The $10 Challenge.

So, as mostly everyone out there we are watching our budget pretty close. As one of our biggest expenses is food (I wonder why), my wife offered me a challenge last night. Go to the store and buy dinner for the two of us for less than $10!

As I am a competitive person and like challenges I said no problem! So, off to the store I went. On the way many things passed through my head. Fish, probably not, Chicken, maybe but not in the mood, Steak, yes but again probably too expensive, Pork, yeah I could do that.

What would I want to do with it, definitely grill, Veggies? Not Sure. Once I got to the store I went right to the seafood department. Nope nothing there. Browse past the beef, nope too expensive like I thought. Pork, found some great chops, so I put them in my basket. Checked the chicken, no not inspired.

As I head to the produce I passed by the beef again and took a look. Always in the ?Angus section? there is something a little different. Not sure if that?s because people who buy Angus may be a little more skilled, a little more discerning, not sure. But something out of the corner of my eye, I see some Tri Tip Steaks. YES!

I rush back to put the pork back in place then now to the produce. Picked up some green beans, red potatoes and a red onion.

So the Menu ? Grilled Tri Tips with Roasted Red Potatoes, Chilled Green Beans and Red Onion Jam.

- Combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until all the liquid has evaporated.







 With the dish I made a chilled Green Bean salad that had the blanched green beans, blanched red onions, olive oil, truffle oil and a touch of basil.The potatoes were pan roasted until tender, then I removed the oil, tossed in some whole butter, tarragon and salt and pepper.







 The is the final dish. As a fathers day gift the other day I received some of my favorite aged Balsamic so I used a little and drizzles over meat and salad.

And Guess WHAT? Total=$9.58, now that was a success. Two people for less than $5 each!