Yes, I agree with you the 99 cent chef is fresh, daring in the kitchen and as an avid fan,he is sooo cool. Brenda

I have to cook for about 4 people everyday and find it hard to spread out enough when we can't afford that many groceries.  We usually have pasta left over and a lot of garlic.  We keep a lot more chicken than any meat--less expensive.  How can you make chicken taste different?  My fiance doesn't like baked chicken, so I know that's out.

We have Italian Bread Crumbs, Pasta, Chicken, Tomatoe Paste, Raw Garlic Cloves, Kosher Salt, Pepper, A fresh Lime, Mustard, Mayo -- Fiance doesn't care for Mayo--,Bacon, Veggie Oil, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, Flour.

Any suggestions would be helpful--Also I need to buy groceries this weekend -- Any Suggestions?

Thanks so much

Grilled chicken is always good, if you cook it slow and smoke it the flavor is unbelievable. Get some ears of corn, soak them is ice cold salt water in your sink and throw them on the grill too (don't shuck before you soak or grill).You can also cut up the chicken and stir fry it or boil it and then shred it for use in a cassarole dish, tacos, or make a pot pie with the chicken a can of veggall, and can of cream of chicken soup and refrigerated pie crust.  Potatoes are very versitile and are a good staple item to keep around. I cook for a family of 6 who are very picky eaters and they love all of these.

what are your thoughts we are trying to cut back but like eating seafood and are tired of chicken.

It's not a comment really, I have a question. Where do I find the blogs by the 99 cent chef, I can't resist.  Does he blog on your site?

Hey

Take the mayo, mix with some chipotle sauce (you can buy it in cubes now about 99 cents, use 1/4 cube depending on your taste) to make a chipotle mayo.

take the chicken soak in salt water for a little while, if you use corn, try putting some lime juice on it (promotes better digestion of the corn) . this wknd buy some tortilla's and you can use this as a side w/ fajita's or kabobs, you can do kabob's one day and use the leftovers as fajitas add a salad or a side of black beans. it will be quite filling and you can probably get this to go 3 meals . . the chicken will be very tender after soaking in salt water.  there are recipes for civiches in books and on the net, compare and see what suits your taste and make it match when you go shopping.

then you can always bread your chicken , try using some fresh herbs to garnish, become familiar with you rlocal Asian store as they usually have herbs from 50 cents and up in bigger bunches then the regular grocery store..

Been there!! Gumbo is a good way to use seafood that can go a long way.  You can cut the seafood of your choice into smaller pieces so that it will go farther.  If you see alot of meat, you think there is a lot  you don't really notice that the pieces are smaller and it is the same amount.  You can  supplement the seafood in the gumbo with other meats like sausage or chicken.  You can also make a pasta dish with seafood cut into small pieces and placed in the sauce of your choice. Dishes like these can often be made large enough to last more than one meal or frozen for use later.

Another easy suggestion, since it looks like a lot of people are eating more chicken these days, is to use sauces. It can make a real difference and keep you from getting bored of the same old-same old. Don't forget to check the "ethnic" aisle of the supermarket, there are usually nice sauces for not much money there. Laury's brand has good marinades and my local supermarket always has canned indian curries, thai sauces, and don't forget the standard Campbells Cream of ___ soups. Any are good over basic grilled, broiled, or baked chicken with rice or pasta. Throw in a side of veg and you're good to go. You can usually get them for $3 or even less. An added plus is that the sauces tend to keep the chicken moist when you re-heat it.

From time to time my local grocery store has turkey sections sold in parts (ie. legs, wings, thighs, *** meat) on sale for less than $1/lb. Not only do I buy this meat to cook and feed to my dogs - I figure that a better diet now will equal fewer vet bills down the road - but will buy the legs and thighs and pop them in the oven for a mini 'Thanksgiving' meal. Add mashed sweet or regular potatoes, another veg or two and a bit of cran sauce and you're good to go! Lean meat, anti-oxidants - what more could you ask for?

I stay away from the 'cream of' soups, since they are full of salt and sugar. Powder marinades are full of salt as well, can draw out water and make meat tough. Use whole wheat pasta rather than regular - more nutrition for your $$ and they taste great. If you shop the perimeter of the grocery store you avoid the processed foods. That's my biggest complaint about coupons: they are ALWAYS for processed foods, never for lean meat, fish or fruit and veggies! Sure you save dollars up front, but what's the point if you end up needing a $50K heart by-pass surgery down the road because you've had a diet loaded with salt, sugar, refined flour, chemicals and empty calories for decades?

Bread the chicken and lightly fry (for color), squeezing lime juice into the pan as you do so.  Place the leftover pasta in a baking dish with the chicken on top.  If you like, place bacon on top of the chicken.  Either way, sprad tomatoe paste on the chicken and then sprinkle with cheese or cover with swiss (very good!), provolone, or even shredded cheddar.  See where this is going??  Bake until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Another idea is to use slow cooker recipes (plenty available online and in book stores).  My wife likes to do that and the meals are always good.  Me, I prefer to be more "involved" when cooking.