Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 2 Episode 8 French Bistro Bargain

Melissa d'Arabian is back with a brand new episode of Ten Dollar Dinners, and this time she's taking us to a little slice of France right in our own home with the French Bistro Bargain episode. Melissa has always been a master at creating delicious meals on a budget, and in this episode she's combining her famous thrifty cooking skills with classic French bistro dishes.

First up is a classic Croque Monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that's elevated to new heights with a creamy béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of nutty Gruyere cheese on top. Melissa shows us how to create this decadent sandwich for a fraction of what you'd pay in a fancy French restaurant, and even gives us some tips on how to make it ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Next, Melissa takes us on a journey to the south of France with her take on a classic Nicoise Salad. This colorful salad is packed with fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tangy olives, all dressed up in a zesty vinaigrette. Melissa shows us how to take this simple salad to the next level with some roasted potatoes and a beautiful seared tuna steak, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

For our main course, Melissa is whipping up a hearty Beef Bourguignon, a classic French dish that's packed with rich flavors and tender meat. This dish is traditionally made with expensive cuts of beef and requires hours of simmering on the stove, but Melissa has streamlined the process to make it budget-friendly and doable for even the busiest home cooks. She shows us how to get the same deep flavors by using more affordable cuts of beef and cooking it in a pressure cooker, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.

To finish off the meal, Melissa is treating us to a classic French dessert: Crème Brûlée. This dessert may seem intimidating, but Melissa shows us just how easy it is to create that perfect crackle on top of the creamy custard base. She even shows us a fun twist on the classic recipe with her Lavender Honey Crème Brûlée, infusing the custard with fragrant lavender and sweet honey for a unique and delicious flavor.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares her tips and tricks for getting the most flavor out of budget-friendly ingredients, making it easy for home cooks to create restaurant-quality dishes without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just looking to take your cooking skills to the next level, French Bistro Bargain is an episode that's sure to inspire you to get in the kitchen and whip up some delicious French-inspired meals.