MEAL IDEAS FOR WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

In this video I'm sharing 3 meals that are perfect when you're low on funds. These are so tasty you're going to want to eat them even when you have money. For the third meal, I'm sharing what I made myself last week. It was my first soup of the season...something that I've been really looking forward to. I usually make that soup with green lentils as a main ingredient (instead of meatballs), but I have been out of them. The main ingredients are ginger, garlic, lentils, and whatever else you have in your fridge that you want to add in.
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[@smileawhile6881]

OMG this looks so delicious I cannot wait to try making it. I love your videos and the way you explain things in your calm voice❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jacki6301]

I make those lentils but thicker and stir in fried onions and serve over rice. Very cheap and delicious with a ton of protein! I will try it as soup too.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love fried onions. They would be great on top too like you do with koshary.

[@charlottekearn5185]

I like that too, I have never put fried onions in it but that sounds even better.

[@kuroe-chan5190]

Sounds like the Lebanese did mjudara. My absolute favorite from sassols

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

They look delicious. When money is tight, nothing beats pasta or soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you...and so true! 👍

[@ramencurry6672]

Soup is good. I would avoid generally Italian pasta dishes if I were on a low budget. If you’re on a low budget, budget versions of Mexican and Indian food tends to be better than budget versions of Italian food

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

Have you ever made spaghetti aglio e olio? It's just spaghetti tossed together with garlic fried in olive oil, and it's delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Many many times and on this channel too! It's actually one of my favorite dishes!

[@emh8861]

No acid reflux!

[@clairelariviere3122]

I love freezing my ginger root. When adding to a recipe, I grate it while it’s frozen and it works perfectly

[@chellesoup]

I could be full as a tick, but I always get hungry watching you make delicious food. Thanks for some more great ideas❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad! 💜 Thank YOU for watching and always supporting me!

[@midlifeandnailingit6342]

I had to read the first part of your first sentence twice.. 😂 That’s the first time I’ve heard that saying. “Full as a tick” = Love it. ❤

[@kaelynnmartin6521]

The “over-toasted” garlic bread is just how I like it. Super crunchy

[@ArdentMichelle]

That first one looked worse than it was. I do like mine crunchy with a little soft on the inside. Those little bread rolls were perfect.

[@HerefortheLove]

Yay! Hi neighbor! Having my cup of coffee while watching this. Delicious, affordable, and easy as always. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello there 😁

[@alanbirkner1958]

I've added grated carrots, celery, any frozen veggies, or a can of beans (drained). Pass the Parmesan. Lentils and rice are a frequent meal here. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArdentMichelle]

yum!

[@jillgott6567]

Love soup ! So inexpensive and easy to turn most ingredients or even leftovers into a delicious soup.

[@tinashort9098]

It’s always such a pleasure to see your videos!!! I’m just not a pasta fan but I can definitely get on board with the lentil soup!!! I love lentils in any form! Lentil meatballs are one of my favorite things!! Happy Sunday Michelle!!!❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

you know I LOVE pasta!! It's funny because that last soup was supposed to have green lentils, that was what I was craving because it's my favorite soup...but I've been out of green lentils so I used the meatballs along with a few chickpeas. 😂

[@donnamarsh3474]

Gonna start to use more lentils. Soup looks delicious! Love those flavors!❤😊

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

I make lentil soup almost like yours, a little bit more lentils and I also add potatoes. To serve we have lemon juice and that makes all the difference! Love it. Great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

My all time favorite lentil soup uses lemon as a garnish, along with Italian parsley....but no potatoes and I use green lentils. It's amazing. I have it posted over on my recipes channel. www.youtube.com/@ArdentMichelle-RECIPES

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

@@ArdentMichelle oh! I will try it out, thank you!

[@TXPrincessPaula]

I always look forward to your videos. It helps me to meal plan for the week. Those wraps last week were delicious! Love the way you make all the food so attractive. It is true that we eat first with our eyes. :-)

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you liked the wraps!

[@kippytx]

You are part of my Sunday. I love your video. My sweet son died this week. He was 42yrs and they think he died from a diabetic coma.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh my gosh! 😢 I am so so sorry. That's a tough one!! I'm praying for peace to help you through this. 🙏 Lots of hugs going out to you today friend 🤗🤗

[@patpeters6331]

@tippytx. So sorry for your loss. 😪 Losing a child, at any age, is heartbreaking. 💔 May the good memories far outweigh the sad ones. 🙏

[@kippytx]

@@ArdentMichelle thank you

[@mascara1777]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I am praying that you feel God around you providing comfort. Remember that your son can now pray for you from Heaven and you will see him again.

[@kippytx]

@@patpeters6331 thank you. I’m blessed with 42yrs of memories

[@mustwereallydothis]

I always freeze my ginger. It's so easy to grate just what I need while it's frozen and toss the rest back into the freezer.

[@patpeters6331]

Good morning Michelle. Wish I had known about the zucchini earlier this week as my zucchini was getting soft and I couldn't think of a good way to use it. Lol. I will definitely try this next time.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Pat 😁 Yeah..it's so simple but delicious. Hope you have a great week!

[@tereclemmer7923]

Great ideas! Thanks.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure 😁 Thank you so much for watching my video!

[@MsV3]

I add quinoa to my lentils. It adds protein and is delicious.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I would like to eat more quinoa! Thanks for the combination suggestion!😁

[@ashleymills794]

It is super easy to make homemade Lara bars. That might make a great video!

[@ArdentMichelle]

The idea of trying to make these myself crossed my mind as I was eating it 🤔 I love the idea of eating real food...and especially with only a few ingredients.

[@rebekahhansen1112]

I had'nt thought of mixing nutritional yeast with olive oil and than toasting it on a roll to make garlic bread. Great idea . I have used the Parm. Of course . Ive noticed the Nutritional yeast also has a good amt of protien in relation to the serving size. Thanks again for your videos !

[@ArdentMichelle]

I liked it so much that I made it again. I had the lentil/tomato soup the next day for breakfast along with some more garlic bread and this time I just sprayed the top with olive oil and then sprinkled the nooch on and then sprayed again lightly and put in the air fryer. Worked just as well and easier.

[@marwuzcraze]

Your videos are like a warm hug ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad! 💜

[@amanditabonita]

My daughter and I made this the other night. She didn't want chick peas so we added green lentils instead for the protein. Turned out delicious!

[@ArdentMichelle]

lentils were what I was craving but I was out of them. Glad you liked it.🥳🎉 Thanks for letting me know!

[@VictoriaFerland-gu7rb]

💟 👩‍🍳 Michelle it’s always good to see you and I so enjoy all your ideas and tips. SOUP season is year round for me. One pot cooking and a few ingredients go a long way. I love lentils especially the red ones. I haven’t tried a tomato based version yet. Ginger is ingredient in many things. My aunt introduces me to a delicious butternut squash soup and paper thin garnish of ginger at serving time with toasted day old bread with a bit of olive oil a rub of garlic. Potatoes are so satisfying in soup. I often have left over breakfast potatoes and sausage when I dind out and always have chopped onion in the fridge. I sauté the left overs and add them as a garnish on lentil or black bean soup. Veggie sausages work well too. I am an intermittent vegetarian. Have a week full of blessings my friend 🩵.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm looking forward to so many more soups. I'm realizing that much of the rest of the country is still hot though....so maybe I should wait a couple more weeks. 😂The butternut squash sounds so delicious! 😋 you too...have a great week!

[@lenoraw1098]

I bought some lentils-now I just have to cook and try them! Thanks for your motivation and instruction- I’m betting they will taste good! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

[@ArdentMichelle]

I can't seem to get enough of them. I've been wanting green lentils lately but I've been out.

[@yvonnelonsdale9011]

Stale bread is great for dipping in soups or sauces. It soaks up all that juicy awesome flavour.

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 👍

[@wyldlibrarian3549]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your videos. you probably think we must be getting sick of them BUT WE ARE NOT ! Dont stop being you and experimenting with food and combinations and different countrys and and and... just dont stop !

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you so much 💜 you might be able to get them from Amazon in Australia.

[@alishaparr577]

If anyone in the house gets a sore throat you can use some of that ginger for ginger tea. Put about half a teaspoon of thin sliced or chopped ginger in s mug and add hot water, optionally you can add black or green tea, and some lemon or lime and a sweetener. The ginger feels really good on a sore throat a bit numbing almost like a cough drop. Its one of my winter favorites. Could be served hot or over ice.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@alishaparr577 I’ll have to try this!

[@ambreewilliams6585]

I've just about tried all the Larabar flavors over the years. The holiday flavors are nice when you can catch them. They have gingerbread and pumpkin spice. Quite yummy!

[@beckyw9000]

I love your white Dutch oven pot! I also love that you give us lunch box and snack ideas that are different from the typical stuff. Enjoy moving into soup weather!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm so glad you like this video! 😁 That soup was similar to one I shared last year. I wanted soup so bad and I was actually craving the one with lentils, garlic, and ginger, but I've been out of green lentils. I'm excited for hot food again!

[@momof2momof2]

The shot of your finished spaghetti on the plate looked like a magazine pic. So pretty !

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@tamaraspringer2511]

A cheap meal I love to make is red beans and rice, with some canned tomatoes, onions & garlic. I add hot sauce sometimes to make it spicier.

[@pjp9383]

Another simple way to use zucchini is make strips (I use a potato peeler) and lightly sautee them with olive oil and garlic, then serve on top of pasta, sprinkled with black pepper and parmesan. Quick simple summer supper, great for if your garden is over producing zucchini!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've eaten a lot of zucchini and pasta but never with the potato peeler. I'll have to try this. 😁 Thank you for sharing!

[@KarenJamieson-o9p]

I have found a jar of ground ginger and garlic at the grocery store that is very convenient to add to soups. It elevates the flavour big time. It's probably cheaper than buying fresh garlic and ginger and is very convenient, but may have additives.

[@pjp9383]

Agreed! I am a "throw it all together quickly" cook, and peeling and chopping garlic cloves is never going to happen. Jars of chopped garlic and ginger in oil keep forever in the fridge, and are a definite step up from using the dried garlic or ginger powder.

[@ArdentMichelle]

when I'm running short on time I just throw the entire piece of garlic in and it flavors the soup. I've purchased the jarred garlic before but I don't like it as much. I'm glad it works for you. I love shortcuts.

[@sjordan7085]

I bought many 28oz cans of organic tomatoes packed in non-BPA cans for 3 for $1.00. They should last me a long time, and are great for making soups with, talk about cheap and cheerful!

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, and so many uses for tomatoes! That's a great price!

[@sjordan7085]

@@ArdentMichelle I may be eating them for years to come, couldn't say, "No," to such a bargain!

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@sjordan7085 I definitely would have stocked up on those 👍

[@sjordan7085]

@@ArdentMichelle My garage is a tad full. Hopefully, I won't expire before the Preps....lol. My daughter rolls her eyes, but one day, she may change her tune!

[@helenapereira8547]

Here in Portugal we cook meat with onion, garlic, tomato, oil and spices and then we cook the pasta in it

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@helenapereira8547 this is the kind of info I like. 😊

[@NoOneUKnow-c3y]

Thanks for some more great ideas. I love soups too. They are really delicious, cheap, and healthy all at the same time.

[@ArdentMichelle]

agreed 👍

[@phyltorkelsonp9268]

I love soup in the cooler months, which is coming up very soon here in the Midwest! Yum!

[@muddymississippientertainm7285]

Always love the simple ingredients

[@pwood6532]

Just a tip about pasta..try your local homegoods/tj maxx.they have big bags of wide italian pasta.the pasta is so good that i often just eat it w butter..garlic powder and salt if i am tired and want a quick meal.the italian pasta is the best.

[@pek5117]

Yummy meals Michelle. I make pasta the same way. Hope you can get a big pumpkin cheap and make some soup.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I got one for the table because Justin always likes to have a pumpkin during the holiday. Soup will be the end game!

[@pek5117]

@@ArdentMichelle nice, spose you also carve them for Halloween, we don't have that here.

[@cookingforme4711]

One of my favorite quick soups is sauteed onion, garlic and ginger. Add chicken or vegetable bullion, curry powder a little water and 1/2 a can of coconut milk. Add Japanese wheat noodles or udon noodles and top with a soft boiled egg. It's super quick to make, hearty and flavorful. You can add a tuna size can of chicken too.. When I'm alone I like to make spaghetti with oil and garlic or marinara with bread and butter. I don't know why but I prefer my marinara with crusty bread and butter for dipping rather than on any pasta.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think I would agree on the marinara part. My favorite pasta is without marinara but I do love to dip zucchini or bread in marinara. I'm saving your soup to try! Thanks for sharing!

[@cookingforme4711]

@@ArdentMichelle ❤️❤️❤️

[@htas6888]

love soups, especially on cool days...

[@ArdentMichelle]

same!

[@empresswb641]

When I first saw the title I did a double take because I thought it said, Meals that make you broke. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ArdentMichelle]

I've eaten a few of those too...but usually at restaurants. 😂

[@empresswb641]

@@ArdentMichelle me too. Another great video!!! I am ready for soup season.

[@JennyOSunshine]

😂😂😂

[@vinnydabarber]

I over bought meatballs (10-4 pound bags!) to make for my sisters funeral and still have 5 pounds left so always looking for recipes that calls for them lol so that soup I will have to try! I used to by the large variety pack of those Lara bars from Amazon and you're right, they are delicious! Thanks for the great video Michelle!❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

Welcome 😁

[@gaildawson5464]

I appreciate how you include healthy ingredients (lentils, zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, etc.) in your recipes. (I buy the ingredients, but they don't always get eaten before they go bad...)

[@ArdentMichelle]

I used to have that same problem until I shifted to focusing on using those ingredients in new ways. The only one I occasionally still have problems with is the spinach. It sneaks up on me. You can add it to the freezer to throw into smoothies and I love it in soups and pasta dishes.

[@rachelhero3413]

Everything looked great!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@alicehunsaker7876]

I love soup season !!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Same!

[@Larissa-iw5wy]

Breaded zucchini sticks are one of my all time favourite things! We have a restaurant that serves them with a ranch dressing dip. I always order ‘zoo sticks’ when we are there 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love them too!

[@sct4040]

Lentil or white navy bean soup with tomatoes, carrots, onion and garlic with seasoning. Bake potatoes with garnish. Cuban black beans over rice. Bone in Chicken soup with veggies, potatoes or rice. So many ways to make delicious, healthy meals.

[@patriciatzai]

Love soup! I've been making a fennel, onion or leek and potato soup. Slice the fennel thin and sautee\carmelize with the onions then add broth , potato, and carots, maybe thin sliced cabbage or kale. I've also added turkey sausage and used chicken broth and sometimes cream, but it actually still tastes good as a vegan soup without that stuff. Cheers to soup season! 🍲

[@ArdentMichelle]

Yay to soup season! 🥳 I need to pick up some fennel. I would like to use it more this winter!

[@CyndiCalista]

Excellent recipes!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

That’s exactly how I do my pasta sauce. ❤ Great video and ideas!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@CathieG]

Thanks Michelle! I LOVE Larabars! Pretty much all of the flavors! 🤩😋😍

[@ArdentMichelle]

aren't they the best? I can't believe it took me this long to try them 😂

[@justme5544]

I love your recipes. IMHO, overcooked garlic toast is perfect. It doesn't disintegrate into mush in your soup/stew.

[@ArdentMichelle]

😂 this is true. Sometimes overcooked food works out!

[@patticakesintexas]

You make such beautiful meals! And so inexpensive. I want to make your soups, especially the lentil one. 😊

[@ArdentMichelle]

I think that one is currently my favorite.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Hi Michelle, Yes, 🍁 fall is my favorite season of the year. I really get my soup ideas going, today we are having chili and cornbread 😋. I love lentils and that soup you made looks so good, I will have to go back and watch my collection of soups you have made for a reminder. I can literally eat one kind of soup after another and never tire of it. Soups are generally very budget friendly so that's always good. Also an excuse to eat more bread too. 🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞❣️❣️

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hi Charlotte 😁 Yum... I love chili and cornbread. I can't wait to make cornbread!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I'm going to have to hold myself back on the soups a bit...I'm realizing that much of the U.S. is still hot 😂

[@marypeterson1053]

Wonderful recipes thznk you

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😊

[@thegigiollieshow8768]

So simple yet so delicious thank you for sharing great big hugs 🖤

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😊 Have a great week!

[@ceciliamccann3146]

Good video, you dont have to spend a lot of money to prepare good and healthy food.Another think I learn is that you can buy the cheapest cut of meat , and marinate it with a little bit of baking soda for one hour or two , and you get yourself a very tender and delicious meat.

[@ArdentMichelle]

so true 👍 and thanks for the tip!

[@lisablack9634]

Yummy video. Love your ideas. Definitely gourmet but on budget...it just doesn't feel like budget

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's the best complement! Thank you 💜

[@anitab6436]

I didn't know that Walmart changed its prices nationwide. I can get pasta for 98 cents a lb here!

[@ArdentMichelle]

are you in the midwest? Typically prices fluctuate a bit throughout the states, with the midwest being least expensive. I'm in a more expensive area as far as Walmart products go.

[@thumpzH]

I add a splash of balsamic vinegar to my pasta sauce. Adds a great added flavor to it.

[@ArdentMichelle]

That's a great idea!

[@FranCollins-f5o]

A Larabar with a cup of coffee or tea is a nice afternoon treat. I agree, the cherry Larabar is good, it must be the added dates. Thanks for this morning’s video.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's my pleasure 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@susanrollings9906]

Love soup we are going into summer i can eat it at 40c,love your channel.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@bonniemciver275]

Looks delicious.

[@Susweca5569]

Lentils, beans, split peas, pasta, and rice are cheap and can be stored for years and can go so far. Put them in tightly closed quart or half gallon Mason or Ball canning jars. It keeps out oxygen, moisture, insects, and rodents.

[@ArdentMichelle]

yep! Those are all staples on this channel.

[@jprevatt]

Ramen 🍜 or similar, made about 200 different ways 😂

[@kellykersten8828]

Big bag of organic rice and big bag of organic mixed veggies and you have good tasting stir fry. And several meals worth.

[@BloomingComa]

Tip for the pasta: I always have tvp on hand. makes for a great vegan bolognese and adds protein and fiber while being rly rly cheap

[@ArdentMichelle]

I bet it does👍 I love vegan bolognese!

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Michelle, the ginger looks so good. I need to go back to Winco on Wednesday and get some plant based meatballs, ginger, and crushed tomatoes. I am not sure if I have red lentils. I might. I bought some whole wheat spaghetti and some red lentil pasta. I am going to have to work with my caregiver on making these things. She is Mexican and makes great Mexican food, but she has never followed a recipe and is uncomfortable cooking outside of her comfort zone. We will learn together. I don't have room for a toaster oven unless I buy the Dash brand mini version, lol. But, I do have an air fryer. Oh, I almost forgot, I don't love fall as much as I used to anymore since i have been living in Washington and for two years North Dakota. Fall season tells me that the freezing temperatures and snow are coming. Brrr. I grew up in California. Two years in Bishop, the rest in San Bernardino county. So fall there is not so bad since winter is mild except for places like Bishop. 😂 Thank you for sharing.

[@ArdentMichelle]

No need for a toaster oven with the air fryer. Does the same thing. I too have a very small space. You really have to prioritize which appliances get counter space 😂 I definitely understand not wanting the cold winters to come. Fall signals relief from the heat in my area. 😂 It's definitely cooler here than San Bernardino but I know you know what I mean by relief from the heat. I really think you will like those meatballs in soups. They are so good!

[@utahboxergirl11]

Try Haluski, cabbage, broth, onions, and noodles. ❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes, I've made it on the channel. It's delicious!

[@allyrooh3628]

When you were talking about needing your soup to be satiating, I feel the same. I like ti put some in my ninja to make it feel thicker. Have you ever put lentils in your spaghetti sauce? I use them instead of ground beef sometimes. Good stuff today!

[@ArdentMichelle]

I made a bolognese sauce with lentils that was surprisingly delicious!

[@janapinson8665]

Thank you for these. I’m definitely trying the lentil one. I love the color of your nails! I don’t normally notice things like that! Lol

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@ornellaap5029]

Thank you great video

[@ArdentMichelle]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carmenwheatley7316]

As always good ideas with the tomatoes. It’s also a recipe for when you have no money but have pasta and canned tomatoes and some basic spices.

[@ArdentMichelle]

True👍 and thank you!

[@irmapatino167]

Thanks for your videos

[@ArdentMichelle]

My pleasure 😁 Thank YOU for watching!

[@wolchfam]

What was it you used for your garlic bread? Haven’t heard of it - what is it and where do you buy?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Nooch - it's nutritional yeast. I get it at Trader Joes. It's great on popcorn and also in soups or anyplace else you want a touch of savoriness. It also has lots of B vitamins in it.

[@impish22]

great ideas

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you! 😊

[@tracelee7332]

Thank you 🙏 I believe it was Jamie Oliver who said knowing 4 recipes by heart could save your life. As an aside we need to start relying on our memories more. My Gen Z people will still look up a recipe they've made 100 times.. or use GPS to find a place they've been to many times before. Trust yourself. You already know the way.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree with that. Learning to cook certain items means you don't ever need a recipe and you will always know how to cook it. Especially with soups and salad dressings and things like that.

[@aikanae1]

I use petite diced tomatoes with Italian herbs or garlic/oil (Walmart) in most of my sauces and soups anymore. I'm thinking about getting a 2qt crockpot to try making soup for one. Have you tried growing ginger? It's a beautiful plant. That root looks ready to plant.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I haven't. I have very limited window space...and it's already taken up by other houseplants. Hopefully in my next place I'll have more options for things like that.

[@moonstoneway2694]

Yum! Looks just like Rao’s marinara sauce. I made your garlicky lemon spaghetti dish yesterday for lunch and dinner.

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh I love that dish! I was just thinking about lemon spaghetti the other day!

[@wolchfam]

Still too hot here (Henderson, Nv) for soup but hopefully in a month it’ll be cool enough. Does look yummy!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Understood 👍

[@catherineciferni1145]

I dip my crumb coated baked zucchini, in a yogurt horseradish mixture

[@ArdentMichelle]

I bet that's good 👍

[@Crafty_Chari]

love it

[@ArdentMichelle]

Thank you 😁

[@twinnish]

I’m going home to an empty fridge next week as I’m traveling overseas. There are fixings for the lentil soup in my kitchen so I’m thinking it’s a good plan for dinner.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It's always a great choice!

[@TheKbeast63]

I'm sure your videos can be very helpful for folks on a tight budget who are not really used to cooking from scratch. Which is healthier and cheaper if you know what you're doing. Well done. And, of course, if you're not veggie or vegan you could add animal protein, if you can afford to. Ground meat can be 'stretched' with oats, and can go a long way.

[@ErinM-p3w]

When I did Whole 30, Lara Bars were allowed so I tried several different ones which were on the list. I liked them but they were a little high in calories.

[@ArdentMichelle]

They are naturally high in sugar too, but I like them for now and then.

[@ruthanderson1758]

Always glad to get recipes that can be made inexpensively. I don't know if it's just my computer or if others have experienced the same thing. Despite having the volume on both the video and my computer at 100%, I can barely hear what you are saying - are you whispering?

[@ArdentMichelle]

Oh no. I'm sorry you are not able to hear me. I'm not whispering 😂 I just played it on my laptop from KZbin and I can hear it fine.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

Yay!!!❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜thank you.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

@@ArdentMichelleI had to wait till bedtime to watch this. ❤

[@dr.cherylkayahara-bass2571]

Honestly, I like the presence of tomato seeds and peels in my sauce! More natural, more fibre, plus, I get to use the tomatoes I’ve grown…

[@ArdentMichelle]

I agree....I think the more of the vegetable that you use the better for nutrition.

[@rajimac]

A pinch of sugar in the marinara really takes it up a notch.

[@ArdentMichelle]

It really does make such a difference!

[@diannthomas7849]

Love these simple fresh recipes! Just curious.... Why do you add the pasta water to the sauce? Thanks!!!

[@ArdentMichelle]

Because the starch in the pasta water helps the sauce to cling to the pasta. It's a great tool to use for any sauces. Frequently I just make a sauce with garlic and a few veggies and throw in the pasta sauce as a binder.

[@diannthomas7849]

@@ArdentMichelle Ah. I had no idea!

[@pek5117]

Yay

[@ArdentMichelle]

Hello 😁

[@nancyculp6968]

Did you know you can save your pasta water and use it to thicken other dishes. It doesn’t change the flavor…the starch left in the pasta water will help thicken a sauce, a soup, etc. also, I use Melissa d’Arabian’s recipe for my pasta sauce. I just adjust it a little if I do not have everything she puts in. The main thing is using onion, garlic sautéed in bacon drippings, then add tomato paste and water( here is where you could use some of that pasta water). Now add in your seasonings: garlic salt, black pepper, few red pepper flakes, basil, oregano and little sugar( or diced up carrots if watching sugar). She adds in some wine( sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t). Of course she adds in ground beef( I add in a little ground breakfast sausage). The tomato paste thickens and gives depth of flavor. Here is her ingredients: carrots, celery, onion,garlic, bacon, olive oil, thyme, squeeze of lemon juice,pinch of cinnamon, salt, pasta water, pepper, tomato paste, red wine, parmesan cheese and one lb of ground beef. Serves with 14oz box of spaghetti. States she has leftovers after it serves four. She also adds her pasta straight from pot of cooking it in to sauce. I save my Parmesan rinds to flavor my sauce so it stretches my cheese farther. Plus, You could probably use a sprinkle of the nutritional yeast instead of the real cheese. There are options for lactose free cheeses at Whole Foods. I just bought: feta, cream cheese, cheese slices, they have shreds that you can use to make pizzas or your bread. I usually do not add all my sauce to the meat or meat to sauce. I will use it to make homemade pizza, or pasta bakes, and I will use any leftover sauce, add in little meat to make filling for stuffed bell peppers. Sometimes I add in a few black beans, green peas and very small amount of corn to make it more Mexican. I top mine with small pieces of bacon…but I have noticed a lot of people use cheese. Planning this all with just one pound of meat. The bacon I would use for the pizzas and peppers and just use the oil for the sauce. Also, if you have the carrots on hand make some cream of carrot & Ginger soup. Then I would use the carrots and crushed tomatoes for some homemade tomato soup. My son loves cheesy homemade bread- pizza sticks to dip in his soup. You can buy a round ball of pizza dough for $1.00 at Aldi. Makes up just right size of sticks or medium size pizza. This should cover a family of four for a weeks worth of meals. Get one dough ball extra and make a dessert pizza! Hope some of this helps. 😅

[@ArdentMichelle]

yes I did know that. I LOVE Melissa D'Arabian. Although I don't get regular tv so I haven't seen her in years. Thanks for sharing this!

[@ArdentMichelle]

is the feta good? I haven't tried ANY of the vegan cheeses yet. I saw a recipe for feta that looked good recently though.

[@nancyculp6968]

@@ArdentMichelle I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but mine I got is in crumbles. I thought it looked better than the block though the block had more oz in it. The cream cheese is good. All of the products are different brands so I could see which ones tasted the best. They also have lactose free plant based laughing cow spreadable wedges. I got the Garlic and Herb, because all other was sold out. I just couldn’t find long enough dates…since it was mostly sold out of most items. I love the spreadable to use for wraps. Added a lot of flavor for small amount of calories. Also the Jarlsberg cheese wedges at Sam’s is real cheese and is naturally lactose free. Also, it freezes well.

[@nancyculp6968]

@@ArdentMichelle The recipes are from her book. You can go to your local library and check it out. If they don’t have it ask them if they can get a copy. The library might have something called Libby. Only available in the US, this way you can check out ebooks. Ask about this and if they don’t have it maybe they can get the app. Really comes in handy…you don’t even have to leave your house.

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@nancyculp6968 Thanks for sharing this!

[@ireneroy8820]

Just one meatball on that spaghetti please! 1/4 lb big meatball! Need to use up a zucchini, will do it like you did in the air fryer

[@ArdentMichelle]

I also like my zucchini cut into thick wide chunks and grilled on the George Foreman grill. So simple but unbelievably delicious like that.

[@LindaC616]

The Lara bars are good if they're on sale. Pecan Pie is the best IMO. Kind bars are as qell, the chocolate cherry is almost like a candy bar. For a while, I had to give them up bc my body decided it didn't like chicory, which is in almost everything. But in small doses, I can take it

[@ArdentMichelle]

I got mine at a little market I stopped by....but I noticed that they are half price at Samclub so I might pick some up next time I'm there. Trying to avoid going for awhile though 😂

[@LindaC616]

@@ArdentMichelle I tried the only club here on the island, BJ's, but as a single person, wasn't saving much more than the $30/yr membership, and it was mostly on processed foods, anyway. Should have teamed up with another singleton to split that, to take advantage of the meats and produce, but my mind never works that way 😄

[@ArdentMichelle]

@@LindaC616 Understood 👍

[@JordanHPonies]

I love tomatoes too. Sometimes I'll just have two or three tomato slices with some salt and pepper sprinkled on them as a snack. Here in the South they have tomato sandwiches. It's just some mayo and tomatoes on bread.

[@ArdentMichelle]

I love tomato mayo sandwiches! I've made them on the channel before. So simple but delicious!

[@melindawood3644]

What is she using as a cheese substitute for the garlic bread?

[@ArdentMichelle]

nutritional yeast from Trader Joes. Also known as nooch.

[@jccastle3452]

nomnomnom 😊

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArdentMichelle]

💜