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Home > Back to Mac and Cheese...and ramen?

Back to Mac and Cheese...and ramen?

March 18th, 2011 at 02:53 am

Today was an interesting day. We got paid, but not as much as expected due to a dentist appoinment/day off last week. I'm a little bummed out about that since this paycheck went toward getting us back in the black, gas, medicine, and a few other items. The good news is that we will get reimbursed for the dentist, but not for another week or two. So, this means that this week will really have to be cut down on many areas. So, I am racking my brain for the cheapest possible meals. Do I say hello to my, oh let's say...college buddies "Mac and cheese" and "Ramen." Hopefully, I can find some better alternatives, but really...it's at that "Ramen" point right now...10 cents a pack looks very tempting. Perhaps I can jazz up both with something and also make sure I don't foget about fruits/vegies? Rice too with something may work. Anyway, at least the pasta was on sale for $1, along with the $1 sauce. I just got that and some milk because I'm afraid if I try and do a full run, I will go totally over. It may sound weird, but going in to get food just for the day is helpful too right now since I only have a certain amount I can spend for the day.

7 Responses to “Back to Mac and Cheese...and ramen?”

  1. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1300422775

    It is hard to beat 10 cent dishes. when i had low income weeks: oatmeal, eggs, beans, tuna we all staples. Good luck on this journey!

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    1300451616

    I second the tuna and eggs. Carrot, apples, the least expensive fruit or veggies you can find. Look at the store ads. A daily run doesn't seem too bad of an idea. Just don't pick up to many extras each time you are there!!

    We had homemade pancakes for dinner the other night.

  3. momcents Says:
    1300453321


    My list of cheap eats, most are family-approved:

    * Waffles (home made and throw in mini choco chips/diced apples & cinnamon, etc)
    * Brown rice with frozen veggies
    * Diced potates and scrambled eggs.
    * Can of soup (chunky brand) over mashed potatoes.
    * Romaine hearts are inexpensive and can be used for salad.
    * A regular bag of carrots goes much further than the cute little baby munchie kind.
    * Cucumbers are inexpensive also - we eat lots of fresh veggies with Ranch or Honey Mustard dressing or peanut butter
    * Chili can be cheap - you can stretch a 1/2 pound of ground beef with lots of beans and tomatoes
    * Desserts: instant pudding or jell-o (Walgreens has a sale on jello 5/$1). Also rice krispy treats made fromm generic cereal and marshmallows.
    * Pasta and sauce with canned veggies on the side

    Do you like near an Aldi's? Before I started shopping at Sam's Club (which is cheaper for us in the long-run), I shopped only at Aldi's and was happy with most of their products.

    And BTW, my kids LOVE ramen - I don't use the seasoning (afraid of too much sodium) - some of mine like just the noodles with Parmesan cheese and butter.

    And there is nothing wrong with PB & J on a whole wheat sandwich (we did that once a week when we were really cash-strapped).

  4. CB in the City Says:
    1300454044

    Momcents' suggestions area all great.

    Today for lunch I am having Spanish rice -- rice, salsa, a little bit of ground beef, sauteed peppers and onion. Super cheap.

    The other night for dinner I diced a baked potato and sauteed it in butter with chopped celery and onion. Delish.

  5. mamas debt time out Says:
    1300459762

    What amazing ideas! THANKS! I just got a market basket (east coast) circular. They have some pretty good things this week, plus the helpful suggestions make it even easier!

  6. crazyliblady Says:
    1300466556

    Here are some ideas I have used in the past:

    1) omelets, scrambled eggs, etc. for supper
    2) chili - use a couple of pound of ground beef, chili seasoning, and 6 cans of beans. This makes about 4 meals for me and my husband.
    3) stew - use a couple of pounds of ground beef or stew meet, veggies, rice or pasta, and some spices. This usually makes about 2 to 3 meals for me and my husband.
    4) stir fry - maybe combine left ground beef, roast beef, etc. with rice, veggies, and spices to come up with tasty stir fry.
    5) Pasta with tuna and peas. We used to use mac and cheese for this, but I am allergic to milk, so we use rice or corn pasta, one can of tuna, and peas. We add mayo and some seasoning.

  7. debtfreeme Says:
    1300575394

    Do you live near a winco or a dollar store?

    Last week at a dollar store I found progresso light soup two for a dollar. At target last night the same soup was 1.99. I admit to only buying brands I recognize at the dollar store, I will not buy the off brands. There were other great deals but I did not buy them because I still had a lot in my cupboards. But I will be stocking up for April.

    Target has great deals, winco, food for less, food source, etc. Best of luck to you and the family.

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