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'!
New Year, New Pantry
Every year, I like to do a No-Spend January Challenge to do a budget reset after the excess of the holidays. Not only is this a great way to rotate through your inventory and prevent food waste, but it's also excellent for getting your creative wheels turning! Here are just a few of my favorite pantry-based recipes to try:
Cozy Comfort Food Favorites
There's a permanent nip in the air, which means it's time to turn to comforting meals to warm you up from the inside out. Here are some of my favorite go-to's for winter:
- Instant Pot Beef Stew with Bacon
- Cauliflower Potato Leek Soup
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Raisin Pan Sauce
- Easy Gluten-Free Clam Chowder Recipe (San Francisco-Style)
- Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
- Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake With Dried Butter Beans
- BBQ Pork Fried Rice With Kimchi & Gochujang
- White Beans and Greens on Toast
See more budget-friendly recipes →
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, Affordable Desserts
As a former pastry professional and self-proclaimed Cookie Monster, dessert is always a favorite of mine. And, since I've run the gamut of different fad diets and have lots of loved ones with food allergies, I have enough recipes here to make sure there's enough for everyone to share, no matter your restrictions.
See more dessert ideas→
Baking Season Begins Now
Perhaps my favorite part of the cold weather is I can finally start baking my little heart out. Of all the restaurant gigs I had, being a pastry pro was definitely my favorite! So, if you've been itching to try your hand at homemade black pepper focaccia or even a DIY wedding cake, I've got you covered.
Breakfast of Champions
Starting your day with the right fuel means you can take advantage of all the fun fall has to offer. Here are some of my favorite easy breakfast recipes to get you going:
- Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce (Sugar-Free Option!)
- Oatmeal Banana Protein Pancakes with Cottage Cheese (Gluten-Free!)
- Spicy Mexican Mocha
- Egglife Copycat Egg White Wraps Recipe (All 5 Flavors!)
- Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins (Vegan & GF Options!)
- Baked Maple Walnut Banana Bread Donuts
- Protein-Packed Pumpkin Banana Muffins (No Protein Powder!)
See more Breakfast recipes →
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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