Ep 5. Cheesin'

Struggle Meals is a cooking show that caters to people who are on a budget but still want to cook delicious and nutritious meals. In this season 2 episode 5 titled "Cheesin'", host Frankie Celenza explores the versatility of cheese and shows viewers how to make four different cheesy dishes that are both easy to prepare and budget-friendly.

In the first segment of the episode, Celenza makes a cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that can be served as an appetizer or a snack. He starts by sautéing garlic and onions in a pan and adds chopped spinach and artichokes to the mix. He then adds cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream to the pan and stirs until the ingredients are well combined and melted. The dip is then ready to be served with tortilla chips or bread.

Next, Celenza makes a cheesy chicken parmesan that can be served as a main dish. He starts by breading chicken breasts with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. He then pan-fries the chicken in a pan until it's golden brown and crispy. He tops the chicken with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese and bakes it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a comforting and delicious dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.

In the third segment of the episode, Celenza makes a vegetarian cheesy stuffed portobello mushroom. He starts by removing the stems from the mushrooms and brushing them with olive oil. He then seasons them with salt and pepper and roasts them in the oven until they're tender. He then stuffs the mushrooms with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach and tops them with mozzarella cheese. The mushrooms are then broiled in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Finally, Celenza makes a cheesy dessert that's perfect for chocolate lovers. He starts by melting chocolate in a double boiler and adds cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream to the mix. He then adds chopped hazelnuts and spreads the mixture onto a graham cracker crust. He tops the dessert with more chopped hazelnuts and chocolate shavings and refrigerates it for a few hours until it's set. The result is a decadent dessert that's both creamy and crunchy.

Throughout the episode, Celenza shares tips and tricks on how to save money while still eating delicious food. He encourages viewers to buy cheese in bulk and use it in different ways to make a variety of dishes. He also shows viewers how to repurpose leftovers and use them in other meals to reduce waste.

Overall, "Cheesin'" is a fun and informative episode that's perfect for anyone who loves cheese and wants to learn new ways to incorporate it into their meals. With easy-to-follow recipes and budget-friendly tips, viewers can learn how to make delicious and cheesy dishes without breaking the bank.