good food on a budget
A Savory Solution to Stretch Your Grocery Budget
Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) In today’s world, grocery shopping can seem more like a burden than an opportunity to gather supplies for your family’s favorite meals. With prices of everyday ingredients fluctuating almost daily, it’s important for many families to make their dollars go further at the store.
Easy ways to stretch your grocery budget, like using versatile ingredients, can make the checkout experience a little less impactful on your household’s finances. Consider the benefits of mushrooms, which provide a delicious option to enhance flavor in favorite recipes while extending portions in an affordable way.
Save Money
Stretch your dollars by stretching your meals using a process called “The Blend.” Blending finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat can extend portion sizes of your favorite meaty recipes and help your bottom line. Chop your favorite mushroom variety to match the consistency of ground meat, blend the chopped mushrooms and meat together then cook to complete the recipe. For burgers, use a blend of 25% finely chopped mushrooms and 75% ground meat. For tacos or chili, use 50% mushrooms and 50% meat or an even higher mushroom-to-meat ratio.
Savor the Flavor
The savory umami taste of mushrooms means a flavorful experience in blended recipes like burgers, where the chopped mushrooms help hold in the juiciness. Or, you can chop, quarter, slice or enjoy them whole in recipes like Garlic-Rosemary Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto, Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup or Blended Pasta Sauce paired with your favorite pasta.
One Carton, Multiple Dishes
Thanks to mushrooms’ versatility, you can buy one large carton of mushrooms to chop up then bulk up multiple dishes, from a morning omelet to hearty soups to blended burgers.
Serve Up Nutrition
Low-calorie, low-sodium, fat-free and cholesterol-free, mushrooms are nutrient rich and can play a starring role in a variety of meals. With an array of fresh varieties and nearly endless ways to prepare them, they can be your powerhouse from the produce department.
Find more recipe ideas and ways to make the most of your grocery store dollars at MushroomCouncil.com.
Garlic-Rosemary Butter Roasted Chicken Thighs and Veggies with Mushroom Orzo Risotto
Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Chicken:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, quartered
- 3 zucchinis, sliced in half moons
- 3 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed and roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 16 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, finely chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- To make chicken: Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sear chicken until brown on both sides, 4-5 minutes on each side.
- In large bowl, toss mushrooms, zucchinis and carrots with rosemary and garlic.
- On large baking sheet, spread vegetables. Nestle chicken into vegetables. Drizzle with butter and juices from pan.
- Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- To make orzo: In small pot over medium-low heat, warm broth.
- Using skillet from chicken over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 3-4 minutes.
- Add orzo and black pepper. Stir and cook orzo 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute.
- Add broth to orzo, 2/3 cup at a time, stirring until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, waiting until last batch is absorbed before adding next. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
- Serve in individual bowls with chicken and roasted vegetables atop mushroom orzo risotto.
Blended Pasta Sauce
Recipe courtesy of the Mushroom Council
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms (such as white button, crimini or portabella), finely chopped
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- cooked pasta
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese
- In large pot over medium heat, add oil and cook onions, stirring occasionally, until just soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and reduced in size.
- Add ground beef, Italian seasoning and salt; cook until browned throughout, about 6 minutes, stirring and breaking up lumps. Skim off fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Stir in marinara sauce and reduce heat to low. Cook 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and top with grated Parmesan.
Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup
Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, small diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, sliced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes.
- Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer. Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
- Divide between bowls and top each with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella.
SOURCE:
Mushroom Council
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A Medley of Garden Veggies
(Family Features) If your garden is overflowing, look no further than Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies as a mouthwatering fall side dish. Zucchini, squash, tomato and carrot collide in this shareable dish that’s perfect for autumn get-togethers. Find main dishes to pair with these delicious roasted vegetables by visiting Culinary.net.
Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6- 2 zucchinis
- 2 yellow squashes
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 carrots
- avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Heat oven or grill to 425 F.
- Cut zucchinis, squashes, tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Place on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle with thyme and garlic then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake or grill 30 minutes until fork tender.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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good food on a budget
🍽️ Learning to Cook Starts Here: Easy Chicken Alfredo for Beginners
Learn how to make easy Chicken Alfredo for beginners using a jar of Alfredo sauce. This step-by-step guide teaches you how to cook, save money, and build confidence in the kitchen — starting with simple, delicious meals you can make at home.
Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Learning to Cook Starts Here: Easy Chicken Alfredo for Beginners
If you’ve ever stared at your stove wondering “Where do I even start?”, you’re not alone. Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating, expensive, or complicated. In fact, the more you cook, the more confidence you’ll build — and the more money you’ll save.
You don’t need fancy gadgets or culinary school training. You just need a few basic ingredients, a little time, and a willingness to learn. Let’s start with something simple, comforting, and delicious: Chicken Alfredo made with a jar of sauce and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
This recipe will teach you essential kitchen skills — boiling pasta, cooking chicken, and combining everything into a hearty meal that tastes like restaurant comfort food (without the $20 plate price tag).
🧂 What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (about 2 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 8 ounces fettuccine or any pasta you like
- 1 jar (14–16 oz) Alfredo sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt — this makes your pasta taste better.
Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (usually around 8–10 minutes).
Once it’s tender but not mushy, drain it and set it aside.
📝 Tip: Don’t toss the pasta water down the drain too quickly! A small splash of it can help loosen your sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel — this helps it brown instead of steam.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter.
When the pan is hot, lay the chicken in gently (you should hear a sizzle).
Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or cubes.
📝 Tip: Cutting into the chicken right away makes the juices run out — letting it rest keeps it juicy!
Step 3: Warm the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your jar of Alfredo sauce.
Turn the heat to medium-low and stir until warm.
If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
📝 Bonus Tip: You can add minced garlic or a small handful of shredded cheese to make your sauce taste more “homemade.”
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add your cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan of Alfredo sauce.
Stir everything together until coated evenly and heated through.
Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you have it.
Congratulations — you just made Chicken Alfredo from start to finish!
💡 Cooking Confidence Tip:
Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money. A single restaurant plate of Chicken Alfredo can cost $15–$20. Making it yourself? Around $3–$4 per serving.
The more often you cook, the less you’ll rely on takeout — and soon you’ll be tweaking recipes, experimenting with flavors, and eventually creating your own dishes from scratch.
🥦 Make It Your Own:
Once you’re comfortable with this recipe, try adding your own twist:
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Mix in spinach or red pepper flakes for color and flavor.
🍴 Final Thoughts:
Cooking isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Start simple, learn the basics, and grow from there.
Today, you made Chicken Alfredo. Tomorrow, you might be making your own homemade sauce. And one day, you’ll look back and realize: You taught yourself how to cook.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff
As the federal government shutdown stretches on, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are feeling the impact. With funding frozen and contingency reserves covering only partial benefits, families across the country are facing uncertainty at the grocery checkout line.
While federal agencies work to find a resolution, community support has never been more important. If you’re wondering what you can do to help—or if you’re affected yourself—here are a few practical ways to take action and make a difference.
1.
Stay Informed and Share Reliable Updates
Misinformation spreads fast during a crisis. Always rely on trusted sources like the USDA, your state’s human services department, or local news outlets for updates on benefit distribution.
You can also visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap to track official announcements.
Sharing verified information with friends, family, or local community groups helps ensure that no one misses critical updates about their benefits or local resources.
2.
Support Local Food Banks and Pantries
Food banks and community pantries are stepping up to fill the gap left by delayed SNAP benefits—but many are stretched thin.
If you’re able, consider:
Donating food staples: rice, pasta, canned protein, and shelf-stable milk are always needed.
Making a financial contribution: even small donations go further than you think.
Volunteering your time: help with food distribution, delivery, or sorting donations.
Organizations like Feeding America, local churches, and community centers are coordinating extra outreach right now.
3.
Advocate for Your Community
Reach out to your elected officials—local, state, and federal. Let them know how the shutdown and benefit delays are affecting families in your area.
You can call, email, or attend town hall meetings. Clear, compassionate stories from everyday citizens carry weight and remind leaders that policy delays have real human costs.
4.
Check on Neighbors and Friends
Sometimes, the best help comes through small, personal actions.
If you know someone who relies on SNAP—especially seniors, single parents, or those without reliable transportation—offer to share a meal, give them a ride to a food pantry, or help them apply for local relief programs.
5.
Explore Temporary Assistance and Discounts
While federal aid is limited during the shutdown, some grocery stores, delivery apps, and local organizations are stepping in to help.
Several retailers and food delivery services are offering temporary discounts or grocery credit for affected families. You can check People.com’s list of offers for more information.
6.
If You’re Affected: Plan Conservatively
If your SNAP allotment for November was reduced or delayed, it’s important to stretch existing resources:
Use what’s already on your EBT card before new funds arrive.
Cook simple, low-cost meals that make the most of pantry staples.
Look for “community meals” at local schools, senior centers, or nonprofits.
Avoid large bulk purchases until you know your next benefit date.
7.
Remember: You’re Not Alone
Millions of Americans are in this together. The shutdown is a national issue, but local communities have the power to soften its impact through compassion, awareness, and action.
Until Washington resolves its impasse, small efforts—like volunteering, sharing accurate information, or helping a neighbor—can make a big difference.
Related links:
Map Shows States Covering SNAP Benefits Amid Funding Lapse (Newsweek)
How to Get Free Food From Delivery Services if You Lose SNAP Benefits (People)
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