$20 Weekly Grocery Budget Challenge | Eat for $20 a Week | Italian Style Extreme Food Budget & Menu

[@blo1314]

You seem so genuine and likable. Just an overall good human being 😊 the world needs more people like you!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Aww thanks B Lo!

[@stephikarolyi8706]

This style content would be a really interesting series of videos- eating on a budget around the world. I like it!

[@8Icecat8]

I totally agree! I hope she does more of these! It'd be fun to try out less common cultures as well!

[@Hopeful-w7h]

You shared a profound truth- there is a trade off , save time or money. For me, taking the time to cook is so worth the time, both in saving $, and better quality meals!. Editing to add- I must make the tuna pie, love that idea! 💞

[@MaryTheresa1986]

I'm trying to curb my Uber Eats addiction because you're right, it's so much better to cook your food yourself. There's something quite therapeutic about being in the kitchen.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I agree Minnie! XOXO

[@Hopeful-w7h]

@@MaryTheresa1986 yes- I agree that cooking is therapeutic! I hate the clean up though, 🤷🏻‍♀️ 😁

[@MaryTheresa1986]

@@Hopeful-w7h That's why I'm so grateful for my dishwasher. It makes life so much easier.

[@amandazplace5663]

I love that you say that a bag of flour and your own labour is the key to saving money using the menu you chose for the week. I utilize this idea at least 2x a month as a way to save money and feed us for a week, purchasing very few items. Vegetable scraps and a bit of meat can make soup for 2 nights. Just add a loaf of homemade bread! Using up scraps and making pizza dough is another great idea. Anything that expands that flour to a meal! Simple muffins or quick breads for breakfast. Flatbreads as a Mexican base for lunch. A little labour never hurt anyone and saves ALOT of money (and food waste👍).♥️🇨🇦

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Good way to stretch the $$$ Amanda! XOXO

[@sunset6010]

WOW !!! ALWAYS impressive. So creative and practical ✔

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you Sun Set!!!

[@mabel7256]

I'm literally so excited to watch this!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks for your enthusiasm Mary!

[@wildshadowstar]

I don’t have the counter space (nor desire) to make my own pizza dough, but those toppings look really tasty. I could buy the pre made pizza crust, either in the refrigerated section in tubes or the dry goods area, and just go from there.

[@Latherlodgehomestead]

Im adding all these things to my grocery list. Can't wait to try the recipes. Im excited about the tuna pizza. Thank you.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

FWIG, I'm happy to hear you will be trying them. Please let me know how it goes!

[@Tanya_LitLife]

The hot water heated pot lid over the dough is a trick I’ll be using, thank you for these extra little kitchen gems in addition to all the recipes & ideas!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You're welcome! I notice that a metal lid works best for heating up fast from hot water. Have fun!

[@elenacala]

I think I would have added some if the spinach to the ricotta pizza, they all looked really good though!! I might have also made a spinach pesto to top the pasta. I got a pasta machine for Christmas last year, now I really have to use it! Have you considered making gnocchi? Maybe with sweet potato?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I have thought of it. Enjoy your pasta machine too!

[@elles5886]

Oh wow! The donut and large half and half pizza look amazing!! I'd probably add mushrooms instead of tomato's though to the ricotta and maybe put some spinach leaves on there too but I'll definitely be trying both recipes! Great video :) x

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Elle!

[@wilmasantos3255]

Everything you make looks delicious!!

[@melanielester2106]

Everything looks delicious ! A great menu that looks full of flavour. Best wishes from the other side of the pond 😁

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, and you too!

[@melanielester2106]

@@TheQuaintHousewife .... thank you !

[@crystal7217]

I love how creative you are. The ricotta pizza looked delicious.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Crystal!

[@agodlyhome]

Those donuts look so good! I think I will try to make them but I want to add a small spoonful of cherry pie filling along with the ricotta filling.

[@racheld5693]

That all looks so delicious! Great job 😊

[@pennywheeler2598]

Everything looked quite yummy. I'm absolutly going to try your dough. I really appreciate how well you explain every detail. Take care🙂

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you, Penny!

[@babyface45]

I loved that commercial!

[@nicolew101]

I love your cooking video because there are always ideas I had never thought of before for frugality like tuna on a pizza or the Ricotta donuts. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You're welcome, Nicole!

[@angelafleming3328]

I reuse my oil if I was making the doughnuts I would use fresh but then after that I would use it to fry taco shells, french fries after french fries I would use it for tater tots, then fried chicken and then fish. I usually have 2 pots of oil on the stove and I just pick which oil works best for what I am frying.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Angela, you have it down to a science. I bet you make some good meals too!

[@phoebeblack6557]

Yes, the two pans of oil is a southern staple! LOL

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@phoebeblack6557 do you ever make hush puppies?

[@solarcindy5501]

I have never made homemade pasta. I think I will try to make. The tuna pizza sounds interesting too. Thanks for the great ideas.🤗

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You're welcome Cindy 🤗

[@rustyrussell3211]

All I need is the ricotta and fresh spinach and it's a go 😋. Quaint, hands down these recipes are some of your best. I'm excited to try these.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Rusty! I think this was my favorite menu I've ever made. Enjoy!

[@orlymayron5236]

I am going to try the tuna melt pizza. Great idea!

[@sherrysawyer6819]

The donuts made me so hungry! The pizzas look delicious! Love these recipes!❤️

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you 😋

[@iluvmusicals21]

❤️ the pizza with the ricotta, but what a tease, no onion when it was sitting right there! I can't have tomato 😒, but will definitely use the ricotta base in place of tomato sauce. My husband ❤️ tuna, so maybe I will combine the ricotta and the tuna. I will definitely add onion and spinach, if I have on hand. I miss tomatoes for certain dishes. 😕 Thanks for the great video!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

LOL onion would have been good on all of them. Are you allergic to tomatoes? I have to limit my tomatoes because of an intolerance even though I love them. So I will now have to abstain for a while after eating the stuff!

[@iluvmusicals21]

@@TheQuaintHousewife my nephrologist has told me no tomatoes or oranges because my blood was too acidic.

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@iluvmusicals21 During the Covid shutdown I was reading and researching how to prevent my family getting sick? And one of my relatives has bad kidneys so one thing I read said that taking vitamin c would prevent pain from gout. When i told my Mom? She didn't believe me! So I guess my relative will live his life in pain. Maybe I read that info to help someone else instead. I hope that you can get yourself recovered from whatever illnees is affecting your body and your life.

[@stephikarolyi8706]

I'm absolutely going to try that ricotta tomato pizza! I think the only change I would make would be to marinate the tomatoes in olive oil, fresh garlic, and maybe some balsamic vinegar a while before adding to the pizza and top with parmigiano reggiano because I always keep some in the freezer.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Sounds really good Stephi!

[@babyface45]

My favorite is the Tomato Ricotta pizza but I definitely would of added fresh spinach and a little fresh garlic. I will definitely be making those fresh donuts! Thank you for the idea. I just adore your sense of humor and your laugh is infectious.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you LOL. Please let me know how you like the donuts!

[@heatherj3030]

That hot lid trick is ingenious!😊

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Heather, thanks! Metal retains heat, so that is your friend in this case!

[@RodneyCrawford75006]

We love your ideas and videos.. Always something to look forward too.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Always happy to read this, Rodney! Thanks!

[@Chelseamayhew42]

Italian is my favorite! That zeppole for breakfast looks delicious! I'm going to have to try that one.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you Chelsea! Please let me know if you try it!

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@TheQuaintHousewife could we try this idea to make stromboli as well? Just a thought. TIA.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Kristina, yes, since this recipe works for pizza dough, it will work for stromboli.

[@mytinyketolife6797]

Tuna added to pasta sauce is amazing over pasta. My mom was born in Italy and she made that all the time of course the sauce was home made and the tuna added a depth of flavor.

[@williamacev2603]

This was a great video and everything looks tasty!

[@rashneelraina7291]

I love your excitement it sure is contagious! And amazing ideas as always!!!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you so much, Rashneel!

[@allisonpacino]

You are so creative! I love that you're doing these $20 dinners especially Italian themed 😋

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you and many thanks for your gift!! 😊

[@sandratracy1378]

I absolutely had fun watching you create this menu. It all looked great to me. I think I would love the zeppoli doughnuts the best because of my sweet tooth. I look forward to your next video!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Sandra! I have a sweet tooth too!

[@DeAnn3262]

Wonderful series!!! Thank you for sharing recipes! Looking forward to many more episodes! Going to try pasta with my 3 yr old today(veggies on side) and the rest of recipes later this week. ❤️WW flour

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Oh that sounds great, DeAnn! Thanks!

[@DeAnn3262]

Can the pizza/donut dough be refrigerated? If I make pizza for dinner, refrigerate dough then prepare donuts in morning? Not familiar with yeast. We've made pasta twice this week. Toddler has a blast kneading his portion of noodles!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi DeAnn, yes! Just keep the dough airtight in the fridge. Glad your baby had fun!

[@catladyallday5884]

I think the tuna pizza sounds delicious! How’s your brother? We need another food haul with him!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

He is good. Thank you for asking. I will see if I can get another video with him. XOXO

[@EmeryShae]

So creative! It looked delicious to me.

[@RedDragonVideos]

Great meal plan 👍💯🐲👋

[@Aquietlyfrugallife]

Loved this video and the idea!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you LLL!

[@thobbs4526]

You are a wizard! Fresh tomatoes, ricotta, what's not to love? I'm doing the donuts first. Thank you!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks TH!

[@rennierad]

Italian is my favorite week,thanks for the giggles too. Have a nice evening, much love. ❤

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Rennie, glad you like! Do you still make videos? XOXO

[@ZaiyaFineArt]

I love this so much! You are awesome! :)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You too Zaiya!

[@mrjoseph9827]

Dear QHW, What easy and tasty looking dishes. My favorite dish would be the tun melt pizza. I think the only thing I would have added would have been fresh garlic. I love garlic. Ty for vid and info. Take care.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

MJ, Glad you like the tuna melt pizza! Fresh garlic is a perfect addition! Thanks!

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

Everything looks delicious. My hubby hates ricotta cheese but he’s going to California in a couple weeks so I think I’ll make those donuts for me and kids while he’s gone 😍

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Oh you are going to be happy there is one less mouth to feed when you make these LOL XOXO

[@ricoenglish3962]

My husband loves tuna melt sandwiches so I am interested in making him the tuna pizza with cheese melted on top. I would love the ricotta cheese pizza with fire roasted tomatoes and spinach! Yum!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yes, good options! I think your hubs will like the pizza!

[@mytinyketolife6797]

When I saw the breakfast it reminded me how I use to stretch my budget as a single mom with 4 kids…. I use to make fried dough with sauce and parm for dinner and sprinkled with powdered sugar for dessert. Also the many recipes based off of hamburger helper and Mac & cheese.

[@alysoncocking1236]

My mum used to make fish pizza a lot when we were kids. She used a tin of sardines.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

This sounds good!

[@alysoncocking1236]

@@TheQuaintHousewife I used to think it was quite tasty but my husband always turned his nose up in horror whenever I made it.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Don't worry. My husband doesn't like sardine stuff much either!

[@RodneyCrawford75006]

fish and pizza .. my Texas palate just turned a little green..lol

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@RodneyCrawford75006 That's bc you're trained to eat BBQ.

[@angelshalosoflove]

I don’t have the capabilities to make the dough from scratch but I may try this with canned biscuit dough or even frozen pizza dough.

[@StefaniKaye]

Oh my gosh when the second pizza was all bubbly i held my breath for you until it deflated lol

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

LOL Stefani, yes he was a big boy!

[@mommashare5642]

Love your hair in this video!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you so much 😀

[@BrainyRedheadedAngel]

Wow! I LOVE pizza! The tuna melt pizza, most definitely is going to get me to eat more fish! Fish is heart healthy, I’ve got to keep my heart healthy, as an open heart surgery survivor. I just bought a Ninja food processor, it has a dough “hook”. Already have a jar of yeast and cans of Bumble Bee solid white tuna, in my cabinet. Grocery store has an eCoupon clipped, gets me 4 cans of Bumble Bee solid white tuna, for .99 cents each. All I need to buy is flour and mozzarella cheese. 😋 Also need to hit Walgreens, when they have their tuna sized cans of Bumble Bee salmon, on sale 4 for $5. Salmon and ricotta pizza, sounds so mouth watering! Love, love your channel, I always make the time to watch…The electric just went out, we had a bad thunderstorm tonight, in Washington, DC. Stay cool and safe!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Brenda, oh I am happy if this recipe helps you! I hope you are doing a little better now health-wise. You've earned some wings with that surgery! Our electricity was out for two days. Please hold tight. They will get power back to your home! XOXO

[@BrainyRedheadedAngel]

@@TheQuaintHousewife We have our electric back, not sure if it’ll go back out. I cannot wait to try the tuna melt pizza! 😋

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@BrainyRedheadedAngel Do you have an Aldi in the neighborhood? I used to watch for Sunday coupons for tuna .65 cents per can at Walgreen's or CVS. I remember that my Ex said groceries were quite expensive when he was there in DC after 9/11 he said he learned how to shop in the Dollar Stores! Lol!

[@mjking9019]

The filling for the donuts could easily be added to with citrus zest or a splash of juice, some chopped fruits or nuts, chocolate chips etc. I'm almost picturing like a cannoli filling

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Good suggestions -- so many possibilities MJ!

[@kazoolibra7322]

This was fantastic info....thank you, Quaint! So, i don't know your name, and you don't know mine. But, just call me "Kazoo". Weird situation, Quaint!

[@scoutthespaniel978]

Most ethnic cooking is cheap and healthy. My grandmother could feed 10 people for 2 weeks for 20. Other cheap “Italian” foods... lentils, pasta, eggs, tomato paste, bones for soup,

[@kristinatidwell6563]

I don't have red or white wine vinegar but would balsamic vinegar be ok to trade? And I would try substituting cotttage cheese for the ricotta cheese just because it is more expensive to buy. It could go on the salad as well. We could substitute oats that are ground up as oat flour instead of the wheat flour. I've read that 4 cups of oats = 3.5 cups of oat flour.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You could use balsamic, yes. I personally would not use cottage cheese but I haven't tried it. Cottage cheese is salty and doesn't easily break down into a paste consistency by hand. It changes some of the aspects of the recipe. But you might still like it if you try it.

[@timlindskog4849]

Looks good, and cheap!

[@michelesimko7541]

Tuna is what I want to make. Ty

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Michele, hope you like it!

[@MaryTheresa1986]

I'm a minute into the video and can feel my waistband expanding already. 😆😆 I'm sure everything will be delicious, though. 😋😋

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

LOL, so rich, I know!

[@sharonhall2277]

I think I would have cooked the spinach and tomatoes to go with the pasta. And I like a crispy crust on my pizza but not thin like Cracker

[@jaydahome-teillarddeyry6200]

Here in France tuna pizza is quite common. Every grocery store sells frozen pizzas such as Dr Oetker that sells tuna pizzas. When I tell people in North America that we like tuna pizza they tend to look at us funny 😄

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Jayda, I am happy to hear this! It makes sense considering tuna and cheese go nicely together! XOXO

[@rustyrussell3211]

Oh goodness, Dr. Oetker! I bought a German baking cookbook when I lived in Germany in the early 70s that was Dr. Other. Love it!

[@RodneyCrawford75006]

French tuna pizza in Texas Hmmmmmm. I love the idea, but could we replace that tuna with brisket?

[@charleneoneill4729]

Awesome video

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thanks Charlene!

[@Mystique753]

If you use white flour for the donut /pizza dough is it the same measurement?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You can try 3 cups white flour per 2.5 cups whole wheat. If your dough is too sticky still add more white flour, if it's too dry, add more water. The goal is for your dough to have the moisture level of something like Play-doh.

[@Mystique753]

@@TheQuaintHousewife thank you ..wish me luck and i love your videos

[@RobinFlysHigh]

Italian grocery haul: My brain: Pasta pasta pasta! Those zeppole look delicious by the way. I have some ricotta in the fridge that needs used. Might try my hand at those. Kind of remind me of beignets If they were filled with yummy ricotta

[@RobinFlysHigh]

7:06 We have the same thermometer. Also that's a great price for the whole wheat flour. The cheapest I can get is name brand King Arthur red whole wheat flour from Walmart for about $3.69. It's a good product but tends to be coarser than white whole wheat flour

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Robin, I think you would really like them! Let me know if you make them. XOXO

[@melaniegoldstein4396]

I want these prices. New England is crazy expensive .

[@kristinatidwell6563]

Dollar Tree has bell peppers and onions for $1 its 14 ozs bag, in case you like to use those too. I personally love shopping at Krogers but I can't find a way to get them to ship anything to my address bc i live like 3 hours away. I do shop there when I see my parents in Dallas.

[@Apryll.]

Not my cup of bruschetta but the tomatoes looked fresh

[@andreahoppe7777]

I’m gonna make those donuts. I already have ricotta in the fridge. 😃

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Yay! I have the recipe typed under the video. Let me know how you like them!

[@andreahoppe7777]

@@TheQuaintHousewife thank you so much. I will!

[@bigmck429]

Do you freeze your dough or do you put it in the fridge?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Mck, I generally refrigerate it.

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

I’m so curious…. Who taught you how to cook and to be frugal? I’d love to hear your story 🙂

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I learned some cooking from my mom but I think I developed the rest on my own :)

[@HomeLifewithRebecca]

@@TheQuaintHousewife that’s awesome! My mom rarely cooked and didn’t really teach me. My husband has taught me a lot and KZbin. I had to learn with having so many kids and I had to do it frugally! Thank you for all of your amazing meal ideas!!!! 🥰

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

You've learned by your own experience!

[@rayradiance666]

I don’t remember that commercial sorry! 😪can you do Indian food on a budget pls?

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Hi Ray, I will add it to my list of ideas. Thanks!

[@littlewingedzebra]

if you ever miss donuts with an essence of fried chicken, visit Federal Donuts in Philly- they do donuts and fried chicken! ;-)

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

That sounds good to me :)

[@jaimmieharvey2667]

Iif you had jelly or jam would be good to put a bit with you cheese for the donuts.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

For sure! Thanks Jaimmie!

[@lewi4117]

The Quaint Housewife just keeps getting more and more beautiful. She continues to get cuter and cuter 😍. Her personality keeps getting more spunky, bubbly, and confident 😍 wowowow! 🤤

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Haha thank you

[@cathywhite9198]

Yes I so like ur videos u honest and I like u this meals 😎 ur very good the donuts look yummy I don't Recgotta cheese could cream cheese In place i like cheese pepperoni they all look but I don't the tuna I going yo.honest with u💓

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Cathy, if you're asking if you can use cream cheese in place of ricotta, I think you could, but cream cheese is more dense and tangy, so it won't be the same. But I think it would still taste good. Soften the cream cheese first then add powdered sugar to taste. Let me know if it works out. Thanks Cathy!

[@aggie7157]

I roll out dough standing on a stool to have more of an upper body advantage

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Aggie, atta girl!

[@catsandcarsringtailgang6188]

Sooooo...... If I pay $20°° a week for Italian ingredients, would you cook them for another $20°° per week??? (I could hav grub hub or somebody fetch it for me). (Hope this works! Or I'll halve to get married again)(eh, i prefer dining with someone anyway.)

[@FirstnameLastname-zm6ke]

A pretty lady that can budget AND cook? You have a very happy and lucky husband somewhere I'm sure!

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

Thank you FNLN. He's working in the garage right now. LOL

[@tinakloepfer1581]

Great tips and recipes! Thanks for sharing. I did question snipping the spinach tips onto the tuna melt pizza because the spinach was still in the produce bag from the store and the wire twist tie was still on the spinach bunch leading me to believe you didn’t wash nor trim the spinach stem ends before adding snipping them onto the pizza. If so, that’s a tad gross.🤣

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

I rinsed through the stem area before cutting. Once the spinach is unbundled it's harder to control.

[@tinakloepfer1581]

@@TheQuaintHousewife My bad! I try to prep veggies soon after I get them home, so they’re ready to go. I need to remind myself that there are many ways for cooks to get their own groove on in the kitchen.

[@TheQuaintHousewife]

No worries. Filth is not our friend!

[@michelerosequreshey8345]

🥰

[@janicundiff4023]

❤️👍