. . . More like BROKE all the THYME!

So, every Saturday after Weight Watchers I drive by this store called Frozen in Thyme. Well, THIS Saturday I decided to stop, pop in, and scope it out. According to Frozen in Thyme, they specialize in "solving the dinner dilemma for families, food lovers, and busy professionals."  In addition, Frozen in Thyme claims to offer simple, cost effective I beg to differ meal solutions to help  families balance their budget and time. 

After peeking at the prices, Frozen in Thyme may need to change their name to Broke All The Thyme!As a single mom "ballin on a budget" I found nothing cost effective about paying $30.00 for chicken picatta that serves 4-6. $30 BUCKS... and I still need to add a side dish. Check this out, a side of broccoli...$6.00 BUCKS!! I can buy a bag of broccoli for a dollar. Cost effective? You be the judge:

• French Onion Soup (Serves 4-6)...$22.50
• Amaretto Shrimp (Serves 4-6)...$29.00
• Baked Tortellini in Vodka Sauce (Serves 4-6)...$21.00
• Asiago Chicken Burgers (Serves 4-6)...$24.50

 Hey folks, just ignore me right now. I switched to hater mode to write this post. Truth be told, if my finances allowed for such an extravagance, I prefer to buy prepared meals rather than cook the meals myself. One can dream...until my finances multiply, I shall wait for my weight loss fairy godmother to appear, and grant my wish to receive a lifetime of prepared gourmet meals delivered to my home.  

While I wait for my weight loss fairy godmother to arrive, I opt for the next best thing, Mom's-Mealz-on-Wheelz program.  Basically, Mom's-Mealz-on-Wheelz consists of my Mom preparing  some fabulous, free cost effective culinary creations.  After my Mom lovingly prepares the meals, I roll on over to her house in my wheelz to pick up my meals.

On the menu this week:

 Chicken Tortilla Soup courtesy of TJ from TJ's Test Kitchen.

The Whole Enchilada Chicken Soup From HUNGRY GIRL Email.

PER SERVING (1 cup): 105 calories, 1.75g fat, 641mg sodium, 12.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g sugars, 11g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
3 cups fat-free chicken broth (*My mom made her own chicken broth.)
1 1/4 cups finely chopped celery
1/2 cup diced sweet yellow onion
3 cups green enchilada sauce
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin
10 oz. cooked boneless skinless lean chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1 cup frozen white (or yellow) corn
Optional: dash hot sauce, or more to taste
Optional toppings: shredded fat-free cheddar cheese, crushed baked tortilla chips

Directions:
In a large pot, bring broth to a low boil on the stove. Add celery and onion, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly tender.

Stir in enchilada sauce and pumpkin. Once soup returns to a low boil, add chicken and corn, and mix well. Cook for an additional 3 - 5 minutes, until soup is heated throughout.

Add a dash or more hot sauce.  Serve and, top with shredded cheese and/or crushed chips. If you love Chili's Enchilada Soup, then you'll love this thick and hearty soup!

MAKES 9 SERVINGS

Mealz-on-Wheelz always keeps beans in stock:

Tonight I paired some pinto beans (2 pts.) with a quick and easy soft chicken taco made from some leftover chicken my Mom gave me:

Last week Mealz-on-Wheelz offered pinto AND black beans, garden fresh produce, and a rotisserie chicken:

I picked up 3 bags each of freezer friendly vegetable soup and beans.

Pinto-n-Brown Rice

Vegetable Soup

Rotisserie Chicken

Gardenfresh veggies!!

All of this culinary fabulosity comes at a cost...the cost of a 1/4 tank of gas. Now, that's what I call COST EFFECTIVE!