I ATE FOR A WEEK ON $10 - DOLLAR TREE GROCERY BUDGET CHALLENGE

Hi I'm Ardent Michelle and I'm a frugal foodie on a budget. In this dollar tree grocery budget challenge video I'll eat for a week for $10 on food purchased only at the Dollar Tree. Join me in this extreme budget grocery haul to see what I come up with.
#eatfor10aweek #frugalliving #frugalfoodie #eatingonabudget #grocerybudgetchallenge #extremegrocerybudget #groceryhaul #eatingfor10dollarsaweek #howtoeatfor10aweek
#dollartreechallenge #dollartreedinners #dollartreebudgetchallenge #eatfor10dollarsdollartree #ardentmichelle #frugalfoodie
MY PRODUCT LINKS:
MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid
amzn.to/2XcYCRK
Presto Liddle Griddle
amzn.to/3k02HSo
Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with Easy Reach Roll-Top Door
amzn.to/36mU79d
Aroma Rice Cooker
amzn.to/3coSc7V
Silver Condiment Sauce Cups -Quantity 12
amzn.to/2WsyC4R
If you choose to use my links, I receive a small commission which helps support my channel. By using these links, you are not being charged any extra money
MEAL PLAN
$10 Dollar Tree
Servings
Breakfast
1 oatmeal pancake with syrup with 1 scrambled egg
1 bowl oatmeal with brown sugar and 2 pieces toast
2 oatmeal pancakes w/brown butter syrup
2 oatmeal pancakes w/brown butter syrup
1 oatmeal pancake with syrup with 1 scrambled egg
Lunch
1 tuna sandwich
1 Stir fry vegetables with rice
2 egg salad sandwiches total 3 eggs
2 chili
beans with rice and hot sauce
Dinner
2 gumbo with rice
1 stir fry vegetables with rice
3 chili
1 tuna sandwich
Snacks
toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar
Oatmeal Pancakes
2 cups oatmeal
2 eggs
1 cup water
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine (if you have it)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
To contact me, send emails to:
[e-mail]
To send me mail:
15333 Culver Drive Suite 340 #546
Irvine, CA 92604

[@phyllisorr162]

Great vid 🤠 Love your channel

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thanks so much! 😁🥰

[@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010]

@@ArdentMichelle how did she get a pin 📌?! Lol. I’m jealous! Lol. Just kidding! Love your videos! :) Thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010 😂

[@rachelhero3413]

She’s awesome!

[@CL-rv9ti]

Yes. Sesame oil is a must have at my home. I eat a lot of Asian food and you don't need a lot of the sesame oil in cooking. Can you do a budget challenge using only Asian food? I think Asian food is pretty budget friendly.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you for the feedback about the sesame oil! 😁I would LOVE to do a budget challenge using only Asian food! I would have a lot of fun with that! Maybe I can schedule it in the coming months 😊

[@anna-lisagirling7424]

Michelle, I'm really enjoying your videos. They take me back to my first years out on my own and the first 3-4 years after my partner and I bought our first house in a cruel real estate market. I used to forage tree fruits from empty lots and we did a lot of wild berry hunting in season. But my real budget saver was learning about cooking Indian food. Their traditional cuisine utilizes a lot of legumes and a small back of lentils can be a real foundation. In fact, depending where you live, if there are Indian grocery stores near you often the rice and legumes plus spices are a true bargain. Another revelation for me was always buying whole chickens and then breaking one down to breasts, things and drums and then chucking the rest, carcass and all into a pot to make stock. Then, pick all the meat off the bones (Yes, time consuming for sure) and using those bits to make a sandwich filling. I used to use black pepper, parsley and either dried celery or chopped celery plus mayo or salad dressing more or less to your preference. With the breasts, I usually cubed one side up for casseroles or soup bits and the other side, I'd make a nice fat cordon bleu that was usually large enough to split and eat with rice and a vegetable. If I bought more than one chicken, I'd create packs of 2 thighs or 4 drumsticks for the freezer. Anyway, just some old wisdom from a 71 year old woman ; )

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Anna-Lisa 😁 I'll take wisdom from a 71 year old woman any day I can get it 😉 I would love to learn more Indian dishes. Maybe I'll try to find an Indian market for one of my $5 Food Adventures. I love learning culinary tricks for budget eating from other cultures. Thanks for sharing your tips for the chicken. These are very helpful. Have a great rest of your week! 👩‍🍳

[@patpeters6331]

Michelle, if that Dollar Tree has chopped or whole garlic in a bottle it's well worth the purchase. Though not as pungent as fresh garlic, it lasts for months in the fridge & the garlic water when it's empty is delicious in sauces or soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'll have to look for that next time. I'm already looking forward to going back 😊 I love the idea of using the garlic water. Great tip Pat 👍

[@LenoraForest]

We've tried the vegan meatballs. The taste is great - a bit spicy. However, they fall apart when cooked. We just add them in with rice and don't care that they don't hold together. I loved this video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Good to know! 👍Thanks so much for the complement 😁 Glad you liked my video.

[@robinswan5831]

I'm so impressed with how well that DT is stocked! Ours are just empty shelves everywhere!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I feel fortunate 😁

[@midlifeandnailingit6342]

I am amazed that you took such simple ingredients and made a lovely gumbo.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😊 I really liked that meal too. It was yummy! Thanks for watching!

[@wendoxia]

One thing I would add to you is I usually use a very finely chopped hard-boiled egg in my tuna salad to make it go further you can get two sandwiches out of a can that way

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a good tip! 👍

[@daniellebraga2880]

If you spread the whole bag of beans out on a baking sheet, you can sort through them a lot more quickly.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Good tip!

[@CybHoney03]

Ahhh I miss when dollar tree was just 1.00… memories. Just came back for the nostalgia

[@ArdentMichelle]

same!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

The beauty of the chili is how far it will go with all of that rice you purchased. I even love chili as a breakfast (I used to live near a great little café that made chili omelets) - a little rice, topped with chili, topped with an egg will keep you full for hours at a very low cost.

[@patpeters6331]

I have never thought to top chili with an egg. Definitely going to try that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That sounds like a good combination. I'll have to try that. 😊

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@ArdentMichelle such a shame your DT only does 1/2 dozens. Many I've seen with an entire dozen, that can really stretch that budget.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@patpeters6331 or you can top an omelet with chili like my little local café does... so yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I was hoping for 12. ☹️ Sometimes our DT's do get the 12 pack in....but not at this time.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

l love a combination of egg and tuna salad as a sandwich option. They go great together.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Never thought of that one.

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

@@ArdentMichelle I don't know if I'd call it egg and tuna salad together, I grew up with parents that added boiled eggs to their tuna salad (Just like some do and some don't add eggs to their potato salad? 🤷‍♂️) but I love the combination. I've also had trio salads where they place a scoop of each on top of a salad: tuna salad, egg salad, chicken salad.

[@mollygardens6646]

I have volunteer arugula in my yard, fall through spring. I love it on egg salad sandwiches. Radishes are super easy to grow, seeds at Dollar Tree. They are also an awesome addition to egg salad!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Molly 😁That sounds great. How awesome to be able to grow things.

[@Goonky100]

I really enjoyed your first $10 challenge, so I'm happy you did another one. I'm impressed your meals are so healthy at this price. These videos have made me realize I can definitely spend less on groceries. The oatmeal pancakes look great - I can't believe I never thought of that. :)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Erin! 😁🥰 Doing these videos helps ME to spend less too! It also helps me to come up with new flavor combinations that I maybe wouldn't have tried otherwise. Funny thing is...I often eat tastier food when I'm doing a budget video than when I'm not. Maybe it's also because I appreciate it more also. 😊. Like.....I really loved those frozen veggies in the stir fry.

[@littleoldlady4154]

Thank you for a Great video. Spices matter when you have a low budget. I keep 10 spices at my stove based on my current cooking tastes. I also have a bin of replacements.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁🥰So true! My cupboards are overflowing with spices 😊 Glad you are enjoying my content!

[@naty1012]

Yes sesame oil is a staple. I use it for flavour too not to fry.

[@rachelhero3413]

I love your videos. And yes I keep sesame oil at home. When I was single and super broke, I started cutting the sesame oil with a little vegetable oil. I found that it doesn’t really dilute the flavor and makes it go further.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip😁 Thanks for the input.

[@chrisl418]

Hi, remember to check the discount shelf at the back of your favorite regular grocery store...I realize this was about dollar tree, but if you can stop by just to check the discounted items. I can usually find a can or two of tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, some super low priced ripe bananas (great to add Into pancakes or make muffins/banana bread), or other items half priced. Great video! So careful to make your $10 budget work. I'm inspired to try some similar ideas. Thank you.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you found my video inspiring and useful. 😊 I'm almost never at the regular grocery store, but you are right I should go in search of discounts at the discount section. I'll try that next time 👍

[@nakiawright42]

Glad I came across your channel and I love seeing you reading the labels and thinking and being healthy I love because I am watching the ingredients now when I shop ❤👌

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's awesome 😁 so glad to have you here. Welcome. 🥰

[@lindawilson290]

OMG! How wonderful to see another Ardent Michelle video, and - as always - you were sooo very creative! I have never used sesame oil, but now I might have to buy some, as we love Asian food. ~ Great job, AM!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes Linda you must go right out and get yourself a bottle ASAP! It's so good on your rice and stir fry! Thanks so much for the positive feedback 😊

[@jackie5952]

Im just came upon your channel and I’m so happy that you give suggestions for cheap meals that aren’t meat heavy! Will definitely be trying out some of your suggestions- thanks!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my content 😁

[@WilletteB]

Hi Michelle. You rock every challenge! When I saw your video notification come through, I knew I had to watch right away. Sesame oil is a staple in my pantry. I don't use it often, but so glad to have it when I'm in the mood for stir-fry. You gave me some ideas for meal prep. I love knowing you enjoyed your food. At times, I find myself getting stuck in a rut, even with meal planning. I'll definitely be using some of your ideas. The chili looked delicious. Glad you found the Jenny-O brand at your DT. Love your channel more and more!!! Willette 🙂💕🙏 PS. Yay for pinto beans, rice and eggs at DT. Your choices for making food go farther are duly noted. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback about the sesame oil and also my video. 😁 I think we ALL get stuck in a rut at times. One of the reasons I like making videos, is it keeps me from eating the same things over and over and I discover many great new combinations. Plus I get a lot of ideas from my viewers 😊

[@alexisvalere4095]

Omg...everything looks so delicious and I am SO hungry right about now! Excellent meals and recipes! Thank you!🙏

[@ArdentMichelle]

So glad you liked my video 😁👩‍🍳

[@patpeters6331]

Those oatmeal pancakes look delicious. Love pancakes & oatmeal, why have I never thought to combine the two? And the homemade syrup! I am so impressed. Thanks Michelle I am making them this week. 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you like them. 😊They are so versatile. Like I said in the video, my favorite oatmeal pancakes are with a can of pumpkin. I've also mashed up old bananas and thrown those in there.

[@patpeters6331]

@@ArdentMichelle Thank you for the great ideas.

[@tammybenadventures4839]

Same! I love the homemade syrup idea.

[@treasurespastnpresen]

When we were growing up Mom always made our pancake syrup. She mostly used white sugar but would add maple flavoring at the end with a pat of butter. Eight kids so it was more cost effective to make syrup.

[@JacindaH]

I've been making my own peanut sauce and got the recipe from my Thai neighbor. The simple version is peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar and a little sugar and hot sauce to taste. And she thins it with water. We're absolutely hooked on it. I love using Mirin, dark soy and rice vinegar with garlic chilli paste, but it's all so interchangeable. I bet you'd create something incredible. And I love that you can use it in everything from yakisoba to rice noodles or rice and stir fry. And sesame oil is absolutely a kitchen staple! Lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yum. 😋Thanks for sharing your recipe! I'll try this next time. Sounds yummy!

[@patpeters6331]

My Dollar Tree has the items you showed as staples. I do a lot of grocery shopping there.

[@YallSoCute71]

I keep sesame oil in my cabinet as a staple. 👍 I use it like you do.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad to hear that! I'll keep using it as a condiment then! 😊

[@theariesnme]

Your channel came up on my feed and I'm glad it did. Wow..I'm impressed. I'm not a foodie and I'm a single person but find it hard to grocery shop. For me not to be a foodie, I spend alot at the grocery store for the week $40 plus. I was doing something extremely wrong as well as being wasteful when I dont eat the food. You said something that made alot of since..buy a meat/ingredients ( I recently stopped eating meat) and use it different ways within the week. I was buying 3 different meats per week making different meals or feeling like I had to be elaborate with meals when it's just me. So even if i had an egg sandwich or peanutbutter sandwich it's ok because its just me. So..for now on If I buy vegetarian faux meat (if I want) make different meals from that (a wrap, a salad, cut it up and make spaghetti etc.They will be different but with same meat. And maybe think of meals from dollar tree because of the small serving sizes and I wont be so wasteful. If you haven't already made video yet..can you vegetarian meals from dollar tree for the week? Thanks much

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there 😊 So glad to hear you are finding my content useful. I would love to make a vegetarian video from the Dollar Tree. I have quite a few requests coming in for various videos but I'm sure I can plan it in the not to distant future 🤔 In the meantime, take a look at my other videos. I have lots of vegetarian meals because that is primarily how I like to eat. 😊

[@theariesnme]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you🥰

[@cathyholt5215]

👏 well done! I could have used these ideas when I was 20 & poor! lol with the price of groceries today even if I only do this 1 week of a month, it would help.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😁 Glad you found my video useful.

[@philanthropchic2238]

I love your choice of music in these videos in addition to your recipes! So fun!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like it. 😊 Makes the time I spending choosing the sound tracks worth it 😏

[@cathyblock6197]

I didn’t realize that there are so many grocery products at DT. I’m going to have to check it out. Your dishes are always looking so yummy & your presentation is so attractive. Thanks for all the tips.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Cathy 😁 Thanks so much for the complement 🥰

[@cathyblock6197]

@@ArdentMichelle lol, was in the DT just now & had to pick up those veggie meatballs just to try!

[@debbiewilson2247]

I love all of your videos because I get new ideas & info from them. Also, yes, I love sesame oil too!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like my videos and they are helpful 😁 Hooray for sesame oil.....the worlds greatest condiment. 😂

[@emily--m]

Awesome 👍. Thank you for sharing your recipes. Yes sesame oil is a staple. Thank you again 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010]

yes. Love it. And when you say , what ingredient tastes good and what won’t taste good in certain dishes. Thanks ! 👍🏾🙂

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked this video 😁

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Yes! Love that okra, corn and tomato combo; when I was driving out of town often, I would pack that, a bag of micro-ready rice, and a can of beans - a complete meal in minutes, good even without cooking! (Although it was much better warm, lol). Enough for two servings😉. I agree that oatmeal pancake recipe looks really interesting, I think I'd like to try that too! Yum. Thanks for sharing, these challenges are always so creative, they inspire me to try recipes I might not think of otherwise. 👍😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Lisa 😁 I've discovered a LOT of foods that I wouldn't have normally tried otherwise also. Doing these videos is a WIN WIN for me because I am a person that can "accidentally" spend a LOT of money at the grocery store 😂 Hearing you talk about taking the okra, corn, and tomato on the road makes me realize how good it would be for camping as well or any road trips I might do in the future. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip! 👍

[@loritanner4478]

I have tried those veggie "meatballs" from the dollar tree. I'm allergic to gluten and dairy and those were pretty good. There isn't a whole lot that I can eat at the dollar store. But I do buy what I can there. And I have noticed that they have been getting more gluten and dairy free items. Which is nice as the price on those items is pretty expensive most places. But it's funny, since the prices of food has gone up. The products that I buy that are gluten and dairy free have stayed about the same.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Interesting. 🤔 I still haven't tried them. Thanks for the comment. I'm surprised your gluten free products haven't been going up. I'm shocked at how fast costs are rising. 😳

[@InaSDesigns]

I use crushed Italian herb tomatoes and 3 different beans in my chili. Black, light red and dark red beans. Thank you for sharing. Super inspiring.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh wow. That sounds yummy. I've never put black beans in my chili. I should give that a try. Our family loves chili. 💜 Thanks for watching 😁👩‍🍳

[@alwayslearning9272]

This was really good, I was really impressed with the meals you put together from what you had available to you from the Dollar Tree. One small thing I noticed was you put up on the screen that 4 cups of dry rice equals 4 cups cooked, but to my knowledge rice triples in size once it's cooked so you'll actually get around 12 cups cooked! :) Also, would it be possible please for you to provide the recipe for the gumbo in the description box? It's something I've always wanted to make but didn't know how, but your recipe looked quite easy so I'd love to give it a go! :) Thanks

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! Yes you are right about the rice. I didn't spend enough time in editing! 1 cup dry = 3 cups cooked. 😂. As for the gumbo, I didn't have a recipe. I just used the canned tomato, okra and corn and added Tony's Creole seasoning along with a little bit of vegetable bouillon. It's season to taste, so just add as much as you want until it tastes good to you. 😊 I like mine a little on the spicier side so that when I spoon into the rice, it is perfect. You can add the vegetable bouillon -1 tablespoon to the rice cooker water to have it lightly seasoned rice. If you can't find the canned mixture of veggies just grab some canned diced tomatoes, okra and corn. You can also use bell peppers, celery, and any other veggies you like. Add andouille sausage if you would like a meat component. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley on top of the rice (for presentation). Let me know if you try it. I'd love to know how it turns out! 😊

[@Laz10020]

One budget friendly meal I like to make at home for my family is a pot of yellow rice with mixed vegetables and sliced sausage like a polish or beef kind, it’s delicious and very filling. You’ll have enough left over to eat for the next day as your lunch. You should give it a try.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yum. 😋That sounds like a great one dish meal. Tell me how you do it. What kind of rice and do you cook it in the rice cooker along with the veggies and sausage?

[@bearclaire]

Mexican rice is also good you can add veggies and beans

[@stephaniehill9284]

I love sesame oil! I just made a quick Korean Beef and Rice this week for dinner and the sesame oil really enhanced the flavors so much! I enjoy your videos so much 😁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Awe thanks Stephanie. 😁🥰...I appreciate you taking the time to comment. That dinner sounds yummy! 😋

[@roddmatsui3554]

Oh yeah!! Awesome video. Gives me lots of shopping ideas.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you. This was a fun video to make 😁

[@elenacala]

Yep, we have sesame oil in our spice cupboard. You should try brown sugar in your teriyaki sauce, the molasses adds depth to the brown sauce. Great ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love that idea. 👍I will DEFINITELY give it a try. Thanks for the tip 😁

[@Suzy12678]

Great job! I have sesame oil too. Definitely more mainstream in last several years.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes it seems like the majority DOES have it in the pantry. 😁That makes me very happy!

[@impish22]

more great ideas, thanks again Michelle

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@reneehaynes3121]

Yummy on all meals. Love your videos! Keep format, keep sharing recipes. Thank you! God Bless

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@belbe417]

that blue bowl is awesome!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! As you can probably tell, I like colorful dishes 😊

[@Lee-fb4oj]

You're amazing! I recently used a rice cooker for one bag frozen Italian meatballs, added some broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar and red pepper flakes and while cooking that made half a pkg of egg noodles because my husband doesn't eat rice. All from DT. It was a Mongolian beef sauce recipe. Very tasty.

[@ArdentMichelle]

awe...thanks 🥰 and thanks also for the recipe 😁 I'll save this to try. 👩‍🍳

[@Evie329]

We definetly have seasame oil on hand. Great menu as always!✌

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback 😁

[@patriciasimpson7054]

Great ideas. Everyone must be following you because my dollar trees were completely out of the food items you suggested.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That must be it 😁😂 Actually....I saw that "gumbo" (okra, corn, and tomatoes) at Walmart about a week ago so maybe it's a new product? I did stock up on that. It was VERY good. 😋. Thanks for watching my video 🥰😁

[@patpeters6331]

I tried the avocado spread with a fried egg sandwich, it was yummy. Thanks! 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

I put the sliced egg on top of my avocado toast before but @carolG was the inspiration for using the avocado with the egg sandwich. 😊So glad you tried it and it was good Pat! Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to give it a try ASAP! 😁

[@helenshack2838]

Yes I have sesame oil in my pantry. I also have Asian fish sauce too. If one is making frequent Asian meals in their kitchen I’m sure that sesame oil is a common stable along with soy sauce. Great video. Keep them coming. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 🍁

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback. 😁It looks like most of my viewers DO have sesame oil as a staple. This gives me free rein to cook some other tasty Asian meals. Hmmmm......fish sauce. What are you cooking up there Helen? 🤔 Bet it's some good eats!

[@helenshack2838]

@@ArdentMichelle Ardent i am certainly not as creative as you have demonstrated. I will wait for your next video hopefully where you make some Asian cuisine to get some ideas. Myself I use some of those ingredients to make an Asian style soup using noodles, veggies with sometimes some kind of chicken , Turkey or beef. That’s about it for my repertoire. Ardent Keep on cooking 🧑‍🍳👍🥗

[@ArdentMichelle]

I will do my best 😊

[@TheMeshal33]

You can skip the Mayo and use guacamole for the egg salad I take the yolks out and mix with the guacamole then mix that mix with the egg whites and put it on bread it also makes good deviled eggs top with hot sauce.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Sounds like a great idea 👍 I love avocados

[@kitbeau6421]

Great video and recipes!! Thank you for sharing!😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching 😁

[@lenziany]

I kinda surprise you use quite a lot of spices, not only salt & pepper like others vloggers.. So i sure your cooks will be so delish! 🤍 Yes i do a lot of sesame oil it takes food to another level.. Thanks for sharing these fab recipes 💕

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 😊 I'm glad you are enjoying my content 👩‍🍳

[@alanbirkner1958]

I've been known to stretch chili by serving it over rice or macaroni. My husband puts lots of crackers in his bowl of chili. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've heard lot of people eat chili with rice but I haven't tried it yet 🤔 Sounds good though. Would be good with the macaroni also. I'll have to give that a shot.

[@CathieG]

Awesome ideas! 🤩 I really like the Gumbo & oatmeal pancakes as options. 🥰 I love sesame oil but idt it’s a common pantry staple…. ☹️🤷🏻‍♀️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁 Thanks for the input on the sesame oil.

[@Magdalena287]

Not sure why you were just reccomended to me but as a mom of 5 kids trying to not spend a fortune on food everyweek im here and living for these healthy food challenges! 💗

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😊 Yes I bet you can spend A LOT of money feeding 5 kids every month. 💰 Hope you find my videos useful 😊

[@AliciaM79]

It all looks so good! I love Grocery Outlet, mine always carries nori sheets for a great price 😊 I like to make mini masubi using kolbasa sausage of some sort. Mmm... for dinner last night I had an egg sandwich, just sliced the egg w/lots of mayo, lettuce and tomato (ELT)😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much! 😁 That sounds really interesting. I bet it is delicious! I briefly checked out the Grocery Outlet and it looked like they have some decent prices. I'm looking forward to shopping there. Hmm....I've never had an egg sandwich like that before. I love doing this channel because I learn so much from my viewers! 😊

[@tammybenadventures4839]

What a great idea to make mini masubi! I never thought to use the snack nori sheets that way thanks 🙏

[@jenniferherrington]

Jenny O is a premium brand, I would have bought 2 or three of those burgers at that price. I know you are on a budget, but get it while it is available!

[@ArdentMichelle]

true 👍

[@lynnemorton6055]

Hi, a great video. Im learning so much, thank you. I make the oats pancakes but add mashed banana to the mixture they are lovely with natural yogurt and fruit. Keep the vids coming. Take care luv from the UK x

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes I love bananas in them. 👍I haven't tried them with yogurt. Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time. 😁

[@lynnemorton6055]

Yeah ive always ate them with fruit and yogurt on the side. Just to get protien and fruit into me and fill me at the same time. I really enjoy those. x

[@rajimac]

This was a great meal plan. I made egg sandwiches recently abd realised how much I love them. I have sesame oil always in my pantry. I cook a lot of Indian dishes so it’s a good one for that. I buy it in the Asian store or in Tesco. I’m Irish and live in Ireland so sesame oil wouldn’t be a traditional oil for the most part , but younger people would use it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

thanks for watching and commenting on the sesame oil 😁

[@liliknowsbest2.037]

Great channel I am trying to lower my grocery cost but I love these meals for myself 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

That is EXACTLY what I'm aiming for...to make meals that are so delicious, it won't feel like we are budgeting. Thanks for watching my videos and for the feedback 😁🥰

[@jccastle3452]

I always have sesame oil on hand. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback! 😊

[@wnynyn]

I am Chinese. Sesame oil is a staple and we never use it to fry things. It's usually added for flavoring, mixed into sauce/dressing or drizzled on food at the last minute.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's what I thought. 😊 It just makes sense. Thanks for the feedback and for watching my video.

[@Busybeeee]

I’m Canadian and although we have dollar trees here ( items are actually $1.25 Canadian ) I have never seen a one with so much great items like in the Dollar trees in America. Our dollar trees only have one row of food items that are mostly candy and chips. We don’t even have 1/4 of the items US dollar trees have. Love your videos 👌

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. 😁🥰 I remember in the past, Dollar Tree and other stores like them didn't have as many food options. That's too bad...because they are a lot of fun to shop. ☹️

[@loritanner4478]

The first of January 2022 the US dollar trees are now 1.25 trees.

[@Busybeeee]

@@loritanner4478 the price of everything has gone up recently yet most people’s wages are the same! I’m really sad to hear that. It will get increasingly difficult for people to budget.

[@shellyk5423]

I just discovered your channel and loved it! You make authentic meals with real food on a budget. I liked how you gave ideas for the products you were using for this video. But if you have more money in your budget, gave ideas. Yes, I always have sesame oil in my pantry.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for commenting on the sesame oil and also for the complement 😁👩‍🍳

[@haileyunruh9029]

Always keep sesame oil on hand. 😋 thanks for the great meal ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😊Thanks for the feedback 😁

[@gloriapeel6887]

Your chilli looks amazing! Great ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@rosacoria5629]

I really enjoyed your video 👍🏼 I want to try the chill that you made looks yummy 😋 we always have hard boiled egg 🥚 our frigid. Thank again.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you like the chili 😊

[@uniquelydriven9119]

I am a new subscriber! I am binging all of your videos. You are incredibly creative and your dishes are so interesting.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for subbing and welcome. 🥰 I appreciate the complement. I'll try to keep the videos coming 😁

[@ambermacmurtry7884]

I definitely keep sesame oil on hand as often as possible! Its an exceptional condiment. I know this is an older video, so I don't know if you'll see this, but always transfer my sesame oil into an old sanitized glass soy sauce bottle with the little shaker cover, so it comes out nice and slowly. It works great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great tip! 👍 Yes I see all of the new comments, even on the older videos. I've been trying to find sesame oil in bulk to cut costs, but so far no luck. Thanks for watching.

[@tallfrugallaurie1680]

I love sesame oil. I use it most days. It adds a great flavor/aroma. I always have a back up bottle.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've started buying larger quantities. 😂

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

I make a veggie pot pie with biscuits that is vegetarian and inexpensive, I am sure you could use frozen veggies for it. Love your channel, keep up the good work, we need the uplift!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😁The veggie pot pie sounds good. How do you do it?

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Um yum! Yes please share the recipe! Did you make a veggie broth into a gravy, like that?

[@CathieG]

I made the gumbo last night! It was good but I need to perfect my seasonings. 🥴 I did 1/4 tsp cayenne and chili powder but I think I’ll change those to 1/8 tsp cuz I don’t like anything spicy….. And I used too much Tony’s so I need to decrease that. It has really good flavor; just too salty for me. 🥰😍 Thanks for sharing! 🤩😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yeah I love the Tony's but it's easy to get it too salty. I've made this gumbo several times since that video and I really enjoy it. It would be great alongside some cornbread.

[@YorkshireGirlinDarwin]

I am obsessed with your channel Michelle ❤ Greetings from Darwin ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! 😁 so glad to hear that! Darwin Australia or Darwin California?

[@PurpleRose8725]

Love the video. DT is great, but you have a Grocery Outlet next door! It's a must check out. P.S. They tend to have seaweed cheap. 😉

[@ArdentMichelle]

Another viewer told me that also. I'm new to Grocery Outlet so I have to check them out. 😁. Anything that gets me out of Walmart is a bonus. 👍 Thanks for the tip!

[@libertyg4402]

The tuna microwavable combos are delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the tip! 👍 I will have to look for them the next time I'm at Dollar Tree 😁

[@donnaterry9073]

Yes I have the Sesame oil in my frig you did a amazing job

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thank you for the feedback and for watching 😊🥰

[@tammybenadventures4839]

I love this video and I’d also use the rice and make Spanish rice too!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea 👍

[@SOLONANS72]

I've been thinkn of making chili beans. I gotta grab sum avocados to try the eggs and toast..Love the smell of cilantro. My boss(From India) uses A LOT of cilantro. He washes lays out to air dry on towels or paper towels we break off larger stems and layer pack w paper towel in btwn each layer. Good handful in each layer. Make sure it's dry before packing or it goes bad faster. Seems it keeps for a while or he wouldn't be using that method. Loving ur videos!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much. Yeah I find that cilantro does wilt quickly. ☹️ I love using fresh herbs. They take everything to another level.

[@loritanner4478]

Cilantro tastes like soap.

[@rainycakes]

I think if someone has the chili garlic sauce in their pantry, they probably have sesame oil too. I also think most people have neither, and have to buy soy sauce to cook stir fry at all lol. I have all three though! They keep a long time, and I'm glad to see a recipe I can use them with!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁 I think the overall consensus from this video was that most of my viewers have sesame oil. That's such a relief 😂 I'm so glad my viewers have great taste in food. Haha! 😂 I love it that you also have chili garlic sauce. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great weekend! 🥳🎉

[@kaykrausman8012]

I always have sesame oil in my pantry. A little goes a long way. I use it as a flavor enhancer at the end of the dish.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks for the feedback on that. I'm hearing that most people DO have it as a condiment....so that leaves me free to keep using in my challenges. 😁

[@PeiPeisMom]

We always have sesame oil on hand, and I usually end up using some Hunt's in my chile, because it's cheaper by the ounce than plain tomatoes and is already seasoned

[@ArdentMichelle]

Great idea. 👍 Thanks for the feedback about the sesame oil

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

You're welcome 😁

[@judibohn2295]

Nope to sesame oil. Olive oil is a staple for me tho at times I'll pick up other oils. Love stir fry too n even do my own rice with peas carrots n egg too. Love chilli but not at all like your. Either hamburger meat usually Angus or xtra lean with kidney beans which r my fav. Beans for chilli. Also being in the country n family n friends give me venison love to make chilli with venison as well. Make a crockpot full and eat on it for days.. same meal n add cornbread or muffins to it. Sooooo good. Never had your oatmeal pancakes tho will have to try that out.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I have several chili recipes and each one is a little different. I like a mixture of kidney and pinto beans in my regular chili recipe. We make a big pot and also eat it for days 😊 There is nothing better!

[@kathrynpiche4864]

I have sesame oil in my pantry all the time., love your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yessssssss! Hooray for sesame oil 😁 Thanks for the feedback.

[@agirly1503]

I saw next to your dollar tree was a Grocery Outlet! I love ❤️ that placr

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes a LOT of my viewers are telling me that. 👍I need to go there more frequently to look for deals!

[@mcg267]

Coulda done stroganoff with the cream cheese too My wheels were turning with you. Lol Egg noodles are actually a great source of protein for people who can’t afford/don’t like a lot of actual meat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I didn't think of the cream cheese 🤔 that would work. I foresee those egg noodles turning up in a future video. 👩‍🍳 Thanks for watching 😊

[@tawanajackson5545]

I Love the stir fry peppers. Our local Dollar Tree manager puts me a case back every 2 weeks 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

They add such amazing flavor. 😋I've used them a lot in my videos. One of my viewers told me that Walmart has them for the same deal, but I have not been able to find them there for a good price. Thanks for watching my video! 😊

[@tawanajackson5545]

@@ArdentMichelleYou're Welcome I enjoy your video's. Walmart has them for like 2.50 but I like the ones at DT better not just the price but flavor.

[@karlapalmer9328]

Sesame oil makes everything savory better!!! Great ideas!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yes!! 👍 Thank you so much! 😁🥰

[@dottie1966]

love my sesame oil! especially for egg roll in a bowl!

[@ArdentMichelle]

please do expand on your comment. Egg roll in a bowl? 🤔

[@kelliking4449]

Awesome job🌸

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks Kelli 😁

[@coolbeans-plantbased707]

The veggie meatballs are soooo good!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I need to pick those up. Thanks for the heads up 👍😁

[@uweschroeder]

I do like that you read labels. A lot of people don't when they really should. Many products at the Dollar store are heavily processed. Particularly canned items are also often more expensive there than at i.e. Grocery Outlet or Walmart. You probably could have gotten a better can of tomatoes next door but of course that would have been a no-go for a Dollar Tree video. I have a bit of a "beef" (pun intended) with the beef flavored tomato product from Hunts. I found Hunts tends to be very heavy on salt and I rather season myself. When I stop at the label, yes, the HFCS is a problem but so is the hydrolyzed soy and the wheat/soy proteins (wheat protein contains gluten - so something people with intolerance need to be aware of). I also tend to avoid yeast extract (aka MSG - although I do use MSG on occasion, I just don't like what amounts to trickery in labeling). The big group of "Natural Flavors" sounds so innocent but is really a melting pot of all sorts of things the FDA allows to label under this broad term. Sadly "Natural Flavors" is the forth most common ingredient found in processed foods and even regular butter often comes with "natural flavors" these days. They're hard to avoid unless you make really everything from scratch and that's just too much work.

[@ArdentMichelle]

True...it is hard to eat entirely healthy from the Dollar Tree. Unfortunately some viewers do not have access to fresh foods. Also, there is a bit of a cult following for Dollar Tree, which is why I enjoy those challenges. I would have loved to use some San Marzano tomatoes in that recipe 😁

[@patriciah8377]

Yes saysme! ♥️😎🙌nice job👏

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! Thanks for the feedback 😁🥰

[@littlesquirrel5007]

Definitely going to try the gumbo

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hope you like it 😁

[@kathyahaines4749]

Yes sesame oil is in my pantry. Should be a staple for any Asian dishes.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay! I have found my people 😊

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I have Sesame Oil always on-hand.

[@ArdentMichelle]

YES!!! It's official.....sesame oil is a pantry staple. This makes me happy beyond measure 😁 Thanks for the feedback.

[@rubygreen158]

I make Pineapple Chicken over Rice 2 to 3 times a week with an Oriental gluten free sauce made of pineapple juice and soy sauce thats GF and a bit of sugar n 2 TBLSP. of GF flour and then steam oriental vegies with it . And serve the sauce over the vegies afterwards cos it gets baked with the chicken after I brown my chicken .

[@ArdentMichelle]

That sounds delicious!! 😋

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love pineapple fried rice 😊

[@rubygreen158]

it is I brown my chicken 1st in butter and then go from there . I use all gluten free items as I'm a Celiac . And I use lots of organic food to . So go thru lots of rice . Only milk I can use is unsweetned Cashew milk . I found out I can not only drink it but I can bake with it and cook with it as well . And its fantastic .

[@theresaduffy8222]

Great variety!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁