• Last updated 12/18/12 by JenniO11

With food prices going up, finding frugal dishes that fill your family is more important than ever.   We recently asked members of the Mothering community to share their best meal ideas that could be cooked for less than $5 and feed a family of four or more.   Of course, prices are different everywhere so these meals may cost more or less depending on where you are and what kinds of ingredients you prefer.   Enjoy!         Curried Coconut Chickpea Stew shared by avismama24   Ingredients 1 can chick peas 2 medium sweet potatoes 1 cup... read more

• Last updated 11/5/12 by JenniO11

  Sponsored by Bob's Red Mill   Bob's Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix contains 14 different kinds of beans - this is good hearty soup at its finest. Try this simple and delicious recipe for 13 Bean Chili. Beans are high in fiber, rich in protein, low in fat, and contain no cholesterol.      13 BEAN CHILI 1-1/4 cups 13 BEAN SOUP MIX 1 lb Ground Beef 1 medium Onion, chopped Garlic , as desired 2 - 8 oz cans Tomato Sauce 1 tsp SEA SALT 1 pinch Pepper 1 - 2 Tbsp Chili Powder Directions Step... read more

• Last updated 10/18/12 by Melanie Mayo

Soup is the perfect gift for a new family, a new neighbor, a sick friend. Leave the trinkets and potted plants behind and get down to what will truly offer healing and love. Pair a pot of homemade soup or a big jar of nourishing stock  with a loaf of warm whole grain bread and you’ll never be forgotten. Parents can support each other by trading soup. It’s just as easy to make a big pot as a small pot. Work out an arrangement with another family where you swap soups once a week. Help each other. Create peace and renewal.  Nourishment on many... read more

• Last updated 9/27/12 by Mothering Editorial

3 cups cooked pinto or kidney beans 1 medium chopped yellow onion 1 green or red diced bell pepper 2 chopped tomatoes 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2 minced gloves garlic 1 roasted, peeled & minced chile 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantroCombine all the ingredients, except the cilantro, in a large Dutch oven. Cover and bring to a slow boil. Remove the cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 40 minutes. Add the cilantro just before serving. Garnish with grated cheese and red onion. Serve with Cornbread. read more

• Last updated 10/19/12 by Melanie Mayo

I admit that I am very lucky.  My toddler will eat pretty much anything that we are eating.  Don’t hate me.  It’s just luck.  And it might not last.  Here are a few of our favorite meals for now.  They are all vegetarian, since eating low on the food pyramid is good for your carbon footprint.  They also all avoid the oven, since it’s the biggest energy hog in the kitchen, other than an old refrigerator. #1 Loaded potato salad:  I microwave the potatoes to save energy and time.  For six potatoes, poke three or four fork holes per potato and microwave ~six... read more

• Last updated 11/1/12 by Cynthia Mosher

(Phil finds feasible floor plan) The sharp sweet basil salad dressing poured over crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, blue cheese, yummy chickpeas and the reliable hard boiled egg make this chop salad win over anybody’s taste buds.  Vegetarian, gluten-free main dish salad. printable recipe?  Right here! About Cynthia Lair Cynthia Lair's web cooking show Cookus Interruptus brings humor to healthy family eating with over 160 recipe videos. Cynthia hails from Seattle, WA where she is assistant professor and culinary director... read more

• Last updated 11/2/12 by Cynthia Mosher

(so you wanna do something?) Toasted almonds, creamy avocado and mineral-rich arame team up to create this flavorful salad that is low in calories and high in calcium while Jane re-interprets dating word nuance. This happy salad is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. To print the recipe click here. About Cynthia Lair Cynthia Lair's web cooking show Cookus Interruptus brings humor to healthy family eating with over 160 recipe videos. Cynthia hails from Seattle, WA where she is assistant professor and culinary... read more

• Last updated 11/2/12 by Melanie Mayo

(Benjamin Franklin amuses Jane) A revitalizing dairy-free  soup using fresh, local asparagus, cumin and dill.  Fun way to utilize asparagus.  Serve it hot or cold.  Want to print the recipe?  Click here. About Cynthia Lair Cynthia Lair's web cooking show Cookus Interruptus brings humor to healthy family eating with over 160 recipe videos. Cynthia hails from Seattle, WA where she is assistant professor and culinary director at Bastyr University, School of Natural Medicine. She is the author of Feeding the Whole Family... read more

• Last updated 11/5/12 by Cynthia Mosher

(Jane stars in Phil’s commercial) Spring is the time to load your plate with greens.  Refreshing, cleansing and energizing. Crisp clean arugula dressed with a creamy herbal dressing.  Sounds nice to us!  The dressing can be used as a topping on pasta or grains too.  Gluten-free. Vegan. Want to print the recipe?  Click here.   About Cynthia Lair Cynthia Lair's web cooking show Cookus Interruptus brings humor to healthy family eating with over 160 recipe videos. Cynthia hails from Seattle, WA where she... read more

• Last updated 2/16/12 by Mothering Editorial

This vegan soup has such a hearty, satisfying taste. The jalapeno gives it a gentle kick, but is not too spicy for the entire family to enjoy. A definite crowd pleaser!1 lb dry lentils (brown or green)2 medium onions, chopped2 medium tomatoes, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 jalapeno, slicedsalt and pepper to tasteRinse the lentils according to package directions, then put in slow cooker. Saute onions until almost translucent, then add tomatoes, garlic and jalapeno. Saute just a few minutes more. Add sauteed veggies to lentils, cover with 6-8 cups of water and mix. Add... read more