Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 7 Episode 10 Catch of the Day Cookout

In episode 10 of season 7 of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, titled "Catch of the Day Cookout," Melissa sets out to create a delicious and budget-friendly seafood feast for her family and friends. As an avid angler, Melissa knows that fresh seafood can be a bit pricey, but she's confident that she can whip up some tasty dishes without breaking the bank.

The episode begins with Melissa shopping for ingredients at her local seafood market. She examines the daily catch and selects a variety of fish and shellfish, including shrimp, tilapia, and mussels. She also picks up some pantry staples like garlic, onions, and herbs, and some fresh produce to round out the meal.

Once she's back home, Melissa gets started on her menu. First up is a shrimp cocktail, which she whips up in no time using boiled shrimp and a simple homemade cocktail sauce. Next, she prepares a seafood jambalaya, combining shrimp, tilapia, and sausage with rice, vegetables, and spices.

For a side dish, Melissa makes a refreshing cucumber salad, which she dresses with a tangy vinaigrette made with lemon juice and Dijon mustard. She also puts together a quick and easy cornbread, which she bakes in a cast-iron skillet for extra flavor.

Finally, it's time for the centerpiece of the meal: a seafood boil. Melissa fills a large pot with water and adds seasoning, potatoes, corn, and sausage, and then adds the mussels and clams. After they've cooked for a few minutes, she adds the shrimp and briefly cooks them until they turn pink. The result is a steaming pot of succulent seafood that's perfect for a summer cookout.

As Melissa serves up the meal, she shares her tips for stretching your seafood budget. She advises buying frozen seafood when it's on sale and opting for less expensive varieties like tilapia and catfish. She also suggests buying in bulk and freezing portions for later.

Throughout the episode, Melissa emphasizes the importance of using simple ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious meals that won't leave you broke. Her seafood feast proves that with a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can enjoy a gourmet meal at home without breaking the bank.

Overall, "Catch of the Day Cookout" is a fun and informative episode that's perfect for anyone who loves seafood and wants to learn how to cook it on a budget. Melissa's recipes are easy to follow and full of flavor, making this episode a must-watch for anyone who's on the hunt for tasty and affordable meal ideas.