http://boldwomenweb.com/recipes-for-weight-loss-success/low-calorie-cabbage-salad/

I got in the habit of swiping my card for everything, and I have to tell you that it ends up costing me more in the long run. If I use cash or write a check (which I am better at recording), I am much less inclined to overspend.

Hi, I love the idea of having a cheap and easy meal planning contest. If your family is anything like mine, it is tough to make something that is affordable, easy to prepare, and that everybody will eat! But when I make these tostadas / taco salads, I get asked for seconds.

I did see Emeril (the TV chef) make them as tostadas. But I also have these special pans to crisp tortillas into taco salad shaped bowls, so I guess you can call them either one.

You Need –
1 Package of Flour Tortillas – $2 (I like to use the larger, burrito sized ones, because it seems easier.) It is aso fairy simple to make them (flour, water, salt, oil) – but it takes more time, so I usually buy them.

Lettuce and other salad fixings to taste (onion, tomato, etc.) – $3 – If you add an avacado, which we do, it will cost another dollar or two.

1 Pound Lean Ground Meat (hamburger, turkey, etc.) – $5.00

1 Jar Salsa $1.50

Crispy Shells – This can be simple. Just buy a pack of tortillas, and then lay them flat on a cookie sheet. Brush them with olive oil (or spray it on). Bake them at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes until crisp. Sometimes I’ve baked them a bit longer (like 20 minutes) and it seems ok too. The type of tortilla, and the size, probably affects baking time, so you may want to watch them the first time.

Note on Crispy Salad Bowls – This is really easy too. Instead of laying the tortillas flat, you can use a small metal bowl (or buy metal molds that look like metal bowls). You put them upside down, and drape the tortillas over the top so they fall into a bowl shape. After they bake, they will harden into the shape. One lady saved up small metal nut cans to use as the base.

Ground Beef – Simply crumble and fry the ground meat. Drain the oil. Then when it is almost cooked pour in a couple of tablespoons of salsa, and you have automatic taco meat!

Assemble – Simpy add salad fixings and ground beef. You can drip on more salsa as a dressing, or use regular salad dressing, guacamole, or whatever you like and have.

Note: We also make a vegetarian version of these with rice, beans, and a little cheese.

Cost – I can buy the basic supplies for less than $12, but since I don’t use up a whole jar of salsa or head of lettuce, I think that’s a high estimate. So the worst case might be about $3 a person.

Simple Stir Fry Chicken For Four
I like this meal because it is a one pot (or one WOK) solution for quick and inexpensive meal planning that is also budget friendly. I make us this recipe to feed four people, but you can double it so you have some to freeze for later meals.

Prep Time – 30 Minutes Maximum, and maybe less.

You Neeed:
1 pound boneless chicken (costs varies, but you can buy 3 frozen bags of chicken breasts or tenders for about $8.00 at my supermarket). Cost Estimate – $3.00
1 Bag Stir Fry Veggies – $3.00
Rice – If purchased properly, it should mot cost more than $2
Non-Stick Spray – Cost of a couple of sprays? I am estimating .10
Store Brand Terryaki and Soy Sauce – $2

The Prep:
Start the rice according to package directions. It may take 20 minues to cook it though faster cooking varieties are available. Quick cooking brands will cost more, and in my opinion, taste worse.

Simply spray a large frying pan with you rnon-stick spray. Slice the chicken into bite sized chunks. Dump the chicken and veggies into your pan. Cover with a generous dose of Terryaki sauce to taste. I usually add about 1/2 of a 12 ounce bottole, but you could use more or less. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is well done and the vegetables are tender. You may also add some onion, garlic, or ginger to taste.

The Cost: About $2.50 a person for a balanced meal that includes a meat protein, vegetables, and a starch.

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