The dinner budget on haystacks
Is it ever too early to think about what’s for dinner? Getting an early start means a little extra time to prepare. Depending on the size of the dinner party to be fed, this could be a good thing!
Dinnertime is an important time. Not only is it a chance for family time but also a time to unwind. If dinner is to be the last meal of the day, clearly it should be enjoyed!
The more the merrier, as the old saying goes. However, what if there is not an unlimited budget? Food is expensive, and some food is more scarce, therefore it is costly. With this in mind, sometimes it is fiscally necessary to find alternatives to high dollar food.
Haystacks
This is a good time to try the haystack. This dinner idea is a meal maker and not a budget breaker. It’s possible to modify the dish based on the available ingredients or embellish it to create a dinner masterpiece!
The haystack is another family invention that became a favorite! Like any good idea it came along from necessity and has grown into a tradition. It’s simple and that is what makes it so good. However it can be embellished to make it even better.
It’s a simple recipe that only needs a few basic ingredients to get off the ground. It is another dish that has a Mexican theme and it’s possible to turn up the heat on this one! A starter ingredient list will look this:
- Fritos corn chips
- (1) lb ground beef (browned)
- (protein substitute)
- (1) can chili beans
- (1) whole tomato (1) whole onion
- Jalapeno peppers (optional)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred)
- (1) small container sour cream
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The dinner budget on haystacks
Preparation
Preparation starts with a layer of corn chips. Any type of corn chip can be substituted, Doritos are also good. From there it’s all about stacking. A layer of beef, then a layer of beans followed by a layer of diced tomatoes and diced onions. Then a generous sprinkle of cheese. A small dollop of sour cream at the top, and the haystack is ready for dinner.
That is one possible combination of the haystack. As mentioned above, it is possible to customize the stack to suit the taste of the picky eater. It is also possible to add ingredients such as taco sauces and additional hot peppers. For times when budget is a top consideration a can of chili can be substituted as the protein. Not only does this save on the budget but also saves time in preparation.