I just love how you are always able to make something out of nothing. My mother was very frugal, and we ate a lot of struggle meals back in the day, but I don't think even she could come up with some of the meals I've seen on this channel. You've definitely given me some ideas. Those lasagna rolls looked great!
You were a chef in a former life, weren't you? I'm always amazed at the meals you can make. Thank you for your time to help us manage our grocery money choices. Have a great week. 👍 ❤️
Haha 😂 I'm just a poor little home cook trying to make good food 👩🍳 Glad you like my meals Willette. 😁 Have an awesome week filled with lots of good eats 👩🍳
Hi Pat 😁 I love my Dollar Tree 💜 I mean....not as much as when they were a dollar 😂 but still....it's fun. When I'm reviewing the video footage I always see items that I should have grabbed. I'm always too focused on my challenge. I wish I would have picked up the regular milk. So good to have on hand.
All three meals looked really good. I think I'll try the lasagna soup first. It looks so simple, yet having a selection of spices to bump up the flavor of basic ingredients is the trick. Got to have those spices!
Hi Susan 😁That's so interesting. I just read that fennel seeds help the good bacteria in our gut thereby aiding in digestion. Thanks for pointing this out. I love foods that heal.
You can stretch ground meat with lentils or quinoa. Especially if you have an instant pot as it does not take long. I often just bung everything into my slow cooker (ground meat, lentils / quinoa, tinned tomatoes, diced onion, prepared vegetables) and turn it on low, before I go to work. When I get home everything is cooked.
@@ArdentMichelle here in the uk, they are expensive in the health stores but can be picked up pretty cheaply in the foreign foods isle. The packets tend to be bigger too. I usually purchase the rainbow quinoa (a mix between red, white and black). Likewise lentils are cheaper at the big supermarkets but look in the whole grain section as there is usually more choice. I mix different types together. (I live frugally so it means oftentimes I need to buy the premixed packs. Look out for health stores sales as good deals can be had.
Your lasagna soup looks delicious! It's sad how so many products have been downsized. I noticed that the noodles were 12 Oz & the sausage was 7 oz. I even noticed in Aldi's that their packing on frozen vegetables is 3/4 of a pound but the package looks the same & the price is marked .79. I really had to read the packaging because I thought it was a one pound package. I know I can do better at Aldi's vs. Dollar tree on canned products like rotel, canned corn etc. I've been making my own pizza sauce with tomato sauce & pantry spices because it's so much cheaper than buying jarred or canned sauce. You really have to read the packages to make sure you are getting the most for your money.
Dollar Tree ravioli is one of my favorites. You can make a layered dish with the ravioli, mozzarella cheese. Alfredo sauce and tomato sauce. Bake in oven uncovered for 40 minutes.
Great video Michelle! Lisa done on her videos from dollar tree uses those meat patties and says they work really well in recipes! I haven’t tried them yet I don’t eat very much meeting when I do I like it to be like really good quality but she has says there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them when you cook thoroughly and add to a recipe
Three more tasty & economical meals! Thanks Michelle. I really wish our Canadian Dollar Tree stores offered a more expansive selection of pantry goods. And we don’t have any of the freezer or refrigerator items available to you in the USA. 😕
Hi JuneBug 😁 Yay! I'm glad you like my meals. If you want to do this challenge, you can use a regular store. I meant to mention that for my viewers that are not in the U.S. But please share your delicious meal ideas with me. 😂
One of the dollar trees that I go to has shelf stable tofu. The brand is Mori-nu it is made in the U.S.A. and is pretty good. They only have it about once a month and it sells out very fast. :)
Wow 🤩 your DT has so many things! And all of that dried fruit. 👍🏻 My roommate bought that same shredded cheese and it’s Not good. 🥴 😁 But that’s why we try things. 🥰😍
I was hoping to save others their $1.25 by trying it. It literally said "great melting cheese". I was going to get my kitchen torch out to it to see if that could get it to melt, but ran out of time. 😂 I wonder if they would refund me my dollar.
@@ArdentMichelle yep exactly 😵💫 On a side note, one of my personal “rules” is to not buy any “food” made in C h I n a ….. They’ve been caught having questionable things in some products 😳🤯🤢
@@CathieG they definitely consume some products that could be considered a little strange to the regular American diet. I'll make sure to read labels. 😂 You may hear about one of these in an upcoming $5 Food Adventure Video (stinky Tofu). LOL - I didn't have the nerve to try it- but it's very popular.
👍 👌 I haven't been to Dollar Tree in years. I will see if my daughter will want to go with me. Lasagne roll ups are a favorite. They freeze well. One of my favorites is with tofu and spinach I do like a bit of cheese. Thank you for another wedged video
You're welcome 😁 Glad you like this video. I love the lasagna roll ups with spinach and tofu also. 👍 Hope you go and enjoy your shopping trip at Dollar Tree.
Thank you for added what is at Walmart. My dollar tree does not have a frozen section. My grandma use to take the fennel out of the sausage for dad. He could not eat it. Your recipe looked a lot easier lol
Lasagne Soup! Such an interesting concept!! When I cook soups,stews & such I choose not to mix the pasta/rice in. Cook separate so base can be reheated or frozen separate
The Trader Joe’s glaze is really good on toasted Italian /French bread topped with the best Ricotta you can afford, and drizzled with the balsamic glaze
Ok, last comment, I promise! I keep the dried fruit handy and use them to add to my pancakes when I don't have fesh fruit handy. Takes them up a notch. I have also used them with fresh fruit to make a warm fruit compote. Also add them to my oatmeal. Yum. Of course keeping them in the car for snacking is a great idea too.
Pat you are responsible for my Sunday morning laughter---don't stop commenting. 😁 Plus you have given me some great ideas! I saw a dehydrator at H Mart that I can't stop thinking about but I don't want to spend the money. I see it as a future purchase though because I do love dried fruit. Are you just putting the dried fruit on top of the pancakes or mixing them in?
@@ArdentMichelle I mix them into the batter before frying. I like to break them up to avoid chunks but rather a bit of fruit throughout. I also like to add a little exra vanilla extract or other flavoring if I have it.
@@ArdentMichelleYou can dehydrate in your oven too. I had a dehydrator years ago when they first came out, only used it a few times. It took hours for the fruit to dehydrate. Decided it was just easier and cheaper to buy them. But did get to make my Dad beef jerky once. Lol
@@patpeters6331 oh wow. That sounds so interesting. I have to try this. I love fruit in my meals so this sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing how you make these pancakes. 😁
@@ArdentMichelle buying a dehydrator is economical, I found mine paid for itself within the first year of having it. It means I don’t throw out perished vegetables as if I’m unlikely to use them I either dehydrate them or make crackers, or vegetable stock granules. (You don’t have to cook them before hydrating.)
As usual everything looks delicious, but the lasagna soup looked so yummy and easy I just added lasagna noodles to todays WalMart delivery order. I just have to try it!
Hi Effie 😁 I'm so glad you're trying the lasagna soup because it was so good I wished I started making it sooner! Hope you love it as much as I did. 👩🍳
That lasagna soup looked delicious and I was thinking the same thing I think I’m going to use tempeh and some smoky paprika to take the place of the sausage and give it a try thanks!
I've used the ravioli for lazy lasagna and the frozen spinach, beef patties, mushrooms and frozen peppers and onions and sauce...yummy can also use Alfred instead of red sauce.
You can replace the meat with TVP to save even more. Adding spices to flavor it how you like. Plus added benifit the fat level is 0 unless you add it. It has the same chewy texture. You can add bullion to give it a beef flavor or chicken flavor. I use vegan broths to rehydrate it. Works beautifully.
Those Organic Valley Tomatoes are the best ever, and I grab a few cans every trip to Dollar Tree- they really uplevel my soups for me. For way cheaper than elsewhere.
Hi! Thanks for another great video 👏 if you wanted to make a larger batch of the lasagna soup you could boil the noodles separately, add some butter or oil to them and just add them at about a minute or two before the end of reheating the soup.
The Sunkist Biscuits are the cheaper alternative to the BelVita. I find that a cup or two of hot tea or coffee and a packet (usually 4 biscuits/cookies) will fill me up for about 4 hours.
Wow, that lasagna soup and roll-ups look delicious!! More fun stuff for me to try and I do have all the ingredients already! I made your beef roast with carrots and potatoes today, It was SO GOOD! My honey was impressed, thank you!! I also have been making the tortilla chips in my little oven and I love them! So easy and non-greasy. I make them for a snack nearly every day. Thanks girl!!! 🙂😘🥳❤
I agree about the marinara sauce. I always make my own using spices and crushed tomatoes. I can adjust it for whatever I am making whether it is pizza or pasta.
Yeah. I switched to getting cans of BASIC tomato sauce. The cans or cartons are smaller but it does not have I extra salt or the flavor ingredients. Iberia and Hunt's both have a cheaper basic tomato sauce. I add my own diced tomatoes, minced onions, garlic, basil, and other things. I do not mind adding my own ingredients like meat or mushrooms. I cut my sodium intake and save money while customizing my own sauce.
@@Holly-ys1me I'm now cutting the sodium intake too. I never realized the crazy amounts in these types of foods until I started reading the labels specifically looking at sodium😳
That shredded cheese is awful. I always get the block cheese when I get it there and shred it myself. Lasagna soup is underrated. These recipes are proof you can eat tasty food on a budget. Thanks for posting
I noticed there was an Aldi next to the $Tree. I couldn’t help but think some of the ingredients you bought would have been cheaper at Aldi. Your $ Tree is a lot better stocked and neater than the ones in central North Carolina. Ours are Hot mess!! I’m a very price conscious grocery shopper and am lucky enough to have several grocery stores close together so I often make multiple stops depending on the sales items.
Hi Susan 😁 Yes I agree. That's why I said in the video that some of the ingredients could be found elsewhere for less, sometimes a LOT less. I ALWAYS make multiple stops for groceries to save money. It just makes sense. But I do sometimes enjoy the Dollar Tree challenges where I'm forced to create something from what they have.
Another great video! I was wondering if you ever consider doing a series on the extreme budget challenge for different diets like keto, Paleo, vegan, etc. I am sure you will never be able to come in as low as you normally do but it would be nice to see how low you could come in for different diets and then maybe you could do it only shopping at dollar tree or Walmart, etc.
You already present your meals beautifully but may I suggest showing how to make a balsamic glaze ( vinegar and sugar reduction) so that viewers don’t have to buy it. It is so simple and cheap.
Thank you so much 😁 Yes balsamic glaze is easy to make and you can also make it without sugar like I suggested in the pan, but it would be good to demonstrate this. 👍
Your Dollar Tree has a much better selection of groceries than mine does. We have almost nothing here in Mississippi to choose from because they are not very well stocked. So sad and unfortunate for people who need to shop there.
I really appreciate what this channel offers people on a low food budget but I just wanted to suggest that your viewers also consider this: gluten can actually stimulate your appetite (this was in the book Wheat Belly), which is certainly true for me. If I start eating bread and pasta regularly, I find that I am hungry all the time. So, it may be worthwhile to eat less wheat and eat mostly rice/potatoes for your carbs - you may find that you can stay full longer. I am not gluten-free but I try not to rely on bread and pasta too much.
Fennel seeds are a great addition to any pantry. Unfortunately I have diverticulitis and that's one of the few herbs that exacerbate my diverticulitis. Also those raviolis are real winner at Dollar tree. I also recommend their pot stickers in their frozen food section. Also the one thing that is always the biggest loser at the Dollar tree is the cheeses. I don't know if it's the oil content or what but they will not melt. People are much better off buying that particular menu item at a regular supermarket.
Hello 😁 I counted the ravioli and there were 11 they said a serving was 5 pieces so I don't think it would be enough for 3 people unless you were using it in a soup with some added veggies, then I think that would work. I agree though, great for a lenten meal 😁
i always keep a huge container of dried minced onions on hand. They're great for hamburgers and have been good in every recipe ive ever made. Side note i made a meatloaf yesterday with half turkey half beef and i forgot the egg! but it turned out fine without the egg. Probably because the turkey is so mushy it worked as the binder.
Thanks for sharing this info. Are you buying the dried minced onion or making it yourself? I like the idea of adding it to recipes. As for not using an egg in the meatloaf, it's surprising how many times we can get by without an egg in a recipe that calls for it. 😂
@@ArdentMichelle I've made it before but my dog chewed my dehydrator cord in half lol. Luckily it wasn't plugged in! I have a soldering iron I just haven't gotten around to fixing it yet. Currently I'm using store bought :)
Love lasagna soup. It's better that lasagna to me. That balsamic vinegar meal looks good. I would add Brussel spouts - I love balsamic vinegar with Brussel spouts.
It was better than lasagna to me too. 👩🍳 I've had balsamic vinegar with brussel sprouts and agree its very delicious. I've had it in restaurants but never made it at home. I haven't had it in awhile. Thanks for the reminder. 👩🍳
I will definitely try the cheese ravioli with balsamic vinegar and butter. Am a big fan of balsamic vinegar. Have you tried it with fresh strawberries? One of my favorite ways to use it. 🍓 Recently used it when frying chicken legs. Not a big fan of chicken legs so the balsamic vinegar along with a variety of spices took them up a notch. 😋
You don’t see balsamic vinegar used much. I don’t use it much. But it is does give a lot of flavor. I do love going to Bella Vita to taste test all the balsamic vinegars and olive oils.
@@carmenwheatley7316 I make coleslaw using a balsamic vinegar based vinaigrette instead of mayo. Rainbow carrots, sweet onion and cabbage. Just a touch of honey.
a guy at worked used to make lasagna rollups with shredded cooked chicken breasts and lots of cheese LOL - think he spread cream cheese or ricotta on the noodle as well before rolling up. I'm too impatient to deal with the noodles tearing!
Hi Susanna 😁 I wanted to experiment with another version of those rolls ups but didn't get the chance. I love the idea of using chicken with cream cheese in those 👩🍳
Hi Michelle! I enjoy cooking and I have learned a lot by watching your videos. I also like saving money on food. I noticed that you often cook dry spices with oil at the beginning of the cooking process. I usually add mine when a recipe calls for it, which is usually after adding a liquid, vegetable, or meat. What are the benefits of adding the spices earlier in your opinion along with cooking oil? Does it seem to enhance the flavor of the spices to "cook" them first? Thank you!
Hi Melissa 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you find my videos helpful. It's supposed to help develop the flavor of the spices. It's called "blooming." I do it when I remember, but I also add them into the liquid sometimes. I'm not sure exactly HOW much of a difference it makes, but I LOVE the aroma it provides in the kitchen 😂
I am still waiting for Food Network to come to their senses and offer Michelle her own show!!! You are an absolute magician pulling amazing meals together. 🪄🪄🪄🪄. You took some basic ingredients and turned them into something special. Everyone deserves to have food and you are helping people who could maybe only buy a couple of things have something fantastic to celebrate withwith their family. ❤❤
Not trying to take away from you, I love your videos, however, you asked about the burgers. 6:16 There’s another RUclipsr that made a video last year using $5 and shopping from the dollar tree. She created 6 meals for 1 person. Her meat was the burger pattie’s. I have personally recreated her meals just to try them and they were quite tasty. If you want to see her video, her name is Rachel Resets.
Hi Jennifer 😁 It's my understanding that another RUclipsr That Lisa Dawn also used those burgers and liked them. I'm glad they reviewed those in case anyone was wondering how they were. Some of my viewers have also tried them and said that they were not too bad.
@@ArdentMichelle Growing up my mom made chicken soup using the hearts and livers, so it's not a big deal to me. They're actually quite tasty. Sounds heartless I know (no pun intended) but when you're poor and hungry it's just how things are. In some ways I am grateful for growing up so poor because it prepared me for these hard times, which I never thought we would ever see again. 😥
@@ArdentMichelle I totally get it, I don’t eat much meat either and can’t get myself to eat organ meat or baby animals (lamb or veal). I can’t get my carnivorous guys to give up meat, so I go ‘less meat’ instead of ‘meat less’, they’re not on to my tricks yet.
@@susans9491 That's me with my sons. 😂 They eat SO MUCH meat. Fortunately they both like tofu though, because I introduced it to them when they were little.
Avoid corn syrup...I saw that on one of the sausages packages you did not pick up. Junk they add to our food. There are about 40 to 50 words that mean sugar in our foods... Horrific. Great video!!
Am not really a fan of brown rice so I mix it half and half with the white rice and cook it as I would just the white rice. I never even tried the brown rice until I started watching your channel so I think you can count me as a convert to brown rice. Lol
Wow that's a great idea 👍 I'm glad I was able to have an influence on you. I haven't been able to convince my sons. They are staunch white rice supporters. Maybe if I mixed it with brown they would be ok with it. Thanks for this post. 👩🍳
I wish y'all lived in my area. Bratwurst has been free around here so folks are giving it away. I have both smoked and hot as well as jalapeno flavored and others in my freezers. I take the fresh meat out of the casing and use it as ground sausage. I have had to process and figure out what to do with over 40 pounds of bratwurst for the month of February. In the end, I just started putting them in the freezer.
I wish y'all lived in my area. Bratwurst has been free around here so folks are giving it away. I have both smoked and hot as well as jalapeno flavored and others in my freezers. I take the fresh meat out of the casing and use it as ground sausage. I have had to process and figure out what to do with over 40 pounds of bratwurst for the month of February. In the end, I just started putting them in the freezer.
I'm going to try your marinara sauce, it looks pretty easy to make and I already have the ingredients. I've never had or made lasagna rollups before, I'm definitely going to try those. To stretch my meat, I usually add refried beans. It doesn't alter the taste at all
Hi Jolene 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you are going to try making marinara sauce. It is SO much better than bottled. Let me know how it turns out. Great idea to add beans to stretch the meat 👍 Thanks for sharing this great advice.
Also you could use the water/brine from a can of chickpeas for your binder instead of eggs. You do need to whip it some to froth it like an egg white. It's called aquafaba.
Hi Kathia 😁 It said something like "great melting cheese" on the package. They lied to me. I knew better 😂 I've used the jalapeño jack block before and it works great. I picked that up and will be using in another video. I agree with you.
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I just love how you are always able to make something out of nothing. My mother was very frugal, and we ate a lot of struggle meals back in the day, but I don't think even she could come up with some of the meals I've seen on this channel. You've definitely given me some ideas. Those lasagna rolls looked great!
Thanks Tara 🥰 I'm so glad you like the meals I come up with.
@Tara. I agree. The struggle meals I grew up with don't hold a candle to Michelle's creativity.
@@patpeters6331 awe...🥰
I agree about the lasagna roll-ups. I am going to try those.
The QUEEN is back with more frugal meals, yay!!!
awe....thank you 🥰 I appreciate you!
You were a chef in a former life, weren't you? I'm always amazed at the meals you can make. Thank you for your time to help us manage our grocery money choices. Have a great week. 👍 ❤️
Haha 😂 I'm just a poor little home cook trying to make good food 👩🍳 Glad you like my meals Willette. 😁 Have an awesome week filled with lots of good eats 👩🍳
Omg your dollar tree is SO well stocked!! Mine looks like someone freed a bear in it and it ate up all the stock haha!
Hi Robin 😁 That's funny 😂 I can relate, because I've been to a few of those Dollar Trees.
Wow your Dollar Tree was well stocked. If I am lucky enough to find the shelf stable milk in stock I grab it because it's usually sold out.
Hi Pat 😁 I love my Dollar Tree 💜 I mean....not as much as when they were a dollar 😂 but still....it's fun. When I'm reviewing the video footage I always see items that I should have grabbed. I'm always too focused on my challenge. I wish I would have picked up the regular milk. So good to have on hand.
All three meals looked really good. I think I'll try the lasagna soup first. It looks so simple, yet having a selection of spices to bump up the flavor of basic ingredients is the trick. Got to have those spices!
Hi Sandra 😁 Hope you enjoy the lasagna soup. It was my favorite. 👩🍳
I made a bigger batch of this for lunch and added about 1/2 cup of frozen corn at end and also threw in some leftover spinach. Sooo delicious!
Yay! I'm so glad you liked it. 😁 Thanks for letting me know.
✨ Hi, Michelle. :) You keep people fed with delicious meals when they can’t afford to buy much food. That’s not a small thing.
Thanks Debbie 🥰
Just happen to have the ingredients. So happy we’ll be having lasagna soup tonight! 😋
Hi Catherine 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you liked the lasagna soup. 👩🍳
I’ve had fennel seeds in my pantry fir many years. My grandma always said it aides in digestion and it tastes fantastic.
Hi Susan 😁That's so interesting. I just read that fennel seeds help the good bacteria in our gut thereby aiding in digestion. Thanks for pointing this out. I love foods that heal.
You can stretch ground meat with lentils or quinoa. Especially if you have an instant pot as it does not take long. I often just bung everything into my slow cooker (ground meat, lentils / quinoa, tinned tomatoes, diced onion, prepared vegetables) and turn it on low, before I go to work. When I get home everything is cooked.
Yum. 😋 I need to use quinoa more. It's in my pantry but I forget to use it for some reason. Your recipe sounds delicious.
@@ArdentMichelle here in the uk, they are expensive in the health stores but can be picked up pretty cheaply in the foreign foods isle. The packets tend to be bigger too. I usually purchase the rainbow quinoa (a mix between red, white and black). Likewise lentils are cheaper at the big supermarkets but look in the whole grain section as there is usually more choice. I mix different types together. (I live frugally so it means oftentimes I need to buy the premixed packs. Look out for health stores sales as good deals can be had.
We love the balsamic glaze on avocado .
Interesting 😂 Will have to try that.
Wow so much thought and preperation! Awesomely Awesome!
Glad you like it 😁
Your lasagna soup looks delicious! It's sad how so many products have been downsized. I noticed that the noodles were 12 Oz & the sausage was 7 oz. I even noticed in Aldi's that their packing on frozen vegetables is 3/4 of a pound but the package looks the same & the price is marked .79. I really had to read the packaging because I thought it was a one pound package. I know I can do better at Aldi's vs. Dollar tree on canned products like rotel, canned corn etc. I've been making my own pizza sauce with tomato sauce & pantry spices because it's so much cheaper than buying jarred or canned sauce. You really have to read the packages to make sure you are getting the most for your money.
Hi Dawn 😁 I've been noticing the smaller sizes too. 😞 Dollar Tree isn't much of a deal anymore, but I still like shopping there.
Dollar Tree ravioli is one of my favorites. You can make a layered dish with the ravioli, mozzarella cheese. Alfredo sauce and tomato sauce. Bake in oven uncovered for 40 minutes.
Hi Rebekah 😁 Yeah I was thinking the ravioli would make a great casserole. Love the idea of mixing the tomato sauce with the Alfredo.
Great video Michelle! Lisa done on her videos from dollar tree uses those meat patties and says they work really well in recipes!
I haven’t tried them yet I don’t eat very much meeting when I do I like it to be like really good quality but she has says there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them when you cook thoroughly and add to a recipe
Hi Wendie 😁 glad you liked my video. Good to know that those hamburger patties taste great in case anyone wants to try those. 👍
You sure can tell that you're a very good cook. Everything you make looks deliciously gourmet !😛
Thank you so much 😁
6:29 Those are my favorites! It's a real comfort to have those in the freezer. Healthy and versatile.
Agreed 👍
Three more tasty & economical meals! Thanks Michelle.
I really wish our Canadian Dollar Tree stores offered a more expansive selection of pantry goods. And we don’t have any of the freezer or refrigerator items available to you in the USA. 😕
Yes! It drives me crazy.
Hi JuneBug 😁 Yay! I'm glad you like my meals. If you want to do this challenge, you can use a regular store. I meant to mention that for my viewers that are not in the U.S. But please share your delicious meal ideas with me. 😂
Great ideas! I definitely intend on trying out the rolled up lasagna noodles that looks really yummy.
Glad you liked my video 😁
One of the dollar trees that I go to has shelf stable tofu. The brand is Mori-nu it is made in the U.S.A. and is pretty good. They only have it about once a month and it sells out very fast. :)
That's awesome. I would love to find tofu at my Dollar Tree. I've never seen shelf stable tofu before at any store 🤔
Love the creativity of making the most of minimal inexpensive ingredients. ❤
Glad you like this video 😁
You have opened my eyes to the surprising variety of foods available at Dollar Tree! 🤯
So glad you liked this video 😁
Wow 🤩 your DT has so many things! And all of that dried fruit. 👍🏻 My roommate bought that same shredded cheese and it’s Not good. 🥴 😁 But that’s why we try things. 🥰😍
I was hoping to save others their $1.25 by trying it. It literally said "great melting cheese". I was going to get my kitchen torch out to it to see if that could get it to melt, but ran out of time. 😂 I wonder if they would refund me my dollar.
@@ArdentMichelle LOL on using your kitchen torch 😆 but you might not want to burn it and breathe in the fumes haha 😄😂
@@CathieG So true 😂 Who knows what's actually in that stuff. 😂
@@ArdentMichelle yep exactly 😵💫 On a side note, one of my personal “rules” is to not buy any “food” made in C h I n a ….. They’ve been caught having questionable things in some products 😳🤯🤢
@@CathieG they definitely consume some products that could be considered a little strange to the regular American diet. I'll make sure to read labels. 😂 You may hear about one of these in an upcoming $5 Food Adventure Video (stinky Tofu). LOL - I didn't have the nerve to try it- but it's very popular.
👍 👌 I haven't been to Dollar Tree in years. I will see if my daughter will want to go with me. Lasagne roll ups are a favorite. They freeze well. One of my favorites is with tofu and spinach I do like a bit of cheese. Thank you for another wedged video
You're welcome 😁 Glad you like this video. I love the lasagna roll ups with spinach and tofu also. 👍 Hope you go and enjoy your shopping trip at Dollar Tree.
I’m going to try the ravioli with the sausage mixed in an Alfredo sauce with broccoli on the side 😊
Oh I love that idea 👍 Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you for added what is at Walmart. My dollar tree does not have a frozen section. My grandma use to take the fennel out of the sausage for dad. He could not eat it. Your recipe looked a lot easier lol
You're welcome 😁 These were VERY easy recipes. Thanks for watching!
Lasagne Soup! Such an interesting concept!! When I cook soups,stews & such I choose not to mix the pasta/rice in. Cook separate so base can be reheated or frozen separate
Hi Erin 😁 Yeah nobody wants soggy noodles 😂
The Trader Joe’s glaze is really good on toasted Italian /French bread topped with the best Ricotta you can afford, and drizzled with the balsamic glaze
That sounds great, however I would sub out goat cheese 😁 Maybe I've never tried a good ricotta though 😂
I love your recipes and of course your soothing voice!
Thank you so much! 🥰 I'm glad you like my videos and my voice ( since you have to listen to it so much 😂) Thanks for letting me know.
Ok, last comment, I promise!
I keep the dried fruit handy and use them to add to my pancakes when I don't have fesh fruit handy. Takes them up a notch. I have also used them with fresh fruit to make a warm fruit compote. Also add them to my oatmeal. Yum.
Of course keeping them in the car for snacking is a great idea too.
Pat you are responsible for my Sunday morning laughter---don't stop
commenting. 😁 Plus you have given me some great ideas! I saw a dehydrator at H Mart that I can't stop thinking about but I don't want to spend the money. I see it as a future purchase though because I do love dried fruit. Are you just putting the dried fruit on top of the pancakes or mixing them in?
@@ArdentMichelle I mix them into the batter before frying. I like to break them up to avoid chunks but rather a bit of fruit throughout. I also like to add a little exra vanilla extract or other flavoring if I have it.
@@ArdentMichelleYou can dehydrate in your oven too. I had a dehydrator years ago when they first came out, only used it a few times. It took hours for the fruit to dehydrate. Decided it was just easier and cheaper to buy them. But did get to make my Dad beef jerky once. Lol
@@patpeters6331 oh wow. That sounds so interesting. I have to try this. I love fruit in my meals so this sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing how you make these pancakes. 😁
@@ArdentMichelle buying a dehydrator is economical, I found mine paid for itself within the first year of having it. It means I don’t throw out perished vegetables as if I’m unlikely to use them I either dehydrate them or make crackers, or vegetable stock granules. (You don’t have to cook them before hydrating.)
As usual everything looks delicious, but the lasagna soup looked so yummy and easy I just added lasagna noodles to todays WalMart delivery order. I just have to try it!
Hi Effie 😁 I'm so glad you're trying the lasagna soup because it was so good I wished I started making it sooner! Hope you love it as much as I did. 👩🍳
I wish my Dollar Tree had black beans too
That lasagna soup looked delicious and I was thinking the same thing I think I’m going to use tempeh and some smoky paprika to take the place of the sausage and give it a try thanks!
Hi Anna 😁 I'm sure that will be great. 👩🍳
I've used the ravioli for lazy lasagna and the frozen spinach, beef patties, mushrooms and frozen peppers and onions and sauce...yummy
can also use Alfred instead of red sauce.
Hi Tracie 😁 I was thinking the same about using the ravioli for lasagna instead. Using Alfredo sauce instead is a good idea. 👍
You can replace the meat with TVP to save even more. Adding spices to flavor it how you like. Plus added benifit the fat level is 0 unless you add it. It has the same chewy texture. You can add bullion to give it a beef flavor or chicken flavor. I use vegan broths to rehydrate it. Works beautifully.
That works 👍 Great ideas!
Rice with beans and corn and any kind of meat makes a great meals
👍
Those Organic Valley Tomatoes are the best ever, and I grab a few cans every trip to Dollar Tree- they really uplevel my soups for me. For way cheaper than elsewhere.
Hi Claudia 😁 Yeah I thought those were a great find.
Hi! Thanks for another great video 👏 if you wanted to make a larger batch of the lasagna soup you could boil the noodles separately, add some butter or oil to them and just add them at about a minute or two before the end of reheating the soup.
Hi TM 😁 That's a great idea, especially since I was unsure of how many lasagna noodles to use.
and you're welcome 🥰 glad you liked this video. Thanks for watching!
The Sunkist Biscuits are the cheaper alternative to the BelVita. I find that a cup or two of hot tea or coffee and a packet (usually 4 biscuits/cookies) will fill me up for about 4 hours.
I haven't had the belvita. I agree, they are good with coffee. ☕️
Not as good as Belvita but the price is great!
Wow, that lasagna soup and roll-ups look delicious!! More fun stuff for me to try and I do have all the ingredients already! I made your beef roast with carrots and potatoes today, It was SO GOOD! My honey was impressed, thank you!! I also have been making the tortilla chips in my little oven and I love them! So easy and non-greasy. I make them for a snack nearly every day. Thanks girl!!!
🙂😘🥳❤
You're welcome 👍 yeah I love that the oven tortilla chips have so much less oil. Glad you are enjoying those. Have a great week Vinny 😁
I agree about the marinara sauce. I always make my own using spices and crushed tomatoes. I can adjust it for whatever I am making whether it is pizza or pasta.
Homemade marinara is so much better 👩🍳
Yeah. I switched to getting cans of BASIC tomato sauce. The cans or cartons are smaller but it does not have I extra salt or the flavor ingredients. Iberia and Hunt's both have a cheaper basic tomato sauce. I add my own diced tomatoes, minced onions, garlic, basil, and other things. I do not mind adding my own ingredients like meat or mushrooms. I cut my sodium intake and save money while customizing my own sauce.
@@Holly-ys1me I'm now cutting the sodium intake too. I never realized the crazy amounts in these types of foods until I started reading the labels specifically looking at sodium😳
Great job. And honestly I have had the beef patties Andy while they aren’t my first choice for meat, they aren’t horrible
Hi Rachel 😁 Thanks for letting us know that those hamburger patties are decent.
Mayonnaise USA very good substitute for eggs in tuna and salmon cakes.
Hi Karen 😁 Thanks for the info. 👍
Thanks!
Thank you so much Susan 🥰 I appreciate you!
I’m so happy whenever you upload! Going to watch the new video as soon as the weird Dior ad ends!
😂 This made me laugh. Surprised Dior is placing ads on a budget channel. 😂😂
Glad you look forward to my uploads 🥰
@@ArdentMichelle I’ve Ben seeing mostly Dior ads and Violife vegan cheese on your channel. An interesting mix, for sure!
@@susans9491 I agree. That is quite an interesting mix 😂 hmmm 🤔 Violife vegan cheese. I've never tried vegan cheese before. 😂
Lasagna soup is the best. Make some fry bread or Naan...yummm
Naan...yum. Haven't had that in a few months. 👩🍳
Your videos make my day 😊
I'm so glad! 🥰
I’m not one to eat TVP either so I appreciate you omitting it. Off to Dollar Tree I go!!
Have fun shopping! 😁
Let me know if you come up with any great meals
That shredded cheese is awful. I always get the block cheese when I get it there and shred it myself. Lasagna soup is underrated. These recipes are proof you can eat tasty food on a budget. Thanks for posting
Thanks Michelle 😁
Like always very nice and well presentation, I’m going to try the lasagna soup.❤
Yay! 😁 I'm glad you like the lasagna soup. I think you will love it 🥰
Great ideas as always!
Thanks Sara 😁 Glad you liked this video.
I think the Pede Ravioli is one of the best items at the Dollar Tree… 🎶
Hi Shelz 😁 Glad you agree that the ravioli is good 👍 Thanks for watching.
I noticed there was an Aldi next to the $Tree. I couldn’t help but think some of the ingredients you bought would have been cheaper at Aldi. Your $ Tree is a lot better stocked and neater than the ones in central North Carolina. Ours are Hot mess!! I’m a very price conscious grocery shopper and am lucky enough to have several grocery stores close together so I often make multiple stops depending on the sales items.
Hi Susan 😁 Yes I agree. That's why I said in the video that some of the ingredients could be found elsewhere for less, sometimes a LOT less. I ALWAYS make multiple stops for groceries to save money. It just makes sense. But I do sometimes enjoy the Dollar Tree challenges where I'm forced to create something from what they have.
Another great video! I was wondering if you ever consider doing a series on the extreme budget challenge for different diets like keto, Paleo, vegan, etc. I am sure you will never be able to come in as low as you normally do but it would be nice to see how low you could come in for different diets and then maybe you could do it only shopping at dollar tree or Walmart, etc.
Thank you so much 😁 I lose viewers even when I do low carb, so no, I don't think I should. I would have a lot of fun doing it though.
You already present your meals beautifully but may I suggest showing how to make a balsamic glaze ( vinegar and sugar reduction) so that viewers don’t have to buy it. It is so simple and cheap.
Thank you so much 😁 Yes balsamic glaze is easy to make and you can also make it without sugar like I suggested in the pan, but it would be good to demonstrate this. 👍
I look forward to your presentations. 🙂
Yay, thank you! 😁
Your Dollar Tree has a much better selection of groceries than mine does. We have almost nothing here in Mississippi to choose from because they are not very well stocked. So sad and unfortunate for people who need to shop there.
I wonder why your DT doesn't carry more groceries 🤔 That's a bummer 😞
I really appreciate what this channel offers people on a low food budget but I just wanted to suggest that your viewers also consider this: gluten can actually stimulate your appetite (this was in the book Wheat Belly), which is certainly true for me. If I start eating bread and pasta regularly, I find that I am hungry all the time. So, it may be worthwhile to eat less wheat and eat mostly rice/potatoes for your carbs - you may find that you can stay full longer. I am not gluten-free but I try not to rely on bread and pasta too much.
Hi Molly 😁 Thanks for sharing your opinion on this.
I love the sweetness of balsamic vinegar...have some fancy ones in my pantry as well! Nice job on the video, AM! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)
Thanks Dawn 😁
Love it
Glad you like my video! 😁
Fennel seeds are a great addition to any pantry. Unfortunately I have diverticulitis and that's one of the few herbs that exacerbate my diverticulitis.
Also those raviolis are real winner at Dollar tree. I also recommend their pot stickers in their frozen food section.
Also the one thing that is always the biggest loser at the Dollar tree is the cheeses. I don't know if it's the oil content or what but they will not melt. People are much better off buying that particular menu item at a regular supermarket.
I haven't tried their potstickers. Thanks for letting us know about those. 😁
Excellent!
Thank you so much
I was just thinking the cheese ravioli would make a good Lenten meal for a Friday dinner. I think one package would’ve enough for three of us.
Hello 😁 I counted the ravioli and there were 11 they said a serving was 5 pieces so I don't think it would be enough for 3 people unless you were using it in a soup with some added veggies, then I think that would work. I agree though, great for a lenten meal 😁
i always keep a huge container of dried minced onions on hand. They're great for hamburgers and have been good in every recipe ive ever made. Side note i made a meatloaf yesterday with half turkey half beef and i forgot the egg! but it turned out fine without the egg. Probably because the turkey is so mushy it worked as the binder.
Thanks for sharing this info. Are you buying the dried minced onion or making it yourself? I like the idea of adding it to recipes.
As for not using an egg in the meatloaf, it's surprising how many times we can get by without an egg in a recipe that calls for it. 😂
@@ArdentMichelle I've made it before but my dog chewed my dehydrator cord in half lol. Luckily it wasn't plugged in! I have a soldering iron I just haven't gotten around to fixing it yet. Currently I'm using store bought :)
@@DeterminedDIYer ok good to know. I'll have to pick some up. I usually just use onion powder but I like the idea of using the dried minced onion.
@@ArdentMichelle I just rehydrate it in a little water before I use it
Love lasagna soup. It's better that lasagna to me.
That balsamic vinegar meal looks good. I would add Brussel spouts - I love balsamic vinegar with Brussel spouts.
It was better than lasagna to me too. 👩🍳 I've had balsamic vinegar with brussel sprouts and agree its very delicious. I've had it in restaurants but never made it at home. I haven't had it in awhile. Thanks for the reminder. 👩🍳
I am allergic to balsamic vinegar but I would add pomegranate paste with the walnuts.
hmmmmm🤔 pomegranate paste. I've never tried that. Sounds good.
@@ArdentMichelle it is very good. It's very tart.
Mayo is an egg replacement in a pinch
good to know 👍
I will definitely try the cheese ravioli with balsamic vinegar and butter. Am a big fan of balsamic vinegar. Have you tried it with fresh strawberries? One of my favorite ways to use it. 🍓
Recently used it when frying chicken legs. Not a big fan of chicken legs so the balsamic vinegar along with a variety of spices took them up a notch. 😋
No I haven't had balsamic vinegar with strawberries, but I do love both so I will definitely try it. Yum! 😋 I'm sure it's delicious!
You don’t see balsamic vinegar used much. I don’t use it much. But it is does give a lot of flavor.
I do love going to Bella Vita to taste test all the balsamic vinegars and olive oils.
@@carmenwheatley7316 I make coleslaw using a balsamic vinegar based vinaigrette instead of mayo. Rainbow carrots, sweet onion and cabbage. Just a touch of honey.
@@carmenwheatley7316 I love taste testing new vinegars. So fun!
@@susans9491 Sounds delicious. I will have to try that. Thanks for sharing.
a guy at worked used to make lasagna rollups with shredded cooked chicken breasts and lots of cheese LOL - think he spread cream cheese or ricotta on the noodle as well before rolling up. I'm too impatient to deal with the noodles tearing!
Hi Susanna 😁 I wanted to experiment with another version of those rolls ups but didn't get the chance. I love the idea of using chicken with cream cheese in those 👩🍳
@@ArdentMichelle hard to go wrong with cream cheese LOL!
Hi Michelle! I enjoy cooking and I have learned a lot by watching your videos. I also like saving money on food. I noticed that you often cook dry spices with oil at the beginning of the cooking process. I usually add mine when a recipe calls for it, which is usually after adding a liquid, vegetable, or meat. What are the benefits of adding the spices earlier in your opinion along with cooking oil? Does it seem to enhance the flavor of the spices to "cook" them first? Thank you!
Hi Melissa 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you find my videos helpful. It's supposed to help develop the flavor of the spices. It's called "blooming." I do it when I remember, but I also add them into the liquid sometimes. I'm not sure exactly HOW much of a difference it makes, but I LOVE the aroma it provides in the kitchen 😂
@@ArdentMichelle Sounds good- I will start giving it a try and see if I notice a difference. Thank you!
All shapes and styles of pasta are $1.00/ 1 lb package at Trader Joe's in the Chicago area.
thanks for this tip. I'll check for that next time I'm there.
Awesome thanks
Welcome 😊
I'd really gain weight if I ate at your house lol your recipes always look so good!!!!
😂 Well I'm glad you like the food I make. 😁
I am still waiting for Food Network to come to their senses and offer Michelle her own show!!! You are an absolute magician pulling amazing meals together. 🪄🪄🪄🪄. You took some basic ingredients and turned them into something special. Everyone deserves to have food and you are helping people who could maybe only buy a couple of things have something fantastic to celebrate withwith their family. ❤❤
They would probably insist that I come out of hiding 😂. On a serious note, I'm so glad you like this video and that you think it will be helpful. 🥰
Great job!
Glad you like my video 😁 Thanks for letting me know 🥰
Not trying to take away from you, I love your videos, however, you asked about the burgers. 6:16
There’s another RUclipsr that made a video last year using $5 and shopping from the dollar tree. She created 6 meals for 1 person. Her meat was the burger pattie’s. I have personally recreated her meals just to try them and they were quite tasty. If you want to see her video, her name is Rachel Resets.
Hi Jennifer 😁 It's my understanding that another RUclipsr That Lisa Dawn also used those burgers and liked them. I'm glad they reviewed those in case anyone was wondering how they were. Some of my viewers have also tried them and said that they were not too bad.
That block pepperjack cheese you showed is a real cheese, the dollar tree shreds are a fake cheese product.
I'm thinking Dollar Trees not going to have eggs since they are close to $4 now and More in some states
I have used the beef patties before, they were fine however I suspect that my taste buds aren't as finely tuned as yours. 🤣
😂 I couldn't get past the idea that I would be eating the heart of an animal. I'm already not a big meat eater 😂
@@ArdentMichelle Growing up my mom made chicken soup using the hearts and livers, so it's not a big deal to me. They're actually quite tasty. Sounds heartless I know (no pun intended) but when you're poor and hungry it's just how things are. In some ways I am grateful for growing up so poor because it prepared me for these hard times, which I never thought we would ever see again. 😥
@@ArdentMichelle I totally get it, I don’t eat much meat either and can’t get myself to eat organ meat or baby animals (lamb or veal). I can’t get my carnivorous guys to give up meat, so I go ‘less meat’ instead of ‘meat less’, they’re not on to my tricks yet.
@@susans9491 That's me with my sons. 😂 They eat SO MUCH meat. Fortunately they both like tofu though, because I introduced it to them when they were little.
@@patpeters6331 sounds like we have similar childhoods. 😞
Avoid corn syrup...I saw that on one of the sausages packages you did not pick up. Junk they add to our food. There are about 40 to 50 words that mean sugar in our foods... Horrific. Great video!!
Thanks so much. 😁 I agree with you. I'm trying to eat lower sugar too and they have added it to EVERYTHING.
Am not really a fan of brown rice so I mix it half and half with the white rice and cook it as I would just the white rice. I never even tried the brown rice until I started watching your channel so I think you can count me as a convert to brown rice. Lol
Wow that's a great idea 👍 I'm glad I was able to have an influence on you. I haven't been able to convince my sons. They are staunch white rice supporters. Maybe if I mixed it with brown they would be ok with it. Thanks for this post. 👩🍳
@@ArdentMichelle I mix brown and white rice and tell our two boys that it’s rice pilaf. So far they’re not on to my tricks!
@@susans9491 I love your sneaky tricks
Susan 😂
Thanks. from India.
Hi VANI 😁 Thanks for watching. 😁 🇮🇳
So nice of you.with 💕 love. Our Nation's flag in your reply....wow... beautiful...I feel so proud.
I got Italian sausage at Walmart 2.38 16 oz had 5 got 5 cheaper then hamburger
yeah that's not a bad deal at Walmart. 👍
Agree
I wish y'all lived in my area. Bratwurst has been free around here so folks are giving it away. I have both smoked and hot as well as jalapeno flavored and others in my freezers. I take the fresh meat out of the casing and use it as ground sausage. I have had to process and figure out what to do with over 40 pounds of bratwurst for the month of February. In the end, I just started putting them in the freezer.
I wish y'all lived in my area. Bratwurst has been free around here so folks are giving it away. I have both smoked and hot as well as jalapeno flavored and others in my freezers. I take the fresh meat out of the casing and use it as ground sausage. I have had to process and figure out what to do with over 40 pounds of bratwurst for the month of February. In the end, I just started putting them in the freezer.
Fennel tastes pretty good, but It disagrees with me terribly.
Oh that's a bummer 😞
I'm going to try your marinara sauce, it looks pretty easy to make and I already have the ingredients. I've never had or made lasagna rollups before, I'm definitely going to try those. To stretch my meat, I usually add refried beans. It doesn't alter the taste at all
Hi Jolene 😁 Yay! I'm so glad you are going to try making marinara sauce. It is SO much better than bottled. Let me know how it turns out. Great idea to add beans to stretch the meat 👍 Thanks for sharing this great advice.
I use lentils or quinoa depending which I have.
Wheres the green vegetables ?
Like canned Spinach or any other green leafy veg. 🤔
I'm figuring my viewers can add the sides in themselves.
hi, can check mail from Nikki ?
I would be careful to not do yourself with showing the strip mall you shop at! Thank you for your videos.
Also you could use the water/brine from a can of chickpeas for your binder instead of eggs. You do need to whip it some to froth it like an egg white. It's called aquafaba.
Thanks for your concern 🥰 You're welcome. I'm glad you like my videos.
True 👍
Dillar tree shredded cheese isn't real cheese. Speaking from experience. I would recommend getting their block cheese and shred it yourself.
Hi Kathia 😁 It said something like "great melting cheese" on the package. They lied to me. I knew better 😂 I've used the jalapeño jack block before and it works great. I picked that up and will be using in another video. I agree with you.
@@ArdentMichelle they lied to me too! 😂
@@kathiaserrano7740 😂