So I’m working from home and the kids are home from school too, and one thing I didn’t plan for was the fact that we are all three at home for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!  That usually only happens on the weekend – but now it’s 7 days a week!

So, I figured I would share some great tips on what to shop for and how to make your dollar stretch in these uncertain times.  I will tell you that anyone who grew up with parents like mine – who lived through World War II – well, we are experts at turning one penny into two – “Spezza un centesimo” in Italian – I heard it my entire life growing up – a phrase coined by my Zia Marianina!  What I’m trying to get across is we know how to stretch a dollar – and make economic meals that are healthy and nutritious!

First – I’ve received several questions along the lines of “what do I buy?” – ok, this is easy…first think about things that are economic, to begin with like eggs…You can feed a lot of people with a dozen eggs and that should cost you around $4.00 – eggs are perfect for a Frittata!

How do you make a Frittata?  Easy…start by cracking a dozen eggs into a bowl and mix well together – then add a 1/2 cup of milk and mix together.  Then add green pepper, mushroom, and onion – add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper – mix well then pour the mixture into a shallow pan that is oven friendly.  Cook the eggs on medium heat for about 15 minutes but do not scramble – just let the mixture settle into the pan and create a pie. After 15 minutes take the oven friendly pan into the oven at 350 degrees for another 20 minutes to finish cooking.  Once done let it cool then flip upside down onto a plate.  You can serve as you would a pie in triangles – add a fruit salad or simple iceberg lettuce salad and you feed at least 6 people for under $10.00!!  The best part is Frittata can be served at breakfast and also for dinner!

The second is pasta! My favorite of course! Pasta can be a lot of fun for the kids because of all the different shapes pasta comes in…this week I’m using pasta wheels and my youngest son is lovin’ it!  So for about $5.00 you can buy 2 pounds or 2 boxes of pasta – then tomato sauce will cost you around another $5.00 (see pasta recipe from an earlier article HERE a little parmesan cheese and again use an iceberg lettuce salad and you can feed at least 8 people for less than $15.00!

We’ll have more tips to come with what to buy and how to cook in order to help you stretch your dollar as far as possible – come back soon!

By Rosemaria Altieri 

Follow Rosemaria on Instagram @RosemariaBeauty