Easy peasy Mac n' Cheesy!

THAT was a cheesy title (pun intended). This week was finals for me, so Andrew got stuck making or helping make dinner. That meant a menu of easy dishes with clear instructions (he always follows instructions to the letter!). Here's what we had at least a few nights and what it cost.

Magical Multiplying Tuna Salad

Although tuna seems cheap, one can is usually only enough to make 2 sandwiches. Here's how to make a great-tasting, restaurant quality tuna salad that makes 4 servings of two wraps each!

1 can of chunk tuna in water $1
15 oz can of chickpeas $.79
1 green onion (not 1 BUNCH, just one out of a bunch) $.10
1/2 pint of cherry/grape tomatoes OR 2 small roma tomatoes $.50
2T white vinegar
1T olive oil
generous black pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper
4oz cheese of choice (we used cheese ends from the deli) $.70
3-4 lettuce leaves, washed and torn up $.15
8 wraps (10" size) $1.20

Total Cost: $4.44
Servings: 4 (2 each)
Cost per Serving: $1.11

To Make:

1. Drain most of the water out of the tuna and flake it into a mixing bowl. Drain the chickpeas and add about 2/3 of the can (save the rest to throw in a curry or salad). Using clean scissors, cut the green onion - including the bulb - into the bowl, making tiny rings. Dice the tomatoes and add them as well, then mix in the oil, vinegar, and spices.
   
2. Arrange some lettuce and cheese in each of the wraps, then spoon about 1/4c of the tuna salad onto the wrap and close it up. Viola!
   

Frugal Tips:

• If there's just one or two of you, save the components in separate tupperware to make for lunch tomorrow or the next day. If you make it too far ahead, it will get soggy!
• Many types of cheese will complement this wrap well. Buy what's onsale, or check to see if your deli sells "cheese ends." Ours does, and at only $2/lb, they're the best deal out there. Not to mention you get a nice assortment of flavors because of the variety!
• Store brand, whole wheat wraps give you the best value for your money and provide valuable fiber.
  
• The secret to making 1 can of tuna stretch for four people is adding the other ingredients. Its still the strongest flavor, so it seems like you're just eating tuna salad!

Easy Peasy Mac n' Cheesy!

How many of you have bought the Kraft or store brand boxed Mac n' Cheese because it was cheap and easy, only to find yourself cringing at the overly salty, fake cheese flavor? It's true - making real baked Mac N' Cheese is a pain in the butt, not to mention extremely high in fat and salt. This recipe is healthy, quick, and will surprise you with how inexpensive it is.

1/2 box of pasta (not spaghetti) $.50
1 C low fat milk or soy milk $.25
1 tsp bullion (or enough to make 1 cup)
1/4 C flour
1 c grated cheese (any will do, but try to include some cheddar) $1.00
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp salt
pinch cayenne pepper
1 package steam-in-the-bag peas (or regular frozen peas) $1

Total Cost: $2.75
Servings: 4 (generous)
Cost Per Serving: $.69

To Make: Caution - cooking milk on the stove can allow it to scald. Although this is less likely with low fat milk mixed with water, please stir it at least occasionally while cooking in steps 3-5 so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot!

1. Throw the peas in the microwave according to package directions. Leave covered until ready to serve.
   
2. Boil water to cook the pasta - add pasta and cook until FIRM, not soft, or it will fall apart in the last step. Drain and return to the pan.
   
3. While the water is boiling and the pasta is cooking, add the 1C water to a small saucepan and whisk in the 1/4 of flour. Then stir in the milk, bullion, mustard, and spices. Heat over medium-low until the mixture is steaming, then add the cheese.
4. Continue to cook over medium-low until the cheese is fully melted (about 2 mins).
5. Pour the hot cheese mixture over the pasta and stir to combine. Heat everything over low heat until it boils - this will allow the flour to thicken the sauce.
   
6. Serve in bowls topped with some bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese...mmmm! The peas can be eaten as a side dish or mixed in so that there's some veggies here!

Frugal Tips

• No, steamable peas are not cheaper than regular frozen peas, BUT one of the worst things in the world is overcooked frozen veggies. When you already have two pots going on the stove, I prefer to use the steamable veggies so they come out green and tasty instead of overdone. Plus it saves on dishes.
  
• Please PLEASE choose whole wheat pasta for this dish. There is no other significant source of protein, so you need to make sure you are getting those important amino acids from somewhere! If you buy store brand or wait until it is on sale, it will not be much more expensive than the regular pasta. You could also dice up leftover chicken or ham to add in for extra protein.

Good luck cooking!