Eating for $4.38 Per Day?! | $35 Budget Grocery Week | What I Ate on Day 8!

[@amyshort5625]

My husband lost his job and feeding a family of 4 on one salary has gotten harder. I’ve been able to spread out the groceries a little more by watching these videos for inspiration. Thank you

[@kendiholloway2378]

Any of my mistakes get mashed dipped in flour & fried or made into spring rolls,or curried😂

[@adrianacarpenter]

The spring roll part is so real. If I ever have leftover vegetables that idk how to use, y'all better hope I don't have rice paper in my pantry 😂

[@Mimi2Three]

LOLOLOL

[@tv-21]

Yall are just too creative

[@janmclain6301]

You really do help seniors who qualified for the local food bank. Thank you!

[@lynn2574]

My parents are from depression area (born in 1930& 1937). My mom used to make creamed peas on toast (she also made it with asparagus). She basically made a country gravy (butter/flour/milk/s&p) with peas. Spread on toast. Honestly it’s pretty good.

[@NannyTam]

Yes! My mama was born in 1932, and I came along in 58’. We had this a lot, and my mama hated peas, but my dad liked them so…😂

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I love that idea! Maybe I could do a series of trying recipes with canned peas

[@marylooksfineonadime]

I think you are doing a fabulous job!! I'm so proud of you and really impressed with your creativity!!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

@@DollarTreeDinners You would do that for us? I think that’s an awesome idea!

[@mfarley252]

My mom made that, she always called it peas with thickening, but I remember i really liked it!

[@josupermom2042]

Another way to use your peas is rinse them and then bake them on low heat until crispy, this also works in a air fryer if you have one.

[@nancycarney]

When I was single and 750 miles away from family, I ate "One Hit Wonders" all the time. 🤣🤣🤣. I still do when I look in the fridge at all the leftovers. Love this "No Money" video.

[@lisamr40]

I would love if you could include a summary( in the last video)of the things you would purchase/would not purchase again and those type things you have learned from this. That would be so helpful, as you said in this video. I loved this series. Thanks for doing this❤

[@Aelffwynn]

I really appreciate how calm your videos are. Even when you have a lot of things going on, there's an even-keeled energy. Comfort channel for sure. 😊 Going without coffee sounds brutal though!

[@becca8423]

I was honestly thinking the same thing!

[@thesearedaydreams6854]

Honestly, I follow DTD as much for her tone of voice as much as her content.

[@John-wp7kl]

Yes!!! Total comfort channel

[@gamingwaffle1171]

As food prices get higher, I really appreciate your videos. I don't have the luxury of throwing away my leftovers anymore and your creativity challenges me to make my leftovers meals less boring. I am glad I found your channel

[@tanishahogan9396]

I'm really enjoying how you showed using it until it was gone..it shows how creative you can get with limited food options and how far things can actually go. Very nice!

[@tiffanyross4266]

I'm so invested. The level of respect I have for you and your commitment is very high.❤❤❤❤

[@ber9313]

My dad grew up during WW2 food shortages in Italy and he would cook canned peas and eggs and onions as a snack. It was really good. He would cook the onions in some oil salt and pepper add the peas whole and then scramble an egg in it. It was pretty good.

[@helentaylor533]

For a really tasty dip for your tuna patties, mix some dill weed with your sour cream. Soooo good! Works with almost anything!

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

Oh those fritters looked great! Canned peas 💡: canned peas heated up with onion powder, broth/water & seasonings with diced up turkey or ham deli meat with sour cream stirred in gently in the end, with cracked black pepper makes a nice creamy pea soup. I like frozen, sometimes canned if u put butter on them and pepper and Pearl onions. ❤ this series (now you can splurge on a good home cooked meal with things you love)

[@TBIJourney]

These ideas are helpful. I'm often saving foods I don't eat then finding myself tossing them at the end of the month. The only thing I've found I'll eat constantly is a roast. It has so many ways to eat it that it doesn't feel like eating a roast. I'm trying to learn to shop like this as my small food budget would be happy to not waste food. Thank you for the awesome video

[@sharonedwards-kk1pd]

I use cracker crumbs in my tuna patties . I love how you just sometimes invent a new dish!

[@juliestevens5046]

I'm completely impressed with your creativity...as well as your egg flipping ability! 😂 Thanks for sharing ideas and inspiration...I'm always looking for ways to re-invent yesterday's meals.

[@AJHamilton8342]

Glad to know I'm not the only one that snacks while cooking to the point I'm no longer hungry. 😅 I definitely like the tip about turning leftovers into fritters. Something I always forget about.

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

The combination of fillings for croquettes are endless! The leftover miracle, closely related to the fritatta for sheer "useupedness".

[@jerrieanderson2245]

You are powering through this! The tip about not buying two of an item to be able to get something else was a good one. I try to have ideas when shopping and keep telling myself to write them down on my phones note page. Helps me remember what meals I have food for and where I can double up.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Very true, buying 2 of anything can start to feel limiting as the week progresses, I could have been even more creative if I had just a couple of additional ingredients.

[@ljcochran9726]

OMG!!!!! I am absolutely amazed I don't know how to explain my shopping trip at our Dollar tree Plus. I spent less than $35 cuz I'm not eating all of the same things you did I'm breaking it down to different little ones I saw and I spent under $30 there and my budget is only 64 month I like to had passed out!!! I am definitely truly paying attention to what you are cooking and how. I am an older woman and my food dollars do not stretch but now they do I thank you from the bottom of my heart so much.😊❤❤

[@darlenem4940]

I really like these types of videos. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good. And we're all trying to stretch that dollar. I also get " something different " ideas for dinner. Thank you for doing this. Hopefully more videos like this are in our future

[@wintermage5]

I've been subscribed to your channel and binge-watching videos for about 3 weeks and I love your content. I never comment because I don't have much to add to the beautiful comments that are there already below your videos but I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to cook with what is a reasonable budget for me. Just a lil anecdote : after watching the video you uploaded yesterday in which you said this was your last coffee of the week, I realized I hadn't had coffee in about a week and I used to drink at least 3 a day. I'm just glad to have cut that out without even thinking about it. Please keep doing those weekly series, I love relaxing and watching the videos you put out daily.

[@jenniferharris7633]

I must be the odd man out. I love peas. Your pea toast actually looks like avocado toast, which is yummy, too.

[@AnaelyN1979]

I love canned peas!! 😂 I’m enjoying this series. Thank you.

[@Annie_kb]

Another suggestion for mushy peas is if you’re making a beef mince pot pie or savoury mince is to top it with mashed potatoes and mushy peas. Over here in Australia, mushy peas is very popular on meat pies!

[@chrisharmon5453]

I think the fried tuna item was genius!! It’s ok if it needs a little fiddling around great idea 💡 👏👏👏

[@hawnair6624]

You’re so real like the rest of us! You make cooking a fun option! Thank you!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

My English grandma would be impressed. I don’t know why I didn’t think to suggest mushy peas with those yucky canned peas!!! You can doctor them up and add extra spices. And adding the fried egg well that just improves everything (no matter what Guy Fieri says!) 😁🍳 #EasterEggPuppyCameo 😁

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I think everything seasoning would have been great on them! a great way to use canned peas

[@kelliedurham6006]

I keep everything bagel seasoning on hand. For avocado toast, I'm excited to change it up with a can of peas.

[@englishatheart]

You spelled "yummy" wrong. 😛

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

@@englishatheart not their fault in the least ! #BlameAutocorrect 😁

[@muttersmenu2422]

Tinned peas were all we were able to access in the UK as owning a fridge was impossible-rationing was still on the go. So smashed tinned peas with a fried egg on toast was a yummy treat.😊 Great memory and tinned peas are now on my shopping list🎉

[@dinahsoar6982]

My favorite way to fix canned peas is to cream them (add evaporated milk, cornstarch and water plus salt and pepper to taste), then add a pat or two of butter, some curry powder and when they cool a bit, some sour cream....an alternative it to make pea salad...drain the peas, add diced onion, chopped hard boiled egg, velveeta or American cheese, diced celery and dress with mayonaise.

[@cindyclark9145]

Cheese on your pea, egg and toast would really help. You’re amazing…I wouldn’t think to make fritters out of your broccoli and cheese dish by adding tuna and egg, but it looks really good! ❤

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

The British eat "mushy peas". Maybe that would improve them! I hide mine in mashed potatoes.

[@dreamscape405]

I enjoy peas mixed in with mashed potatoes, topped with cheese. The peas add a different texture, and taste a little sweet! It's one of my all time favorite vegetarian meals! Really enjoying this series too ~ Another staple meal I've adopted from your idea a couple videos ago...KFC bowl. That, and the Chicken A La King with biscuits on top are 2 of my main favorites from you lately. L❤VE this channel ❤

[@roxannejohnston3311]

You are doing a great job at being creative with limited ingredients

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much 😊

[@eugeneschliepp8337]

I love canned peas. Got a lot of those growing up as a child.

[@eathomelive]

I don't like tuna, but the casserole made a fritters with a bit more rice would be amazing. What a great idea. I never would have thought of that.

[@dianamary6170]

Jacque Pepin (my fave all time chef) has a great pea recipe. It might not be exact but from my memory I recall him sauteeing pancetta with butter + olive oil + onions and peas then pouring the mixture over noodles. I bet you could recreate so many of his recipes using Dollar Tree items and little substitutions. I love your channel. I've been binge watching your videos. I think you're lovely and brilliant! 💖

[@nancyburgess254]

I enjoy your videos. Your perspective and ideas for stretching food for when you don’t have extra money to buy more, is so helpful. Especially when on a fixed income or budget. ❤️ I personally would buy more instant coffee packets and a case of flavored protein shakes to use as creamer. You could make one shake last 2-3 days depending on the strength of your coffee.

[@margaretwestlake7926]

My mother always made canned salmon, canned peas, mayo, and macaroni for a salad. I still love that.

[@hoosiergirl1]

Gotta admire your persistence with those peas! I would have had to season them to eat them but that was a great idea!

[@bethbrec]

I admire how creative you've been with this challenge. I must admit I would have used some of that budget to work in, somehow, a stick or small container of butter. 😂 It adds so much flavor and the fat adds a feeling of satiety. I think it would have especially added flavor when toasting that bread in the pan for your sandwiches, or when you crusted up that leftover casserole. You did much better than I could have with what you had to work with!

[@Thisisit120]

Well because you mentioned the pepper on the mac & cheese first I’m gonna tell you this. My daughter has gone to school to be a herbologist. I hope that’s the right word. But anyway in her studies she has found out that pepper in your food helps you to absorb more of the nutrients that are in the food. The thing is it needs to beFreshly Ground. Because it doesn’t hold its nutritional value wants it has been ground. Kinda like wheat berries and the like.

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Also uncooked! Best sprinkled on afterwards :")

[@nysari_]

Not sure if you're rationing your ham to make it through the extra days, but peas and ham are a really good pairing and lot of split pea soup recipes include ham or ham bone! My first thought with the pea mash on toast with an egg could be sort of like a "green eggs and ham" meal, albeit more like "green (peas), eggs, and ham... on toast" (this is why I don't do cooking/recipe content myself, lol) I'm also among the many who prefer fresh, frozen, or dried split peas to canned peas. Something horrid happens to peas in the canning process, imo. Fresh or frozen have more bite and a bit of a fresher (obviously) flavor. Mashing them seems like a great solution to make them more similar to cooked split peas, though.

[@retrobebop61]

You help so many people. Thank you for what you do. It is so important.

[@allyrooh3628]

Those little fritters look good. I mean, if you croquette something, it’s gotta be good!

[@Tamara_D]

What about in your next challenge you use condiment packets you've pillaged from your local fast food restaurant? Any of them that have a drive-thru won't question someone stopping in for an "extra" packet. Jam, mayonnaise, ketchup, oh my! 🤗

[@Steph.YT.here1313]

Great idea!

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Just make sure it's stuff you have at home. It's not free if you take it from the store and didn't make a purchase.

[@Tamara_D]

@SongbirdCollageArts If you feel better about it.. you can ask a neighbor to ask for extra and save them for you. These places have no problem giving you a handful of ketchup (more than you could ever use on a child's hamburger). It's a suggestion for those small comforts for someone who can't afford it, let alone, eat out.

[@sherlynpatterson4304]

Some restaurants mix peas with avacado to save money . You can also make a cream of pea soup with the leftover peas along with a slice of deli meat and a slice of onion and a small amount of milk or sour cream.

[@sandraschick1916]

A great use for canned peas is to make creamed peas and potatoes as a side dish for your meal. The cream sauce makes everything taste better. 😊

[@melindastookey3831]

I used to make creamy ranch peas (using canned peas) It's one can peas, drained 1 pat of butter About 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup ranch dressing (bottle dressing) 1 tablespoon parmasan cheese Mix all ingredients together in pan heat throughly then serve

[@brendaatkinson1965]

You can add spices to the mashed peas and make it into guacamole.. no avocados needed

[@lindabaumwart9380]

That sounds good I didn't think of that way because I don't care for them but I'm going to do that

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Dollar tree has a guacamole seasoning in stock right now and you've got me thinking haha

[@tanishahogan9396]

I think the fritter thing looks very creative...I would definitely try it as is...but I think it would also be very good with canned chicken (or even no meat).

[@ameliastelmach148]

I love tuna cakes. I make them all of the time. I use canned tuna flavored with lemon and dill. The flavors work beautifully in the finished product.

[@wilmasantos3255]

I absolutely love these videos! I’ve learned so much from them…thank you!!

[@NannyTam]

The croquettes look amazing! You’re so incredibly creative! I bet you could’ve pulsed the chips into a powder and added it to your sour cream dip 🤷‍♀️. By the way, I adore your white sweater. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing 🥰

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Oh! I was thinking she could have sprinkled crushed chips into the batter to help dry it out.

[@NannyTam]

@@SongbirdCollageArts That would’ve worked too!!! 😊

[@debrafoster499]

Cheese is the answer to everything😋

[@gwennation7550]

My grandma loves canned peas on mashed potatoes or a baked potato. Sometimes that's dinner all on its own.

[@KrystyneY]

My mom used to mix tuna and salmon together to make a patty. We loved it!

[@francesdambrosia8593]

Regarding peas the best way to make them would be to fry up some bacon, sauté some chopped up onion, and then add the peas. It’s quite tasty.

[@jenijustine5927]

I love how you blanched the croquettes

[@defishe01]

i love how creative you are with leftovers. i think the croquettes sound yummy. it's making me rethink my leftovers more now instead of just eating them as leftovers most of the time.

[@defishe01]

oh and i was thinking split pea soup with the canned peas. i'm not a fan of canned peas, but i love split pea soup.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm thinking about trying that for dinner tonight (day 9!)

[@blondie7740]

If you have mayonnaise and garlic, mix together a tablespoon of mayonnaise, teaspoon of minced garlic, and salt and pepper for a quick aolie sauce.

[@rebeccakaulbach9322]

You are just so real. I adore you and your channel.

[@rosemaryteddy8591]

Sometimes you can take a container thats low put water in it hot or cold. Shake it up and make a dressing. Also same with peanut butter just add enough in to make peanut sauce.

[@jenijustine5927]

You’re a great creator of learning so much from you, but the most valuable lesson and I have to share. Is your teaching portion control. I am a heavyset woman and I am single. And when I cook dinner I’ll wind up making a whole box and unfortunately eating that whole box. And I’m just grateful that you’re teaching me I don’t have to eat a whole box I could put a measuring cup in there. I cook a lot and my rice cooker I cook a lot of my pasta side dishes in there and you’ve taught me I don’t need to make such a huge hellacious portion and I think you❤ have to give credit where it’s deserved

[@sonyavincent7450]

Similar here! Have you thought of always plating up an identical meal to microwave the following night? I do it all tne time. It's great, no cooking and no dishes the second night!

[@tammyripley1432]

My dad used to eat creamed peas on toast. I think it's a British thing to eat.

[@kandydewey1286]

Have you ever tried mustard on Mac and cheese? Not a ton but like a tablespoon or less? Any kind of mustard. Sounds gross but it's delicious. Thank you so much for these. Also we grew up on chicken cheese and rice. Just as it sounds. Cook your chicken anyway you like, we normally boil chicken thighs and or wings depending on how many and how much, cheap velveeta cheese and rice add al together with milk (so it's not dry and when you warm it up you would add milk too) delicious! Also we had what dad called sh!t on a shingle lol. We used hamburger but you can use sausage too and canned beefy mushroom and cream of mushroom soup over toast (leftover "gravy" goes perfect on pancakes,waffles or toast for breakfast lunch and or dinner!) Mom was famous for that cut up hots dogs and Mac n cheese lol and doughgobs (as she called them) I thawed frozen bread dough cut into desired pieces fry in a small amount of your choosing item (butters he used oil, or you can use margarine) when cook throughly (don't over fry) add butter or margarine I prefer margarine and sugar the top! Gosh I miss that so much. Anyway there's a few things I love from childhood but everyone's done the hotdog Mac thingy. Enjoy 😊 Ps the doughgobs looked like a mixture of mashed potatoes and English muffins if you can imagine that!

[@dinahsoar6982]

When I have a savory mixture that is a bit of soupy I add some Panko bread crumbs...they will sop of the liquid, add some volume and not change the taste of the dish.

[@apriltownsend8463]

Giada de Laurentis makes a pea pesto crostini that looks really good lol

[@bridgetmarden7224]

Your creativity is amazing ❤ I love all of your videos, ideas, and suggestions ❤ thank you darlin

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad to have had everyone come along this journey with me this week! ❤️

[@SongbirdCollageArts]

Can't wait for the next series!@@DollarTreeDinners

[@RebekahAmberClark]

I think another way to use a stray can of peas could be to make pea soup (think split pea) You'd be surprised how good and filling just the peas, water, and salt can be even with nothing else like pepper, onion, or ham added.

[@pkmduv]

Try draining and rinsing canned peas and the mix mayo and a tiny bit if red onion and sharp cheddar cheese...it all covers the taste of the peas.

[@Patchouliprince]

I always use canned peas in my meatloaf (which is made with meat alternatives but can be made with actual meat ofc) sloppy joes, and Mac and cheese or any other kind of pasta. I think of peas as padding and an easy veggie to slip in

[@YouCanCallmeNet]

My Mom made creamed peas on toast....and I absolutely loved it !!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I honestly don't know why it isn't talked about more, such an interesting idea, another commenter mentioned creamed peas, almost like a gravy, I'm invested in trying different ways to use canned peas now

[@tanyapazdera5660]

I love to make pea soup out of canned peas add more water, blend and add spices its pretty good

[@Sammvoy]

With canned peas like that I drain and rinse them, then use them in a fried rice or pasta dish with chicken bouillon for seasoning, seems to help with the flavor and wrinkliness but def like frozen better

[@barbarahughes6009]

I often use some flour in my Pattie’s instead of an egg because it works in the same way and I could then have the egg fried on top.

[@carlyweggeland3385]

I love you and your videos so much!! Thanks for making them! I don’t cook for myself very often, if at all, since I live alone and am “poor” but you’ve given me so many ideas that truly inspire and motivate me!! 😊❤

[@patricecockrell4249]

If you mixed caned peas with cream of chicken and tuna over buttered toast it makes a really good breakfast

[@sandraalsayyad4214]

You could try a green pea salad. Treat the peas the same as pasta. Add any ingredients that you like to eat. Olives, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni or cubed spam. Either mayo dressing or italian.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Addy1027]

Don't comment often, but man LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! Keep on keeping on, you have inspired me so much!! ♥

[@VioletRed77755]

I love Tuna fritters or The chicken ones are so Good. I put alittle hot sauce on mine and its delicious. I love to mix some herbs seasonings in it with and egg and fry them

[@AGee2217]

I know this will sound kinda gross…but there is an old “salad” made using canned peas. You cube up cheese into small pieces and add it into the drained peas with mayo salt pepper garlic. But if no cheese. I swear mayo with canned peas is a game changer.

[@WorldOfWonder66]

I have really enjoyed watching your videos every day. It's been a learning experience for all of us. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. I think I would have gotten a can of tuna rather than the package flavor ones.

[@shelbeybridgeman3602]

Sorry I’m late to the party, but I wanted to mention that with yucky peas I think cooking them in a similar manner to beans really helps. That being like cooking them with a pork salt of some type or “refrying” them with some bacon grease etc.

[@marciesullivan3492]

Love this series. Your creativity amazes me. 😊

[@kath3291]

Something we do with a can of peas is to drain and rinse them well, blend them up with some fresh water, about a can's worth, and then strain them, leaving a thick soup base that you can add stuff to. I personally like it plain with a sandwich as a sub for tomato soup

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I was also thinking pea soup after I decided to mash them for this breakfast

[@kath3291]

It's nice to have in colder weather, just to drink from a mug, and I have also added stock for better flavoring and vegetables to make it heartier.We also use canned peas in a very simple pasta dish I like that is penne noodles, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The peas mix up the texture a bit and also add protein @@DollarTreeDinners

[@lauramichelle7502]

I enjoy so so much watching ur videos! We have ALOT in common with MOST foods. I do not like any seafood (tuna, etc). But I always get inspired. Other difference I LOVEEEE peas (canned or frozen)

[@tracieschrock9519]

turn those canned peas into a soup...boil in bouillon spices butter. run your blender wand through it..if you have canned ham or baconbits it makes it that much better.

[@stephaniemeads]

Amazing idea! Thank you! I love peas, and this is awesome! Thank you!❤

[@shellylafleur7456]

I'm impressed you found ways to use the peas and ate them. I don't like them canned, frozen or fresh, ha ha ... In the future if you had the ingredients, such as a shelf-stable or evaporated milk, you could try creamed peas.

[@samanthashaw8329]

if you can find them no added salt canned peas green beans and corn taste closer to frozen then those with regular amounts of salt

[@esperanzavidal7760]

How about mixing can of peas with mac'-&-cheese...use liquid from inside can peas to boil macaroni to add flavor 😊

[@five_pennies]

I have come up with weirder concoctions than those tuna fritters when I was broke and trying to figure out how to use random ingredients. I made spaghetti sauce with salsa and ketchup once, and it wasn't terrible lol.

[@metoo5004]

You did great 👍👍👍 people are going to have to get creative

[@janita7014]

I love your tuna patty idea!

[@TAARTJES]

I really like these vlog-style videos. Maybe you can do them more often?

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I can certainly try :) I'm so glad people are enjoying them

[@HairyTaleFarm]

I think the fritters are a great idea! Yum!

[@genevievemeza7467]

Love canned peas. I usually make pea salad or rice with peas 😊

[@Sandymom2jj]

My mom put peas in tuna Mac and cheese when we were growing up.

[@MrJsv650]

The crumbs in the chip bag are called chippy chips 😊

[@sharonhart3735]

Great job at being creative.

[@dayaheddyrahim9401]

I already make tuna patties using your recepies it's tasty