I ATE for $10 a week at Dollar Tree

[@theresaduggan426]

On the gravy subject. You taught me how to make gravy from scratch. I love you for that.

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜

[@melisaclark3110]

Thanks for making this video. It is great that someone is showing everyone how it is still possible to eat simply and frugally instead of complaining about how expensive groceries are. We can all make choices that fit our budget and our palate. I enjoy the creativity and variety you bring to your content.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Love pb w/bread and butter pickles, pb w/miracle whip, pd w/bologna and of course fried bologna! My mom got good at using items multiple times to use up. Great channel!

[@valerief1231]

These ideas are so unique. We just learned we will be moving in a few months, so we really need to restrict our spending as much as possible, your recipes are going to help add tasty and healthy options to our meal plans. Your voice is so soothing and relaxing, my nerves really appreciate this 🦋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 💜

[@ashleyg6130]

The Indian lentil dish you were describing is called Dal. There’s different types of dal depending on the type of lentils you use(some also have chickpeas). A very basic dal will have salt, onions, ginger garlic paste, tomatoes, and chili.

[@ArdentMichelle]

This one didn't have tomatoes in it. 🤔 I'm thinking yes on the other ingredients though!

[@sprightlyanu22]

I wonder if you are thinking of dal makhani .its soupy lentil dish and doesnt hv a prominent tomato base . its often served in indian restaurant in buffets .

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@sprightlyanu22 no cream or butter was in it though.... that looks like a great one to try though!

[@LAactor]

@@ArdentMichelle I LOVE indian buffets so much!!

[@sheemaalen9286]

I've been hooked on aluu gobi bit it has a tomatoes broth. It's cauliflower with potatoes and they should add peas. I'm gonna try to make. Think Old World Home made a chickpea one w coconut milk, super 👌 yummy!! ❤ . Ill try this w the lentils and toast! Tfs 😊

[@NoOneUKnow-c3y]

I just wanted to comment for any of your diabetic viewers, I have recently found out that if you cook rice or potatoes a day in advance of eating them, that they have less starch in them and therefore they do not give the glucose spike that just eating them on the same day would. Just refrigerate them or freeze them and then reheat. We have tested this on my dad and it is working out great. Of course, do your own test, but it is always good to experiment with these foods because they really are good for you even when you may have been told otherwise.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for sharing this tip 😁

[@kimhumphrey4053]

Thank you!

[@bettyir4302]

Rinsing the rice will take out some of the starch.

[@rebekahhansen1112]

I also heard if you freeze your bread than toast it you will have similar results 😊

[@NoOneUKnow-c3y]

@@rebekahhansen1112 Oh, thank you for this tip, I will try it.

[@kimhumphrey4053]

Another great video! I never even thought about frying canned corn. I am going to try that!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You have to get back to me after you've tried it! It's life changing! 😂

[@amandashipley3284]

Mashed potato on bread with mustard is basically a knish. I could live on knishes

[@mwahl1686]

Ha! I was totally thinking the same thing but I was like "No one is gonna know what a knish is, so don't comment." 😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

I had to google....which let me to thinking of all the wonderful things I could do with fried bread. 😂 I've discovered that I really like fried bread...

[@kippytx]

You truly make my Sunday’s. Love the ideas

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜

[@tinashort9098]

Had to come back and add this…bacon grease, flour and milk makes the most delicious gravy!!! My Mama used to make it and serve over rice or biscuits!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 👍

[@alicehunsaker7876]

Amazing !! Great ideas !! In my younger days when money was tight , I use to eat fried potato sandwiches !

[@TheresaPierce-q7f]

Lentil burger, potato cakes, potato corn soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

all great ideas 👍

[@momof2momof2]

A bag of flour is always a great idea if it's in the budget. You can make tortillas, and dough to use for many different things. Well done once again Michelle !!! Only 48 cents per meal !

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁

[@MarenWilliams-oc8hh]

I would love to see a $10 a week progressive challenge. First week like this, 2nd week including the leftovers from the 1st week & so on.

[@nancycarney]

All of your items are truly filling and nutritious. You are very creative. Well done. Can't wait to try the shepherd's pie. I always love a good rice bowl. Yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 💜

[@estherhurst4741]

Michelle, excellent video, as always! You inspire me to be more creative with grocery money that is not stretching nearly as far nowadays!!❣️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow. Thank you so much or the support! 💜 I'm glad you liked this video! I appreciate you!

[@bettyir4302]

Draining the corn liquid into the flour for gravy is budget friendly as well as adding some nutrients. Yes, it tastes different and sweeter but it isn't bad. Using garlic powder or dehydrated onion flakes is good when you don't have an onion. Glad you didn't get the buns as portion to portion, sliced bread is the better frugal option. If there is a sale on day old bakery rolls, slice them in thirds rather than half to make them last longer.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great ideas 👍

[@ritalawson7020]

​@@ArdentMichelleeasy pasta dish for you mix pesto and cream or mayo thru hot pasta top with pan fried chopped bacon and mushrooms throw over pecorino cheese 🐨🐨🐨🐨🦘🦘🦘🦘 cheers from Aussie

[@mightymommom5888]

I always use the juice from canned vegetables for gravy or broth.

[@mrsblondback]

Wow, a Dollar Tree and Grocery Outlet right next to each other! I would love that! Great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I know, right?!?!? I'm so fortunate! 😁

[@DeterminedDIYer]

they just put a grocery outlet in in my town. It's right next to sams, aldi, jungle jims, kroger, gfs, meijer, and dollar tree and dollar general. so i lucked out! :)

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

​@@ArdentMichelle Is that a normal grocery store? Maybe you can do a budget meal from that store

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@Laguns-ij4hn that's not a bad idea! Lots of my viewers love that store, but I never find much there. I love this idea though. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jeaniegallo4693]

Look up potato candy if you haven't heard of it. Little bit of mashed potatoes with peanut butter and some powdered sugar to firm it up. Delicious treat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for the suggestion...I'll look into this. Never heard of it before. I love peanut butter so I bet I would like it.

[@jeaniegallo4693]

@@ArdentMichelle It's kind of like an old fashion fudge candy.

[@mightymommom5888]

When I was young we had this at Christmas but now it’s a year-round treat. My grand mother also made sweet potato candy. Mix like you would the regular potatoes but roll into small balls then roll in cinnamon and sugar and/or coconut flakes. So good!

[@carlahoag7154]

Excellent, Michelle! Out of everything on video, extreme budget meals are one of my very favorites. Atomic Shrimp used to do them, but he's kind of quit, so I'm really glad you're still doing them. I've watched too many where the food looks awful but yours looks delicious. You haven't run out of ideas; the creativity just keeps flowing. A couple of thoughts: when you first said the mashed potato sandwich, I thought you were going to fry the potatoes into a patty first, and I do think that would work by giving it a little bit of crispiness. Rice could be formed into a patty and fried, also. And one of my favorite breakfasts when I was growing up was a bowl of hot rice with butter, salt and pepper and toast. I realize that you didn't have butter as a pantry staple, but it does make the rice so delicious. I still eat this occasionally for breakfast. Gravy (I think I've told you this before; if so, please forgive me for repeating): my husband learned to make meatless brown gravy when our sons were both vegetarian. He browned the flour, stopping just short of scorching then added some soy sauce to help with the browning and flavoring. When he doesn't have any drippings, he still makes it this way and it's excellent.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I do want to try it with the soy sauce. 👍I think I would enjoy that!

[@patpeters6331]

Great ideas and meals. I will have to try the onion gravy. I never thought of making it without the actual onions. That's why I appreciate your Channel so much; your creativity of making something from nothing. It's definitely a talent. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. It turned out great!

[@allyrooh3628]

I found some new fun foods at my DT this week. They had shelf stable chocolate milk, canned seasoned black beans, and prepared cilantro/lime rice. I’m so excited to try all of them. I also got turkey hotdogs marked down to 50c a package. I know hotdogs aren’t super healthy, but they fill hungry bellies. I got 14 packages! I know it sounds oxymoronic, but chickpea sandwiches mixed with hummus & hard boiled eggs is good-add a tomato & it’s chefs kiss good! This menu looks doable & delicious….minus the pickles & peanut butter 😂 love your purple nail polish!

[@ArdentMichelle]

ok I'm clipping this to make along with another sandwich you told me about. 😂 I'll probably make these for a video! I love all the ideas!

[@bettyir4302]

We usually have reduced plain bean liquid on tortillas. Or use the bean liquid as a chocolate topping or bread spread. Even your already spicy seasoned liquid. Reduce the liquid in a skillet and add sugar and cocoa powder. Can add flour or corn starch if needed for thickening.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that sounds so interesting with the cocoa powder and sugar 🤔

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Flourishing Miranda makes bean burgers with the potato flakes. You can spice as desired for flavor.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've done so many bean burgers lately....but you really can add anything to them and it works.

[@monicagieck7975]

Try the no salt seasoning at Dollar Tree it has red pepper,green pepper, and onion and spices. It flavors things. Really well. In the freezer case is a bag of celery,onion, and green pepper and red pepper. Great foe seasoning soup and adds vedgie.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't tried the NO SALT. Thanks for pointing that out. I love the peppers and onions but I've never seen it with celery. I'll have to look for that.

[@LindaC616]

That's a great rip! I have to stay low sodium, and Aldi doesn't offer a lot

[@danneyandroid0391]

Great emergency meals! Hoping you're adjusting to your new schedule.

[@LaLayla99]

The lentils on toast is similar to the British beans on toast, which they eat for breakfast! 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't realize that. Thanks for sharing this info!

[@jarfullofbuttons]

Yes! It’s also kind of like a veggie version of mince on toast, which is a common British and ex-British colonies dish, too. (I’m from New Zealand!)

[@Fairyfink]

Beans on toast in UK: breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. If you're entertaining guests, top with grated cheese to elevate the dish....

[@muddymississippientertainm7285]

Always love watching Its amazing the tasty meals you always make with simple and economical ingredients

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 thanks so much!

[@ritalawson7020]

Easy pasta dish.mix pesto and cream / mayo thru hot pasta top with fried chopped bacon and mushrooms and pecorino cheese thrown over cheers from Aussie 🦘🦘🦘🐨🐨🐨

[@CixiaKyrrah]

Tomato sandwiches and banana sandwiches (mayo on the bread). I like to add pepper to the tomato sandwiches.

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow that sounds so interesting with the banana and mayo... 🤔 I have to try that. I eat the tomato sandwiches all the time.

[@LindaC616]

"You better know how to make gravy". I know that's right! 😅

[@LaundryFaerie]

Gurinder Chadha, who directed Bend It Like Beckham, says that her favorite sandwich growing up was made with leftover aloo gobhi (Indian potatoes and cauliflower). I've tried it and it's really good, especially if you toast the bread first. Would also be good made with leftover naan.

[@ArdentMichelle]

would love to try that👍

[@NayNayL0820]

I love it when you do these types of videos! My favorites though are when you go to a grocery store or Walmart so that you can include fresh produce. I hope you do another one soon. But increase the budget a bit so you can have more variety.

[@ArdentMichelle]

this are my favorites too. I love lots of fresh vegetables!!

[@reniedavisson8532]

WOW! Your dollar tree is EMPTY

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks to my early shopping!

[@Fdt172]

I think you could make a great mock potato salad with the instant mashed potatoes, little bit of mustard, mayonnaise, celery, salt, and put it on the toast and you had bacon bits. You could add that too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea!!

[@Angelbee-i4l]

Great video Michelle! Can't wait to try all of them. I am really looking forward to the mashed potato and mustard sandwich. 😋

[@moonstoneway2694]

Thanks! I made some “refrigerator soup” roughly following your caldo verde recipe using a chicken breast and white beans instead of sausage and potatoes. It’s delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 🥳 I love this! Glad you like it!

[@gccheryl4038]

I love onions but my husband doesn't (it's a texture thing), however he does enjoy the flavor so onion gravy is a must try, thanks again AM! By the way, I looked up Red Gold tomatoes once and fun fact - they are one of the few family businesses out there in grocery land, and grow all non-GMO! Theirs are all I buy now. Take care, have a great week!

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh I like this...definitely going to buy more of the Red Gold then!! Have a great week friend 😁

[@ritalawson7020]

French onion soup mix adds flavour 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘🐨🐨🐨🐨cheers from Aussie

[@monicagieck7975]

@gccheryl4038 My son is like your husband with the onions. So I grate them so small he dosen't know it.

[@twinnish]

If you are in the mood for carbs, mashed potatoes are so good with corn mixed in.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Agreed 👍

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Michelle, I loved your video! You can go online to check your local grocery outlet sale prices for the week to see if there is anything of interest. I have another challenge for you. Take somewhere between ten and twenty dollars and go to stores that most people can get to (that means no Trader Joe's), and purchases spices for the pantry. A lot of your dishes work because of the spices you have. A lot of people do not understand spices or how best to use them besides salt and pepper. I think this could be very educational and entertaining. I think Dollar Tree, Winco in the bulk section, and some Mexican stores have the best sell prices on spices.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Oh, I just remembered that most states do not have a Winco, so that store might be out of the running, too.

[@effiecross2008]

I love this idea! I have plenty of spices, but I bet it would be helpful for a lot of people. Also, Maybe the same idea, but starting a very basic pantry. I think a lot of people don't realize how cheap and versatile having some perishable and nonperishable staples can be. As usual, everything looked wonderful, and very creative, Well, everything except peanut butter and pickles. GROSS!

[@abbyr.]

I have seen several Walmarts that sell $1 spices in a huge bin

[@sheemaalen9286]

​@@effiecross2008i may have to try PB n pickles! Sounds like an Elvis thing ha! ❤ 😊

[@TrennieDillon]

Loved everything about this video 👏 !! Thank you for these budget friendly, tasty meals .

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked it!! 😁

[@kristyh982]

If you want more crusty bits on your Shepard’s pie, take a fork and fluff the potatoes on the top…so your top isn’t smooth it’s more bumpy w fork lines. As always you’re very creative!

[@carolynschlobohm1381]

I have a suggestion if it has not already been done-steel cut oats. Purchased in bulk especially it is very low cost and makes many portions. Approximately one cup dry oats makes 5 cups of oatmeal. Very budget friendly- unless oatmeal is not your thing. Love the videos, recipes and ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love steel cut oats. 👍

[@DebbieM1140]

Awsome ideas! I think i would have saved the broth from the beans and lintels to use in the rice or gravy for more nutrients and a little flavor.

[@ArdentMichelle]

great idea 👍

[@kristyreal]

I freeze my bean broth to use later and it can really make a dish. I also use the juice from drained cans of veg: green beans, diced tomatoes, etc. to make gravy or soup.

[@melissa4726]

Each of these meals averages 48 cents! Well done and they look delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks so much! 😁

[@jmknudsen5357]

I got that sloppy joe mix at Dollar Tree yesterday. I was planning to make it tonight with TVP I have in the cupboard.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's such an easy quick fix for dinner. Just spruce it up with your favorite spices.

[@alanbirkner1958]

Hi, my daughter was given 5 (five ) pounds of carrots. We traded some and got bread, a few hot dogs, and some oatmeal. If you have something you can't use, give it to your friends and/ or family. They may have something you can use. Food should not go to waste. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍

[@arraybabe8514]

You never cease to amaze! Please consider doing a low sodium budget challenge some time soon. I get it would involve a lot of non processed, whole foods, so maybe give yourself an extra 5 bucks. Hubby recently got diagnosed with Meniere's disease, so I am having to shift our grocery budget to a low sodium diet. Would also be a great reference for folks on a low sodium diet for other health reasons too. I have tried with the sloppy joe's for cottage (beef) pie ( not shepherd's, which is lamb) in the past, but always been disappointed with the flavor. I am one of the "meal prep on Sunday" squad, right there with you, lady!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'll consider this 😁

[@melma5910]

I thought I was the only one who loved mashed potato sandwiches. As a kid my family laughed at this so I became a closet mashed potato sandwich eater. I'm coming out, I am not alone😂!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes! 😂 Oh my gosh it was amazing!

[@danneyandroid0391]

My Granddaddy and I used to eat mashed potato sandwiches. I loved them!

[@CathieG]

That sloppy Joe mix looks like a great product! I’ve never really payed attention to it 🥰😍🤩

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah...I thought it was a great find! Makes cooking quick and easy with those short cuts.

[@jillgott6567]

I love Cottage Pies. I will have to try making the Sloppy Joe Pie. I enjoy prepping meals and lately have been making single serving meals in containers as I cook just for myself. I am eating mor a vegetables, and not wasting much food.

[@wolchfam]

I would be eating peanut butter on toast every morning for breakfast. If there was enough peanut butter and bread, peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. So easy and good.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I did a lot of that! 👍

[@sheemaalen9286]

+ PB is a great source of iron! ❤ 😊

[@mightymommom5888]

PB toast is good for breakfast. A cheap source of protein.

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Your nails always look so nice ! I tried DT's press on nails after preparing my nails correctly and they stayed on for close to 2 weeks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

wow that's great. 👍 I have to do mine every 2 weeks. I get the supplies from Amazon. They're the gel x nails. Only costs me a few bucks every month.

[@sheilamcgee3]

Can you make a video with different pasta recipes using dollar tree items under $15 for dinners for a 7 day week for 2 please tysm 🙏🏻

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 This is a possibility for a future video. 🤔 Sounds fun!

[@KrissyKremes4u]

I think that you are talking about Dal and it's amazing and delicious!! I make it often. Love your channel ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think so too...but I'm not sure what's in it. I know that there isn't any cream or tomatoes in it and it's kind of soupy. 😂 I've got to find an Indian buffet in town to do some research. It's been years since I've been to one.

[@KrissyKremes4u]

@ArdentMichelle Dal is a kind of soupy lentil dish, typically served over rice. It can be made with different lentils. It basically refers to an Indian lentil curry.

[@KrissyKremes4u]

@ArdentMichelle Dal is a broad term in Indian cuisine that refers to dried, split pulses, such as lentils, peas, and beans. The term also refers to the soups and stews made from these pulses. The word "dal" comes from Sanskrit and means "to split". Dal is a staple food in South Asian countries and is used in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Dal is often used in slow-simmered, porridge-like dishes.

[@LaundryFaerie]

@@ArdentMichelle I recommend looking online for a "dal tadka" recipe. The Indian recipes usually call for red lentils and tempered spices, but it can be made with French green or brown lentils as well.

[@theresaaltongregg4569]

Thank you for showing people how to cook flour for gravy. Sadly I have seen many videos where the gravy looks like wallpaper paste. All your meals looked delicious 😋. God bless you 🙏💖🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜 thank you

[@TheFrugalMombot]

Potato and peas in a similar dough with some curry powder and fried is also delicious

[@ArdentMichelle]

True 👍 I recently made something similar on my channel. So tasty!

[@chellesoup]

Gravy has saved my budget many times. Milk gravy has always been a favorite over toast. It’s especially great if you lay a slice of tomato down on the toast or biscuit first then the milk gravy. It’s creamy, fatty and acidic from the tomato. So good!

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh my gosh that sounds amazing....I'm going to try this. Although I can't have milk anymore but I can't make a close substitute.

[@vinnydabarber]

Great video Michelle! I'm going to have to watch your video for sreo by step instructions on making your gravy. Mine always comes out with gooey lumps lol. Thanks! ❤🎉🎂

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes...it's so easy once you get the hang of it! 😁 glad you like this one! 💜 have a great week!

[@vinnydabarber]

@@ArdentMichelle thanks you too! ❤

[@jenniferjohnston5548]

That potato and mustard sandwich is quite unique. I want to try it! I'm going to remember that for when funds are low or if I want to save money. Thank you. ♡

[@ArdentMichelle]

I was not expecting it to be so good 😂

[@barbarabruce7648]

I was shocked that you didn't throw lentils into that gravy on your mashed potatoes and toast. Am I the only one that makes lentils with onion gravy? Try it please. Tastes great and is nutritious. My mum used to make onion gravy and add mushrooms for me, then serve over mashed potatoes. It is also delicious. I loved your simple Shepherds Pie. My daughter has a big school exam tomorrow so I will make it for her dinner. She loves lentil Shepherds Pie and you made it look easy with a few cans. I can do that quickly. Your videos always inspire me and make me hungry 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

maybe you missed it, but I said that I had planned to add the beans or lentils to the gravy. I just forgot. They would have been so good with the gravy and added a lot of extra protein and other nutrients. It's not very popular here in the US so I'm bummed that I forgot them. I don't think it's a combination that people normally think of together. Glad my videos inspire you 😁

[@kristyreal]

I loved this video and I've said the very same thing about gravy - there have been times in my life that I lived off flour, rice and beans. You can use the liquid from drained canned veg to make gravy - I use tomato juice from diced tomatoes or rotel tomatoes and bacon grease to make a delicious gravy. Also, I reduce the bean broth until thick for a great sauce/gravy. Have you ever had pinto beans and dumplings? I prefer fat, fluffy dumplings, but it's good with rolled out and cut dumplings, too. I can't wait to try the fried corn!

[@ArdentMichelle]

nope..but sounds yummy!

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

Thank you for sharing I also love making homemade gravy and instant mashed potatoes it's delicious and comforting I also like sometimes to get the little pack of the dried beef in the lunch meat section sometimes I have a store brand of it which is even better and make creamed chipped beef or as many call it like my grandma and grandpa did also SOS I will eat it on just about anything I love it great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 💜 I think mashed potatoes and gravy is comfort food for a lot of us! I think you were the one that I got the idea to use the little packets of meats from....but I'm not sure it's like the dried beef that you're talking about. I'm not sure where to find that...

[@laureanne3409]

I am able to purchase small bottles of EVOO at DT for $1.25.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for the tip 👍

[@danasandlin2435]

good simple basic recipes: sometimes, we get so busy trying to 'make something' that we forget that you can just eat the basics--like potatoes in oil or toast with jam...those can be entire meals in themselves--easily--thanks for reminding us that sometimes, simple is easiest and best...dts/usa

[@antoinetteqvistorff2270]

I am enjoying my Sunday with you. I just made my very first red lentil pizza crust pizza with a spinach pesto sauce. It was delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh my gosh...how did you make it? and thank you so much 💜 I'm glad you're spending your Sunday with me.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hello Michelle, A great video. I love lentils, you can do so much with them and they are so economical too. If that was indeed a picture of your Dollar tree along side a grocery outlet store that's a win-win. I like both of those stores. This was a longer video but seemed too short at the same time. Ok, here's a story...when I was 6 years old (1959😢) I used to eat at my neighbors house, my friend was always inviting me. Anyway, her mother always made those dinners that started with a salad, main meal, and real dessert. But before the dessert and after the main meal her mother would put a small plate piled with bread and we would put gravy from the meal all over the bread and have that. Her family was overweight 🤣🤣 I wonder why. Anyway when ever I would have dinner there my favorite part was the bread and gravy, to this day I love it. Have a great week. Charlotte

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 yes, that Dollar Tree is the one I shopped at in Lake Forest, CA. I would have liked this video to have been a little longer because there were some more meals I wanted to include but I just simply ran out of time. It takes SO LONG to do these videos. I loved hearing about the gravy and bread...it's true....just gravy and bread is so delicious! Hope you have a great week too friend! 😁

[@LindaC616]

Lol, my grandmother would put left over gravy or chicken grease and veggies on top of the food for the barn cats! (We were an overweight family, too, but I didn't do bread and gravy until grad school, when I was poor)

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@LindaC616 those barn cats were eating good! 🐈😸

[@LindaC616]

@@ArdentMichelle they were! She especially did it in the winter. That's why they moved across the street from my aunt's house. Eating was better at grandma's! 😄 Two, a mother and daughter and later grandmother and mother to my first cat, were allowed to go inside with Grandpa and he would sit at the kitchen table and feed them cheese and braunscheger

[@yvonnelonsdale9011]

It reduces the carbs by 25 to 28%. It also works with pasta.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

💟 always great to see you and you nailed the challenge. Olive oil is one staple I splurge on. Toast and gravy. At thanksgiving time I liked that for dessert. I was so proud of myself for learning to make a roux. I loved creamed onions. Used it to make creamed peas and even Mac n cheese. Tater sandwiches. We had those with ketchup. Mashed or fries or shepherds pie. Bravo on sticking to the plan at Dollar Tree. I rarely go but it’s a challenge to say no. Eggs. Seems when they do have them they sell out quickly… so I was told. Have a wonderful week my friend and thanks for the great ideas. 🩵

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh yes....tater sandwich with ketchup 👍 that's a good one. I'm visualizing the sliced potatoes for some reason... I've seen this sandwich somewhere in my memory. 😂 Thanks so much. 💜 I hope you have a great week too friend!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you. Sliced taters works well with some cooked onion. My grandma called them cottage fries. Thinly sliced potato rounds. Fried in the pan. Do you like onion sandwiches? Mayo and lots of pepper.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb I had no idea that I would like onion sandwiches until I tried one in a video. Yes, it was very good! It's like the mayo neutralized the onion a bit.

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

@@ArdentMichelle glad you enjoyed it. I love onions 🧅. My dad doesn’t like mayo 😆 or mustard. Mustard sandwiches. We had those too and just mayo sandwiches. Good old soft Sunbeam or Wonderful bread.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb love a soft bread 👍

[@colettebishop2173]

There's an olive oil shortage at the moment due to extreme weather / drought conditions the last few years.

[@LittleJoey-ig4ys]

Woohoo first comment 🎉 I’m going to watch now. Have a great day Michelle 😊

[@pek5117]

You beat me!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You too! 😁

[@LittleJoey-ig4ys]

@@pek5117😂

[@LaLayla99]

It's easy to cook without oil, not to mention healthier, since every tablespoon of oil is 100 calories with no nutrition. You can dry saute or water/broth saute.

[@ArdentMichelle]

you're right 👍 I'm actually enjoying cooking without it.

[@azokalum]

Some vitamins are absorbed alongside fat, so having a bit of healthy oil/fat in your diet is essential. All cells in our bodies are made with lipids(fats). You are right in that the majority of the population probably consumes too much dietary fats. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@azokalum no problem with that here 😂

[@FrugalPants]

I couldn't belive how much olive oil was when I went to Sam's! I wound up getting the sunflower/olive oil mix because it was much cheaper.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah it's crazy!!! 💰

[@Mialuvsveggies]

A bottle of oil will definetly be more cost effective than the sprays. I own are fillable bottle for cooking oil that cost $9 and I've used it for years

[@ArdentMichelle]

I have a refillable bottle for sprays too that I use for olive oil. Because of my tight weekly budget, I could squeeze in the $6.48 for 2 bottles of spray but not the $30 for olive oil at SamsClub.

[@rachel_3730]

Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you for the support! 💜 I appreciate it so much!

[@TeresaSlivinski]

I love California olive oil, but it is expensive. I just tried organic Terra Delyssa olive oil from Walmart. It's really delicious and you can trace it to the farm in the Mediterranean that it came from. It was under $16 for 34 ounces. I couldn't live without olive oil. I would give up a lot of things before I'd stop buying that. That technique with canned corn looked great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I don't think I've had California olive oil, I usually just buy it at SamsClub or if I'm in a pinch then from Trader Joes. I do love olive oil...

[@LindaC616]

​@@ArdentMichelleI've had the single source avocado oil from CA

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@LindaC616you've got me wondering now if I might be able to get it cheaper from a local source 🤔

[@LindaC616]

@@ArdentMichelle could be!

[@vickiethompson9245]

Serving size is often based on calories, rather than a reasonable amount one would likely eat. The buttery potatoes would be higher calories for the same size serving.

[@ArdentMichelle]

good point 👍

[@sheilamcgee3]

Thank you Michelle ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome! 💜

[@cynthiadies9055]

Your videos always inspire me to look at ingredients in different ways. I am absorbing higher costs due to needing to eat gluten-free and very few beans. I am brainstorming ways to do more with gf pantry staples.

[@ArdentMichelle]

you got this 👍 the more I think about the ingredients the more options there are. On a side note, I've been labeling some of my gluten free recipes on the recipes channel. I think I'll have more time to post there soon when I switch to my new schedule in a couple weeks. I myself love GF pasta. Barilla is my favorite but TJ's has some good ones too. But there are so many naturally gf foods too.

[@juliajacobs1848]

The lentil Indian dish sounds like Taka dhal. On the missing tortilla issue, you could have made a lentil flatbread, or doza...soak overnight, put in the liquidiser with garlic, salt, herbs any spices you like and fry. Indian food has some crazy good veggie and pulse options.

[@ArdentMichelle]

that's actually been on my bucket list to try. Hopefully in the fall when it cools down I can try it. 😁

[@WorldOfWonder66]

Those all look good. I probably would add beans to the mashed potatoes and gravy. I enjoy it like that

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah that was what I was planning on doing and then I forgot the day I was filming this. It would have been so good!

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

So good!

[@kj7653]

Pickles and peanut butter?!! This suggestion sent me through the roof. Most flavor combinations from you sound delicious. But your PBP sounded scary! I still think you are the GOAT.

[@ArdentMichelle]

the reason I mentioned it is because so many people like peanut butter with pickles sandwiches. 😂 it's actually a thing but clearly it's gone too far for a few of you! 😂 and thanks for the complement! 💜

[@dianethoroughman9541]

My ex-husband and his dad grew up on dill pickles and peanut butter sandwiches. It is not a new thing. They are not bad, but not my favorite.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Sounds like a sandwich a pregnant woman would crave 😅😂

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Try pb with bread and butter pickles.. salty and sweet...yummy!

[@sinisterkitty8411]

I love your soothing voice and simple but flavorful recipes! It's also nice to see someone doing dairy-free -- since I am too, but also I feel like a lot of people use cheese for automatic flavor. You really have to get creative without it. Have you ever done a legume-free video? If not, consider this a challenge!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 I have done some legume and bean free videos. I'll do more in the future but I love them so much it's hard for me to go without.

[@MelP-o9f]

Gravy makes everything better!😁❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!!! 👍

[@dzprincessinusa2254]

Love your videos and thanks for helping people cooking on stretched budget. Please try the lentils with cumin and cilantro, i know you do not have it today. Thank me later😂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds like Ndengu, which I've made on my channel. Delicious!

[@pek5117]

The mashed potato with bread and gravy reminds me of a WW1 meal. I've had mashed potato sandwiches and they're pretty tasty and filling. You could have also made gnocci with the potatoes. Pity they didn't have eggs and tortillas but you made it work. Thanks for the video Michelle

[@ArdentMichelle]

thank YOU for watching!

[@pek5117]

@@ArdentMichelle always

[@lucasgaeta3403]

*just in case anyone goes on vacay w/kids and u use p.b for snacks,do not take p.b on plane. they took it fr me.I hadnt been on a plane for a looooong time and didnt think a sealed p.b jar wb a problem.

[@ArdentMichelle]

good to know!

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

If you had tortillas at home you could make lentil tacos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

true 👍

[@connieblack5276]

I sometimes will put chunky mild salsa with a pad of butter for a cheep side. Thanks again

[@ArdentMichelle]

I never have butter but that does sound good!

[@connieblack5276]

@@ArdentMichelle with white rice 🤣 I forgot that part.

[@LindaC616]

That orange bowl....Turkey? I love those!

[@Laguns-ij4hn]

Grocery Market place next door looks interesting.

[@ArdentMichelle]

A lot of my viewers love that place, but I don't usually find too much there.

[@colettebishop2173]

I think pinto beans with mash and gravy would work really well. I also wonder if you could mix any scrapings of gravy into a (very inauthentic!) refried beans, sort of use it as a seasoning?

[@ArdentMichelle]

yeah I meant to add the beans on those last shots.....I agree...I'm thinking the gravy into the refried beans would make them tasty and extra creamy.👍

[@Caitlin1928]

The only thing about the store-bought Sloppy Joe sauces is all the brands seem to have high fructose corn syrup in.

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍 It's easy enough to make with tomato sauce.

[@steveg3981]

Great video. Love your accent. I'm in Canada where our dollar stores don't have the same product range. You show us some imaginative recipes. Surprised no curry recipes are presented. Methinks there's a bias against Indian food in USA. Dont forget there's a billion Indians living in poverty who depend on some kind of curry to survive . Perhaps investigate. Love your channel. Keep it up.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've made lots of curry on my channel. I agree...it's delicious!

[@steveg3981]

@@ArdentMichelle Sorry i must have missed them. Can you give us some links please ?

[@colettebishop2173]

You could make mujaddara with the rice and lentils

[@ArdentMichelle]

true 👍 and we could just substitute the onion powder for the onions.

[@stephsteph5755]

Is it possible to do a menu without beans? My family is not a fan of beans at all unless its chili.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Sometimes I do those....look for the videos with the thumbnails that say NO BEANS. I do use a lot of beans in my videos though because they're the least expensive most nutritious food.

[@gaildawson5464]

I wonder if the Indian dish made from lentils that you were thinking of is dal?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes definitely. Dal can refer to different types of split legumes but it's definitely a green lentil dish that I'm thinking of. I may need to do some research on this. I haven't had a lot of luck online though.

[@gaildawson5464]

@@ArdentMichelle Oh, that's right, I remember making dal with green split peas. I did some searches and found recipes for dal makhani (use the search terms 'green lentil dal makhani'). I've had it in the heat-and-serve pouches and loved it but have not made it from scratch

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@gaildawson5464 I searched this. I see one pic that is kind of similar...but I think I just need to go to an Indian Buffet to refresh my memory. 😂 It's been SO many years! I know that there was no cream in it and it was kind of soupy in texture. Simple...but so flavorful and just went perfect with the rice.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

Will have to head to dollar tree. I just paid $1.92 for a pound of lentils from Walmart. It’s been a while since I had to purchase them.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think I need to stock up on them too, but I get a better deal on them at Wholesome Choice in the bulk bins or at Winco.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

@@ArdentMichelle I forgot about Winco. Next time I am in that area I will get some. The ones I saw at dollar tree were only 12 ounces.

[@Fdt172]

I think if I made a chickpea salad, I would mash it up a bit

[@ArdentMichelle]

good idea!

[@annmich4593]

❤

[@wowtv101]

I have a lot of cooking oil but miss having olive oil to a bit of cooking oil so 1 of my oils would have a different flavor it works really well 🎉

[@ArdentMichelle]

I just love olive oil...but I've actually been enjoying trying to cook with less of it.

[@wowtv101]

@@ArdentMichelle me too