Taco Soup

Cook together then drain the following:

1 lb hamburger (or beans) ($.50)
1 small onion, chopped ($.50)

Add:

2 1/2 cups mild salsa (even Mango Salsa is good - I just tried it!) (free, but can be $1.50)
1 large can tomatoes (free, but can be $1)
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (undrained) ($.50)
1 can niblets corn (undrained) (free, but can be $.50)
1/2 tsp chili powder ($.01)
1/2 tsp garlic salt ($.01)
1 TBSP taco seasoning ($.10)

Mix all together and heat through.

Serve with grated cheddar cheese sprinkled on top, sour cream, and corn chips (sliced olives, optional)

MEATLESS VERSION:

I substitute beans for the hamburger - I've used black, kidney, pinto, garbanzo, and many white beans - they are all great. Cook it with the onion and then add the rest (including more beans - the more the merrier)

**Another substitution: I ran out of canned corn but have an ample supply of zucchini and squash, so I just added some chopped yellow squash and nobody complained at all, especially when they could douse all the food in cheese and sour cream.

TOTAL COST: $1.62 8/31/10, but up to $4.62 or even $6 with meat

Zucchini Boats

Anything that is called a "boat" can disguise the taste to a 3-year-old - so mine loved this meal and got the other kids excited about EATING THEIR BOAT! :) Love it.

2-3 medium-sized zucchini (home-grown = free)

2 tomatoes (home-grown = free)

6 eggs ($.50)

1/4- 1/2 cup milk ($.10)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cheese for top ($.30)

Cut off ends of zucchini, then slice in half lengthwise. Clean out the inside of the zucchini (but keep enough so the "boat" doesn't fall apart), keep the insides in a separate bowl. Cut zucchini's into about 4-6 inch sections, then place face down in a greased fry pan and fill with 1/4 inch water and cook to soften while preparing inside of "boat" about 5-10 minutes - careful not to burn.

Dice the zucchini innards. Dice the tomatoes. Remove the boats from heat and cook the zucchini & tomatoes. Cook about 5 minutes. Beat eggs and milk together, then add to the zucchini mixture. Add salt and pepper. Cook until eggs are scrambled. Then scoop into boats. Top with a slice of cheese and warm boats in pan again until cheese is melted. Then serve and enjoy.

Serves: Depends on # of zucchini and how big they are.

Total Cost = $0.90