Meal Planning for LESS: Maple Glazed Salmon with Asparagus

I forgot to snap a picture of last nights meal, but not to toot my own horn, but these meals are pretty impressive. Last night we had fresh fish with a fresh vegetable....on a BUDGET! This is our second seafood of the week...and I still have three more in the works. Did I mention I did all this with less than $150. You have my permission to be impressed!

1/3 cup maple syrup (freebie, we bought it a few weeks ago for the same meal)

Juice from one orange ($.69)

2 salmon filets ($6.01)

Salt & pepper (pantry freebies)

Asparagus ($3.49)

Total cost: $10.19. Makes two servings, $5.10 each

Preheat broiler. In a small saucepan combine syrup and orange juice, cook over medium heat. 

Season salmon with salt and pepper, place on greased pan, broil about 5 minutes. Brush glaze all over salmon and broil 5 minutes longer. Serve salmon with grilled asparagus.

This was another great budget meal! But I'll be honest, broilers make me nervous. One wrong move and that salmon would have been GONE...and while $10.19 is a cheap meal, it's an expensive mistake!

Meal Planning for LESS: Pork with Plum Salsa

I haven't forgotten to update! Wednesday night we had our date night (which is budgetted for!) and Thursday night we had grilled cheese ($.50 for bread and $.95 for cheese) and tomato soup ($1.58) for a total of $3.03. That's less than a dollar per serving!

For tonight dinner, I had pork chops on hand. Here's a big tip: subscribe to Omaha Steaks emails, they are constantly sending deals. Stock up and have on hand!

Sorry it's blurry! I couldn't wait to eat it!

Olive oil (freebie, pantry item)

4 pork chops (for me this is a freebie, but you can get them cheap!)

Soy sauce (pantry item)

2 jalapenos ($.25)

3 plums, chopped ($1.18)

1/2 red onion, chopped (freebie, had it from last week)

1/2 tsp ground ginger (freebie)

1/4 cup honey (freebie)

TOTAL = $1.43. Four servings, $.36/serving. Even if you need pork this is still a cheapy!

Heat oil in skillet. Brush soy sauce on pork chops, cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from skillet and cover with foil.

For the salsa, chop jalapeno, combine with plums, onion, ginger and honey in the skillet. Cook until heated through. Serve over pork.

Meal Planning for LESS: Turkey & Avocado Chef Salad

Happy Tuesday! Today I want to share another budget friendly dinner with you. And we're using FRESH ingredients and even making our own salad dressing. I often find that budget eating is healthier eating. No prepackaged, sodium enriched foods. Just good for you, made with love foods!

1/3 cup milk (freebie, had some left from last week)

1/3 cup sour cream ($.29)

Juice of lemon ($.69)

2 Tbsp cider vinegar (freebie, pantry item)

1 Tbsp honey (freebie)

Salt & pepper (freebie)

1 head Boston lettuce ($2.19. Save 8-10 leaves to use for another meal)

1 lb roasted turkey, torn into pieces ($1.40)

1 avocado, sliced ($1.39)

1 cup alfalfa sprouts ($.60)

1 cup shredded carrots ($.42)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack ($.95)

Total Cost: $7.93. 4 servings, $1.98 each!

In a small bowl combine milk, sour cream, lemon, vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide remaining ingredients into bowls, drizzle with dressing and serve.

Can you go ANYWHERE for a great salad under $2!? Not only that but you are controlling exactly whats in it. Healthy and budget friendly. Can't really beat that!

Meal Planning for LESS: Shrimp Bisque

Being on a budget scares people. For some reason people think you'll have to eat boxed mac and cheese, ramen noodles, and tv dinners. This couldn't be further from the truth. We buy lots of fruits and veggies...and recently, fish. We can actually buy MORE fish than red meats and chicken. And BONUS! It's healthier!

So, tonight for dinner I made shrimp bisque. Doesn't that sound fancy...and not something people on a budget eat? Here's how I did it!

2 cups water (free)

2 tsp seafood seasoning (free, we have a friend who makes his own!)

12 oz frozen shrimp ($6.99)

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced ($.34)

12 oz can evaporated milk ($.69)

1 cup milk (we had milk left from our last grocery trip)

2 Tbsp flour (pantry item, freebie)

2 anchovies chopped ($.36)

Total Cost $8.38, serves 4, $2.10 a serving

Combine water, seasoning, shrimp, and celery in a pot. Cook, uncovered, until shrimp turns pink. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and set aside to cool. 

In a bowl, whisk evaporated milk, milk, flour and anchovies. Stir into pot, cook uncovered for 10 minutes over medium heat.

Chop the shrimp, add back to soup, heat for another 2 minutes. Serve hot!

Remember, I got EVERYTHING I need for two weeks of living (not just meals, but toiletries and pet supplies!) for UNDER $150. How is THAT for my first budget friendly meal!?