I ATE FOR $10 A WEEK | COSTS $14 in 2023 | EXTREME BUDGET CHALLENGE

[@ArdentMichelle]

🌟This costs just over $14 in September 2023. Still a great deal for a week of food.

[@theresaduffy8222]

Probably one of the healthiest $10 videos made. Lots of great ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate that 😊

[@ToriE1073]

I know! She mentioned a couple of times that it wasn’t sustainable from a health perspective to eat this diet long term and all I could think was that it was MUCH healthier than what most people eat on a regular basis.

[@mae88b.16]

@@ToriE1073true, this is much healthier compared to what i eat on a 200$ food budget 😂

[@Onurtime]

Definitely the most appetizing and healthy looking $10 budget meals I've seen. Well done!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁🥰

[@bookmagicroe9553]

If feeding more than one person, make haluski. Boil some egg noodles according to package. Shred cabbage. Saute with chopped onion, canned diced tomatoes w. the liquid. Add a chopped apple at the end if you have one. Options to add: butter, salt, pepper. Mix up with the noodles. Makes a lot of food and is very tasty.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe 😁 I'm excited to try it.

[@jerrieanderson2245]

You really made eating on a budget look gourmet! Loved all the ideas. Thank you for sharing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😊 Thank you for supporting my channel 🥰

[@EEsmalls]

I totally agree that presentation matters. Even if it's only for you, an attractively put together plate can boost your perception of how good it is. Also, you deserve a beautiful plate just as much as any person eating in a restaurant, TREAT YO SELF! Also, it's surprising how many Great Value brand things taste just as good, or better, as the name brands.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Well said! 😁 Regarding Great Value-agreed. I'm so spoiled. I was buying sushi rice for my next video and I was so annoyed that Great Value didn't have an option for me. 😂

[@geraldgallegos3943]

I buy store brands,they are cheaper and better,than name brands

[@renaelolo6999]

Most store brands are actually name brands. Do you think Walmart has a factory for every single off brand item??? Nope they don’t.

[@Rachel-ow6ij]

My grandparents are on a set income and have an especially hard time in the winter when my papaw can't do extra work. I help all that I can but I am only a college student. I am going to try these recipes with them!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay!! 😁I'm so glad my recipes might be helpful. Just remember that the trick to making the budget go farther is to use the ingredients across several meals and shop the sales. Are you in the United States? If so, low income seniors are eligible to receive the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. It's a box full of food that comes monthly and contains non-perishable items. You can google it, or check with the local food bank. Thanks so much for watching my video 😁🥰

[@amandamuzyka3704]

I love the little extra tips you share - use cilantro leaves with yogurt for the wrap sauce, make sure you have a scapula for eggs, use the season packet in the roman if you can't afford a whole jar of seasoning. Can't wait to watch more!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁👩‍🍳

[@Lisawhatshersname]

For anyone watching, as long as one isn't immunocompromised, one can make mayonnaise from egg and oil, with spices. Just a thought. I love these kinds of videos and everything looks so good! Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for sharing! 😁👩‍🍳

[@chrisl418]

My childhood babysitter was from Japan. She was a very loving Mom to her kids and she included me and treated me like her own. She made us fried rice, along with pork or chicken, sautéed veggies and eggs. Everything was chopped small. Sometimes she gave us a little soft candy that was wrapped in wax paper. I think it was sweet bean candy. Yummy!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love watching videos of Japanese women cooking. It's so relaxing to watch. 💜 Thanks so much for watching!

[@K4t77]

This video was great. Lot of variety for so few ingredients but also nutritious and flavorful. I think the people, like yourself, who take the time to make videos like this have such an impact in helping people. Sometimes when you are in the pit of despair and panicked without money you just can’t think. Videos like these could be so valuable to people who may be struggling and not sure how they will survive on $10

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm glad you found my video useful and you liked my menu. 😁Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@hauskarras]

I have literally been watching you cook all day and I LOVED 🥰 it! You remind me of my favourite Kiwi cook, Alison Holst. Her cook book 📖 dollars and sense taught me to be frugal AF. I do adore that old saying though, “they have more dollars than sense” lol 😂 I’m not in that bucket 🪣 no matter how much money I have, I will always value the food I have and the earth that also provided it. You have definitely renewed my interest in being creative with food again. As an ex cook I had reduced myself to eating to survive not necessarily to enjoy. I adore your energy and enjoyment in the dishes. I have watched A few different video clips today on food on A budget, but yours is exceptional. Most are eating the same thing everyday and calling it a win🏆 You are more realistic. You shake it up, and you actually build food from scratch which I adore immensely! You have rekindled my passion. Thank you beautiful 😻 it needed reawakening.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 Thank you so much for the complement. It makes me so happy that my videos are inspiring you. YAY! 🥰

[@just4music687]

You really saved me this month!! Finally a money saving groceries video with healthier foods!! Just found your channel, and will subscribe!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 Thanks for subscribing and welcome to my channel 😊👩‍🍳 Glad to have you here.

[@andic8126]

Great video! Omg you should try making “tacos de papa” which are potato tacos usually paired with a tomato sauce. Basically it’s mashed potatoes stuffed inside a taco which can be pan fried and you can make your own tomato salsa or guacamole salsa

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Andrea 😁 Thanks so much. That's interesting because I've eaten quite a few potato tacos here in Southern California and yet I've never considered making them. I have no idea why not though...that is a great idea and fits in perfectly with budget videos. Thanks for the comment.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

This is definitely one of the healthier challenges I have seen. Lots of great ideas. Also to save the sauce from the beans to flavor the rice with.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Carmen. 😁 Glad you liked this video 🥰

[@Willettee]

Hello Michelle. I love your channel. You surprise me every time with your ability to prepare lovely dishes with little money. This was no exception. Your ideas are helpful. Thank you for all you do to share. Willette 🙂💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you Willette 🥰 I'm so glad you find my videos helpful. Your nice comments motivate me to want to make more 😊 I appreciate your support.

[@politicallyincorrect944]

Try your Dollar Tree more often. A lot of times you can get most house staples there. Some also carry 12 count eggs and cheese. Other than that I thought your shopping trip was great and a good way to plan/prep meals.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@politicallyincorrect944 Thank you 😊

[@happybudgeter]

I love these videos!! You should have 100,000 subscribers!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you liked my latest video! 😊 I appreciate your complement so much 😁

[@patpeters6331]

Your video was so interesting & enjoyable that I never noticed the length of it until you mentioned. So many yummy & delicious recipes, thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

oh good! 😁Thank you so much for letting me know. I was worried it was way too long. I spend a lot of time editing these budget challenge videos down to a reasonable time.

[@xo_xiomara_xo]

I really enjoyed watching this video, you came up on my suggestion feed. Thanks for this video. It gave me a lot of inspiration and motivation to make some meals for the rest of the week and maybe for next week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. 😁and welcome to my channel! I hope you stick around. 😊

[@alexisvalere4095]

Love this & will be doing this same meal plan myself because I live on a severe strict budget! Thank you!❤️✅

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 I'm glad you like it. Please eat enough protein, calcium and vitamin d though.🥛 If I were eating this meal plan on a regular basis, I would add some milk, yogurt, and a multi-vitamin just to be safe. I'm glad I'm making meals that you want to eat! Hopefully you will like my next video just as much 😁🥰

[@SunnyDallasRealtor]

Wow! You really made my day today.I have been struggling with my relationship with food and your channel made me feel inspired. Thanks so much!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad! 😁 Thanks for watching 👩‍🍳 🥰

[@deniseb7370]

These are very valuable videos right now! You do such a great job with these challenges. 💗Everything looks so inviting! 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@joleneschmidt6092]

I love your cooking videos. Please keep posting the food budget videos.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I appreciate the complement and I'm so glad you liked my newest video. 😁I will do my best to keep them coming.😊

[@lindawilson290]

Hi, AM! You really hit the ball out of the park in this video! So glad I stuck around to see it. All the meals are so creative. Next time, give yourself an extra five bucks to add in some meat/chicken and a bit of fruit. ~ Could you please make the "Eggs in Purgatory" in your next video? I've never heard of it! ~ Come back soon. :-)

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you liked it! 😁 I'm definitely going to start making more dishes with meat and I will try to squeeze the "eggs in purgatory" in for you. Thanks for the continued support. 😊

[@lykeOMGchristie]

I love seeing you show up in my subscription list. Your videos are some of my favs!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thank you! I appreciate your support 😊

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Yum! Great video! Don’t forget you can freeze the stems or any herbs in olive oil for later.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea 👍 Glad you liked this video 😁

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

@@ArdentMichelle loved it!

[@itzelmend5421]

Plz make more budget videos. I loved your recipes. The recipes looks healthy, easy to make and different then the other recipes. Thank you 😍♥️♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 Glad you are enjoying my videos. 🥰

[@TheNinnyfee]

Re "germophobia": it's not so much about phobia than about beginners watching cooking videos and thinking they can use unwashed produce and chemically waxed peels. Unwashed produce is 10x dirtier (I work in the service industry and have to repeat hygiene ed every year), and repeating the boring part of washing helps beginners learn. ♥️ I know it's tedious, but you're showing something important. ♥️ I love your videos and your creative and yummy ideas, I just recently found you and am binge-watching now. 😁

[@lorita3488]

one of my favorite breakfast is fried vegetable rice with scrambled eggs in them

[@ArdentMichelle]

So good.....

[@pritees.5793]

Wow! I am blown away by your creativity.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁👩‍🍳

[@JimmyVYouTube]

I do think this a is sustainable long term diet. It looks very delicious and packed with nutrients. I would have saved the cilantro stems for the fried rice and might have added a tsp of peanut butter to a soy sauce and bouillon slurry to season the Fried Rice. I enjoyed this and was inspired by your vlog.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much 😁 I'm glad you think the food is healthy and my video is inspiring you. I love the idea about the cilantro stems for the fried rice. 👍 That would have been a nice addition.

[@ms.thrify631]

HI. I just found your channel and I am just thrilled! I have hit some hard times recently and these recipes are just in time ! Love, love the recipes and will be trying them all. I just made the breakfast burrito and it was great! Thanks so much and keep them coming!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😊 I'm so glad you are here and that you enjoyed my breakfast burrito recipe. 😁

[@ms.thrify631]

@@ArdentMichelle Tried your wraps and they were great! Just cooked some rice and beans and thanks to you, the options are limitless and yummy!

[@NomadicNonna67]

@@doratiscareno5856 enough already!!!🙄

[@lilgiggler35]

I just discovered your videos a few days ago and I love them. You can save the cilantro pieces you aren't using right away by putting them in the freezer or you could try finely chopping the leftover pieces and drying them in the oven over night on the lowest temp your oven will go to. Somewhere around 180 degrees.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 so glad you like my videos. Welcome 👩‍🍳 I'm glad you are here. Great tips about the cilantro. Honestly, I never thought of drying my cilantro, which is weird because I dried all herbs from my herb garden except cilantro. I love that idea! 👍

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

You did such a good job with the budget! I'm gonna keep watching for more ideas!🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊 I appreciate the complement! 😁

[@allyrooh3628]

I love your pointer stick to point to your spices! This is one of the healthiest $10 challenges I've seen. Do you ever use bagged black beans? So much more for your money! Everything you made looked amazing and I would never feel deprived on that menu! Subscribing!

[@ArdentMichelle]

First of all, thanks so much for subscribing 😁 and welcome! Yes... I use a lot of dry beans, but I like to mix it up now and then and sometimes use canned beans. I believe in this challenge the canned beans were considerably less than dried and allowed me to purchase the avocado. As for the pointer stick...that was one of a set of very large chopsticks that I ordered from Amazon. They were bigger than I expected though, so I can't use them as chopsticks. 😂. Thanks again for the sub! 🥰

[@mercyp7151]

Can you make more of these please? This is a helpful list of cheap recipes I will be using, would like to be able to have more variety of these to use.

[@ArdentMichelle]

More to come! 👍Thanks for watching 😁🥰

[@hauskarras]

You are amazing! 🤩 I absolutely adore your attitude to food. Your so creative. Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me!🙏🥰

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗 Glad you are enjoying my content.

[@juliescheidler7763]

Nice job, you really remind people that meals can be very simple but delicious too!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes! Thank you! 😊

[@melissan9199]

So much inspiration for those of us on a strict budget and Honestly would eat this all no matter how much money I had for food lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

Now THAT is the best complement ever! 🥰 Thanks for the kind words Melissa 😁

[@pameehanson3866]

I am going to try the Walmart black beans. They aren’t my favorites but you’ve raved about them on other videos. I felt you did well with you $10 budget. Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much. 😊 Let me know what you think....but make sure to get the seasoned ones and if there is a brand you think I should try, then by all means let me know 😂 Us foodies need to share the info.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Are there other bean profiles you like better? You could do a lentil or a pinto bean and flavor it with a taco seasoning packet (or the like) as a substitute to the black beans.

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

As a patient who creates kidney stones beans are verboten in my diet. Peanut butter ok but nuts are out, as are some leafy greens esp. spinach.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@carylhalfwassen8555 oh no....that's terrible. I'm so sorry...because I do cook a lot with beans. ☹️

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 It's ok because Pamee is going to love those Great Value seasoned black beans. 😂

[@loreneknight9755]

1st time here. You did an amazing job & relatively healthy. I loved how you showed us what was remaining, after the week was over. Well done!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much and welcome 😁👩‍🍳 Hope you decide to stick around 😊

[@938quilt]

breakfast burrtos/tacos are also good with leftover charro/barracho beans smooshed with the egg! potato is one of my fave fillings though. I like the walmart brand of black beans too! I like them as a bowl with avocado or guacamole, pico or salsa, some cheese... yum! I also like toast with peanut butter- more crunch satisfaction! these meals look so good! I could smell the potatoes online LOL!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! I'm glad you could smell my potatoes cooking🥔 I too just love making the bowls. They are so easy to throw together and healthy also 👩‍🍳😋

[@rachelhero3413]

I love that you have so many ideas for vegetarians living in a non vegetarian household. I was wondering if you had ever made your own garlic salt? When I learned that it’s literally 1/3 garlic powder and 2/3 salt! So now I make my own and it is so much more inexpensive that buying it. It came out to about .30 a container( recycled the old garlic salt container) and put the rest in a giant zipper bag.

[@ArdentMichelle]

No I haven't made my own garlic salt but this is a great idea to save some money! Thanks for the tip 👍

[@maggiewiles1741]

So amazed at what you were able to do! It feels like Christmas when you upload 😊 thank you for sharing, and for your lovely lovely voice that I could listen to all day every day.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for making it all worth it 🥰

[@colinkaak9874]

Love your background music, too!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😊

[@reneehanlon2002]

When you said that your eggs were "really expensive" at $1.28 I almost died laughing. Eggs here are $4.59 for a dozen. That's the cheap eggs. They go on sale sometimes for $2.79. I'm so jealous!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yikes ☹️Where are you? I really need to stop saying that about certain items..especially since I have viewers from all over the world 😁🇨🇦🇮🇳🇳🇴🇸🇪What I meant....was that they are currently more expensive in my area than usual 😂 I have to save money on groceries so I can pay the HIGH cost of housing!

[@SK-gu3pv]

Same here! In Canada, they are around $5 and rarely go on sale. Fancy eggs are $8 lol

[@bluesonicstreak7317]

Yeah, here in Canada that "$10" budget would easily be over $20. Still, considering how expensive our food prices are, that's not that bad for a week.

[@SK-gu3pv]

Don't get me started on housing costs in bc... (insert crazy laugh)

[@taraji_b]

Y’all….That is crazy, how do you afford to feed your family? I have so many eggs I don’t know what to do with them, I have 50 hens though so 😆 get a chicken or two and you’ll never have to buy eggs again! Plus they are really cute and easy to care for

[@mommam.6101]

I swear you are a genius, I'm a new subscriber and am enjoying these videos immensely. I'm 82 years old, downsized a few years ago, gave up a house with a view and now I'm sorry. There's a condo I would dearly love to have with a view of fishing boats coming in to a marina across the bay. I'm thinking, sell my house, invest all the money, cash in my 401k, half of my social security would have to go for homeowners dues but with your tips I could live on the other half. Am I going to do it? I would dearly love to spend my last few years watching the fishing boats and occasional freighter but I'm too practical so I probably won't. My kids would have a fit. But I think I could swing it. Especially if I gave up beer. LOL.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe...thanks so much 😁 Sounds like you have been going through a lot of changes. Glad you are enjoying my videos. I hope they are helpful 😁 Have a great rest of your weekend.

[@antoinettenico216]

Thank you sooo much for taking the time to do these videos! I don't have the time to devote to plan healthy frugal meals in this phase of my life with a newborn and toddler.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Understood. It DOES take a lot of time to plan. So glad you find them useful 😊 I''ll do my best to keep them coming!

[@melissaalvarez9154]

Hi I just subscribed, I have never seen some make such creative yummy meals, I can’t wait to see more of your videos..

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for subbing! And welcome to my channel! 😁

[@JamieAdkins619]

Wow thanks for all the great meals at such a low budget price! I'm definitely going to try quite a few of those this week.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! Let me know how it goes 😊

[@gatamadriz]

Lean how to make dried black beans or any beans. Beans and rice contain all the protein and carbs that you need each day. Dried beans are maybe 89 cents per pound. Over night soaking, then simmering in stock or water, bay leaves, garlic salt. I lived on this in college.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love making dry beans ... I actually make them quite a bit on my channel, but this was a $10 challenge and the dried black beans at Walmart were $1.14, as opposed to the can for .62. I knew I didn't need very many, so I used that extra money to purchase my avocado. 😊. I make mine just like you do, except without the bay leaf. I'll have to try that next time. 🤔 Thanks for watching.

[@laurenmay2098]

Yes, and I learned another trick, half hour soaking in two or three slices of lemon, take all the gases away, no bloating.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

So funny, I am literally eating the same Walmart Wheat Sandwich bread with peanut butter as I sit to click on your video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's so good right?!?! 😂 That is too funny!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@ArdentMichelle it's a favorite go-to snack. Just as it is, no addition of a jelly needed (although, occasionally, that's welcome, too.) My son complains about that bread 🙄 he wanted the white. I grabbed the wrong one (oops, the one I like better, lol) but his white bread is on the list. My other son really enjoys the $1 French/Italian loaves, too. Walmart has good options for the wallet.

[@Lisawhatshersname]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 in the dairy section, in the morning, you can often find clearance bread, rolls, and other baked goods😊 if anyone needs to know

[@kathleenfredrickson8593]

I would appreciate watching you shop for the essential things you keep on hand for spices and flavorings.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Kathleen 😁Check out my video here. HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON GROCERIES. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3PNp2SKisxgd5o You can also refer to the list I provided in the description of that video. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@61Rebekah]

Great choices! Excellent ideas, with a ton of variety. Most I liked, but I will admit, I am not into trying new foods. Im in a horrible rut. However, these were awesome meals, and I will be trying most.

[@ArdentMichelle]

l've been known to eat the same foods over and over, but I'm always pleasantly surprised when I try new recipes. Just made a delicious noodle dish this week that I'll be sharing soon. I threw it together based on items on hand and now I've been wondering why I haven't been eating it all this time 😂 It was delicious!

[@michelle10261]

Hi Michelle, the tortiea bowl looks delishes. Thank you from Michelle in Australia

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you think so 😁

[@allisonpacino]

I just love your videos!! Glad to see another budget videos

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the complement and your continued support 😊🥰

[@capricorngirl2160]

Hi Michelle. I watched this video halfway through and decided to subscribe immediately seeing all the creative recipes you showed me. Love to see more of these challenges. Keep up the good work and I can't wait for the next video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Cynthia. 😄So glad you liked it. 🥰

[@amandaballard3065]

I love watching how creative u are ... I LEGIT binge watch ur videos

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thank you! That makes me so happy 😊 Thanks for watching my videos 🥰

[@sheemaalen9286]

I luv these, tfs! !esp that square pan w the eggs! Imagine try that w reg skillet. U always have pretty ways to display food! Glad it's affordable too❤😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁 Thanks so much for watching!

[@jamiecee4960]

Wonderful ideas for so little. I thought you done great with just that amount. Everything looked amazing. Gave me some ideas. Ty. :) Might try those tortillas you rolled up with just black beans. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you enjoyed my video. 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@janh1399]

great ideas, thank you!!! We make a spinach, potato, onion omelet that would fit well in this menu

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yum...that sounds like my kind of eats. 😋😁 Glad you liked my video

[@barbladner1263]

Hi I am a single person and I enjoy watching your channel because a lot of your ideas help me out and good ideas for a $10 budget so I thank you again for your ideas keep up the good work

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much Barb 😁I'm glad my videos are helpful. 👩‍🍳

[@nicolebell-m1y]

I totally agree! Every other channel shares ideas for families of 4++ and it’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️ So, thanks Michelle!!

[@mylifemadesimple2686]

Hello Michelle, I live in Sacramento, Ca. I used to live in Pennsylvania. I used to love Aldi's but they are not here in California. I love the way that you use things. I'm going to start doing them at my house!!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi there 😁. So glad you like my videos. I'm in Southern California. So sorry they are not in Northern California. I love the bargains there. Do you have a Winco?

[@mowthpeece1]

This is so impressive. I don't need to watch my budget, but still find this fascinating. There are contents I can't have without aggravating my arthritis. The hydrogenated oils in the peanut butter, the white flour, I can't have that, but the rest was fine. I almost feel motivated to do this for the satisfaction, but burning gasoline to get to stores around me (they're not close together) seems counter productive. Your meals are amazing, though. I may have to try a modified version, lol!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the complement 😊 I'm lucky that all the stores I shop at are on my way to Walmart, which isn't far. It doesn't make sense for everyone though. Thank you for watching my video 😊

[@SMV95OA]

You could totally use the cilantro stems in cooking your rice to add more flavor to it, just bundle them up with some kitchen twine and throw it in the pot.

[@ArdentMichelle]

OMG....why didn't I think of that? Cilantro rice didn't even cross my mind...and that is such a creative way to use the stems. Good call! 🙌Excellent actually....Thanks for the tip 😊...and for watching my video!

[@RP_76]

That is such a good idea! I love Cilantro and never thought of that.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Great video. I like all of the flavor profiles you selected.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked my video 😊

[@lorita3488]

a couple of my other favorite soups - I usually the Gossner shelf stable whole Milk in these soups since it is cheaper than the milk we drink but if you have a problem with dairy you could use unsweetened Almond milk if Dollar Tree has it

[@raquelangel87]

Hi just found your channel. I love what you have done with the potatoes frying them, look so good! I so want to try this! Do you do anything to them beforehand , or is it just a case of cut and fry in the pan with oil? Thanx

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 It's just cut and fry. Simple but delicious. I may have added onions to this one.

[@AsTheNight]

Best Extreme Grocery Challenge I've seen yet. Kudos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@lulienne8212]

Your music was so soothing and everything looked delicious! Just wondering why you opted for canned beans when a bag of dried beans would have given you much more protein for the week?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Lulienne 😁 There were 3 reasons for my choice of canned. First of all, I couldn't afford a bag of the beans with my limited budget. The canned were only .62, so if I would have gone with the bagged beans, I would have needed to give something else up, like the avocado, which I didn't want to do. Second, I only needed a small amount of beans for my weeks menu. Third, I use bagged beans a lot, so I like to mix it up and use canned sometimes because some of my viewers don't like to spend a lot of time cooking and are very busy. Canned beans are a great option for those people. There is no doubt that dried beans are a better value though. Thanks so much for the complement and for watching my video! 😁

[@GarouLady]

Idea for your rice cooker. You can cut the kernels off some fresh corn and mix those into the rice before cooking then lay the cobs on top of the rice in the water and cook it all together, the cobs will flavor the rice and water as it cooks. Add a splash of soy sauce or me I'd use coconut aminos before cooking and you can make some rice balls with all that happiness.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hmmm.....🤔 This sounds interesting and delicious!

[@gloriapeel6887]

Great meals! Going to get some seasoned black beans!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!!! So good....did you see the video where I made black bean tacos with feta? OMG those were so delicious.😋 I may have to make some for lunch tomorrow. Hope you enjoy 😁

[@wendoxia]

Great video. I live in California also not far from you so it’s nice to see things with our prices… I am also a black bean lover and I am also slightly addicted to fermented Chinese dried black beans… add amazing flavor to things if you’ve ever tried them… I’m going to recommend!!! Great job Michelle! ( I work in TV production and I’ve done a lot of food styling and I’m just so impressed by what a great job you do!)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😊 I've seen the fermented Chinese beans and I've been wanting to try them!! I'm hoping to very soon. 😋 Thanks for the support!

[@TheSweetpea73]

I love your channel. Your videos are so helpful and I love how you include fresh vegetables in your meals. I'm a new subscriber.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome!! 😁 Glad you are here and that you enjoy my content.

[@immabadboy3110]

A. Good Job B. I wish you made a grid of days/meals so we could see the plan. Like how many days of peanut butter sandwiches. How many days you had eggs vs how many recipes used an egg or two. I've been transitioning from $10 a day fast food to trying to grocery shop for half the amount for the week. I'm at about $50/week because Reece's and ice cream are the downfall to that.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Haha! I hear ya..we all need a treat now and then 😊 My breakfast lunch and dinner menu is listed in the contents. I need to do better at listing what is left over each week though..because I frequently have leftovers. Thank for watching my video 😁

[@Hello-fs5fh]

Thanks! Yours is one of my favorite channels

[@ArdentMichelle]

Wow, thanks so much! 😁🥰 I appreciate your support of my channel. It helps a lot!

[@deborahgeels5395]

Great job. Thanks for the video.

[@NanaPapa123]

Love all your videos! You did an exceptional job and I am so proud of you! Thanks for sharing such great ideas on an insane budget.

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so nice! Thank you so much 😁 I'm glad you liked this video and appreciate the effort that went into it.

[@patrickhandley627]

Thank you for doing these videos. They've given me some ideas for eating well on a budget

[@ArdentMichelle]

You are so welcome! 😁 I'm so glad you enjoyed them

[@ChrisStargazer]

Yay! Someone else who uses the spatula/chopsticks combo for their tamagoyaki! ♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!!!! 👊 This is called fusion cooking 😂

[@darlenewaters11]

Just found you tonight, I’m bing watching and loving it!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Welcome to my channel 😁 Now you just need to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications. 😂

[@erinnola-raised6543]

For making Huevos rancheros I buy a tall bag of corn tostadas & keep in pantry. It’s amazing as they’re inexpensive & last so long

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great idea 👍

[@tanndigedan2261]

Great to see such healthy foods on a budget! Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks 😁 I appreciate the complement. Glad you are enjoying my content.

[@zensbleexperience3470]

I love your videos! I'm always inspired thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁👩‍🍳

[@pugpreslar711]

The black bean and rice burrito looks really tasty and healthy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks. I'm glad you thought so. 😁

[@ChrisStargazer]

Your suggestion to add sesame oil to fried rice got my sub! AWESOME! Love what you’re doing!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Welcome and thanks for subbing. 😁

[@patpeters6331]

Hi Michelle, enjoyed your video very much. Just FYI, you can make your own garlic salt by adding some of the garlic powder to some salt. By making it yourself you can reduce the amount of salt to garlic powder ratio which is actually healthier for you. 🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Pat. How have you been? That's a great idea. I could lower the salt content a little. Glad you liked my video😊

[@brendagomez5072]

Next time, you could blend or leave the diced tomatoes as is and use it as part of the liquid to cook the rice then it would be like flavored Mexican rice(:

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes! I thought about making a Mexican style rice. That would have been good. 😊

[@christinearrand8208]

Yes drained canned tomato liquids and added bullion can make a the rice soooo much better

[@catfish9539]

Great ideas. Just one suggestion. When the wax paper gets warm the wax melts onto the food so baking parchment might be a better idea.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes indeed...you are right 👍Thanks for pointing that out. I need to pick some up.

[@hello-vs4me]

Thanks for your videos will make these meals great stuff thanks for your videos thanks ❤️ 😊

[@forhisglory-couponingwitha5197]

Great video, so much creativity with your meals. I really enjoyed watching and subscribed to your channel today 😉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 🤗 I'm glad you're here 😁

[@obiwantzcanolisandmomgarde8490]

Much goods will grow right on windows I also have winter garden of greens and culantro and dandelion in garage window Growing stretches that dollar!

[@ArdentMichelle]

So true. 👍

[@MzCAGOMEA]

I had fried potatoes and onions today. They are so good. My husband had never had them b4 we got married. It's now one of his favs along with fish cakes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Aren't they good? 😋 yum

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video 😄 I agree, food has to look good regardless of is prepared 👍

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank YOU for watching 😊

[@susanamariapereirasoares7188]

I always chop the cilantro stems and add them to beans or rice - or freeze them chopped for later, to use in a pinch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah I love that idea! 👍

[@hoopesjessica]

The tiny cast-iron is perfect for single serve desserts like cookies, pies, brownies and a scoop of ice cream!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great ideas. 👍 I love that little pan so much. 😂

[@kristinwright6632]

Tiny pan. One egg yes. Also melting butter or warming most anything. I haven't had a microwave for 15 years. I found it was taking up a bunch of space and it did almost everything badly. I replaced it with a one pint All Clad butter warmer. Takes up a lot less space. I think you might find the tiny pan can replace a microwave for various tasks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for your input 👍 I like the idea of using it to warm butter.

[@karenmendes5867]

I love so many things about your videos. You are so creative and adventurous using meals from other cultures. Your voice is soothing and calm which is a plus and the music choices are great. The meals you make look delicious. Definitely NOT what you’d expect to make on a $10 a week budget so great job. Would you mind a couple of suggestions? Not criticisms. First have you considered buying a bag of flour and making your own tortillas or bread? Second do you ever buy dry beans instead of canned? Maybe in other videos. Last do you ever buy jalapeños. They are crazy cheap but add so much flavor I think I can get one for around .15. Please keep making these videos they are so helpful and enjoyable 👍🏻❤️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much for the complements. To answer your questions, yes I use dry beans a LOT and have featured them in many of my videos. 😊 I haven't had any desire to make my own bread since it is so inexpensive, but I may at some time in the future. I've made homemade biscuits quite a bit. I'll probably try to make tortillas sometime in the future. I definitely should pick up a couple jalapenos. I do love their flavor, but I haven't used the fresh ones in a long time. Great idea! 😊

[@karenmendes5867]

@@ArdentMichelle i watched some of your other videos yesterday and saw you using dry beans guess I should have checked that before commenting. I’m surprised bread is cheap in Southern California I’m in northern vermont and I find bread to be expensive. Even for the so called cheap stuff

[@joycechalfin9772]

Karen. Do u have aldi. Wheat bread in nj is 1.25 a loaf

[@karenmendes5867]

@@joycechalfin9772 oh no we don’t have an Aldi in this state I wish we did.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes it can be very expensive here also. The whole grain breads can be $5-$6 a loaf. ☹️My Ezekial bread is $5. But I think Aldi is the cheapest for white bread at .79.

[@impish22]

great video, thanks Michelle

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for watching!

[@a.blanco7680]

Watching this & thought of so much i would make with all those ing. Def my struggled childhood kicked in. Great vid Mexican rice with those dice tomates, onion, garlic salt and that veggie season you have. Spinach & egg sandwich Cook your beans with the spinach add some queso fresco yum. Hashbrowns with onions & tomatoes I woukda def grabbed some serranos for a couple cents..Etc etc

[@ArdentMichelle]

You've got some great ideas 😊 I've been thinking I need to use more hot peppers. They are so inexpensive. Thanks for watching!

[@ic610]

I just ran into your video and thought my son needs to see this 😁 also you can add eggs to your potatos for breakfast and the water of your beans and put it into your rice when cooking it 😁🙏🙏

[@ArdentMichelle]

Very good ideas 👍 Thanks for watching 😁