Stretch your Food Budget by Grilling!

Everyone is watching their budget these days. Interest in saving money and finding value are driving consumer food sales. In this tight economy it’s no surprise that a full 71% of American families are planning on using leftovers in their weekly menu. Here’s a great tip on how to save money; when you fire up your grill, plan on putting some extra meat or vegetables on to cook for flavorful, healthful leftovers!

Grilled and roasted meats and vegetables make perfect leftovers and will add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes. We use El Capitan Seasoning for grilling (www.SBSpice.com) and the flavor it gives leftover grilled foods is wonderful! For example, roasted red bell peppers and green chilies from the grill will keep in the fridge for several days and taste incredible sliced on a sandwich or diced in eggs.

One meal made with leftover grilled food that’s VERY popular in our house is enchiladas. They’re easy to make and delicious! Here's how:

• Soften a corn tortilla by quick-frying it in canola oil and transferring it to a small plate for rolling.
• Start with thin slices of your leftover grilled meat and a little cheese. From here you can add whatever you have and would like to use! Some ideas for grilled fillings include onions, green chilies and red peppers. Add a little salsa or hot sauce to taste.
• Roll up each enchilada and arrange them in a baking dish on top of a little enchilada sauce with the rolled seam down. (If your enchiladas won’t stay rolled, try a broken piece of spaghetti to skewer it together. Safer than a toothpick!)
• When all the enchiladas are made, top with sauce and a little cheese and you’re done!
• Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Uncover for about 10 minutes to finish, or until lightly browned and bubbly.

We like to serve this dish with some rice and fresh sliced tomato from the garden. Adding some homemade beans makes it a hearty meal.

Planning ahead a little with your food menu like this will not only save your family money, it will give you delicious food to cook with. So, next time you fire up your grill, grab your El Capitan Seasoning and cook up some extra food for delicious leftovers!