Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 5 Episode 13 Holiday Helpings

Melissa d'Arabian, the host of Ten Dollar Dinners, is helping out viewers this holiday season with her episode named "Holiday Helpings." This episode aims to showcase affordable, easy-to-cook holiday recipes that will not break the bank.

Melissa starts off the episode with a special appetizer recipe that is perfect for holiday parties - bacon-wrapped dates. This sweet and salty recipe requires only three ingredients, making it affordable and quick to prepare.

Moving on to the main course, Melissa prepares a roasted chicken with root vegetables. She shows viewers how to make a delicious herb butter to spread under the skin to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. The root vegetables add color and texture to the dish without adding too much cost.

For a side dish, Melissa whips up a creamy mushroom risotto. She uses affordable mushrooms and rice with a little bit of Parmesan cheese to make a rich and satisfying side dish that complements the roasted chicken perfectly.

Finally, Melissa creates a dessert recipe that is perfect for the holiday season - peppermint bark. This homemade treat is easy and affordable to make but looks and tastes impressive. She shows viewers how to melt chocolate and layer it with crushed peppermint candies for a festive and delicious sweet ending to the meal.

Throughout the episode, Melissa also shares tips on how to shop for affordable ingredients and how to cook efficiently to save time and money. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and making use of what you already have in your pantry.

Overall, "Holiday Helpings" is a great episode for anyone looking to host a holiday meal without breaking the bank. Melissa's easy-to-follow recipes and tips make cooking a stress-free and affordable experience, ensuring that everyone can enjoy delicious and festive food this holiday season.