Part 2: Save Money, Eat Better

Here is the second week of my four part series: Save Money, Eat Better.  I have challenged myself to rid our family completely of High Fructose Corn Syrup and maintain a monthly budget of 100 dollars each week.  Last week, I posted my menu and had high hopes that I would stay on budget.  Ahem... I did not.  I went over by 20 dollars.  Well, in all honesty, I did not count the dollar amounts.  I pretty much shopped the same as usual and paid the same amount.  So, I guess that is no surprise.  This week, I am starting new. I have resolved to be a better shopper and yes, make more food myself.   I know that I can do it.

Menu: 
(some are a repeat from last week because we did not end up eating them..)
Dinners -
(all dinners have a side of salad or veggies)
Moe's Burritos
Pizza (we always have a pizza day)
Pesto Pasta Bake
Hamburgers and Potato Salad
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Mac and Cheese and Broccoli (Frozen from last week)
Lunches -
Hot Dogs
Left overs
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Snacks/Breakfast -
granola
peanut butter cookies
popcorn
scones
chocolate chip cookies
frozen banana + grape bites


And you know, the more I read about what we eat... the more I make.  It keeps me busy, that's for sure!  Today I wanted to share a recipe for queso.  This recipe goes on top of our "Moe's Burritos".  I happened upon this one by accident.  I normally bought queso from the store.  One faithful day, I forgot it.  This recipe was born from laziness (not wanting to go to the store) and creativity.  Here you go...

Queso:
1 1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp of corn starch
3 handfuls of cup shredded cheese (I like sharp cheddar)
a spoon full (or two) of salsa (to taste)

Bring milk to boil in a medium sauce pan.  Add in your corn starch. Blend with spoon until thickened.  Reduce heat and stir in cheese.  Simmer. until ready to use.

Stop right there and it is good as gold for macaroni.  Yum.

But we are heading toward a favorite one of my favorite Mexican treats: Queso.
Add a spoon full of your favorite salsa.  Done.

This post is linked to:  Delicious Dishes
Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, What's Cooking Wednesday
Real Food Wednesday .