Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee Season 11 Episode 13 Discount Dinner
- August 23, 2008
- 21 min
In season 11 episode 13 of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, titled "Discount Dinner," Sandra Lee creates delicious and budget-friendly meals using ingredients that won't break the bank. Lee puts her spin on classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken fajitas, and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
For the spaghetti and meatballs, Lee uses ground pork instead of beef to make the meatballs, which she then bakes in the oven. She pairs them with a simple marinara sauce made from canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. To save even more money, Lee suggests buying pasta in bulk and using only what is needed for the meal.
Next up are chicken fajitas, which Lee makes using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. She then adds bell peppers and onions sautéed with spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Lee also shows how to make homemade guacamole and salsa to accompany the fajitas, using fresh avocados, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
For the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, Lee uses a slow cooker to cook a pork butt roast with BBQ sauce and chicken broth until it's fall-apart tender. She then serves it on brioche buns with a simple slaw made from cabbage and carrots. Lee also suggests using the leftover pork to make other meals like tacos or quesadillas.
Throughout the episode, Lee offers tips for stretching ingredients and making the most out of a limited budget. She encourages viewers to shop for sales, buy in bulk, and use ingredients in multiple meals to save money and reduce food waste.
In addition to the main dishes, Lee also shows how to make a simple side salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons, as well as a refreshing drink made from frozen lemonade and sparkling water.
Overall, "Discount Dinner" offers practical and tasty meal ideas for those looking to save money without sacrificing flavor. Lee's creativity and resourcefulness show that delicious meals can be made with simple, affordable ingredients.
