Typically, the most expensive part of my $5 Dinners is the protein. As grocery prices in general continue to rise, the budget gets tighter and tighter. I have been looking at ways to cut grocery costs, but still provide healthy proteins for my family. I try to vary my proteins throughout each week. I normally serve a meal with chicken, then fish, another with pork, the next … [Read more...]
How to Portion a Pork Roast
"The Other White Meat" Indeed it is! We love pork! When bought on sale or with a coupon, it can be very inexpensive! Tonight I made a 3 pound pork loin ($5.25 total) with potatoes in the crockpot. I used the juices to make up a little gravy to make the meal a little "fancier" and tastier! We ate 1/3 of the pork loin, I turned another 1/3 into BBQ pulled pork, and froze … [Read more...]
Homemade Salsa
My favorite nearby farmer's market is presently having a "you pick em" Roma tomatoes sale...$.65/lb!!! What! I couldn't believe it! I spent a few minutes picking through their plants, grabbing the ones that were about to fall off and perfectly ripe! It was quite therapeutic to be out there in the field, by myself, hanging out with the tomato plants, longing for those "simpler" … [Read more...]
Zucchini Pineapple Bread
Looking for a new quick bread! I normally make banana bread because I already have "brown" bananas and don't ever remember to get zucchini. BUT, since zucchini is super cheap right now (and my farmer's market has a new "half priced" section for the produce that is ripe or overripe!!!) I decided to take advantage and make a little zucchini mix for the freezer! I used 4 zucchinis … [Read more...]
Peach Pork Skillet
My mom-in-law told us how she was cooking peaches in with her pork chops! Let me tell ya...YUM! Within an hour of her telling me her latest and GREATEST, I had 3 pork chops and 1 sliced peach in the frying pan! Peach Pork Skillet My mom-in-law told us how she was cooking peaches in with her pork chops! Let me tell ya...YUM! 4 boneless pork chops1 fresh … [Read more...]
Tilapia
Tilapia A simple lemon and herb spice on the mild white fish, tilapia. 4 frozen tilapia fillets 2 cups rice3 broccoli heads 1 Tbsp lemon juice1 tsp seafood seasoning with dill and garlic Cook rice as directed.Steam broccoli 3-5 minutes in microwave or in steamer.Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the frozen fish into the baking dish and add the lemon juice … [Read more...]
Hamburgers
Ingredients 4 Buns ($.50) 4 Patties ($1.69)...using 1 lb ground beef 4 slices cheddar cheese ($.55) 4 tomato slices ($.50) 4 lettuce pieces ($.10) Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Mayo...whatever your hearts desire! ($.25) 4 Corn Cob ($1) 1 small can baked beans ($.44) Directions 1. Grill burgers. Season as you like! Slap between buns with your favorite … [Read more...]
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
I have a great 14" baking stone that makes the perfect amount of pizza for us! Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Learn how to make the best homemade pepperoni pizza 1 cup water2 tbsp olive oil3 cups flour 1 packet yeast 1 tsp salt1 Tbsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp sugar8 oz. jar pizza sauce 30 pepperoni2 cups shredded mozzarella or pizza cheese 4 whole carrots … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili 1 cup cooked red and black beans (mixed) ($.30)1/2 green pepper and 1/2 red pepper, chopped ($.75)1/2 onion, chopped ($.30)1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes ($.69)1 small can tomato sauce ($.33)1-2 cloves garlic ($.10)Chili Powder ($.59) or other favorite spicy spicessalt and pepper1/2 cup shredded cheese ($.42)1 Zucchini, sliced ($.79)olive … [Read more...]
Garden Fresh Pasta Dinner
Garden Fresh Pasta Dinner Pasta plus veggies from the garden - simplest dinner ever! 12 oz. box bowtie pasta 3 tomatoes from the garden (diced)3 basil leaves (chopped)4 Tbsp olive oil2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese2-3 tsp minced garlic1 zucchini (sliced)2 Tbsp butter (melted) Marinate diced tomatoes and basil in EVOO and garlic. Add a splash … [Read more...]