Dinner Under $5

I've been getting craftier in the kitchen, which is hard, considering my vow to not dirty more than five dishes.... It's not going so well. However, I'm working towards a more exciting goal: creating meals for 2 people (who both like to eat, a lot) for less than $5.

However, tonight was a major success:

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:

- Chicken (2 large breasts at $2.20)

- Tony's Cajun Seasoning ($.10)

- 4 pieces of bacon, smoked, thick-cut ($.40; we got the entire 1 lb. package for $2.00)

- Preheat oven to 350F

- Trim the chicken breasts, and coat generously with Tony's, rubbing it in.

- Wrap 2 pieces of bacon around each breast, and then place in oven safe baking pan.

- Bake for 30 minutes.

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese:

- 1/2 package of large, elbow macaroni ($.48)

- 5 oz. Velveeta ($1.05)

- 3 tbsp. butter ($.02)

- 1/2 small can of evaporated milk ($.50)

- Boil large pot of water, salting generously. Cook macaroni al dente. Drain completely. Rinse with cold water. Return to pot.

- While waiting, cut up the Velveeta into small cubes.

- Combine remaining ingredients in pot, with heat on medium, roughly, making sure all cheese has melted.

- Let sit a few moments to thicken.

- Salt and pepper if desired.

Total cost: $4.75

I'm still happily stuffed as I type this out. Delicious.

*Warning: This is not a diet-friendly recipe in the slightest, unless that diet includes cheese and butter :))