Sunday, January 13, 2008

Frugal Foodie Challenge!!

I am so excited to tell you about this challenge. First, the history, my friend Lorena from Food Revolution challenged her readers to her first frugal foodie challenge. I wanted to support her first challenge but I was at a loss for ideas. A meal for 2 people using mozzarella cheese for a grand total of $7. I am often in shock when I read her blog. I know that NYC living is expensive but she's just good!!

So, on to the challenge, as I mentioined it required a meal for 2 people using mozzarella cheese and spending no more than $7 total. Without going to the obvious pizza, I was stumped for a good idea. Finally, driving home from work one day I decided to call my mom, a nutritionist and see if she had a recipe in her collection. We talked over a few ideas and she mentioned a panini but I was pretty sure I couldn't stay in the budget (not to mention I don't own a grill or panini press!). But it got me into sandwich mode and finally it just hit me!

I present to you Italian Quesadillas!

Ingredients

1 boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 burrito shells
3/4 cup tomato (or marinara) sauce-We used Prego's Three Cheese sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
non-stick cooking spray

Directions
Slice chicken into strips. Cook in a skillet using non-stick cooking spray. After putting the chicken in the pan, sprinkle with Italian seasoning. While chicken is cooking, spray the insides of 2 burrito shells with non-stick cooking spray and layer one with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Once chicken is cooked, layer onto the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese onto the chicken and top with remaining burrito shell. Place in toaster over or oven until browned. Cut into wedges and serve with tomato sauce for dipping. Makes 1 quesadilla.

Recipe and Picture from me!



Now for the grand total!
It was easier to write the list of ingredients and directions for 1 quesadilla however, the challenge was for 2 people so that is how my budget is written.

chicken breasts $5.00 bag, used 2 pieces =$2.00
mozzarella cheese $2.39, used 3/4 of the bag =$1.80
burrito shells $1.99, used 4 out of the 8 shells =$1.00
tomato sauce $1.72, used half the jar =$.86
Italian seasoning blend staple
non-stick cooking spray staple

Grand Total: $5.66

1 comment:

CB said...

omg. that looks YUMMO! I am totally making this. thanks for the recipe!