Budget Meal

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

September 13, 2020 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a fantastic, affordable cut of meat that is so easy to make. Baking keeps the chicken juicy on the inside with mouthwatering crispy skin.

close up of baked chicken leg quarter on blue plate with title text

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Leg quarters are one of THE MOST affordable cuts of meat that you can buy. And since they are dark meat, they stay really juicy and flavorful. Baking them on a baking rack also allows the skin to get nice and crispy.

What are Leg Quarters?

Chicken Leg Quarters are the bone-in section of chicken consisting of the thigh and drumstick.

salt, pepper, dried garlic, dried onion, and chili powder in glass bowl

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Pumpkin Fluff Dip Recipe

September 4, 2020 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Fall means we can finally embrace all things pumpkin spice. This Pumpkin Fluff Dip recipe is packed with pumpkin pie flavor and it comes together in 5 minutes with just 4 ingredients!

pumpkin fluff dip in wooden bowl with title text

Ingredients

Pumpkin Puree: You will need one (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree. Make sure you do not use pumpkin pie filling. As a substitution, you can even use an equal amount of sweet potato puree.

Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: I call for one (3.4 ounce) box of vanilla instant pudding mix. Instant pudding mix also comes in 4 to 5 ounce boxes, depending on the brand. This is fine and feel free to use them. Also, you can use sugar-free instant pudding mix. You'll just want to use one box. I have also made this with Cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix and it was delicious! Just use what you have on hand or what sounds good to you!

pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding, cool whip and pumpkin pie spice in glass bowls

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Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

August 28, 2020 by Sarah Leave a Comment

Make Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot in minutes and enjoy a delicious, hearty soup that is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free. It's also a great pantry meal option!

instant pot lentil soup in white bowl with title text "Instant Pot Lentil Soup"

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Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and insanely budget-friendly. A 16 ounce bag of dried lentils costs just $.98 in my neck of the woods. They keep in the pantry for up to a year, and cook up in 15 minutes in the Instant Pot or 45 minutes on the stove.

white bowl filled with dried brown lentils

When it comes to cooking lentils, the kind of lentil to choose depends on how you want to cook them. Green and brown lentils hold their shape really well and are perfect for cooking in stews and soups. Brown lentils are the most commonly found variety in the US.

Yellow and red lentils cook more quickly and are better served in salads or pureed in curries. And the best part, lentils are naturally gluten-free, and pack 10 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber per serving.

Ingredients

Lentils: We will use dried lentils for this recipe, and I recommend using brown or green lentils. They hold their shape really well even in soup. You will need a 1-pound bag or two-ish cups of lentils.

Vegetable Broth: We will need 40 ounces of liquid total for this recipe. You can use a 32 ounce carton of vegetable broth and 8 ounces of water or use a vegetable base and water to prepare 40 ounces of broth.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

August 14, 2020 by Sarah 4 Comments

Southern Pimento cheese is a go-to appetizer for picnics and family gatherings around here. Not only is it super easy to make, it is a great budget-friendly option to feed a crowd.

southern pimento cheese spread in a white bowl sitting on a white platter with carrots and celery

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Southern Pimento Cheese has been a staple in my house my whole life. My dad grew up in Texas and has been putting his own spin on this simple dish for as long as I can remember.

Some will argue that Pimento (or Pimiento, they're both acceptable and mean the same thing) Cheese should contain cream cheese, but I disagree. The simple, affordable ingredients really do allow for the flavors of each component to come through.

Ingredients

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It is really important to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in a powder to prevent it from clumping, and it really affects the flavor. Take the time to shred it either by using a box grater or a food processor. I call for Sharp Cheddar because you want cheese with a lot of flavor, but Extra Sharp is too overpowering.

Diced Pimientos: These will come in a jar and be in the pickle/olive section of your grocery store. If you can't find diced, you can get a jar of whole or sliced and chop them yourself.

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