Chili Cheese Fries: A Pregnant Woman's Craving

Three ingredients: Canned chili, Ragu cheese sauce and frozen French fries. Chili cheese fries recipe, made at home. That's what we had for lunch today. This frugal, pregnant mama has been craving them for days. I wanted them a few nights ago, but didn't have the ingredients, or energy to go to the store. Then I wanted them for lunch, right after I got off work. But I had to go straight home, so I couldn't stop by the store. So... I got the stuff this morning when Little Man and I went grocery shopping. It's so easy!
Recipe follows at the end.

 Preheat oven to 400. Spread the fries out on a silpat lined cookie sheet, or crinkle aluminum foil and put fries on that. Bake as directed on package.
Heat the chili up on the stove. (The beans tend to explode in the microwave.)

 Pour 1/3 c. to 1/2 c. Cheesy Ragu Double Cheddar sauce into a microwaveable measuring cup. Heat 20 seconds, stir, heat 25 seconds. And then it's ready to pour over top your fries and chili!

 Little Man's plate.

 He loved it, but didn't finish it. (He enjoyed a homemade popsicle afterward.)(*Healthier anyways. ;-D)

 I topped our with fresh chives! Something FRESH! lol

Hubby's portion, and yes, I reused the plate! It saved me a dirty dish! He was busy watering our new tree out front. And yes, the dogs thought lunch smelled delicious!

I got my craving food!

And saved money by making it at home.

Frozen fries: $2.00

Canned chili: $1.38

Ragu Cheese Sauce: $1.67+.50 coupon = $1.17

(Using the Ragu instead of a jar cheese dip/sauce saved me $2.71)

(And it was just as good!)

Total Meal: $4.55

Serves 3

 

My husband finished his and asked if there were free refills.

We ate it all.

He wanted more! So, I'm glad I bought enough to make them again!

(We eat healthy a lot, but sometimes it's nice to splurge.)

 

Chili Cheese Fries

1 bag steak French fries

1 can chili

1/2 jar Cheesy Ragu Double Cheddar Sauce

Fresh chives or green onion.

 

Cook fries as directed on package.

Heat chili in a pan on the stove.

Heat cheese sauce in the microwave in a pourable measuring cup, 45-60 seconds.

Layer: Fries, chili, cheese, chives.

Orange Cherry Lemonade Water

I made this today because it's feeling like summer and citrus water is always refreshing. I'm also pregnant and have to drink like a gallon of water a day... so... plain old water is getting boring.

The recipe is at the bottom, but I had fun taking some pictures. :D

 

 Step 1: Entertain the toddler. Put him in the highchair and gave him an organic pear.
Step 2: Slice the orange and cut off the rind. My oranges were not organic and the rind looked quite sad.

 Step 3: Add in two maraschino cherries and 2 tsp of the juice.
**Baby bump in the picture!!

 Step 4: Add some nice cold water.

 Step 5: Check on the toddler... he's still chowing down.
**Notice the orange slice? He'll get to that in a minute.

 Step 6: Add a tsp of pink lemonade. Adds a smidge of color and flavor.

 Step 7: Pop it in your fridge and let it rest for 1/2 an hour or so.

 Step 8: Get the little guy down from the chair. He's eaten lunch, devoured his fruit and is ready for nap time!

 Step 9: Once your ready to kick up your feet, remove your orange cherry lemonade water from the fridge and stir.
Step 10: Fill your mason jar with ice and a big straw.

 Step 11: Pour in the water. (I'd add mint if I had any!)

Step 12: ENJOY!

 

Orange Cherry Lemonade Water

2 oranges, sliced and rind cut off

2 maraschino cherries

2 tsp of cherry juice

1 tsp pink lemonade (not a packet of crystal light!)

Mint (if desired)

Water

 

Mix everything in a pitcher.

Let sit in the fridge for at least 1/2 an hour.

Pour over ice and enjoy!

Easy Baked Tortilla Nachos

 

A simple recipe that toddlers can easily help with! This is a recipe from my childhood. It's one my mom used to make. Actually I think I remember her and my dad making these to eat with their movie after us kids went to bed. They ate them with jalapenos, which actually sounds good! I love the sweet jalapenos. Mmmm.

(The recipe and instructions are after all the pictures.)

 

 

 

Easy Baked Tortilla Nachos

2 tortilla shells

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mild cheddar)

 

Optional: chili powder & cumin or taco seasoning, jalapenos, sour cream

 

Spray baking dish with non-stick spray or use a silicone liner.

Tear tortillas into chip size pieces and spread on the pan.

Sprinkle on the cheese and spices and jalapenos(if using).

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. 

Broil on low for the last few minutes if desired.

Top with sour cream if you want.

Enjoy while hot!