By Katie Crabb, Dietetic Intern, Farm to Fork
With all your holiday expenses, there might not be enough money left in your budget for a traditional holiday feast. In that case, I am here to help! This holiday-themed meal was created using the recipe finder provided by SNAP (CalFresh in California). The total cost of this meal for your family of four is only $8.08! It is an all-inclusive feast that your family is sure to love and you won’t have to break the bank. On top of all that, each item can be purchased using your EBT card.
First, you’ll need an entrée. If that holiday ham just isn’t in the cards for you this year, try these crowd pleasing pork chops. According to the SNAP recipe finder, this dish only costs $0.60 per serving, or $2.40 for 4 servings.
Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Ingredients
| 4 | Top loin pork chops |
| 1/3 C | Orange Juice |
| 1 Tbs. | Soy sauce |
| 2 Tbs. | Honey mustard |
Instructions
1. Place pork chops in large non-stick skillet.
2. Cook over medium-high heat to brown one side of pork chops.
3. Use spatula to turn chops.
4. Add rest of ingredients and stir.
5. Cover pan and lower heat. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until chops are done.
Next, you’ll want some side dishes. Try this spin on traditional mashed potatoes that costs only $0.30 per serving, or $1.20 for your family of 4.
Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
| 2 | Potatoes (medium) |
| ½ C | Cottage cheese (low-fat) |
| 1/8 C | Milk (low-fat) |
| 1 Tbs. | Margarine |
| ½ tsp. | Herb seasoning |
| 1 Tbs. | Parmesan cheese |
Instructions
1. Bake potatoes at 425°F for 60 minutes.
2. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out potato, leaving 1/2 inch of pulp inside shell.
3. Mash pulp in large bowl.
4. Mix remaining ingredients except Parmesan cheese with pulp. Spoon mixture into potato shells.
4. Evenly sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Place on baking sheet and return to oven. Bake 15-20 minutes.
Still hungry? How about another side dish? Casseroles are always sure to satisfy a hungry crowd. Here is one that costs $0.44 per serving, or $1.76 for 4 servings.
Herbed Lentils and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
| 2 2/3 C | Chicken broth (low-sodium) |
| ¾ C | Lentils |
| ¾ C | Onion (chopped) |
| ½ C | Brown rice (uncooked) |
| ¼ C | Water |
| ½ tsp. | Basil |
| ½ tsp. | Oregano |
| ½ tsp. | Thyme |
| ½ C | Mozzarella cheese |
Instructions
1. In a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish add chicken broth, lentils, onions, brown rice, water, spices and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
2. Cover and bake at 350º for 2 hours, adding more broth if casserole is dry.
3. Top with remaining cheese and bake 2 or 3 minutes until all the cheese is melted.
You’re sure to be thirsty after all this food, so you’ll need a nice, cold beverage! This is a refreshing drink that has been popular in my family ever since I can remember. It only costs $0.25 per serving, or $1.00 for your thirsty family of 4.
Orange Cream
Ingredients
| 1-6 oz. can | Orange juice concentrate |
| 2 C | Water |
| 1/3 C | Milk (low-fat) |
| 1 tsp. | Vanilla |
| 1 C | Ice |
Instructions
1. Place all ingredients in blender or food processor.
2. Secure lid and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Last comes everybody’s favorite… dessert! This recipe is not only delicious, but can also use that leftover cranberry sauce sitting in your cupboard from Thanksgiving! This recipe comes in at $0.43 per serving or $1.72 for your family of 4.
Cran-Apple Crisp
Ingredients
| 2 | Apples |
| 1-8 oz. can | Cranberry sauce |
| 1 tsp. | Margarine |
| ½ C | Oatmeal (uncooked) |
| ¼ C | Brown sugar |
| ½ tsp. | Cinnamon |
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice apples thinly, keeping peel on.
3. Combine cranberries and apples in a bowl. Pour into 8×8 inch pan.
4. Combine melted margarine with oatmeal, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well blended. Sprinkle over apple/cranberry mixture.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until topping is crisp and brown.
Hopefully you now have some delicious, yet inexpensive ideas for feeding your family this holiday!