My budget is really low now. I stocked up my pantry and deep freezer at the beginning of the year. I just spend $20-$30 per week on milk or fresh fruits and veggies. I spent close to $600 on meats, cheese, butter and veggies for the freezer. I got flour, canned foods and non-perishables. I save thousands of dollars this way.
@@jillgott6567 yup completely agree. Aldi had their butter on sale for the holidays you better believe I bought like ten for the rest of the year. Big bag of cheese and learned how to make pizza from scratch. Now we have pizza every Fridays or Sundays. I have been doing this for a few years. We managed to save lots of money, which we use to go on vacations and invest. Our family is not feeling the sting of the high prices of groceries out there.
Young lady you are amazing! I have been cooking meals (2 to3 daily) for over 52 years …for my family & raising our two eldest grandchildren,now 26 & 23. Only goes to prove you can teach an old dog…. 🤗
Your son was cracking me up! I love that you let the kids be part of your videos, it's not only super adorable, but it's real life as Mom 👍 I'm new to your channel and really enjoy watching y'all.
I. am definitely making that bread. I watch many of your episodes. I am an almost retired lady but your recipes encourage me to get back into the kitchen more often. I especially like when you tell us your so called mistakes, that is very refreshing and so real. Don't change a thing...Patty from Connecticut
Our eggs are $14.97 for 60 at WM. The 90 pack at Sam's has gone from about 10ish dollars to $21. Eggs are essential in my way of eating so I just have to drop something else in my budget. Have you thought of doing a "what can I make from a 5lb bag of flour"? That's eye opening to those who have not yet learned to bake. Good video!
I'm impressed with your frugality. I love the way you cook your meals and always enjoy your content for videos. The quiche would be a great idea for breakfast. Eggs are getting ridiculously expensive, but it's something we need for so many dishes. Aldi eggs were $2.65/dozen just yesterday. As always, thank you for sharing. ❤️🤗
If you put half of your cheese in the quiche crust before the spinach, it will protect your crust and help it stay crispier and it will also sandwich your spinach in cheesiness. Nothing bad there.
♥️ That is the bread I make every week for my family! Artisan bread! Except I leave it to brown a bit longer- we just like the taste of almost burned bread! Ha! 😂. (Dark brown) And I got really lucky, I found a store near me that had a $20 off for using their online shopping so I did! Twice! 😂 I got all my meats, grains, dry goods, legumes, some fruits & veggies, milks, eggs, a 25 lb bag of jasmine rice & a 44lb bag of AP flour al for $180 minus $40 ($20 twice!) so a total of $$140-- for a month or more!!! (Except the fresh produce of course!). For my family of 5 (3 big strong hungry teens, mom & dad) I love to cook real wholesome food! Yesterday I made an oatmeal breakfast with milk, blueberries, diced peaches, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon & honey! Then I made rice & a cabbage salsa to go with my beans & turkey tacos with jalapeño peppers! (Used for Lunch & dinner but fixed a little differently) Delicious!!! I’m doing a 30-day challenge & trying to stay at $200 but eating well! Thank you for videos & inspiration!
I’ve been saving $ by making 2 meals out of 1 pound of burger. It’s challenging but kind of fun. I usually add rice and veggies of some sort to make it last. It definitely made me more creative in the kitchen 😉
The eggs are $13.82 here in upstate, NY. It's crazy how fast the price jumped up on them. I absolutely love the videos you have been making lately. I look forward to them and they are so helpful! Thank you!!!
Great ideas! Bisquick years ago had a recipe for a crustless quiche that I used to make all the time using up left over frozen veggies. I also save my bones, veggie scraps of celery, onion & carrots in a freezer ziploc in the freezer & when I can, I use my pressure cooker to cook for broth/stock. No added salt or preservatives & lots of flavor.
Maria, you did a great choice in groceries and nice variety of food. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all your hard work. With two boys and a baby, it’s hard to all things done in a day. You must do well,on your time management. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰
I really enjoy your budget meals along with your other posts. It is very important in this day and age to save money and I think it’s cool that you were able to cook for your whole family on such a good price on groceries. I’m not sure where you are from but I’m originally from San Diego, California. I’ve heard from my friends are saying it’s very expensive there
Oh it totally is!! I guess there why San Diego is “Americas finest city” however, it’s expensive. I’m in AZ now it’s not too bad but I’m going back to Cali lol. Wages are better but rent is higher. You just can’t win lol
This is my first time watching one of your videos. I'm so glad I happened upon your channel. You are the first person I've noticed shop on a budget and cook REAL food for their family. You made me hungry on each meal you showed. Lol I do have a recommendation for the chicken noodle thing you made. You can use ramen noodles, canned veggies and chicken also. You can save a little more with the ramen noodles. Oh and With the delicious bread you made, you can do french toast for breakfast. Im hoping to try cooking my own bread soon. You mentioned you need a container with a lid, Does a cake pan with foil as a lid work? Again, thank you. I'm off to check out more of your videos. ❤️
I’m so glad you’re here! Good idea with the ramen 👌 for the bread, unfortunately a Dutch oven or Pyrex with a tight lid is necessary. Take a look at local thrift stores if you don’t have one. It doesn’t need to be in good shape, just needs to seal well in the oven.
I loved this! I love making my own bread, but I rarely make it. The chicken and meal kit tip is genius! Sadly, I'm the only one who eats eggs regularly, so I never buy 60 ct flats of them. However, it might be a good thing because here in Northern Nevada that flat is $14. I can get their cage free eggs for 2.48/dozen, which is cheaper than plain white eggs (2.87/dozen). Our prices are very close to CA prices because we live less than 6 miles from the CA state border. Our region also has the 2nd highest fuel price in the nation, so that's a major contributor to our extremely high prices. Your videos give me such great ideas! I would love to incorporate more chicken into our meal plans but my husband hates chicken. So, I often buy clearance beef and stock up during big sales to help get us by when prices are not so great. I have a food saver that gets used regularly to vacuum seal foods for freshness, and it's been worth the investment!
Another great video. So helpful! I am pleased that you shopped at Walmart. I like that you did the back to basics showing making bread, making pie shell, homemade pancakes, etc. The price for canned vegetables at my Walmart in Washington state is 54 cents, they used to be 50 cents. Great variety of meals!
I normally buy my yellow onions in bag that has 5 or more nice sized onions in it for around $1.69 I just think it’s a better buy purchasing it in bulk , but I know this is a haul where your really counting every penny so I understand that but still they could really impart a lot of flavor in the dishes you need to cook inexpensively.. I use onions in so many of my dishes that I make because they really add a lot of flavor to them and you can do so much with onions . Prices are definitely going up ..I’ve noticed every time I shop that last time the items I got were cheaper by 10 or 30 cents some didn’t go up but most did ! I’m thankful I cook everything from scratch! Gotta have butter it makes everything taste good! 😋I always look for clearance items too .. you just have to keep it in mind to use it up quickly as if it’s a fresh item it will spoil quickly .I really enjoyed your video and I’m new to your channel as I just came across it today! Cooking from scratch seems to be a lost art and I hope ppl start cooking that way again so many reasons …it is more healthy for you , it tastes better , it’s cheaper and these days things are really going up so anyway to stretch a food budget is a good reason to cook that way! I’m glad I found your channel and love that you are teaching ppl how to cook and stretch their budget cooking delicious but simple dishes .. I enjoy using a lot of spices in our food it just adds so much flavor .. goggle what spices enhance the flavor in certain foods etc. I also can up food , I was happy to hear you mention it about the chicken stock ..I absolutely love canning . It’s a little pricey starting out but once you have the canners and jars and some equipment to help you then your set! Enjoy! Loved the video ! Blessings!💕
Loving these videos!! These and the ones where you have too many bananas or rice or beans and all the ways you show how to use them!! These help me see I have TONS of meal options sitting in my house!! It’s really inspiring so thank you!! And please keep them coming!! ♥️😊
You can melt your butter with the same amount of good oil such as olive and put it in the fridge in a tub and whip it as it cools. You can also make 2 gallons of milk by putting half gallon in a jug, you now have two half gallons, top with water and add one cup powdered milk to each and shake well. There’s many ways to extend your food like that. A cup of blender crushed oat cereal makes a good filler for hamburgers as does blender oatmeal.
Your lil humans are adorable 😍 thank you for these new ideas (well for me as a new subscriber) they look awesome. How can we share ideas and recipes with you to try?
I love your videos! I used to only shop at one place but now I am hitting more than one store to get the sale items. it takes a little more time but the savings can be so worth it. I got butter at kroger in a two pound pack for 6.00...cheaper than walmart and the single pounds at kroger! crazy times! Julian is the best...that was my grandpa's name!
Can you do a video on whole chickens? Like how to cook it, clean it, what to do with the rest and meal ideas. Eggs in my town are $4 a dozen. Too much for me. Ps just saw a recipe that had cream of chicken with biscuits for an inexpensive chicken and dumplings and the homemade cream of chicken instead of canned would be amazing
Yum on that recipe! And you’re in luck because I already did one! How to Stretch a Chicken | Recipes for What to Do with a Whole Roast Chicken th-cam.com/video/oi0TxhCRHVc/w-d-xo.html
@@MealsWithMaria you are awesome! The recipe was 2 cans of cream of chicken with water, 3 small cans of walmart biscuits, cut in small pieces. Get soup to a simmer and then add biscuits and season for taste. Cook til biscuits are done and that's it.
What an awesome little announcer he did a great job introducing the video - your videos inspire me to look for deals and be creative . One deal I recently came upon at my local Independent Grocers Association store was Margarine. Now I prefer butter however, rhe Margarine had been clearanced to $.75/ package so I picked up 4. One for a friend 3 for myself. I also have butter in the back of my fridge - coldest part - as well as some in the freezer
Hi Maria, I just recently found your channel. You are truly inspiring, thank you for all the great ideas. Lots of love to you and your beautiful family. ⚘
Maria, you are teaching skills that many young people have no idea about in terms of stretching food, cooking food, viable substitutions etc. Were you taught this way or is it just something you picked up the torch for because of your own financial difficulties? I also love the fact that you mentioned the food banks and the churches because there is no reason for people to be starving.
😀 I am truly just passionate about it! I read recipes for fun and love solving puzzles. Budget cooking is like a puzzle to me! I am so thankful I can help those in need doing what I’m passionate about!! I feel blessed 🙏
@@MealsWithMaria one thing I meant to comment on as well is that in some of your budget videos, you had a limited amount of fat to cook with due to the amount you had to spend but something my mother and grandmother always did and I do at times is if there's any fat that comes off of a roast or chicken pieces that I am roasting, I'll gather the drippings in a jar and the fat settles on the top which can then be used to put flavor into frying onions or I think it would probably taste quite good on a grilled cheese sandwich. I will render down my own lard if I end up with a piece of pork that has a thick side of fat on it and then use it for pies or other things.
You can use a roundwooden spoon in a teflonpan to make whitesauce/ rough. start in the middle and make small circles and go a bit wider when the middle is lump free . Or I like to make it in a smaller pot to stir/ wisk with the easy and well.
New watcher, enjoyed the video! But had to comment that your son is adorable! What a cutie! Then I saw your baby eating the egg! Oh my gosh! another cutie!
I'm so glad I found your channel! I made your chicken Marsala last week and we loved it! I never have tried it before. It was so delicious! Today I made your banana bread (cake) and we will be trying that this evening! I'm so excited! It smells and looks delicious! Thank you so much for all your ideas!. I want to make that crusty bread this week too! I have written down a bunch of your recipes and ideas and added some of my ideas to yours. Things are getting so expensive and I have been doing more homemade than store bought and I'm just so thankful for you and your channel! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you for giving me great ideas that are easy for after busy weekdays. I’ve never made my own bread before (I had a bread maker in the 1980’s that I never used) so I’m going to try to make bread 🍞 next week! I made fluffy dumplings for cabbage soup (weird. but good combo) from pancake mix so I’m excited to try sandwich bread.
Also wanted to add I joined several community FB groups, check yours for local food pantries, you'd be surprised what's in your area. Spices & seasonings are a good idea for donations, they can be relatively inexpensive but often times the pantries lack these.
Eggs in my area which is middle Tennessee are $13.69 for 60 count its crazy I have 10 dozen I am going to freeze a bunch. Great meals we all need to learn to bake bread and learn to stretch out the meat.
I love your channel and how you have shown us how to save money ... I just tried the ginger noodle kit and I guess it was just me but it literally gagged me. The noodles was so gross ...I did try to eat the veggies but this one is a real no no for me and my family ...but all the other recipes looked great ...thank you ..
Take a golf ball size of dough before shaping and put in the same bowl. Add 1c each flour and water. Let sit covered at room temperature for 24 hours. Use to make your next loaf. No yeast needed! Just subtract the amount of water and flour already used.
60 count here in SC is $15! 😳 The Eggland Best are actually cheaper here. I wish my family would eat casseroles and salad 😂 My oldest son that still lives here and me like salads. We like the same things but the others are picky 😞 We do love breakfast for dinner tho!
Where is that? I had 4 left in my dozen and was just going to pick up another dozen and it was almost $3, so I thought I would wait for next week's groceries for eggs.
Now that our children have grown seeing your son brings back memories of ours when they were little. He is adorable enjoy his additions to the video. Have you tried the 2 min. HP then 15 min NR for the boiled eggs of course the cold water. Seems to work better than the 5/5/5.
The Banquet Nuggets are our favorite and none of my grocery stores are carrying them anymore...😢😢😢 a 60 ct of eggs by me is about $15 now...😱 great video...lots of awesome ideas!!
@@MealsWithMaria i hvnt found one yet...all they have now is Weaver...while that's a good brand, I don't really care for them...I actually like my nuggets nuked and Banquet were the only ones that tasted great out of the microwave... go figure...lol
Add a glass of water with half a slice of lemon and ice, a baked apple with cinnamon and a dollop of custard, some coffee for the adults, and you have cheap meal fit for a king!
Our local Wal-Mart's grocery store isn't very good, so I shop at WinCo. WinCo's prices are very good, and their meat is the best locally. They also have a large bulk food section, including spices.
Great video! Unfortunately anything made with a milk product, like your homemade cream of chicken soup, can't be home canned safely. Maybe you could have had the extra veggies on the days you had sandwiches for supper? Wonderful job keeping it real! Love it!
Just a heads up on the canning of cream of soup, it's not safe. You can pressure can the broth but not the flour or milk. But even just doing the broth will save time and money. Check out the national center for home food preservation for instructions on safe canning.
@@MealsWithMaria it's kinda hot topic, there are many "rebel" canners on yt who promote unsafe methods. I just wanted you to be safe! Botulism is very serious. The national center of home food preservation is the usda food lab. It's an excellent source for all things food preservation.
These are great ideas! I feel like the rotisserie chicken is always cheaper than getting a whole chicken even if it isn't on clearance. A rotisserie chicken here is $4.97 and a whole chicken $7.50ish. Yeast seems so expensive to me from Walmart. I get a double pack of 1 lb bricks at Sam's Club for $5. I make a lot of bread and pizza dough at home and the 2lbs lasts me about a year. (I keep it in the freezer so it doesn't go bad) It's crazy how egg prices are varying so much by location. I'm in Minnesota and the 60 count eggs is at $15.50.
HI Maria! I just found your channel and am loving it! Your baby eating eggs was precious. It reminded me of cooking eggs for my daughter but I would add a little milk scramble it and cook in the microwave. It came out fluffy and perfect for little fingers. Great protein right? Thanks for the great video!
Milk in scrambled eggs is a personal thing but generally makes them rubbery. As does cooking them in a microwave. I think it depends on what you grew up with, as scrambled eggs are such a staple in UK and US among other places. Personally, if I'm short of money, I'd probably skip buying milk.....
I remember just a few years ago Lettuce was one of the cheapest to get like .79 cents or so. I'd rather use Butter on my Eggs. I want that tator tot casserole. Looks so good. Love Egg salad sandwiches. I didn't know Banquet sold Nuggets by themselves. Will have to look around for those. That KFC bowl looked really good to me. I like stuff like that. Simple.
$60 for 4.5 people is pretty miraculous to me! Well done!
My budget is really low now. I stocked up my pantry and deep freezer at the beginning of the year. I just spend $20-$30 per week on milk or fresh fruits and veggies. I spent close to $600 on meats, cheese, butter and veggies for the freezer. I got flour, canned foods and non-perishables. I save thousands of dollars this way.
Good job! Having a stocked up freezer and pantry has also allowed me to buy smaller amounts and yet frees up funds when I find deals.
@@jillgott6567 yup completely agree. Aldi had their butter on sale for the holidays you better believe I bought like ten for the rest of the year. Big bag of cheese and learned how to make pizza from scratch. Now we have pizza every Fridays or Sundays. I have been doing this for a few years. We managed to save lots of money, which we use to go on vacations and invest. Our family is not feeling the sting of the high prices of groceries out there.
That is awesome Joanna . I love it when I can shop my fridge, freezer, pantry before going to the grocery store.
See my comment how to extend your milk
Watch your neighbors, if they have children or are elderly, you can always take them a meal to help them out.
Good idea!
Young lady you are amazing! I have been cooking meals (2 to3 daily) for over 52 years …for my family & raising our two eldest grandchildren,now 26 & 23. Only goes to prove you can teach an old dog…. 🤗
I love your videos, Maria. You have a lot of variety. I have a bearded husband myself.
Your son was cracking me up! I love that you let the kids be part of your videos, it's not only super adorable, but it's real life as Mom 👍 I'm new to your channel and really enjoy watching y'all.
Aw I’m so glad you’re here and you enjoy the kiddos! Julian especially enjoys the camera 🤣
I. am definitely making that bread. I watch many of your episodes. I am an almost retired lady but your recipes encourage me to get back into the kitchen more often. I especially like when you tell us your so called mistakes, that is very refreshing and so real. Don't change a thing...Patty from Connecticut
I love the music you have in your videos! So relaxing....
Aw thanks!
Our eggs are $14.97 for 60 at WM. The 90 pack at Sam's has gone from about 10ish dollars to $21. Eggs are essential in my way of eating so I just have to drop something else in my budget. Have you thought of doing a "what can I make from a 5lb bag of flour"? That's eye opening to those who have not yet learned to bake. Good video!
I like the flour idea!
Rub your just bought eggs with Crisco and put in fridge and they’ll keep nearly a year
I'm impressed with your frugality. I love the way you cook your meals and always enjoy your content for videos. The quiche would be a great idea for breakfast. Eggs are getting ridiculously expensive, but it's something we need for so many dishes. Aldi eggs were $2.65/dozen just yesterday.
As always, thank you for sharing. ❤️🤗
Aw thanks! I love doing this 🙏 eggs are less if a budget food than they once were 😔
Thank you Maria for doing all the leg work for us!
Beautiful & precious family!
Look out!!!!! Julian is gonna take over!!!
I know!!
He’s such a little cutie, that’s such a fun age
Agree 🥰
If you put half of your cheese in the quiche crust before the spinach, it will protect your crust and help it stay crispier and it will also sandwich your spinach in cheesiness. Nothing bad there.
Wow!
What a great variety. Thanks so much!!
♥️ That is the bread I make every week for my family! Artisan bread! Except I leave it to brown a bit longer- we just like the taste of almost burned bread! Ha! 😂. (Dark brown)
And I got really lucky, I found a store near me that had a $20 off for using their online shopping so I did! Twice! 😂
I got all my meats, grains, dry goods, legumes, some fruits & veggies, milks, eggs, a 25 lb bag of jasmine rice & a 44lb bag of AP flour al for $180 minus $40 ($20 twice!) so a total of $$140-- for a month or more!!! (Except the fresh produce of course!).
For my family of 5 (3 big strong hungry teens, mom & dad)
I love to cook real wholesome food!
Yesterday I made an oatmeal breakfast with milk, blueberries, diced peaches, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon & honey!
Then I made rice & a cabbage salsa to go with my beans & turkey tacos with jalapeño peppers!
(Used for Lunch & dinner but fixed a little differently)
Delicious!!!
I’m doing a 30-day challenge & trying to stay at $200 but eating well!
Thank you for videos & inspiration!
I’ve been saving $ by making 2 meals out of 1 pound of burger. It’s challenging but kind of fun. I usually add rice and veggies of some sort to make it last. It definitely made me more creative in the kitchen 😉
You can also add oats, a little crackers or toasted bread cubes
You absolutely nailed the challenge! Great meals for a great budget price! Thank you for all of the effort you apply.
Thank you!
Loving your low budget haul and meals.
Miss Ruby
🥰
Love your little helper! Such a smart young man and I love how he kept saying uh huh 😂so adorable ❤️ also thanks for your videos! They are so helpful!
So glad they help! He’s a fun dude to hang out with!
Hello Maria can you please do a week plan for one person from Aldi’s. I’m in 🇬🇧
The eggs are $13.82 here in upstate, NY. It's crazy how fast the price jumped up on them. I absolutely love the videos you have been making lately. I look forward to them and they are so helpful! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad they are helpful!
Crush the honey nut cereal and sprinkle over the muffins for a sweet and crunchy topping.
I love this idea!
I' am glad about budget groceries it's helping me a lot am still trying not wasting so much
Great ideas! Bisquick years ago had a recipe for a crustless quiche that I used to make all the time using up left over frozen veggies. I also save my bones, veggie scraps of celery, onion & carrots in a freezer ziploc in the freezer & when I can, I use my pressure cooker to cook for broth/stock. No added salt or preservatives & lots of flavor.
Love using the pressure cooker for broth!
Nice job,Julian!
What a character, you son is what a great personality. Anyway, thanks for the awesome videos and challenges, great job Maria!
Thank you! He’s too funny, loves doing it!
Maria, you did a great choice in groceries and nice variety of food. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all your hard work. With two boys and a baby, it’s hard to all things done in a day. You must do well,on your time management. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰
Aw thank you! Making meals for my family is my favorite
Yes please to the price increase at Aldi videos. I like knowing what is likely still a good deal before going ❤ Enjoyed the challenge! 👍
😀
The eggs and toast looked amazing! I could eat that bread for days!
I really enjoy your budget meals along with your other posts. It is very important in this day and age to save money and I think it’s cool that you were able to cook for your whole family on such a good price on groceries. I’m not sure where you are from but I’m originally from San Diego, California. I’ve heard from my friends are saying it’s very expensive there
I’ve heard CA is so expensive!! I live in NH!
Oh it totally is!! I guess there why San Diego is “Americas finest city” however, it’s expensive. I’m in AZ now it’s not too bad but I’m going back to Cali lol. Wages are better but rent is higher. You just can’t win lol
This is my first time watching one of your videos. I'm so glad I happened upon your channel. You are the first person I've noticed shop on a budget and cook REAL food for their family. You made me hungry on each meal you showed. Lol I do have a recommendation for the chicken noodle thing you made. You can use ramen noodles, canned veggies and chicken also. You can save a little more with the ramen noodles. Oh and With the delicious bread you made, you can do french toast for breakfast. Im hoping to try cooking my own bread soon. You mentioned you need a container with a lid, Does a cake pan with foil as a lid work? Again, thank you. I'm off to check out more of your videos. ❤️
I’m so glad you’re here! Good idea with the ramen 👌 for the bread, unfortunately a Dutch oven or Pyrex with a tight lid is necessary. Take a look at local thrift stores if you don’t have one. It doesn’t need to be in good shape, just needs to seal well in the oven.
I loved this! I love making my own bread, but I rarely make it. The chicken and meal kit tip is genius! Sadly, I'm the only one who eats eggs regularly, so I never buy 60 ct flats of them. However, it might be a good thing because here in Northern Nevada that flat is $14. I can get their cage free eggs for 2.48/dozen, which is cheaper than plain white eggs (2.87/dozen). Our prices are very close to CA prices because we live less than 6 miles from the CA state border. Our region also has the 2nd highest fuel price in the nation, so that's a major contributor to our extremely high prices. Your videos give me such great ideas! I would love to incorporate more chicken into our meal plans but my husband hates chicken. So, I often buy clearance beef and stock up during big sales to help get us by when prices are not so great. I have a food saver that gets used regularly to vacuum seal foods for freshness, and it's been worth the investment!
Great job with the beef and bread! You could definitely do shaved steak with the kit. I see shaved stake on manager special now and then 😀
Another great video. So helpful! I am pleased that you shopped at Walmart. I like that you did the back to basics showing making bread, making pie shell, homemade pancakes, etc. The price for canned vegetables at my Walmart in Washington state is 54 cents, they used to be 50 cents. Great variety of meals!
So glad it’s helpful!
As always you are amazing! Amazing mom , wife and amazing teacher.
Aw thank you Tanya!
Love the kfc bowl! I make them for the kids alot. It all looks great.
Thank you!
I normally buy my yellow onions in bag that has 5 or more nice sized onions in it for around $1.69 I just think it’s a better buy purchasing it in bulk , but I know this is a haul where your really counting every penny so I understand that but still they could really impart a lot of flavor in the dishes you need to cook inexpensively.. I use onions in so many of my dishes that I make because they really add a lot of flavor to them and you can do so much with onions . Prices are definitely going up ..I’ve noticed every time I shop that last time the items I got were cheaper by 10 or 30 cents some didn’t go up but most did ! I’m thankful I cook everything from scratch! Gotta have butter it makes everything taste good! 😋I always look for clearance items too .. you just have to keep it in mind to use it up quickly as if it’s a fresh item it will spoil quickly .I really enjoyed your video and I’m new to your channel as I just came across it today! Cooking from scratch seems to be a lost art and I hope ppl start cooking that way again so many reasons …it is more healthy for you , it tastes better , it’s cheaper and these days things are really going up so anyway to stretch a food budget is a good reason to cook that way! I’m glad I found your channel and love that you are teaching ppl how to cook and stretch their budget cooking delicious but simple dishes .. I enjoy using a lot of spices in our food it just adds so much flavor .. goggle what spices enhance the flavor in certain foods etc. I also can up food , I was happy to hear you mention it about the chicken stock ..I absolutely love canning . It’s a little pricey starting out but once you have the canners and jars and some equipment to help you then your set! Enjoy! Loved the video ! Blessings!💕
Loving these videos!! These and the ones where you have too many bananas or rice or beans and all the ways you show how to use them!! These help me see I have TONS of meal options sitting in my house!! It’s really inspiring so thank you!! And please keep them coming!! ♥️😊
😄😄 so glad they are helpful!!! I love making them!
You can melt your butter with the same amount of good oil such as olive and put it in the fridge in a tub and whip it as it cools. You can also make 2 gallons of milk by putting half gallon in a jug, you now have two half gallons, top with water and add one cup powdered milk to each and shake well. There’s many ways to extend your food like that. A cup of blender crushed oat cereal makes a good filler for hamburgers as does blender oatmeal.
That bread looks do delicious
😀 thank you!
Your lil humans are adorable 😍 thank you for these new ideas (well for me as a new subscriber) they look awesome. How can we share ideas and recipes with you to try?
Hi Bridget! I’m so glad you’re here! The Best way to share with me and the whole MWM community is in the comments! ❤️ I’d love to hear your ideas!
I love your videos! I used to only shop at one place but now I am hitting more than one store to get the sale items. it takes a little more time but the savings can be so worth it. I got butter at kroger in a two pound pack for 6.00...cheaper than walmart and the single pounds at kroger! crazy times! Julian is the best...that was my grandpa's name!
Aw that’s awesome about your grandpa! Great find on the butter!!
I love your videos, you always make such simple yet yummy dishes on a budget. And I wish I could get my nephews to eat their veggies like that 😂
Depends on the veggie in this house 😂
Awesome video!!! Tons of inspiration!! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad you like it!
Awesome meals, definitely trying a few of these, thank you for sharing. ❤️🇨🇦
Can you do a video on whole chickens? Like how to cook it, clean it, what to do with the rest and meal ideas. Eggs in my town are $4 a dozen. Too much for me.
Ps just saw a recipe that had cream of chicken with biscuits for an inexpensive chicken and dumplings and the homemade cream of chicken instead of canned would be amazing
Yum on that recipe! And you’re in luck because I already did one! How to Stretch a Chicken | Recipes for What to Do with a Whole Roast Chicken
th-cam.com/video/oi0TxhCRHVc/w-d-xo.html
@@MealsWithMaria you are awesome! The recipe was 2 cans of cream of chicken with water, 3 small cans of walmart biscuits, cut in small pieces. Get soup to a simmer and then add biscuits and season for taste. Cook til biscuits are done and that's it.
What an awesome little announcer he did a great job introducing the video - your videos inspire me to look for deals and be creative . One deal I recently came upon at my local Independent Grocers Association store was Margarine. Now I prefer butter however, rhe Margarine had been clearanced to $.75/ package so I picked up 4. One for a friend 3 for myself. I also have butter in the back of my fridge - coldest part - as well as some in the freezer
Way to go!!!
Love seeing Julian helping plus Commentary. Recipes all look good Yum thank you Maria
You’re welcome! He just loves getting involved 😀
Excellent meal plan 👍
Thank you!!!
Nice job Maria🌸
Thank you!
Hi Maria, I just recently found your channel. You are truly inspiring, thank you for all the great ideas. Lots of love to you and your beautiful family. ⚘
I’m so glad you’re here! So happy to share my passion and help others 🙏
@@MealsWithMaria 💝
Maria, you are teaching skills that many young people have no idea about in terms of stretching food, cooking food, viable substitutions etc. Were you taught this way or is it just something you picked up the torch for because of your own financial difficulties? I also love the fact that you mentioned the food banks and the churches because there is no reason for people to be starving.
😀 I am truly just passionate about it! I read recipes for fun and love solving puzzles. Budget cooking is like a puzzle to me! I am so thankful I can help those in need doing what I’m passionate about!! I feel blessed 🙏
@@MealsWithMaria one thing I meant to comment on as well is that in some of your budget videos, you had a limited amount of fat to cook with due to the amount you had to spend but something my mother and grandmother always did and I do at times is if there's any fat that comes off of a roast or chicken pieces that I am roasting, I'll gather the drippings in a jar and the fat settles on the top which can then be used to put flavor into frying onions or I think it would probably taste quite good on a grilled cheese sandwich. I will render down my own lard if I end up with a piece of pork that has a thick side of fat on it and then use it for pies or other things.
You can use a roundwooden spoon in a teflonpan to make whitesauce/ rough. start in the middle and make small circles and go a bit wider when the middle is lump free . Or I like to make it in a smaller pot to stir/ wisk with the easy and well.
Thank you for that tip! I’ll try it!
I get SO happy to see a new video alert from you Miss Maria!!💜💜
😃
New watcher, enjoyed the video! But had to comment that your son is adorable! What a cutie! Then I saw your baby eating the egg! Oh my gosh! another cutie!
😀 thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!!
THANKS FOR SHARING-Everything looks DELICIOUS AND THE BREAD 🍞🤩😋🙏❤️😘
You’re welcome. I’m excited about the bread too!
I'm so glad I found your channel! I made your chicken Marsala last week and we loved it! I never have tried it before. It was so delicious! Today I made your banana bread (cake) and we will be trying that this evening! I'm so excited! It smells and looks delicious! Thank you so much for all your ideas!. I want to make that crusty bread this week too! I have written down a bunch of your recipes and ideas and added some of my ideas to yours. Things are getting so expensive and I have been doing more homemade than store bought and I'm just so thankful for you and your channel! Hope you have a wonderful day!
I’m so glad you’re here Kristen!! So happy you like the recipes! Enjoy!!
@@MealsWithMaria what video has the banana bread cake?? That sounds intriguing
You can use powdered milk for recipes
True!
Thank you for giving me great ideas that are easy for after busy weekdays.
I’ve never made my own bread before (I had a bread maker in the 1980’s that I never used) so I’m going to try to make bread 🍞 next week! I made fluffy dumplings for cabbage soup (weird. but good combo) from pancake mix so I’m excited to try sandwich bread.
Your FREAKIN' AMAZING!!!
Aw thank you!
Also wanted to add I joined several community FB groups, check yours for local food pantries, you'd be surprised what's in your area. Spices & seasonings are a good idea for donations, they can be relatively inexpensive but often times the pantries lack these.
Such a great idea!
Eggs in my area which is middle Tennessee are $13.69 for 60 count its crazy I have 10 dozen I am going to freeze a bunch. Great meals we all need to learn to bake bread and learn to stretch out the meat.
Glad you liked the ideas!
New sub here, watching from Coffs Harbour NSW Australia I am loving your channel!!! 😊😊😊
Yay! I’m so glad you’re here!!
Excellent!
😀
The bread looks amazing!
😀
You do a great job with your videos and instruction! Thank you!
Awesome video !
Thank you!
I love your channel and how you have shown us how to save money ... I just tried the ginger noodle kit and I guess it was just me but it literally gagged me. The noodles was so gross ...I did try to eat the veggies but this one is a real no no for me and my family ...but all the other recipes looked great ...thank you ..
Oh wow! Sorry it wasn’t your thing! It happens sometimes!
Great ideas. Thank you. I just love your channel and think you are the best!! Have a great day!
You’re so welcome! I’m so blessed to share what I love! ❤️❤️
Hi Everything looks delicious 👍👍👍👍
😀
17.00 for 5 dozen in my town .
5.49 for a gallon of milk. No Walmart for 130 miles where I live.
Hello I'm new to your channel and I love it! Thank you so much
I’m so glad you’re here😁
Awesome video! Thank you for all of the inspiration.
You’re welcome!
Very tasty looking menu! Thank you🌷
You’re welcome!
greenfield nh food pantry bank is very helpful
Take a golf ball size of dough before shaping and put in the same bowl. Add 1c each flour and water. Let sit covered at room temperature for 24 hours. Use to make your next loaf. No yeast needed! Just subtract the amount of water and flour already used.
I need to try this!!
You inspired me to try piecrust and bread from scratch
😀😀 oh homemade pie crust is phenomenal!
Love it I am enjoying these so much and started watching some of your other ones that I have already watched it . Loving the inspiration
😀 so fun to get inspired!
Good job !!
60 count here in SC is $15! 😳 The Eggland Best are actually cheaper here. I wish my family would eat casseroles and salad 😂 My oldest son that still lives here and me like salads. We like the same things but the others are picky 😞 We do love breakfast for dinner tho!
The prices are up here now too 😩
Those eggs are up to $13.01 in my area now. It's crazy! But considering a dozen of egg is $4.89 here now, it's still cheaper to buy the 60 eggs :)
Where is that? I had 4 left in my dozen and was just going to pick up another dozen and it was almost $3, so I thought I would wait for next week's groceries for eggs.
That’s true, still cheaper in bulk.
Now that our children have grown seeing your son brings back memories of ours when they were little. He is adorable enjoy his additions to the video. Have you tried the 2 min. HP then 15 min NR for the boiled eggs of course the cold water. Seems to work better than the 5/5/5.
I’ve tried a bunch of ways but like the set it and forget it on the steam function on the rice maker.
Tell your lil guy about Popeye 😊 that's how I got my girls to eat it. Now they love spinach and eggs
That’s a good idea!
Everything looks good. I need to make the KFC bowls. We haven't had that in a while.
So good!!
The Banquet Nuggets are our favorite and none of my grocery stores are carrying them anymore...😢😢😢 a 60 ct of eggs by me is about $15 now...😱 great video...lots of awesome ideas!!
Oh no! Hopefully there is a comparable option for the nuggets?
@@MealsWithMaria i hvnt found one yet...all they have now is Weaver...while that's a good brand, I don't really care for them...I actually like my nuggets nuked and Banquet were the only ones that tasted great out of the microwave... go figure...lol
Add a glass of water with half a slice of lemon and ice, a baked apple with cinnamon and a dollop of custard, some coffee for the adults, and you have cheap meal fit for a king!
Our local Wal-Mart's grocery store isn't very good, so I shop at WinCo. WinCo's prices are very good, and their meat is the best locally. They also have a large bulk food section, including spices.
Great video! Unfortunately anything made with a milk product, like your homemade cream of chicken soup, can't be home canned safely. Maybe you could have had the extra veggies on the days you had sandwiches for supper? Wonderful job keeping it real! Love it!
You can do a dry mix on those. Just keep it in an air tight container.
I didn’t realize that! Such a bummer! We should have eaten the veggies with the sandwiches 🤦♀️ you’re right!
Just a heads up on the canning of cream of soup, it's not safe. You can pressure can the broth but not the flour or milk. But even just doing the broth will save time and money. Check out the national center for home food preservation for instructions on safe canning.
So many people commenting about this! So glad everyone is watching out for me, I had no idea 😀
@@MealsWithMaria it's kinda hot topic, there are many "rebel" canners on yt who promote unsafe methods. I just wanted you to be safe! Botulism is very serious. The national center of home food preservation is the usda food lab. It's an excellent source for all things food preservation.
Just where do you live? I’m moving in and will buy all the groceries! Lol I love your channel
🤣🤣 so glad you enjoy it!
These are great ideas! I feel like the rotisserie chicken is always cheaper than getting a whole chicken even if it isn't on clearance. A rotisserie chicken here is $4.97 and a whole chicken $7.50ish.
Yeast seems so expensive to me from Walmart. I get a double pack of 1 lb bricks at Sam's Club for $5. I make a lot of bread and pizza dough at home and the 2lbs lasts me about a year. (I keep it in the freezer so it doesn't go bad)
It's crazy how egg prices are varying so much by location. I'm in Minnesota and the 60 count eggs is at $15.50.
Just have to watch the weights of the chickens and per pound cost.
That is a great tip on the yeast!!! True on the chicken!
How are eggs
😄😄 so happy to help!! Not happy about the eggs 😩
I just paid over $5 for 18 eggs
I found a friend with chickens and pay her 3$ for 12
Oh wow! Yes I live in Florida and the 60 eggs are here $14 and change, almost $15.00 and I about had a heart attack lol!
😩
HI Maria! I just found your channel and am loving it! Your baby eating eggs was precious. It reminded me of cooking eggs for my daughter but I would add a little milk scramble it and cook in the microwave. It came out fluffy and perfect for little fingers. Great protein right? Thanks for the great video!
Milk in scrambled eggs is a personal thing but generally makes them rubbery. As does cooking them in a microwave. I think it depends on what you grew up with, as scrambled eggs are such a staple in UK and US among other places. Personally, if I'm short of money, I'd probably skip buying milk.....
I live in western PA and milk is 4.30 a gallon. The food prices are crazy.
😩
I remember just a few years ago Lettuce was one of the cheapest to get like .79 cents or so. I'd rather use Butter on my Eggs. I want that tator tot casserole. Looks so good. Love Egg salad sandwiches. I didn't know Banquet sold Nuggets by themselves. Will have to look around for those. That KFC bowl looked really good to me. I like stuff like that. Simple.
So glad you liked everything!!
43p for a lettuce in the UK.
If you do make the soups and can it, I'd love to see how ypu do that so it's safe. (Newbie canner here)
I’m a newbie too and I’ve since learned we can’t do that with milk products 😩 but someone mentioned making a dry mix, which I might try!
@@MealsWithMaria Ahhh! That makes sense.
Is it possible for you to post the bread recipe please? Thanks!
I have one of those bearded, camera shy hubby's myself!
Wow for fifty five dollars you did fantastically