobinson4572]

Haley in the background at the end made me chuckle. Lol 😂

[@FrugalFitMom]

You and me both!

[@dougandcarrieann]

Me tooooo! 😂💕💕💕

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

Wow, look at me, watching this twice. Just came up with another something when I saw you with those mini hotdogs - get that Bisquick mix, make the dough, roll the hotdogs into them - pigs in a blanket! yum.

[@peachhipgirl75]

I just saw you on The Rachel Cruze show! It was right when I was getting ready to watch this video! So, I was interrupted by another video with Christine. Have a great weekend!

[@FrugalFitMom]

You too!

[@Residence0fUtopia]

18:57 you're just the sweetest can tell you're doing it from the heart