Struggle Meals

Frankie teaches us how to use whole vegetables, from root-to-stem, which means no food goes to waste. Learn how to use those leafy green tops you thought were for decoration. Or vegetable stalks you would normally throw away. Those are like free bonus ingredients, plus they're tasty. Root-to-stem cooking: less waste, more food, and more nutrition. Frankie's favorite.

Flavor, flavor, flavor. Frankie shows us the way around the spice cabinet. You know that area in your pantry that collects dust? Well get ready to dust it off. All it takes is a couple primary dried spices to make a variety of homemade spice blends. Plus, they're is a fraction of the cost of buying them pre-mixed. Bonus: Frankie also tackles a monster challenge with our favorite monster guest!

Spring is in the air which means a whole new world opens up in the produce department, especially all the greens. Frankie does what he does best and teaches us how to cook with mother nature, spring-style. It's tasty, seasonably affordable, and pretty to look at. It's time to ditch the winter sweaters and stews, and spring into action with these delicious meals that are light on the plate and your

Frankie teaches us a few easy and inventive “no-kitchen” hacks for delicious struggly meals. Just because you're dorm living, road tripping, motel living, or haven't gotten that bachelor pad in shape yet, doesn't mean you can't make tasty meals from some handy kitchen (and non-kitchen) appliances. No Kitchen? No problem.

Frankie takes us on a magical mushroom trip. Not that kind but hey, no judgement. You may not get the trippy visions or fall in love with a tree, but mushrooms for every day meals are magical in their own special way. They're packed with nutritional value and they're an affordable plant-based meat replacement. We'll learn about all things mushrooms and how to make some inventive, flavorful dishes

It's that time, the first of the month, when you spend your whole paycheck on rent and bills. Your fridge is looking pretty sad and the grocery budget is low. Frankie cooks up some go-to pantry meals and also teaches us how to better prepare for this time of the month. Learn what pantry essentials to stock up on so you always have ingredients to make hearty, delicious meals. It'll make writing out

Dried beans are the most affordable and healthy way to prepare them, with very little effort to boot. Frankie will teach the basics of preparing beans from scratch while making super tasty recipes. We also take a field trip to the grocery store to shop the bulk aisle where those dried beans live. Beans are the gift that keeps on giving, so don't be scared to eat too many. Remember, they're good fo

Frankie prepares a Valentine's Day dinner for under $15 with a bistro-style theme to up the romance. Why go to a crowded restaurant for an overpriced prix-fixe menu with bad service when you can prepare a simple yet decadent romantic meal at home for a fraction of the cost? It'll be sweet, it'll be aphrodisiacal, and it'll be sexy cheap.

It's the dead of winter in Frankie's kitchen, which means it's that time for hearty, delicious, and warming meals. Cooking is one of the best activities to do during these cold, dark months because you've got the oven on to keep your flannel pj's warm. Plus, you get a lot of bang for your buck with winter foods, hearty vegetables, and meats that stretch. So you're saving even more money, while you

Frankie throws a game day party for under $25. Game days aren't for dinner parties but they are a day for some fan-favorite finger foods, especially those you can make in advance. Frankie makes three no-fuss appetizers that are cheaper, healthier, and tastier than subpar game day take out. Plus it's an easy and affordable party to host. So gather around with friends and cheer on your favorite team