$23 WEEKLY FOOD BUDGET - GROCERY BUDGET CHALLENGE 2022

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  • čas přidán 19. 03. 2022
  • Hi. I'm Ardent Michelle and I'm a frugal foodie on a budget. In this grocery challenge I'm eating mostly an Asian grocery haul for the week. I'll be saving money on groceries by planning my meals, eating affordable food and sticking to a budget. Hope you like my video.
    #extremegrocerychallenge
    #groceryhaulonabudget
    #groceryhaul
    #extremegrocerybudget
    #extremegrocerybudgetchallenge
    #ardentmichelle
    PRODUCT LINKS:
    Bibigo gochujang sauce
    amzn.to/3ioh0Pa
    Aroma Rice Cooker
    amzn.to/3coSc7V
    MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid
    amzn.to/2XcYCRK
    Silver Condiment Sauce Cups -Quantity 12
    amzn.to/2WsyC4R
    If you choose to use my links, I receive a small commission which helps support my channel. By using these links, you are not being charged any extra money
    To contact me, send emails to:
    ardentmichelle1@gmail.com
    To send me mail:
    15333 Culver Drive Suite 340 #546
    Irvine, CA 92604
    INGREDIENTS
    2 tofu blocks 2.6
    jasmine rice 2.00 2 lbs accounted for
    thai basil 2.88
    Chinese eggplant 0.46
    plain yogurt large walmart 1.28
    oatmeal 0.96
    coconut milk 1.29
    mung bean vermicelli noodles 1.29
    kabocha 1.55
    green onion wholesome choice 0.33
    broccoli 0.81
    eggs Dollar Tree 1.25
    strawberries Wholesome Choice 2.5
    carrot 0.26
    bread 1
    Korean radish 0.5
    Seaweed snack 0.8
    total 21.76
    condiments and oil 2.00
    total budget 23.76
    Substitute whatever type of meat is on sale. Chicken tenders or pork would work well.
  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 298

  • @Suzy12678
    @Suzy12678 Před 2 lety +35

    You always do such an amazing job on these. Hands down the tastiest and most diverse budget series - thank you for continuing these!

    • @wendoxia
      @wendoxia Před 2 lety +3

      I agree! I was watching something called the quaint housewife and she was making scrambled eggs with 2 tablespoons of canned salmon and chopped kale ! I just can’t get my head around how that would ever taste..,

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much! 😁🥰

  • @amandashipley3284
    @amandashipley3284 Před 2 lety +13

    I'm a speech & swallowing therapist so it is refreshing to hear someone openly discuss Dysphagia. I will start referring patients to view your site.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +6

      Thanks Amanda. 😁 I get a lot of requests from viewers so I try to help out when I can.

  • @atlanticalilly
    @atlanticalilly Před 2 lety +11

    Thai basil and all basil is really easy to grow in your window. Very inexpensive seeds, and they grow well in very little soil in a window container. Just make sure you do feed them plant food, some people think all plants need is dirt and water. Plant food is extremely cheap and should last you years once u buy it 😊

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +3

      I grew regular basil last year with my indoor lamp 🌱 I would love to try my hand with the Thai basil.

  • @Ericaaaaaaaaaa
    @Ericaaaaaaaaaa Před 2 lety +7

    You are hands-down my favorite budget food CZcamsr! Your meals are creative and super inexpensive without compromising on FLAVOR, which is something that I think a lot of folks making budget food on CZcams overlook. 😂 They're also really easy to make vegan! 💚

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thank you so much Erica 😁🥰 I appreciate this complement so much! Glad you are enjoying my content. Hope you are having a great holiday weekend!

  • @marianneale63
    @marianneale63 Před 2 lety +3

    To help cutting the squash and to keep your cutting board from slipping put damp paper towel or towel under the board. I will help with stability so you don't cut yourself

  • @amandaballard971
    @amandaballard971 Před 2 lety +4

    I been waiting for weeks for ur video. I've missed ur weekly videos. Thank u so much for sharing

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Sorry to keep you waiting. I think I'm about to get laid off at my job so you might be seeing my videos much more frequently. 😁👩‍🍳 Kind of scary but exciting also. Thanks for watching 🥰

    • @anniequinn
      @anniequinn Před 2 lety +2

      @@ArdentMichelle May end up being a blessing in disguise. Good luck to you

  • @nancynewman6592
    @nancynewman6592 Před 2 lety +13

    Finally someone showing how hard it really is to cut through a squash!. I microwave them 5 min on high, otherwise I cannot get through the outside. I have 2 pretty bad cuts recently and although I don't like to cook veggies in the microwave, I do soften squashes now!

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks for the tip Nancy. This is such a great channel, I always learn great tips from Michelle & other subs. 🙂👍

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +3

      That's a tip I will use 👍

    • @patrickharriss
      @patrickharriss Před 2 lety +1

      I use a bread knife. Works good, then peeler.

  • @bernadinewhitworth4262
    @bernadinewhitworth4262 Před 2 lety +9

    So am I the only one that hits the like button before the video begins ? Great job ! Thanks for the frozen rice tip !🤓

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      You're the best! 😁🥰

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +1

      No Bernadine you're not. Always know I am going to enjoy the video and learn something new, like freezing the rice idea. 🙂

    • @transamgal9
      @transamgal9 Před 2 lety +1

      @@patpeters6331 agreed

  • @ninajohnson6578
    @ninajohnson6578 Před 2 lety +5

    Fabulous! Could you please do more cooking with tofu. The price of meat is causing me to look for all types of protein. Thank you

  • @odiecap62
    @odiecap62 Před rokem +3

    On the Portuguese soup you definitely need more broth. It’s a mostly broth soup. Also, the eggs are usually poached right in the broth. A hard Portuguese, French, or Italian bread are the best for this soup. Hope you enjoyed it, and do make more broth next time you make it. 👏🏻

  • @ericakester2579
    @ericakester2579 Před 2 lety +6

    Hi! I just stumbled across your channel and thought I’d offer some tips for you that might be helpful when making food like this again in the future. 1. As mentioned in some other comments rather than baking your squash- you can steam it in your microwave instead. You could also chop it up into smaller pieces and remove the skin and then boil it. You can then add the boiled squash directly into your blender and blend until smooth. I also recommend adding some sort of dairy (or vegan friendly substitute) to the soup. Cream would help balance it out and also help with the texture.
    2. The reason your noodles took so long to cook was because you didn’t soak them. Noodles like that are thick in starch and need to be soaked to help ease in cooking.
    I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos and subscribing to your channel :)

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Hi Erica 😁 The kabocha squash was a shocker because it was so much harder than butternut or acorn, which I use frequently. I will definitely microwave next time. 😂
      I have some of the large mung bean vermicelli left over. I'll try soaking them in advance of cooking them next time. Thanks for the helpful tips. 👍Welcome to my channel 😁👩‍🍳

  • @theresaaltongregg4569
    @theresaaltongregg4569 Před rokem +1

    Hi Michelle, I love this Gluten Free recipes. I live down the street from a 80 yr old Chinese lady, she is very sweet and generous. I have learned about Purple Okra, Yardlong green beans , squash ( looks like a cucumber that has a strange red seed in the middle ) she boils it then adds sugar for a dessert but I took out the seed and fried it like zucchini. Her grandson told me about Amazon grow Oyster Mushroom kits and now I have a 5 kids . I thank you again for sharing budget recipes. God bless you and your family 🙏

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem +1

      Hi Theresa 😁 I'm glad you like the recipes in this video. It's my pleasure to share them with you. 👩‍🍳 That is so awesome that your sweet little neighbor is teaching you about these varieties of asian veggies. I wish I had a neighbor like that. I'll have to check out those mushroom kits. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Amanda-hc3rf
    @Amanda-hc3rf Před 2 lety +2

    Just found you this week and have binged watch almost all. Excited to see upload. Thank you. Wishing you a better week!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Awe..thanks so much and welcome to my channel 😁 Happy to have you here. 🥰

  • @shannonhudgins
    @shannonhudgins Před 2 lety +5

    I live in a community in Arkansas that is surrounded by rice fields. Our area makes a living on rice and ducks. The rice farming industry in the US is very much alive and well.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +2

      We should all know where our food comes from 😂 I'm so glad we make it in the US.

    • @821Farm
      @821Farm Před 2 lety

      I live near Arkadelphia.

    • @shannonhudgins
      @shannonhudgins Před 2 lety +1

      @@821Farm cool I'm on the other side of the state.

  • @KarisaKitty
    @KarisaKitty Před 2 lety +1

    YAY!! So excited for a new video!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Sorry to keep you waiting......👩‍🍳 Thanks for watching and commenting😁

  • @sikun7894
    @sikun7894 Před 2 lety +3

    wowwwww these look so good!

  • @triplethreatyes
    @triplethreatyes Před 2 lety +2

    I love Gai Lan, simply stir fry it with a splash of water at the end. First tried at an authentic Chinese restaurant and now addicted. Personally, I found it needs to be eaten right away. I didn't care for it day after or for meal prep.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for commenting on this. 😁 I love it too, and I'm excited to try the other veggies that are all new to me.

  • @kayleedebose8488
    @kayleedebose8488 Před 2 lety +1

    Loved this!! 🙌❤️

  • @josey21551
    @josey21551 Před rokem +1

    I loved this so much! I love shopping at ethnic grocery stores and trying new ingredients - maybe like “bang for your buck” where you discuss sauces etc that take budget food and pantry staples to a new level.
    I vote for miso! But fermented black bean paste is SO savory. A little goes a long way and it’s so good with everything!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem

      Hi Joanna 😁 Glad you like this video. Yum...I haven't tried the fermented black bean paste.

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +3

    Love Asian food. Total comfort food in my world. 😋 Have my favorite go to's and haven't been quite this adventurous as you but will give it a try. Thanks for the creative ideas.

  • @josupermom2042
    @josupermom2042 Před 2 lety +6

    I love your videos! You can cook kabocha squash and some other squash in your instant pot. You don't need to peel it or cut it at all. Wash the squash.
    Put 1 cup of water and the trivet in the instant pot, then the squash.
    Seal the lid, close the valve, and set to pressure cook. 10 minutes for a larger kabocha squash, 8 minutes for a smaller red kuri or a chunk of hubbard squash.
    Once cooking is done, release pressure. Remove the squash and let cool until easily handled.
    Pull the peel off of the squash.
    Cut squash in half and remove seeds.
    Mash or puree squash to serve as a side dish, or to use in your favorite soup, pie, or dessert bar recipe in place of canned pumpkin. Enjoy

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +2

      I don't have an instant pot but thanks for this comment for other viewers. Great advice 👍

    • @BrowneyedGirlmjd
      @BrowneyedGirlmjd Před 2 lety +1

      @Jo supermom. Thank you! 👍👍👍👍👍. I have an Instant Pot. Thank you very much for this advice. I don’t buy squash because of how hard they are to cut up before you can cook them. I’m assuming this would work for the hard squash best so acorn or something like that? Anybody who has tips on cutting up a spaghetti squash I would love them because I’ve almost cut my hand badly trying to cut those up too.
      I can’t use the microwave method because my microwave is ancient and not that powerful. No judging please it actually has a dial. 🤣😁. A friend gifted it to me when she was cleaning out her mom’s assisted living apartment. I have found that I don’t like the taste of microwave food so I’ve never bothered to upgrade it.

    • @josupermom2042
      @josupermom2042 Před 2 lety +1

      @@BrowneyedGirlmjd You can cook just about any kind of squash in your instant pot as long as it fits. You can also bake them in an oven as long as you poke holes in the skin like a potato. I have even cooked some in a bbq grill before. Don't be afraid to experiment with them.

    • @BrowneyedGirlmjd
      @BrowneyedGirlmjd Před 2 lety

      @@josupermom2042 Thank you! Spaghetti squash is my absolute favourite. I have been avoiding it as it was a pain to cut open. Now I won’t have to. .

    • @josupermom2042
      @josupermom2042 Před 2 lety

      @@ArdentMichelle You can also cook squash in the oven or BBQ grill with the skin on, just poke some holes in the skin and put it on a pan. Most squash you can use a potato peeler on to take the skin off. If you just want to make it easier to cut in half use the peeler on one strip around where you want to cut and then cut it where you removed the skin. :)

  • @debbiewilson2247
    @debbiewilson2247 Před 2 lety +3

    All of the recipes looked so good!! I don't know alot about Asian cooking, actually very little, but I always learn something from your videos! Thanks & have a great week!!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thank you so much 😁Hope I'm enticing you to try more Asian recipes 😊

  • @u2sandrah
    @u2sandrah Před rokem +1

    Great video! Tons of recipe ideas... this 20-ish budget limit is my favourite.

  • @justin5045
    @justin5045 Před 2 lety +4

    Those overnight oats look so delicious! What a creative and simple idea that can be an easily prepared breakfast for the next day

  • @maryellen9503
    @maryellen9503 Před rokem +1

    I don't actually cook, but i love your videos, your voice always soothes me when I am anxious.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem +1

      Awe..that makes me happy 😁 You don't have to cook...I'll cook for you. 😂

  • @catladyjai1113
    @catladyjai1113 Před 2 lety +1

    Your voice is so calming. I appreciate the video. Thanks!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I'm glad you think so 😁🥰 Thanks for watching!

  • @windsongconlon4853
    @windsongconlon4853 Před 2 lety +3

    Another fabulous video. Everything looks delicious as always! Coincidentally I was at H-Mart today shopping for ingredients for bibimbap! I love Korean food!!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I love that place. 💜 It's like an adventure every time I go.

  • @InSanesKitchen
    @InSanesKitchen Před 2 lety +1

    Also great job on the recipes!

  • @happybudgeter
    @happybudgeter Před 2 lety

    I've never thought about cooking my fruit for overnight oats, but it makes so much sense! Thanks for sharing!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      You're welcome. 😁 I love those strawberries over vanilla yogurt too. I could probably eat them on anything and be happy 😂 Thanks for watching.

  • @debbiecameron3024
    @debbiecameron3024 Před rokem +1

    Thanks for your simple recipes

  • @ebeth5891
    @ebeth5891 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much for taking us to the store with you!! That was so cool!! We don’t have anything like this in my whole state so it was really neat to see!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thank you so much 😁 I'm glad you enjoyed it. What state are you in?

  • @empresswb641
    @empresswb641 Před 2 lety +3

    Great video, love the recipes. I will try the eggplant tofu stir fry ❤

  • @teresacarnes2271
    @teresacarnes2271 Před 2 lety +1

    Keep the videos coming love them

  • @chandaharkins4418
    @chandaharkins4418 Před rokem +1

    I was getting so anxious watching you cut the squash. :) What a fun menu!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem

      meanwhile I was cracking up 😂 You were probably anxious I was going to cut myself though. So sorry about that 😊 I've never encountered such a hard squash. Ended up being delicious though.

  • @AppalachianMonk
    @AppalachianMonk Před 2 lety +2

    always awesome! Thank you!

  • @louisechapman4009
    @louisechapman4009 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing Asian food. I love it.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much 😁👩‍🍳 I'm glad you liked it.

  • @patpeters6331
    @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +7

    Michelle, if your brown sugar is hard, you can put the heel of the bread in it & it will soften the brown sugar over time. I keep mine in a heavy lidded jar, never in the box. 🙂🍞

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I will try this. 😁Not sure why I haven't thought to put it in jars. That will surely help. Thanks Pat!

    • @anniequinn
      @anniequinn Před 2 lety

      I do that too. It works like magic. I even do this if cookies have gotten too hard.

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +2

      @@anniequinn Wow, didn't know about the cookies. I usually just dunk them in my coffee or tea. Thanks for the tip. 🍪

    • @lauramodena5627
      @lauramodena5627 Před 2 lety +1

      Ahaha I just used my rolling pin to soften my package. It worked .. I got lucky the bag didn’t break 🙂

    • @Brianna_Little_Apple_Mama
      @Brianna_Little_Apple_Mama Před 2 lety

      I just take a good paper towel, dampen and then put that over an air right container of brown sugar and place lid over the towel. Leave overnight

  • @calciferscloset
    @calciferscloset Před 2 lety +8

    Hi Michelle! I enjoy your videos a lot and I'm glad that you incorporated some Korean foods :) For the gochujang paste, it's not a sauce and is more dense. I would say if you can get your hands on it, get some gochugaru which is red chili pepper flakes/powder. It makes dubu jorim more tasty! I'll need to try some of these veggies out, though! Hope for another video like this!! :) Thank you!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Hi Kim. 😁 I didn't have the gochugaru so I was improvising with the gochujang. I looked at some red chili powder at H Mart but decided not to buy it because I wasn't sure it was the right thing. Can you suggest a name brand or any other tips to make sure I purchase the right thing?

  • @siasia3376
    @siasia3376 Před rokem +1

    I really loved this Asian focused video!! I'm gonna try that eggplant dish! Thanks!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem

      Yay! 😁 Glad you like this video. Hope you enjoy the eggplant as much as I did!

  • @patriciah8377
    @patriciah8377 Před 2 lety +1

    You did a great job ~ have a good week!

  • @jgodwin717
    @jgodwin717 Před rokem +1

    Amazing meals!!!

  • @danidelyon7093
    @danidelyon7093 Před 2 lety +2

    Time well spent when watching your videos!

  • @allyrooh3628
    @allyrooh3628 Před 2 lety +1

    You make the most beautiful food! I really look forward to your videos!

  • @danasandlin2435
    @danasandlin2435 Před 2 lety +1

    tip: cook your squash first, then cut it in half--much easier that way...easy cooking tip for sqush: put in a slow cooker whole and cook on medium for three hours--gets very soft...best thing I learned this year--no mess with squash any more...dts/usa

  • @rphomemovies
    @rphomemovies Před 2 lety +4

    Soften your brown sugar easily in the microwave. Put some in a bowl, cover with a wrung-out wet paper towel, and heat in 10 second bursts. Works like a charm!

  • @CathieG
    @CathieG Před 2 lety +3

    That market looks AMAZING! I don’t have an Asian market near me. 😟😔😭😩

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +2

      Sorry to hear that. ☹️ They are so much fun. 👩‍🍳 There is a Hispanic market that I also have on my list. I love exploring the area and finding new places to shop.

    • @821Farm
      @821Farm Před 2 lety +1

      Same. We drive 2 hours to go to a tiny one. Nothing like this one

  • @WilletteB
    @WilletteB Před rokem +1

    A few seconds in the microwave does wonders for brown sugar.
    Everything looks so good to eat. I enjoyed the laughter while cutting the squash. 😆 Thank you for sharing.

  • @wendoxia
    @wendoxia Před 2 lety +2

    Such a fun video Michelle! I live in Los Angeles not far from Koreatown and the markets are so beautiful and there are so many incredible choices ! I consider myself a pretty adventurous eater and I see so many things that I’ve never had..

  • @kimberlyreitsma
    @kimberlyreitsma Před 2 lety +2

    Haha! I am loving the background music you chose for the squash soup. Inspirational! Let's not give up on the poor little kabocha squash! I am impressed that you even cut that thing open. Impressive! :D

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      It was quite an adventure😁 Who knew food could provide so much entertainment? 😂

  • @kendrahurst541
    @kendrahurst541 Před 2 lety +4

    That all looked so good! I've started baking my tofu in the oven too recently, and I don't think I'll go back. It's so easy to cook a bunch of tofu at once, and it always comes out great.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Agreed...I've started making a bit up in advance so that it's ready for a quick toss in the stir fry. This way it's nice and chewy without needing to be fried.

  • @belbe417
    @belbe417 Před 2 lety +3

    love your challenges you always have great variety to explore. Safety tip wet a towel or paper towel and place it under your cutting board to keep it from slipping. makes cutting easier and safer :)

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for the tip. 👍I need it with that squash 😂

  • @JacindaH
    @JacindaH Před 2 lety +1

    I use the wood ear mushrooms in my hot and sour soup. They are so yummy that even my grandbabies love them.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      That sounds delicious! I would love to try that combo! 😋👩‍🍳 Fall can't get here fast enough!

  • @mamacita41969
    @mamacita41969 Před 2 lety +3

    Everything look amazing, rice goes with anything and very cheap and inexpensive, I never try tofu, I will give them a chance.😋great videos.

  • @cynthiadies9055
    @cynthiadies9055 Před 2 lety +1

    I love your videos! I'm going to try using more tofu and I'm going to re-watch a few things. The Eggplant and Tofu Stir Fry is a must try!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Glad you are enjoying my content. 😁 Hope you like the eggplant stir fry as much as I do-and also hope you can get your hands on the Chinese variety. It is so much better. 🍆

  • @amythinks
    @amythinks Před 2 lety +1

    For budgets like this, you'd be served VERY VERY well by having a small garden outside. Your climate, in particular, works very well for overwintering things. If you are selective about the varieties you grow, they basically require zero maintenance and almost no space. Rosemary and thyme are so easy to grow. Anything where you eat the leaves of the plant is going to be the most economical to grow. Lettuce in the winter. Kale all year long. Hardy, perennial herbs. Malabar spinach. Seriously, grow kale. It's impossible to kill and it is so hardy in both cold and warm seasons. It just keeps growing and growing and growing. Where people go wrong is they try to plant everything and way over do it. Plant selectively...even on a sunny balcony, and you will multiply your options. Now, I'm not saying making videos about this because they might have less broad appeal, but an occasional feature...and it's great for your own budget.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem

      I would love to be able to garden, but unfortunately I can only do so indoors. ☹️ I don't have a yard or a balcony. I agree though.....growing your own is the way to go if possible. I grew a delightful little herb garden in my bedroom last year. 🌱

  • @CathieG
    @CathieG Před 2 lety +1

    I’m SO excited to see a new video! 🤩🥳😍 I’m going to make your SINGAPORE NOODLES this week! 😋🤩🥰

  • @elenacala
    @elenacala Před 2 lety +3

    Put the heel of bread or a moistned paper towel in with your brown sugar and it will soften it. They also sell terra cotta discs that you soak in water for 20 minutes and then keep in the jar of the brown sugar.

    • @transamgal9
      @transamgal9 Před 2 lety +3

      Yes that helps too!♡

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for the tip Candace. I have no idea why it wasn't in a jar. This is indefensible 😂 haha.

  • @emily--m
    @emily--m Před rokem +1

    Thank you for sharing ☺️

  • @vonlipi
    @vonlipi Před 2 lety +2

    Ethnic markets are the best!

  • @sylviabradley7355
    @sylviabradley7355 Před 2 lety +2

    Southern Illinois also grows rice.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I didn't know that. It's so cool that we grow rice in the US

  • @nesadcruz7840
    @nesadcruz7840 Před 2 lety +2

    Yu Choy is Chinese mustard leaves. Great in fried rice , soups or stir fries

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thank you for letting me know. 😁 I'll pick it up next time for my stir fry!

  • @AdventuresInOrganizi
    @AdventuresInOrganizi Před 2 lety +1

    Wood Ear is great in soups and stir fries

  • @colettemcwilliams1325
    @colettemcwilliams1325 Před 2 lety +1

    I grew up in Southern California and spent time in Korea. I get to see two of my favorite things. California sunshine and HMart! Thank you for another great video.

  • @BrownEyedGirl331
    @BrownEyedGirl331 Před 2 lety +3

    We do not like Asian food at all BUT we are going to revisit it because of your ideas. Thank you for always presenting something that inspires and is easily adapted for quick and easy meals.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks Lyla. Asian food incorporates a LOT of different cultures and types of food so I bet there are at least some foods that you might like. Thanks for watching my video and for the comment😁

  • @katrinaschuster6341
    @katrinaschuster6341 Před 2 lety +5

    How about a Mexican week meal plan on a budget! That would be awesome!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I definitely can do that. I used to do so much Mexican that people were starting to comment "she must really like Mexican food". 😂 Uhh...yeah.... Actually planning lots more. Thanks for the comment.

  • @carollyons6887
    @carollyons6887 Před 2 lety +6

    Thank you for an interesting program tonight. My husband is only a meat & potato person. So for me this was a real treat. Also for the Custard Toast, was there a recipe or directions ? I saw you do things, but will watch it agaain to catch what I missed.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I added a couple teaspoons of vanilla yogurt to an egg and whisked it then poured over the toast, topped it with strawberries and blackberries. Some people do plain yogurt and then add a little honey to sweeten. Bake until custard is set. Hope this helps. 😊

  • @patriciah8377
    @patriciah8377 Před 2 lety +1

    So happy to see these ideas! Squash is a tough one but I see other CZcamsrs poke it & microwave or steam it a bit ~ I roast it in oven in chunks or strips and it’s sooo good as side or in salads. Your soup looked yum😋 🙌👏👏

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +2

      Thank you Patricia 😁 🥰I roast butternut and acorn squash quite a bit but this was completely different texture wise. The flavor was super condensed as well, so it did make a very flavorful soup. Have a great week 😁

    • @annwilliams7808
      @annwilliams7808 Před 2 lety

      Hi Patricia, Can you give me a fast how-to with the roundish squash-es? I can sort of cook yellow crook neck, summer squash. But, the one time I tried to cook acorn (sort of round?Oh, acorn shaped, green) squash it just did not even cook. I tried to cook it in the oven. Thank you.

  • @jamiecee4960
    @jamiecee4960 Před 2 lety +1

    I would find the noodle section to. Would love to go-to one of those stores. 🙂 😁Yummy, the pudding looked so good. Love Jasmine rice. Never have done frozen rice before. Meals looked yummy. Never seen those kind of noodles.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I love exploring and trying new foods. Its always an adventure 😁

  • @lindawilson290
    @lindawilson290 Před 2 lety +3

    So glad you're back, AM! How would you compare the taste of gochujang sauce vs. that of hoison sauce? Thank you, and have a great week!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Hi Linda 😁 Well hoisin sauce is very flavor and sweet with no heat and a definite must have condiment. Gochujang is very spicy. The one I purchased at H Mart even though it said mild, was still a little too hot. I liked the Bibigo gochujang sauce better. It was not as hot. If you don't like heat you won't like this..but if you do..it's worth trying. My son once used the Bibigo brand and mixed it with cream to make a delicious kung pan spaghetti. It was amazing! Have a great week 😁

  • @BG01234_
    @BG01234_ Před 2 lety +1

    Cut a couple slits in the kabocha squash and microwave for 3 minutes. It makes cutting into it so much easier!

  • @BrowneyedGirlmjd
    @BrowneyedGirlmjd Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you for such a great channel and wonderful content. I love Asian food and have a fairly substantial Asian pantry so I can make almost all of these recipes. For anybody close to an Asian market if you can buy your groceries there you will be surprised at the a substantial amount of money you’ll be able to see you.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      You're welcome 😁 so true about the savings 💰

  • @monikahowarth8778
    @monikahowarth8778 Před 2 lety +1

    I love your channel. I’m watching it from the England, U.K. You are giving me so many ideas to cook on low budget. In U.K. I get reduced fruits and veg for £0.10/$0.15 per tray or punnet( after 7pm in supermarket) normally I get tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach. And sometimes I don’t know what to make with them. I will try cooking more with beans, lentils, pearl barley. Thanks for inspiration.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      You are so welcome 😁 Glad my channel has been helpful for you. I've heard that energy prices are through the roof there. ☹️ Hoping they go down soon.

  • @michelecraig9658
    @michelecraig9658 Před 2 lety +2

    As a native California girl, I can tell you that we grow a LOT of rice. The fields smell so good in the summer.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      What??? I want to smell the rice growing. Time to take a drive up north. 😁 That would be so much fun. Where were you at?

    • @michelecraig9658
      @michelecraig9658 Před 2 lety

      @@ArdentMichelle The best place is on Highway 113 between Knights Landing and Gridley in the summer.

  • @marthalorden8498
    @marthalorden8498 Před 2 lety +1

    Yup. Korean glass noodles are supposed to be chewy. Some recipes recommend soaking noodles for 5-10 minutes and then boiling them. But they are enjoyed as a chewy noodle experience. Unusual.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with me. 😁 I love exploring but I don't always know about the food that I'm purchasing.

    • @marthalorden8498
      @marthalorden8498 Před 2 lety

      @@ArdentMichelle Keep experimenting. It's half the fun! ☺

  • @thelullinthestorm
    @thelullinthestorm Před rokem +1

    My favorite gochujang is Garlic Gochujang by Mother in Laws. It’s more expensive but a little goes a long way and it’s so delicious

  • @jenniferjohnston5548
    @jenniferjohnston5548 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi Michelle, some people microwave the squash a bit to soften it for easier cutting. It's quite the workout is'nt it! Lol! Love love your videos!!!! 👍You rock!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for the tip! 👍 I will definitely try that the next time I use that squash 😂

  • @caregiver-69
    @caregiver-69 Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you!

  • @melann4065
    @melann4065 Před 2 lety +1

    I am definitely going to try these. I am in the process of changing my life style to a plant based one.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Yay! Hopefully you will find lots of recipes on my channel that you want to try! 😁

  • @MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE
    @MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE Před 2 lety +2

    Are you part Asian Michelle? Your cooking videos always have a fancy Asian flair to them. Beautiful video

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I am not. But I wish I was, because then I would have some relatives to show me the ropes. There is so much to learn in Asian cooking. Thanks for the complement and for watching my video 😁👩‍🍳

  • @twistedfrannie9311
    @twistedfrannie9311 Před 2 lety +1

    And that squash is the reason I own a very heavy sharp cleaver, lol.
    Whenever my brown sugar gets hard I just grate it .

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      That's a clever idea for hard brown sugar. 😂 Very nice. At least I got a laugh out of that crazy squash.

  • @pinkhope84
    @pinkhope84 Před rokem +1

    Amazing store

  • @vonlipi
    @vonlipi Před 2 lety +2

    I love the Asian grocery store! So many different veggies! Please try the lotus root when you can. I would buy some dried mushrooms, I think you would get a bigger bang for your buck!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I can't remember where, but I've tried lotus root once but never cooked with it. I need to pick that up next time and play around with it. Agreed, dried mushrooms would be a better value. I want to try a good homemade ramen at some point and they would be perfect in that. 😁 Thanks for tuning in again this week.

    • @vonlipi
      @vonlipi Před 2 lety

      @@ArdentMichelle love your content!

  • @littlesquirrel5007
    @littlesquirrel5007 Před 2 lety +1

    Just so you know Thai Basil will grow like a weed in a pot. If you have any Sunny location just throw some seeds in a pot and it will grow like crazy, as a matter of fact it will be pretty hard to kill as long as you keep it watered it'll be fine

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I need to order some seeds. I looked for some locally and didn't see any Thai basil. I would love to grow some 😊🌱

  • @wnynyn
    @wnynyn Před 2 lety +4

    I cook Yu Choy and Shanghai tip pretty much the same way. I stir fry in high heat and only add salt and little sugar. I sometimes cut them up and add to soup too. Funny enough, I am fro
    Shanghai and we don’t call Shanghai tip Shanghai tip there. :)

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing this info. 👍 I will try these and use your cooking method. That's funny about the Shanghai tip. 😂

  • @empresswb641
    @empresswb641 Před 2 lety +3

    I love that kabocha squash. It makes amazing tempura. I sympathized with you trying to cut it. Only thing that works for me is the meat cleaver.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +2

      😂 at least it gave me a good laugh.. Yum. I love the idea of using it in tempura. 😋👩‍🍳

  • @tmdavidson1478
    @tmdavidson1478 Před rokem +1

    I always cut kabocha squash around the 'equator' . I find it is so much easier to bake squash and puree the flesh. And apparently you can eat the skins too.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem +1

      I didn't realize that you could eat the skins. Good to know. Thanks for the tip. 😁

  • @DeterminedDIYer
    @DeterminedDIYer Před 2 lety +3

    You need a butcher knife for your squash! hehe. everything looked tasty.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I needed a skilsaw 😂 Thanks for watching my shenanigans!

  • @wendoxia
    @wendoxia Před 2 lety +2

    You made the custard toast!!!!! I’m sure I’m just one of the many people that suggested that to you but I’m so happy you tried it! It was great, right?

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Nope you were the only one. Yes it was great....and easy too 😁 Thanks for the recipe.

  • @madisonrosemccormick
    @madisonrosemccormick Před rokem +1

    I wish you were my mom :') your cooking looks fanominal and im starving just looking at it

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před rokem

      Awe...Thanks so much 😁🥰 That's a great complement! I'm glad my food looks appetizing to you. 😊👩‍🍳

  • @richardschmidt2430
    @richardschmidt2430 Před 2 lety +2

    It was a very good video...a more of a look into the Asian Markets out there! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Glad you liked my video..especially since I had so much difficulty completing it. 😂

    • @n.a.garciafamily
      @n.a.garciafamily Před rokem

      Hi fellow Minnesotan 👋😊

  • @InSanesKitchen
    @InSanesKitchen Před 2 lety +1

    You need a damp paper towel or kitchen towel under your cutting boards. Helps stabilize. I use a rubber mallet to hammer my knife through or use a cleaver if you have one for squash. Kills my hands, lol

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Yes I do need to start doing that with the paper towel. We just purchased a better knife, although I do think a cleaver is the way to go 😂 At least I got a good laugh out of trying to cut that thing! 👩‍🍳

  • @geraldinelucas3143
    @geraldinelucas3143 Před rokem +1

    Hard squash I put in the microwave a bit so I can get the knife blade thru without cutting myself.

  • @wendoxia
    @wendoxia Před 2 lety +2

    I haven’t even got a chance to watch this yet and I’m so happy… I know it’s kind of motherly but when I don’t see it one of your posts for a couple weeks I start Wondering if you’re doing OK!!!

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Awe..thanks Wendie. I made your Tik Tok Recipe. 😁 Thanks for that. I've just been distracted with everything that's going on right now...plus I think I'm about to get laid off at work. Worried but also kind of excited to maybe go full time at CZcams.

    • @wendoxia
      @wendoxia Před 2 lety +1

      @@ArdentMichelle getting laid off is never fun. But I think if you have the opportunity I think you can do it !!!I I helped a friend promote his CZcams channel during Covid and I would be happy to send you some of the tips that I did ! It helped!

  • @rubygreen158
    @rubygreen158 Před 2 lety +2

    Awesome that U came up with some gluten free recipes .I am a Celiac and can only have gluten free for life .I also eat Kosher and cant have any processed foods . I only buy organic as well but buy when they are on sale or on clearance . And I also go to the discounted meat section at the grocery store where I live .And 1 of the stores where I live now carry Chickpea spaghetti and I have got to try that 1.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      That chickpea spaghetti sounds interesting. It must be really hard to budget when buying only organic. That's tough. 💰 Hopefully I will have many more gluten free recipes. Currently working on one actually....stay tuned for my next video

    • @rubygreen158
      @rubygreen158 Před 2 lety

      @@ArdentMichelle , Thanks I will .Have a blessed week .

  • @rcwhoward
    @rcwhoward Před 2 lety +2

    I think I mentioned this to you already but if you haven't seen it yet if you use the heel of a slice of bread and just leave it in the container of your brown sugar that keeps it from getting hard.
    At least that is what Martha Stewart, claims.

    • @patpeters6331
      @patpeters6331 Před 2 lety +1

      Martha is correct. I have been doing that for years. Lol Wonder if that's where I first learned about it. 🍞🙂

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      Yep. You both gave me this great advice. The bread is already in my bad of brown sugar 😂

  • @hockenberryholler3150
    @hockenberryholler3150 Před 2 lety +1

    Oh my yes, Asian is our favorite too, we just shopped at the Fillipino store yesterday... we bought the eggplant also...we bought pancit noodles..but I get it, the noodle section is mind blowing! .LOL, where are the ginsu knives when you need them...who knew you could get a work out in by chopping a squash!!! Not loving the look of the mung bean pasta...Hugs~ Lea

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      yeah the mung bean pasta looked as strange as it tasted..but I still enjoyed it 😂 I've never been in a Filipino market, but would love to. And I've definitely never heard of pancit noodles. So many noodles to try, so little time 😂

  • @1957jmhiser1
    @1957jmhiser1 Před rokem +1

    You can boil the squash for 5 minutes to make the peel soft to cut

  • @annwilliams7808
    @annwilliams7808 Před 2 lety +3

    If you know how to make shrimp toast, please do a video of it. Had some years ago and still love it. Also, I assume everyone makes French Toast (or Lost Bread, in parts of Louisiana. Pain Perdue?). Make your egg bath, dip the bread in (or soak a bit) and fry. Serve plain, with cinnamon, powdered sugar, etc. The very old recipe is to add a lot of sugar to the batter. I like it plain. Maybe with a little syrup. Also, maybe you could do a "tutorial" on tofu? Want to try it, but fearful it just won't work. lol.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety +1

      I've never made shrimp toast. 🤔 I don't eat shrimp but I would still make it on my channel if I thought my viewers might enjoy it. I've never heard French toast being called lost bread. I'll have to google that. I love that. Yes Ann you should definitely try tofu. 👍 I'll do a tutorial soon. It's such a cheap protein source and is really delicious with a good sauce. 😁👩‍🍳

  • @melissas7589
    @melissas7589 Před 2 lety +1

    I bought a kambucha squash at H Mart a couple of weeks ago and had the same result, I felt it was just a little old. Squash come out end of summer early fall so we are eating last years.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      Interesting 🤔 wasn't sure if it was old or they are just hard as a rock. 😂

  • @alishaparr577
    @alishaparr577 Před 2 lety +1

    That Korean radish I think is also called dikon, its good cut into chunks and boiled in water flavored with fish sauce or soy sauce. I am fond of an Asian sauce called Bulldog sauce it would be great on your tofu.

    • @ArdentMichelle
      @ArdentMichelle  Před 2 lety

      I baked the Korean radish and also ate it raw but it never made it into my video! I intended to make a great curry with it but I ran out of time. I had a difficult 2 weeks. Thanks for the tip. I will pick this sauce up the next time I'm there and give it a try. I love tips on Asian food. 😁