$10 Dinners part 3

In $10 Dinners part 2 I broke down the shopping list into each item needed and listed the prices separately so you could see how the dinner value is calculated.

Because we want to generate 100 of these $10 dinners, in the interest of time from now on I will only indicate the total cost of the dinner. Remember that is my cost and hopefully you can match or beat that cost, and save yourself even more money!

In these times when people are looking for ways to make more money, we can't forget to try to save as much of the money we are making as we can. The extra money you save on your grocery bill could be put towards savings, debt payments to pay them down faster (and save you interest!), or other items you need.

Try to have as much fun planning meals on a budget as you can. Think positive about this and you will do well and can be very proud of yourself. Remember health is important and we are trying to make nutritious meals which cover a wide range of the food groups.

Today's $10 Dinners:

4. Menu: (Mock) BBQ beef on a bun, coleslaw, orange wedges
Shopping list: 3 cans of well-drained tuna in water
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 1/2 cups of bbq sauce (homemade works great)
Combine the above ingredients in non-stick skillet. Heat thoroughly for about 10-15 minutes. Serve on discount or homemade buns.
6 cups shredded cabbage
1 shredded carrot
1/2 cup chopped onion
coleslaw dressing- bought or homemade
Combine coleslaw ingredients and blend well.
Orange wedges- 3 or 4 per person
Total = $7.98

5. Menu: Vegetable BBQ Couscous, cucumber and tomato slices and sausage patties
Shopping list: 1 lb bulk pork sausage meat
1 package frozen veg mix (corn, black beans, broccoli and red peppers)
1/2 bottle bbq sauce
1 box couscous
1 english cucumber
2 tomatoes

Make couscous according to package. Cook frozen veggies, drain and add bbq sauce. Heat together. Form sausage meat into patties and put onto cook in skillet with lid. Meanwhile, slice cucumber and tomatoes. Arrange alternate slices on a plate. Turn sausage patties over and cook on other side.
Serve veggies over couscous, with sausage patties on the side and a plate of cucumber and tomato slices.
Total cost: $7.80

6. Menu: Pinto Beans and Cornbread
Shopping List: 1 lb. dry pinto beans
1 large can tomato sauce
ham pieces or bone
one clove garlic, chopped
spices: pepper, onion powder, cayenne, garlic powder, etc.
1-2 pkg cornbread (or homemade)
Salad dressing

Directions:
Soak beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse. Put all ingredients except salad in crockpot. Add a variety of the spices if desired. Cook for 12 hours on low. Salt as needed after beans are cooked. When beans are ready, cook cornbread and serve. Leftover beans can be used in burritos the next day or frozen.
Total cost: $5.40

I hope today's recipes give you some new ideas for cooking within your budget.