Ten Dollar Dinners Episodes
Open-Air Fare
Melissa d'Arabian makes ooey, gooey Three Cheese Steak Sandwiches and loads them up with sauteed onions, sweet peppers and tender mushrooms. Her Crispy Oven Fries, dusted with a homemade spice mix, are just the thing to serve alongside. For something a little sweet, Caramel Apples rolled in your favorite candies will win the hearts of kids and grownups alike.
Accessible Yet Exotic
Melissa d'Arabian stirs up her Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables, simmered in a creamy coconut-curry sauce. For pennies more, her Coconut Scented Rice rounds out the meal and soaks up the delicious sauce. Finally, Mom's Banana Bread is moist, tender and studded with chocolate chips, making it a favorite for breakfast, dessert and every snack in between.
Keep the Change Chile
Melissa makes Chiles Rellenos, filled with melted jack cheese and sweet corn kernels, served smothered in her homemade tomato salsa. On the side, Rice With Green Pepper and Jalapeno is perfect to soak up that delicious salsa, and Mashed Black Beans add an extra dose of flavor and satisfying protein. All that flavor, and still under budget ... ole!
A Down-Home Ten Dollar Dinner
Melissa's down-home menu starts with Chicken and Biscuits, tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich bacon gravy, served over super-quick Sour Cream Garlic Biscuits. On the side, Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad livens up the plate with fresh flavor, crunchy texture, and creamy Dijon dressing.
Winter in Provence
Melissa d'Arabian warms up with warming French favorites. She simmers a pot of Daube a la Provencale, a classic French beef stew, and serves it with a traditional side, pasta-based Macaronade. For dessert, her Orange-Olive Oil Cake is tender, moist, and not too sweet. Bon appetit!
Paradise by the Cooktop Light
Melissa d'Arabian dresses up a wallet-friendly classic without breaking her budget. Her tender Meatloaf gets an extra flavor boost from her Mustard and Sour Cream Gravy. On the side, Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes are brimming with green onions and cheddar cheese, and her Braised Collard Greens are tender and flavored with bacon, garlic, and lemon zest. Comfort never tasted this good!
Greek-onomical Dining
Melissa d'Arabian makes Moussaka, a traditional Greek casserole featuring roasted eggplant, a cinnamon-spiced meat sauce, and creamy bechamel. On the side, her Celery, Grapefruit and Olive Salad is a crisp and refreshing counterpoint, with a mix of flavors and textures as exciting as the low cost.
Saving Coin With Catfish
Melissa d'Arabian prepares an elegant and affordable fish supper. Pecan Crusted Catfish gets a spoonful of extra flavor from Spicy Cream Sauce, made with a surprise secret ingredient. On the side, Corn Succotash is fresh, healthy, and comes together in a flash. For dessert, Lemon Tea Cake is light and citrusy, a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Big Buffalo, Ten Bills
Melissa d'Arabian bakes a batch of chicken drumsticks, then coats them in her signature buffalo sauce. On the side, Smoky Baked Beans are slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and popular at every cookout. For dessert, two time-honored treats marry to delightful effect in Melissa's S'more Sundaes.
Panini Pinching
Melissa d'Arabian prepares one of her favorite sandwiches, the classic Cubano. Featuring roast pork, sliced ham, swiss cheese, and Melissa's homemade Quick Garlic Pickles. A cup of Black Bean Soup makes a quick yet delicious accompaniment. For dessert, another of Melissa's favorites: homemade Angel Food Cake, dressed up with toasted coconut, fresh orange segments, and a spoonful of sour cream.
Wallet Friendly Wraps
Melissa d'Arabian rolls up Turkey Lettuce Wraps, light and satisfying with a protein-packed filling, served with crisp veggies and a soy-mustard sauce. It's a salad and a main course in one. For dessert, Ginger-Lemon Oatmeal Cookies: studded with chopped pecans, they're a little chewy, a little crunchy and very popular in Melissa's house. You may want to bake a double batch!
Pan-Asian Perfection
Melissa d'Arabian prepares Asian Marinated Pork Chops, served with a ginger-orange glaze. Her Sesame and Peanut Noodles are tossed with scallions, bell peppers, cabbage and peanuts for a fresh and exotic pasta salad. Finally, her Fresh Cucumber Carrot Salad is served cool put packs a little heat in its vinegar-chile sauce.
Scarpetta Swap Out
Go behind the scenes with Melissa d'Arabian as Scott Conant shares secrets to his restaurant hits, then see Melissa make her budget-friendly versions at home. Her Chicken Liver Ravioli With Marsala Reduction is restaurant-ready yet wallet-friendly, as is her Roasted Sole With Tomatoes, Basil and Oregano. Your family and friends will enjoy every bite, while you enjoy the savings.
