August 11, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 9 Comments

Meal Planning Strategies for Back to School

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The new school year is upon us! Consider these meal planning strategies for back to school to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner good, easy, AND cheap.

divided lunch box with cheese, vegetables, salad, and dip

The clock is ticking on summer vacation. In some parts, the kids have already gone back to school; in others they’re counting down the days until summer ends. Perhaps you’re hearing the faint ding of the school bell in the distance?

Switching from the lazy days of summer into the regular routine of the school year can be a shock to the system as well as to the pocket book. There are school supplies and new clothes to purchase as well as quick, easy, and packable meals to prepare.

No longer can you just warm up a plate of leftovers at lunchtime and call it good. Continue Reading »

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August 9, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 10 Comments

How to Cut Melon the Quick & Easy Way

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Knowing how to cut melon is a valuable skill to help you make the most of in-season produce and to facilitate a healthy diet. Here’s how to do it.

How to Cut Melon the Quick & Easy Way | Good Cheap Eats

You see a great deal on cantaloupe and watermelon. You want to take advantage of it, but what in the world do you do with it when you get home. Sure, you can buy those plastic packs of pre-cut fruit, but let’s be real. Rarely does that fruit taste ripe and delicious.

And here in front of you is a fragrant melon just begging to be carted home.

Don’t fear the melon.

You can do this. Knowing how to cut melon, whether it’s a cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon, is a valuable skill to help you make the most of in-season produce and to facilitate a healthy diet. Melon is full of fiber and vitamins and can be a great way to hydrate, but it won’t do you any good if the fruit sits on the counter uneaten.

Never fear. This is easy. Continue Reading »

August 6, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 5 Comments

Cherry Limeade Recipe – Do It Yourself Better

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Cherry Limeade is a fun and refreshing drink. At our house I’m making it with lime and tart cherry juice instead of dyed syrups and artificial flavors.

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August 3, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 21 Comments

What I spent on groceries in July (A Grocery Geek report)

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grocery cart full of watermelons, cherries, and bananas

Want a peek into our grocery cart? Here’s how I’m buying groceries and feeding eight people on the cheap. Hey there! Hi there! Can you believe how quickly the summer has flown by? We are inching up on back to school, so I’m battening down the hatches! July was a pretty relaxing month with beach […]

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July 26, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 23 Comments

No-Cook Suppers: Enjoy Real Food the Easy Way

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Don’t feel like cooking tonight? No problem. You can skip that kitchen task and still eat real, good food on a budget with these no-cook suppers. No take-out or reservations required. The Ploughman’s Lunch Fancy dinners are to people in the 2000’s what restaurants were to people in the ’80s. Ahem. I just might have borrowed […]

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July 22, 2018 by Jessica Fisher Leave a Comment

Chicken Caesar Baguette Sandwiches for a Quick & Simple Meal

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Chicken Caesar Baguette Sandwiches are just what you expect – quick and simple deliciousness tucked into French bread. They are a fun, portable twist on a vintage classic. Do you love caesar salad but sometimes find it a little cliche? Are you ready for a sandwich that will knock your socks off? Do you crave […]

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July 18, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 7 Comments

The Ploughman’s Lunch, a very British Snacky Lunch

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Ploughman's Lunch | Good Cheap Eats

The Ploughman’s Lunch, aka Ploughman’s, is the UK version of the Snacky Lunch. What was once a laborer’s meal now looks like a very posh cheese and meat platter. Make your own at home for less! You’re looking for an easy, no-cook meal but you want it to feel a little special. You’re tired of […]

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July 15, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 5 Comments

Small Batch English Pickle Recipe for American Kitchens

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Jams, jellies, and other spreads offer great flavor to sandwiches, toast, and appetizers. This Small Batch English Pickle recipe is tangy and sweet, a welcome change to the preserves you usually serve. And it’s made with pantry staples, common to American kitchens, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime. Do you ever go […]

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July 11, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 9 Comments

Fajita Vegetables, Simple & Delicious

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Fajita vegetables, basic sauteed onions and peppers, add fiber and flavor to many dishes. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week in bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. You might be familiar with Fajita Vegetables in terms of their showing up in a steaming, hot pan at your favorite Mexican restaurant or along the chow […]

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July 8, 2018 by Jessica Fisher 33 Comments

Sloppy Joes from Scratch: A Very Good Cheap Eat

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Sloppy Joes from scratch are a quick and easy dinner that won’t break the budget. In fact, you can very easily — and economically — make this savory meat mixture to serve a crowd. No cans or mixes required. Sloppy Joes are ultimate comfort food. They are hearty so they fill you up after a […]

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