What's For Dinner? A Week of Frugal Meals

[@mollysmith6055]

Jane, you'd never know those were budget meals from looking at them. It looks like you had a very exotic menu with no expense spared instead. It is nice to see that you have so much bounty coming from your garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@mirjamboleij3668]

Can you please please please do a “frugal queen in france cookbook”? I want all of these recipes in a book in my kitchen. This is the kind of food I love to eat. Nice touch with the matching music with every meal by the way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@barbarasheers1273]

When I saw your Tortilla press it reminded me of conversation had by two ladies ahead in grocery line a few weeks ago. One was buying gluten free flour and in response to other lady's numerous questions on use, she said she presses out her gluten free pastry in her tortilla press because its so hard to roll out. Then she "layers" the circles in the pie plate and short of pinches it together. They held up the line but you know It was fascinating watching her demonstrate how she pinched the pastry.

[@nicB7777]

Thank you always for sharing!!! Your videos help us plan our meals and your voice is so peaceful to listen to! ....Mike, too... come back on the video sometime soon!!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@loriella6250]

Thank you for the inspiration, Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching!

[@deannemckee5081]

I’m in New Mexico (USA) and so impressed you know how to make corn tortillas and have a press!!!!!

[@bunnobear]

Oh that salsa looks so delicious, as does the rest of the food. I have cut my food bill by 1/4 over the last 5 years, gradually and slowly, we used to eat take out 3 days/week, I plan for once a fortnight now. I have a list of 40 meals in the front of my recipe folder and all the recipes for each meal, I will make a folder for each of my boys when they leave home. It he,ps me have variety or else I cook the same thing all the time I honestly don’t know how people on limited incomes can get by with the increase in food prices. I am so thankful for ladies on KZbin like yourself who show how to manage food budgets. I will be going through your recipes to add to my folder, yum yum. You have nearly convinced me to grow lettuce, that looked so good :) Thanks Jane and Mike ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well done on cutting back on eating out.

[@rachelkieffer8707]

These meals don't look frugal, they look gourmet and super delicious!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Definitely frugal and nothing at all fancy or expensive

[@juliethompson5301]

Love the music corresponding to the meals Jane 😊

[@mrswilbert]

What's "gourmet" about them?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@mrswilbert ouch, a bit bitchy there!

[@mrswilbert]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance no....i wanted to know what made them "gourmet". It was a QUESTION. And YOU'RE obnoxious for even thinking that.

[@juliamarple3785]

Too hot for oven at our house! I'm saving your bacon wrapped mozzarella chicken & cottage pie for this fall. We are on track to harvest an abundance of potatoes. In the mornings, i wobble downstairs & grab a bar or pastry & coffee & come to my senses. Then I've frugally been eating up our leftovers before I prep our main meal of the day. Quick bowl of cereal before bed.

[@janefoley5184]

Enjoyed the video. Thank you for including links to the recipe videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@cyclingonplants7444]

Hi Jane and Mike 🤗 What delicious meals you had this week! How wonderful to get all that nice fresh veg from your garden 😋I really enjoyed the music that went with the meals too 🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@juliemoore6957]

Yes! Great music!

[@cathyphillips679]

I have always made refried beans using black beans, until this week when I found that I didn't have any. I used pinto beans instead and it turned out really well. Creamier than black beans and delicious!

[@shereew214]

I also prefer pinto beans.

[@debrapritts7978]

Would love to see a video on making the cottage pie please👍🏻

[@debrapritts7978]

I found you’re cottage pie on the playlist! 😇Love your videos, very inspiring👍🏻

[@kgaldamezbruni]

What a delicious meals you prepare. No need to dine out at all. I share your frugal life and I enjoy & like every single video you both make. Living in that beautiful place is a plus.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@garygnagey3569]

Thank you for sharing these delicious meals!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@carolinehayes3212]

lovely meals and glad your garden doing so well ...love food on a friday vlogs

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@brendafarris7590]

So pleased for you that your garden is producing such bounty. Have a great weekend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@elizaC3024]

Love the Ding cuisine 😅😅

[@kackleful]

All looks wonderful Jane, thank you for sharing!💕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@wyyeti4004]

Thank you for sharing those meals. What a great variety! It has given me lots of ideas. Have a brilliant weekend!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@carolynbrace8821]

As I started to watch this video I paused it grabbed the calendar and wrote my first meal plan using only what I already have in the house your channel inspires me and ilove how open minded you both are each journey is so personal your meals look delicious best to you both

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You got this!

[@mangopuppybaby]

Often times when Americans make “frugal” cooking videos they are filled with processed garbage and no veg. Yours are LOADED with fresh veg and look beautiful. Wonderful meals!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sheilahughes3561]

Lovely meals Jane! Your dinners always look so delicious!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@lisahaffner3337]

Nice to see your garden producing

[@littlebird585]

Lovely meals!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@pamelacourtney8998]

All the meals look delicious. The salsa is gorgeous. I'll make that over the weekend. Blessings to all ❤

[@marjorielass3118]

Thank you for the delicious, healthy, frugal, meal ideas! 😋

[@rosemarymallin]

I have to agree that your meals look great.

[@barbaratolker4366]

Those meals look absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@patmartin9727]

Lots of great meal ideas there Jane. Thanks for all the time and effort you and Mike put into producing the video’s .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@philbaughey8702]

You're tortillas look awesome. What a delicious looking meal.!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@bettecannavino4047]

Congratulations on the homegrown veggies! All looks delicious! I find eggplant easy to grow in containers you might give it a try!

[@lisafromindiana1718]

Great job growing the lettuce and cucumbers! My lettuce did not grow this year, and critters ate my first round of cucumber sprouts!

[@50retireplan]

Home made Mexican food is a great way to save money. Can u share the re- fried beans recipe?

[@cm-nj]

I love lentils! Very filling substitute for a meat. I make baked vegetable enchiladas using cooked lentils and even my meat-loving husband requests this dinner regularly!

[@stacel1972]

The home made corn tortilla look fantastic! ( all of the foods you show do) I’ve been wanting to make my own. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@MarinaVlachou]

All your meals look delicious❤moussaka is my favorite too👌🏼

[@myliveincolor4211]

Everything looks yummie ❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@lcfloret]

Great, nutrient dense meals. God bless.

[@mdilworth7564]

My mouth is watering just watching this video! I am trying to do more meatless meals and you gave me some great ideas. Thank you for making this video for us!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@LeAnneTraybsza]

Lovely meals. Interesting that we eat that we eat similar foods at our home in Oklahoma. ❤😊

[@happyJan2516]

Dear Jane and Mike thank you, all your meals look delicious as always thanks for sharing (love the little doggie input at the end lol ) ❤😊 xxx

[@jomcd2073]

So much variety and they all look delicious Jane:)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@heathertucker7056]

Your meals always look lovely, so thank you for sharing! Glad the veggies are growing so well!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much 😊

[@hollyjobitner3285]

Are those green beans French filet? That’s the type I have growing in our garden. They are beginning to blossom. They are so crunchy and delicious. I can’t wait. 💙

[@Leelee...]

Beautiful looking meals!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@pigletsbank437]

Your dinners looks very tasty👌

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@muttersmenu2422]

Lovely meals, shows you can eat well on a budget with a little planning. Katsu Curry is very popular in Australia but we use a packet sauce and this contains gluten. You are doing very well in the garden. New potatoes are a treat in a salad. Keep up the videos and I do ring the bell.😊🎉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@marypeterson1053]

Thank you again. We appreciate your gard work and helping us do better.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

My pleasure!

[@MrsHRPufnstuf]

These look absolutely gorgeous Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cherrycain6425]

I don’t know if I misunderstood you that you don’t eat your potato skins or jackets. They are delicious if you bake your potatoes and add butter or margarine and sour cream with salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes I sprinkle a little shredded cheese any flavor and let it melt. Really delicious and the potato skins are full of vitamins. All of your meals look delicious. I live by myself here in America because my son moved to the next state. So cooking is pretty easy for me. I eat a lot of leftovers If I get tired of them I’ll just freeze them and eat them later.

[@LynneAllison-ok5rn]

Huge hello from New Brunswick, Canada - I only just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and am I EVER glad I did !! I love everything about it and really appreciate all that you and Mike share with us about your amazing frugal lives (of which I'm learning tons, even at the ripe old age of 66) Being forced to retire almost 2 years ago due to a disability, and being on a very limited/restricted budget, I've been picking up new and better ways to eat/live/enjoy my life. I've never been a thoughtless spender (having raised 2 daughters on my own) and now you're re-opening my eyes to better ways to do things. I know from your videos you don't buy drinks (neither do I) and that most people will put lemon and/or lime slices in a jug of water in the fridge - I wondered if you had ever tried cucumber water? If not, it only takes 3-4 slices of cucumber, fill the pitcher with water, let it chill in fridge and it is one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had. Just a thought. Again thank you SO very much for all you do for us, it's very much appreciated :D

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@jodihiller4506]

The meals have such nice presentation! You are a master of food prep! I think that salsa looked like my favorite! Here in Michigan with temps in the 80s and 90s it would hit the spot! We have been picking bushels of sour cherries. I am thinking of coming up with some kind of salsa using the sour cherries and veggies. Might be a change of pace😊 Anyways i enjoyed your video as always! Keep them coming!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much!

[@dinnerwithdonna]

Fab dinners as always 😊 will definitely give the Mozerella chicken a go! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hope you like it!

[@sargee97]

Your meals looked gorgeous, I have cleaned our freezers today and have logged the contents. Will be trying some of your great meal ideas and may freeze a few too. Kind regards Angeline ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@connieholcomb8396]

Hi Jane & Mike...I was wondering what is the easiest was ro cook lentils. I am excited to try different recipes but want to cook the lentils ahead of time. Loving your videos as always.

[@juttadestiny6810]

I use red lentils ❤️ no soaking required! Cooks in about 20 minutes ❤️💜💛

[@nancyquarella6709]

I recently tried a recipe for lentil flatbread, and found it to be surprisingly good. It has a bread-like texture and mild flavor that lends itself to all kinds of dishes. Here's the simple recipe: In a bowl, soak 1 c lentils (I used red) in 1 1/2 c water, for 8 hours or overnight. Drain into a colander and rinse. Pour lentils into blender container. Add 1 c water, 2 1/2 t baking powder and 3/8 t salt. Blend until uniformly smooth with no lumps. Let rest 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Fry like pancakes in a nonstick pan over medium low heat until thoroughly cooked. Remove from pan and let cool. Store in refrigerator up to one week. That's it! So easy and tastier than I expected. Good with peanut butter, toasted and buttered, for sandwiches and even use them as "shortcake" with strawberries and yogurt.

[@juliemoore6957]

Those meals look delicious! You've inspired me to make the lentil cottage pie! And Black bean tacos! How do you make the gravy for the lentil pie?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Melt a spoon of butter, add a spoon of cornflour, sprinkle in a stock cube, add water and stir until thickened

[@juliemoore6957]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Excellent! Thank you!

[@tammya5403]

These meals look absolutely amazing! Thank you for the great ideas, I’m adding the tortilla with refried beans and veggies into next weeks meal prep.

[@deborahlewis3954]

All looks delicious. We’re you able to make all these meals while you still worked? I struggle with doing a week of meal prep on my weekends, with so many other duties to be done, especially with the summer gardening. Any suggestions?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, I used to cook every Saturday for the week or meal prep. I often put food in the slow cooker in the morning.

[@patmartin9727]

When I was working full time the slow cooker was my best friend. I would prepare everything the evening before and then I just needed to switch it on in a morning before I left for work. I would cook enough for 2 nights and microwaved the second night which meant I only needed to cook 3 times a week. Then Saturday night we had a meal made that night. It might be salad or fish and chips or even homemade pizza.

[@anitamellish8101]

All the meals look tasty.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@corinneleppard1933]

All looks lovely to me! Especially like the homemade tortillas, really fun and colourful food. I was looking at farinata - think they were called - a chickpea pancake, as have some chickpea flour to use up and also recently made galettes with buckwheat flour, following an idea from one of your earlier videos. Simple, but just made a change. I bet you really enjoyed eating your home-grown veg, the cucumbers looked amazing. We had a small bowl of our first potatoes earlier this week, shared between the three of us, tasted wonderful, but need to leave the rest in a while longer. The courgettes have started here as well.............Can I just ask some advice? I get really nervous about using leftover rice, which is daft really as I often do pasta bakes and reheat the next day without worrying at all. I frequently use orzo as it's close to rice, but is still pasta. So how can I do it effectively without worrying? Thank you.

[@katescarratt4267]

Surely orzo is barley? They make a sort of coffee from it in Italy.

[@corinneleppard1933]

@katescarratt4267 I use orzo made from durum wheat.

[@TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy]

Great ideas, Jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much!

[@defendressofsan8948]

Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome!

[@missjones8123]

In jealous of your home grown veggies!

[@gladyschandler6724]

I plan to make a coconut chicken curry with carrots

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great idea!

[@wendytravers4400]

Looks so good ❤️💋

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@Dimigt530]

😀

[@Amandaayres123]

Looks delicious. Please do you have the recipes for both the Lentil Shepherds Pie & Veggie Paella? I would love to make those this week

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGeunYl7o7OFrpI

[@andreaarias2085]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

Hello! The music at the beginning was different and messed me up! LOL. Eating great on a budget! Thanks for sharing

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@kimc5750]

Looks delicious.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@rebacarmack8335]

The food looks fabulous- not frugal at all. While one temps are so high, I’m starting to make cooked food at night and then just microwave to omit heating up the house. We have a small window air conditioner.

[@carolined3058]

healthy menu

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@lrandall83]

Thank you for the tortilla recipe, the gluten free packaged ones are over 3 euros for 6 now! Where is the best place to buy it? I have a SuperU, L.Eclerc and Intermarche near me, can I find it in any of those? xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I buy the masa harina in an Asian supermarket

[@simpleliving7470]

Hi can you let me know which masa or corn flour and what ingredients you use to make the tortillas? My friend is vegetarian so this will definitely be a hit for her. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

As I said in the video, one cup of harina masa and one cup of hot water.

[@lindad6223]

Masa harina is available in France?!? I'd be interested in your take on tamales!

[@denisereneec]

Yummy Yummy!!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@jenniferwang3489]

We just got a new car (it was a toss up between prices to fix our lemon car or jsut find another car), so we're going to REALLY have to shave down our budget. I'm trying to explain to hubby we may have to eat soem foods he doesn't like. But it will be worth it to have a better life.