I believe everyone should have access to nutritious and delicious meals, no matter what kind of budget you're on or how much time you have. My recipes are pretty quick to pull off, don't require a ton of kitchen skills, and stay within (or under!) the USDA’s low-cost food plan budget of about $9 per adult per day. Let's get cookin'!
Home for the Holidays
Here are some of my favorite Christmas recipes and hosting tips to ensure your holiday season is as merry as can be:
- Disney's Ratatouille Movie Recipe (Confit Biyaldi)
- Easy Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb (Or Oven-Roasted)
- Easy Make-Ahead Mushroom Gravy for Any Occasion
- Harissa Maple Sweet Potato Tian
- Charred Brussels Sprouts With Bourbon Bacon Jam
- Greek-Inspired Gluten Free Shepherd's Pie With Lamb
- Creamy Make-Ahead Potato & Caramelized Fennel Gratin
- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Polenta
Christmas Breakfast Ideas
If you're anything like me, you want Christmas morning to be filled with couch cuddles and gratitude—not a mess in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite recipes that can be made ahead (or made in a flash without any fuss):
See more budget-friendly breakfast recipes →
Holiday Drink Ideas
'Tis the season for warm and cozy drinks. Here are some of my favorite Christmas drink ideas:
Easy Homemade Gift Ideas
Between office cocktail parties, white elephant exchanges, teacher gifts, and stocking stuffers, it's easy to spend a whole lot of money—even when the gifts are small. But do yourself and your budget a favor this year by DIYing your gifts! Here are some of my favorite inexpensive (but still thoughtful and delicious!) homemade gifts for the holidays:
- Quick & Easy Homemade Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
- Big-Batch Almond Vanilla Granola (Bulk Recipe)
- How to Make Amaretto Cherries (Lazzaroni Copycat)
- Cinnamon Apple Preserves for Canning
- Quick & Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter For Canning
- How to Make Crispy Apple Chips (Dehydrator or Oven)
- Easy 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Made with Love: Thrifty & Thoughtful Homemade Gifts for Every Season
New & Recently Updated Posts
A mix of old favorites that I've updated, easy tricks for keeping your food budget in check, and shiny new recipes I couldn't wait to share. Enjoy!
Easy, Cozy Winter Desserts
As a former pastry professional, dessert is always a favorite of mine. And, as someone who loves all fruit, combining the two is a no-brainer.
See more dessert ideas→
Game Day Favorites
Hosting your crew to root on your favorite team? Here are some excellent ways to keep everyone happily fed:
Homemade Bread
Ever since I started baking yeasted bread 20 years ago, I haven't been able to quit. And while my sourdough starter, Breadna, has only been around for about 5 years, she and I have built quite a rapport. Come get some flour on your apron!
Food Budgeting Resources
Keeping to a food budget isn't always easy. That's why I try to keep y'all in the know with all my best hard-earned tips and tricks! The posts below are chock-full of information to help keep you well-fed, no matter your budgetary restrictions.
- Surprising Secrets Revealed: 13+ Unconventional Ways & Places to Slash Your Grocery Bill
- 21+ Egg Substitutes & Egg Replacements For Cooking, Baking, Breakfast, & More!
- Dorm Survival 101: Struggle Meals & Musings For Incoming Freshmen
- Don't Buy It, DIY It! 12 Budget-Friendly Breakfast Hacks So You Can Save $$$ and Ditch the Packaging for Good
- Food Insecurity - Organizations Working Toward Change
- How to Combat Inflation at the Grocery Store
- How To Reduce Food Waste At Home
- Made with Love: Thrifty & Thoughtful Homemade Gifts for Every Season
See more Community Resources →
Cheap Eats
I don't have the budget for takeout, but I want to eat delicious things for every single meal. Here are some of my favorite take-out fake-out recipes that are particularly easy on your wallet:
See more budget-friendly recipes →
Fast & Easy Recipes
Just because you're busy doesn't mean a homemade meal is out of the question. Here are some of my favorite simple dishes to get you fed without any fuss:
Check out more Fast & Easy Recipes→
Plant-Based Favorites
Whether you're looking for Meatless Monday inspiration or are just trying to eat more veggies, my collection of vegan and vegetarian meals is sure to leave you satisfied.
Check out more Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes→
Yummy Sides
Whether you need something tasty to bring to your next potluck, or just need a little something extra on the dinner table tonight, my favorite sides will give the main dish a run for its money:
Check out more yummy sides→
Trending Posts
Whether you're in need of a super fast pantry meal, show-stopping side, grab-and-go breakfast, or something sweet to help you chillax, these tried and true recipes have you covered. They're what readers currently can't get enough of!
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