Great meals for under $10.00

Here are some meal ideas that are perfect for single parents on a tight budget:

Tuna Tortellini

1 lb. refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups frozen baby peas
1 (12-ounce). can tuna in olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:
Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water until tender, adding the peas for the last minute of cooking. Drain.

Meanwhile, drain tuna, reserving 3 tablespoons of the oil. Return tortellini and peas to pot and add the tuna along with reserved oil, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat through, stirring gently. You can sprinkle this with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4

Ramen Corn Chowder

1 package Ramen noodles (any flavor)
2 cups water
1 (16 ounce) can creamed corn
1 cup frozen corn
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Colby cheese

PREPARATION:
In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and the flavor packet and cook for 5 minutes. Add creamed corn, frozen corn, ginger, curry powder, and milk. Heat over medium heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2-4 minutes; do not let the soup boil. Add grated cheese and stir until melted and the soup is blended. Serves 4.

Oven fried chicken thighs

1 cup instant mashed potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
2 pounds chicken thighs, skin removed, if desired

PREPARATION:
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine potato flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the paprika. Put milk in another bowl. Dip chicken pieces in the milk then coat with the potato mixture, pressing mixture in to coat thoroughly. Arrange chicken thighs in a 13x9-inch baking pan (skin side up if skin was not removed). Bake in preheated 425° oven for 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Serves 4.