The secret to Perfect Crispy Potatoes is giving them a slight steam bath.

This garlic-infused pasta with broccoli is filling without being heavy.

Using dried black beans for this dish lowers the cost to only about $2.50.

For dipping or for tossing with pasta, this sauce will be your new BFF.

In any language, this appetizer is a crunchy way to start a meal off right.

Melissa shows how to get crisp-crusted, perfectly sauteed fish every time.

Watch Ten Dollar Dinners With Melissa d'Arabian, Sundays at 12:30p/11:30 c.

Meat with a cheesy crust: if that doesn't float your boat, nothing will.

This quick frozen dessert uses applesauce and other healthful ingredients.

This easy dish gets layers of flavor from chicken stock and olive oil.

Melissa makes her version of affogato, a traditional Italian dessert.

Weekday Cassoulet is Melissa's version of a classic French one-pot meal.

Melissa makes decadent Cafe au Lait Pots de Creme, coffee-flavored custard.

To save time and money, Melissa uses canned pineapple in this salsa.

Rice with caramelized shallots is a perfect side dish to fish en papillote.

Melissa makes a French salad of butter lettuce, lardons and poached egg.

For moist, flavorful chicken, brine and then roast it between two skillets.

Catch Melissa's money-saving tip to make expensive mozzarella go farther.

Ever thought of making your own sausage? Melissa shows how easy it is.

Crumb-topped tomatoes, broiled till bubbly, are full of flavor francais.

Melissa's basil chimichurri gives grilled cod skewers a huge flavor punch.

Get your next meal off to a tasty start with a stunning antipasti platter.

Rosemary Choco-Chip Shortbread cookies: buttery, peppery and not too sweet.

One bite of this potato bacon torte, and you'll be transported to Paris.

Melissa explains how get the most from the grocery store's day-old bread.

Melissa shows how to save money by buying dried beans instead of canned.

Melissa explains manager's specials and how they help you save on dairy.

Melissa uses frozen orange juice concentrate to glaze this chicken dish.

Braising helps keep this pork shoulder moist, tender and succulent.

Melissa combines more expensive fennel with red cabbage for her slaw.

Melissa's easy drop biscuits are flavored with green onions and Parmesan.

For a real punch of protein, use whole-grain pasta for this dish.

Melissa's Orzo with Thyme and Lemon Zest is "the busy person's risotto."

For burgers with a twist, try Melissa's tip: add black beans to the beef.