So first off – I obviously didn’t invent an enchilada recipe – but I wanted to share with you how frugally I made these yummy and fairly healthy enchiladas. I purchased the items used to make it at several different stores but it is important to point out I did not run all around town trying to get the best deals - It just happens that they are all from various locations all over town.
Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas – it’s components and origin
1) two cups thawed and shredded chicken (previously cooked as a Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot) – This was organic chicken purchased from Whole Foods Encinitas at $1.99 lb for the whole chicken – the amount used worked out to $2 (actually really less because I also got several cups of organic chicken broth out of that thing – that I just call ‘free’ – but if I wanted to factor it as part of the cost I could easily call this less than $2 ….but I digress)
2) Whole Wheat Tortillas bought at the 99 cents store (judge if you will – but they are the same tortillas we have bought at ‘mainstream’ stores for less than 1/3 of the price! And no, they are no where near expired) I didn’t even use the whole package! 75 cents
3) Kraft shredded cheese – purchased at Target with coupon stacking (a Manufacturers and Target coupon on the same single item) – was $2 for the package and I used half the bag – $1
4) Mild Enchilada Sauce – used half of a large can. Purchased at the 99 cents store – 50 cents
5) Can of Lindsay Olives – from the 99 cents store – $1
6) Several green onions and cilantro – organic – from our garden – free
Everything was already cooked – so I just put it in the oven at 400 for 15 minutes – viola!
So for just over $5 we chicken enchiladas made with organic chicken, whole wheat tortillas, and several other quality ingredients. All the ‘big people’ (the four of us that aren’t the baby) ate yummy dinner and there is enough for Mr. Deals and Steals to bring to work tomorrow – working out to $1 per serving – not too shabby!
So I must admit – the snob in my is a bit nervous admitting that I consumed (and fed my family) food from the 99 cents store – but I have noticed some great deals on products many people buy anyway – about 90% of the stuff there I would not touch – but I have found a couple brand name staples that are totally healthy and no where near expired. Getting over my 99 cent store phobia and buying a couple staples from there is a great way to justify more organics and other items I otherwise would have a hard time fitting into our tight budget. I wouldn’t suggest buying anything from the 99 cents store – but again – what I got was stuff I buy anyway just at a way better price – go figure!
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i almost never buy food from the 99 cent store either but recently i have been seeing several name brand items that are months off from expiration. my kids like chex mix, it is $3.29 w/o a coupon from walmart ($4.59 at vons!) our dollar tree had it for…. $1!!! i bought 5 boxes and they were gone in a month!!!
Oh phew! I am not the only one!
I NEVER even thought to buy food there – until I was at the 99 cents store for birthday favors and saw that someone had a cart FULL of organic heritage farm single serving milks! I went back and got a bunch (they were 2 for 99 cents!) and we packed them in lunches and brought to the zoo – after that I always take a look – it is hit and miss – but sometimes I find some totally decent stuff!
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