The Fast Food Budget Challenge – Part 1

By Maria DiLalla, Community Relations Coordinator, Raleigh

Eating healthy should be possible at every price point.  But, is it true that fast food is the only affordable food?  I set out to see.

THE CHALLENGE:
Create a variety of easy, healthy and fresh meals for a family of four on a fast food budget.

I set my budget at $14.36 – the lowest possible combination of two fast food kid’s meals & two adult combo meals at a famous fast food chain.  How many fresh meals could I make for under $15.00 using ingredients from Earth Fare?  A lot more than one!  Below are three easy-to-make recipes on a budget:

(1) Frittata with Mixed Green Salad – TOTAL COST: $12.70

Ingredients:
6 eggs ($1.84)
1 c. milk ($0.87)
½ organic red pepper ($2.00)
¼ lb bulk white mushrooms($1.00)
2 green onions ($0.99)
Salt & Pepper
Mixed Greens ($3.50)
EF Salad Dressing ($2.50)
Add ins: Not restricted to red pepper, mushrooms and green onions.  Use whatever vegetables that you like or have on hand; add a piece of bacon or cheese.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Whisk together the eggs and milk; add salt & pepper to taste.
3. Cut the red pepper; slice the mushrooms & green onions.
4. Saute the vegetables with a little oil until they begin to soften (add the green onions towards the end), about 2 minutes.
5. Add the egg mixture to the skillet; put the skillet in the oven.
6. Cook for 15min-20mins.
7. Toss your mixed greens with salad dressing.

(2) Eggplant Mozzarella with Mixed Green Salad – TOTAL COST: $14.21

Ingredients:
1 Eggplant ($2.99)
Earth Fare Pasta Sauce ($1.88)
Mozzarella Cheese ($3.00)
Mixed Greens ($3.50)
EF Salad Dressing ($2.50)
Canola Oil ($0.34)
Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the eggplant into 3/4″- 1” slices; salt & pepper the slices to taste.
2. Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large skillet; saute the eggplant on both sides, until it softens and is lightly browned.
3. Let the eggplant drain onto paper towels for about 10 minutes (it will absorb a lot of the oil so this step will help take some of it out).
4. Put the eggplant on a cookie sheet, and top each slice with some sauce & some cheese.
5. Place the slices under the broiler until the cheese melts (this will not take long).  If you aren’t comfortable using a broiler, put the slices in a 450 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
6. Toss your mixed greens with salad dressing.

(3) Pepper Dog Salsa with steamed green beans -  TOTAL COST: $14.14
Recipe courtesy of Pepper Dog Salsa

Ingredients:
1 jar pepper dog salsa ($4.99)
1 lb ground beef ($5.17)
1 can of EF beans (kidney or black) ($1.49)
1.25 lbs of green beans ($2.49)

Directions:

1. Brown the meat & drain.
2. Add the salsa & beans.
3. Heat through.
4. Serve with steamed green beans.

Challenge Accomplished. It IS possible to enjoy fresh, healthy meals on a budget!  How did I do it?  Check back tomorrow to learn some tips.  For now though, are YOU up for the challenge?