Most people probably never take the time to break down the cost of each meal they prepare.  I do it often.  I just like to know…maybe justify to my husband a little when he sees the grocery receipts.

I was recently challenged to use the Kroger ad and only buying what was on sale try to spend $10.00 on a dinner for my family of 4.  I really thought this would be a piece of cake but when you break it all down it seemed a little more daunting.

So, Kroger ad in hand, my youngest son and I set off on our quest.  I never realized what a good lesson in budgeting your money this could be.  My son was such a good helper and he scanned the shelves for the cheapest items as well as kept the running total so I was sure not to go over.

Here is what I bought and the breakdown in cost:

1 lime= .75
2 small mangoes=2.00 (I know..it’s a splurge)
1 bag of long grain brown rice= $1.00
1 can of black beans= .60
1 can of pineapple tidbits = $1.09
2.23 lb bag of freshly frozen Tilapia = $4.44

Total bill = $9.88
Total per serving (2 adults, 2 kids) = $2.47
Not too bad, really.  I had hoped to get a red pepper but I just really refuse to spend over $2.00 for one this time of year and that’s what they were going for.

Fruity Tilapia with Black Beans

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Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of pineapple tidbits juice and all
• 1 lime juice and zest
• Tilapia, a little over 2 lbs, frozen
• 2 small mangoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tsp cumin (I had that already)
• salt/pepper to taste
• a drizzle of olive oil
• prepared brown rice

Instructions

1. I used 4 cups of water and 2 cups of rice on a low boil for 45 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
2. While that is cooking heat a large skillet on a medium heat.
3. Add a drizzle of olive oil and add the fillets.
4. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper and the cumin.
5. In a bowl add the remaining ingredients.
6. You could also add all of these things to the skillet when the fish is cooked but I like to let it sit for a minute and come together a little bit.
7. When the fish is done reduce heat and add the contents of the bowl.
8. Let heat through and reduce just a little.
9. Serve immediately over a bed of brown rice.

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This is actually really good by itself