Keep an eye out at the butcher or your local grocery store for manager specials. Some stores have bins and some just have these items mixed in with the other meats. At my local store, the butcher routinely does some premixed and seasoned meat and sausages. If they don’t all sell, they reduce the price in half and run a “manager” special. I love these sales! It’s a chance to taste someone else’s ideas and saves me some work. Shoot, why not!?

Jalapeno Cheddar Sliders:

2 lbs (2 packages, 2 patties each of pre-packaged burgers from the butcher) – $2.09 and $2.31 (Manager’s Special)
1 package of dinner rolls (10-12 count) – $1.99
10 slices of cheddar or other cheese – $1.25
1/4 head lettuce, cleaned and prepped – $.25
2 roma tomatoes, sliced – $.40

COST: $8.29

I simply broke down the prepackaged patties I got on sale from the butcher. If you don’t have this option, you can use my Serrano Cheddar burger recipe and accomplish the same thing.

Using the premixed burgers, separate meat mixture into 12 equal balls. Now form balls into small patties no more than one inch thick and place on hot grill or griddle with a spatula. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side or to your preferred temp. Once cooked, place slices of cheese on each burger and shut grill or cover with lid for 30 seconds.

Serve with whatever condiments you desire and lettuce and tomato.  And don’t forget the twice-cooked fries!

Twice-Cooked Fries

6-8 red or white potatoes – $1.57
1 Tbsp Paprika – pantry
1 tsp Garlic Powder – pantry
2 Tbsps canola or olive oil – pantry
1 tsp Sea Salt – pantry
1 tsp Pepper, fresh ground if possible – pantry

COST: $1.57

Clean and pierce potatoes with knife. Microwave or bake till near done, not complete. Let cool.

Mix garlic, paprika, salt and pepper and set aside.

When potatoes are cool, peel skin and slice. Season with 1/2 your dry mix and fry in a non stick pan. Make sure your oil is heated to medium hot before placing potatoes in. Let cook till brown and crisp on one side, then flip. Once fries done, remove and place on paper towel to drain. Dust with remaining seasoning mixture and serve.

GRAND TOTAL: $9.86