Get tired of all the same sides you're serving each day? Need a little pick me up boost to a plate of veggies or pasta?  How about a little extra cheese sauce over  chicken breast?  Or, maybe you need a quick fix for a lunch for your little ones.

Here's a super easy cheese recipe that can be made in the microwave.  I am certain to always have a block of cheese on hand when I feel the need to create something special for my family.  Blocks of cheese can be found at Aldi for only$1.29 on sale days.  You can afford this one!

1 cup milk
2 tbs. butter
2 tbs. flour
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Heat milk on high for two minutes in measuring cup.  Set aside.  In a bowl heat butter on high for 1 minute. Stir in flour, and heat one minute more.  Briskly stir in warm milk.  Blend well.  Return to microwave and cook 2 1/2 minutes, or until boiling. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and blend well.

I have to believe one of the most excruciating points of being on a restricted income is that it adversely affects your diet daily.  With the price of food so high, it is impossible to secure that good nutrition for yourself some days.  After all, your top priority is ensuring those little mouths are fed, and unfortunately, your dietary needs often come last. 

This dish is versatile and cheap.  All the ingredients can be had for just under $2 and you can savor this treat for days as it keeps well.  Keeping a container in the refrigerator will ensure your calcium and protein needs are met.

1/2 pound fresh or frozen spinach squeezed
2 tab. lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste
1 cup yogurt
1 tab. oil

Sauté onion until translucent in oil.  Add spinch and cook slightly.  Cool.  In a bowl add the rest of the ingredients and cover in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more.

Some days I am just at odds as what to make for a side dish.  After all, the pickin's get scrawny with noodles, potatoes, rice, and more noodles, potatoes, rice as daily choices.  For some reason vegetables don't demand such brain power when it comes to preparation, so why does that carbohydrate side ask for more intuitive input?  Well, in all honesty, we probably harbor a hidden detest for this ultimately craved side dish.  And,  with all the medical hype concerning how too many carbs are the culprit for many of today's diseases, we may be secretly utilizing selective choice when it comes to cooking. 

On this note, I wonder, why do we need bread with those heavy carbohydrate sides?  Why not add diverse breads as single side choice?  Then we can pile our plates with more fresh steamed veggies!  This bread is a wonderful addition to your family table.  It has more eggs than most recipes call for and adds additional cottage cheese, hence,  higher protein content can be had!

1 package of frozen chopped broccoli 10 oz. thawed and drained
1 stick butter or margarine
1 med. onion chopped
4 eggs
6 oz. cottage cheese
1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
honey

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well.  Place in wrought iron skillet or bread pan.  Drizzle honey over the top of bread. Bake at 400 for 30 min.

Here is a delicious, cheap recipe that can be served with your evening meal.  It is wonderful wrapped in marinated chicken slices or topped with a dry rubbed beef steak.  You can add shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and onion.  These are one of the most tantalizing wraps you'll ever taste.  The soft, chewy texture will be worth the little bit of effort you put forth in this recipe.  Made similar to a tortilla wrap, you'll enjoy this version better once you see how much the bread can hold without breaking!

1 cup  flour
3 cups of whole wheat flour (may use a bit less depending on your breadmaker)
1 packet yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tab. oil

Place all ingredients in bread machine.  Place setting for "dough".  Allow machine to run its cycle and watch the video below to show you how to roll it out.  You may not feel as comfortable as the woman who looks to be tossing a pizza, but you can roll it out simply with your roller.  Bake at 375 until flat bread bubbles and browns slightly.

There is nothing more intoxicating than the smell of fresh bread wafting the air as you complete the mundane activities of the day.  In fact, it seems to permeate our own well-being touching us with  "warm fuzzies" that allow us to feel loved and nurtured again as this fragrance saturates our brains. 

Barbari bread is a Persian delight often accompanied by a good strong feta cheese.  It is served at breakfast, yet makes an ample mainstay when making sandwiches.  It is easy to make, and a video is included so that you can easily ascertain how the bread should look before you pop it in the oven.

1 packet of yeast
2 cups of water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
5 cups of flour (preferably bread flour) - May want to use a little less depending on your bread machine
1 tab. oil or 3 tab. butter
Additional oil to brush the loaves
Sesame seeds to top loaves if desired

Into a bread machine add all ingredients.  Process mixture on "dough" setting to allow ample kneading and rising.  When bread is completed, knead slightly on board.  Begin shaping loaves as directed below.  Brush loaves with oil and top with sesame seeds if desired.  Bake on 375 until golden brown.