I found a watermelon on sale for $2.50. I thought about juicing the watermelon, as I knew the Hubs and I would enjoy it, but I wasn't sure about the kids. I knew they LOVED watermelon... Exhibit A I wasn't sure they would like the juice. But I made some anyways. Here is the scene on the kitchen counter. I love making fresh fruit juice, but it sure is messy … [Read more...]
Rice with Garden Greens
I walked out to the garden the other day and noticed that my parsley was TAKING OVER! Perfect way to use up the parsley...and the spinach...and some basil too! I chopped up all the spinach, parsley and basil and added it to 5 cups of rice on the stove (see recipe below). All mixed together...a HUGE batch of rice that I can use for at least 5 … [Read more...]
How to Freeze Raspberries
Is stockpiling fruit and vegetables really necessary? Is it worth the time and trouble? Yes. And Yes. Raspberries were on sale at my Kroger. (Yes, it is mine!) For $.99/pint. Those tiny little things are regularly $3 a pop. I never buy them...somehow can't justify spending $3 for 3 handfuls of DELICIOUS, SWEET, SUCCULENT raspberries. (I had … [Read more...]
Power of Coupons
I wanted to give you a quick example of the power of coupons. Lately I've been shopping at Walmart (here's why), but do keep up with the sales and advertised specials at Kroger. Because its in my backyard, and well, its my favorite store! I bopped in this weekend because two of my favorite items were on sale AND I had coupons for them both! Here's the breakdown from my … [Read more...]
My Coupon Binder
I have received MANY inquires about the now famous coupon binder that was seen in the Rachael Ray segment. I used to house my coupons in an accordian folder. I had it divided into several categories like food, household products, toilletry items, organic products, child items, as well as separate folders of specific store coupons. I got tired of leafing through the mound … [Read more...]
Save on Proteins
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...]
Money Saving Tips
Here are a few things I've learned about saving a little extra $$$ on the weekly basics! 1. Buy Store Brand. For me, that means buying Kroger brand! Everything! It is always cheaper! It's usually cheaper than the regular brand when on sale and matched with a coupon! I am not brand loyal to many brands. Definitely 2. Get a Reward Card. I save big $$$ by using my Rewards … [Read more...]
All about $5 Dinners
Welcome to $5 Dinners! I love cooking. I love saving money. I love breaking down each dinner meal's cost with my husband. I love feeding my family healthy, balanced, "from scratch" meals! I hope you enjoy the site and find some recipes that you can fit into your weekly menu! These meals are perfect for everyone...healthy, nutritious and best of all INEXPENSIVE! The goal of … [Read more...]
About Me
Welcome to $5 Dinners! I hope you enjoy the site and find some recipes that you can fit into your weekly menu! These meals are perfect for everyone...healthy, nutritious and best of all INEXPENSIVE! The goal of $5 Dinners: simple...make dinner for $5 or less! I am making meals for less than $5 for our family of 4...2 adults and 2 small boys! If you've got 5 to … [Read more...]