Budget bytes Over 100 easy, delicious recipes to slash your grocery bill in half

Moncel launched her blog, Budget Bytes (budgetbytes.com), after economic recession forced her to adopt a strict food budget. The recipes in her new cookbook, some adapted from the blog, are written for novices who value variety as much as saving money. Many cost less than a dollar per serving, and while they rely heavily on inexpensive staples, they incorporate flavorful seasonings and garnishes. Moncel includes freezer and pantry stocking tips, sample menus, and an index of vegetarian and vegan recipes. VERDICT Though great for budget-conscious young adults, Moncel's debut is less useful than her website, as several great features (e.g., cost breakdowns, cooking times) have been lost in translation. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Easy Pad Thai recipe Serves 4 I'm probably not supposed to play favorites, but this recipe is definitely my favorite. Pad thai is the epitome of simple ingredients creating dazzling flavor. It's fresh, light, exotic, and faster than any takeout (unless, of course, you happen to live above a restaurant that delivers). Fresh lime is key to creating the unique flavor, but one lime should be enough for a single or even double batch of this noodle dish. Fish sauce, which you can find in the Asian section of most major grocery stores or at Asian markets, gives this pasta a more authentic flavor, but if you can't find any, skip it; this dish will still rock your world. INGREDIENTS 8 ounces pad thai or lo mein noodles 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 large eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 medium lime) 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3 green onions, sliced 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only, roughly chopped 1/4 cup chopped, unsalted peanuts INSTRUCTIONS Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain the noodles and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until tender. Whisk the eggs lightly with a fork. Pour them into the skillet and cook just until they solidify, but are still moist, moving the eggs around the skillet slightly as they cook so that they lightly scramble. When the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the scrambled eggs. Add the noodles and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle the green onions, cilantro, and peanuts over the noodles. Toss lightly to combine. Serve warm. BUDGET BYTE: Pad thai noodles have a unique flavor and texture, but if you can't find them in your area, try substituting another flat pasta like linguine. CHEF'S TIP: To get the most juice from your lime, roll it on your countertop while applying pressure before cutting it open. This causes the juice capsules to burst and release more juice. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © BETH MONCEL, 2014. Excerpted from Budget Bytes: Over 100 Easy, Delicious Recipes to Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half by Beth Moncel All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.