Meat"less" Monday

One of the ways we save money during the week is to have a couple of meals that are meat"less" and by that I mean way less meat. We are not vegetarians and on those meat"less" days we DO have eggs, cheese, butter and milk. 

Tonight for dinner, we will be having Cheesy Polenta with Roasted Vegetables.  (click on link to be taken to recipe)

We try to eat seasonally and locally and because the temperatures on the Central Coast of California are still cool,  we have access to both butternut squash and Brussels sprouts at our local Farmer's Markets. As gardeners, we also grow both of these items and they can both be readily found at most grocery stores. 

And let me tell you, if you have never had polenta before.... WHY NOT!!?? You are going to love the rich cheesy, corny taste and how it mixes perfectly with the sweet butternut squash and the smokey Brussels Sprouts. You have GOT to try this dish out. So the cost breakdown for the end of February in our area is...

• 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese  ($3.99 for 5 oz.)            .80
• 3 oz. Fontina Cheese ($4.99 for 8 oz)                   1.87
• 1 Tbsp Butter   (3.99 lb.)                                         .25
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar                                        .25
• 1 Cup (5 oz) Polenta                                             1.65
• 3/4 lb. Butternut Squash ($1.78 Squash)                .85
• 1/2 lb.  Brussels Sprouts  ($2.99 lb. )                      .75
• 3 Tbsp   Olive Oil                                                    .25
• Parsley (free, I grow this)                                        .00
• Salt and Pepper                                                        .00
• TOTAL                                                                   6.67 or $1.67 per serving

That is $3.34 for a meal for 2, for a meal that's healthy, tasty and frugal! I cannot wait for dinner!

If you are scared to make polenta and are lucky enough to have a Trader Joes grocery store near you, you can pick up ALL the items there. Their polenta is in the frozen section and is mixed with other veggies and you could add in the two types of cheese. This route would be simple and quick but cost a bit more for the ready made supplies. I know they have the squash already cut up and peeled, the brussels sprouts halved and cleaned and the frozen polenta ready to go with just a bit of microwaving.

Try shaving money off your budget by eating on the "peasant" side a couple of nights a week and put the money you saved towards retirement, fun or debt!

Happy Meat"less" Monday!! 

Much Love