Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 7 Episode 2 Appetizing Savings

Melissa d'Arabian returns with another season of Ten Dollar Dinners, continuing to offer up her creative and budget-friendly recipes. In episode 2 of season 7, titled "Appetizing Savings," Melissa focuses on appetizers that are both delicious and affordable.

The episode begins with Melissa showcasing her recipe for Spanish Tuna and White Bean Salad. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, with the tuna providing lean protein and the white beans adding fiber and complex carbohydrates. Melissa shows how to prepare the dish step-by-step, with tips on how to keep costs down by using canned tuna and beans.

Next up is Melissa's take on a classic French dish, onion soup. This version, however, is much less expensive than traditional recipes thanks to the use of chicken broth instead of beef broth. Melissa demonstrates how to caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness, and then simmers them in the chicken broth until they are tender and flavorful. Topped with a slice of baguette and melted cheese, this soup is a cozy and satisfying appetizer.

Melissa then shows viewers how to make a tasty Spinach and Feta Dip. This dish is a perfect appetizer for a party, with the creamy and tangy dip served with pita chips or veggies for dipping. Melissa makes her own pita chips from scratch, demonstrating how simple it is by cutting pita bread into triangles and baking them in the oven until crispy.

For those who love a spicy kick, Melissa shares her recipe for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. These meatballs are made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and a combination of spices, and are then coated in a tangy buffalo sauce. Melissa shows how to pan-fry the meatballs until they are crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, and then serves them with a cool and creamy blue cheese dipping sauce.

Finally, Melissa demonstrates how to make her version of a classic Italian dish, Arancini. These crispy and golden fried balls of rice are filled with a mixture of cheese and herbs, and are a great appetizer for any occasion. Melissa shows how to form the rice balls and then bread them in a simple mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. She then fries them until they are golden and crispy, and serves them hot with a zesty tomato dipping sauce.

Throughout the episode, Melissa shares tips on how to save money while still creating delicious and satisfying appetizers. From using canned beans and tuna to making your own pita chips, these tips help viewers make the most of their grocery budget while still enjoying great food. With Melissa's expert guidance and creative recipes, viewers are sure to feel inspired and empowered to create their own budget-friendly appetizers at home.