We've all been there. As the mom of a tween and soon-to-be-tween I am constantly asked if we can "grab a burger & fries" or "pick up some quesadillas & burritos". I have even been asked to make a pit-stop for some breakfast sausage sandwiches on the way to the beach after their morning breakfast was eaten not even 20 minutes prior. "It's only $1" is their reasoning. It seems all the yummy nutritious, home cooked meals, or even specially prepared dishes can not replace the craving of fast food. The mood will strike, helped along by glaring reminders of these fast food marketing machines placed strategically along the direct route to school, the grocery store, or in the case of our weekend day trip, the beach.

Accepting the "It's only $1", or "Order from the Value Meal only" mentality is a step in the right frugal direction, but there's a better way - especially during these times when many of us have to stretch our already meager food budget. Here's how I satisfy my family's fast food cravings when we don't have money for fast food, along with some wallet-friendly ideas on homemade frappuccinos and smoothies:

1. Breakfast Sausage Muffin Sandwich. In most fast food eateries, you can get them at the value menu price of about $1 + taxes which, in the SF Bay Area, brings your out of pocket expense to about $1.10 (and this doesn't include the cost of gas at almost $4/gallon to make that side trip and idle in the drive-thru lane.) I can make the same version for 63¢ -- no taxes or extra gas needed. During my grocery trip days, I stock up on several 6 packs of English muffins at the 99¢ Store, a bag or two of 15 pre-cooked, frozen sausage patties at Target for $3.69 & a 16 pack of sandwich cheese slices for $3.50 on sale at Safeway. Sometimes I score these items at a cheaper price, lowering the cost of the homemade version. If you figure out the unit cost of each item (cost divided by package quantity) you will satisfy your fast food craving for 63¢ without having to make that extra trip. The amount of time to make one sandwich is under 2 minutes, way faster than traveling to and ordering from drive thru. Many times I've made these sandwiches in the morning right before we head out the door.
2. Chicken Sandwich. This too can also be found on the value menu of many fast food restaurants for about $1 + taxes, or about $1.10 total not including gas. I can make the same version for 47¢. A local grocery outlet chain, Food Rainbow, sells a package of 17 pre-cooked, frozen chicken patties for $3.49. We use a loaf of plain white bread slices purchased from the 99¢ Store in place of the fast food's white bread buns. Factor in a 16 pack of sandwich cheese slices at $3.50 on sale at Safeway, and you have found another way of satisfying your fast food craving without stressing out your wallet. These taste pretty darn close to the real version, and the prep time is again under 2 minutes.
3. Cheesy Quesadillas & Bean Burritos. The cost for a quesadilla at fast food place runs around $1.59 - $1.99. I can make a cheaper quesadilla version for about 40¢. To keep costs down I opt for corn tortillas, a whole stack of about 30 can be purchased at the 99¢ Store (which incidentally is the same brand that sells for $1.59 at Safeway). I do, however, make it a point to stock up on the 2 lb package of grated Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses at Safeway when they go on sale for $5.99 per package, store them in my freezer and use it for other dishes such as lasagna and casseroles. If I have leftover chicken from the night before I will cut it up in chunks, sauté with onions and a dash of hot sauce, and add it to the quesadillas. Fast food eateries usually sell bean burritos for about $1.59. My homemade burrito usually costs 40¢. I snag a pack of 10 flour tortillas from the 99¢ Store and a $1.19 large can of refried beans from Safeway. I use the same grated cheese purchased in bulk on sale. I usually add a couple of shakes of hot sauce, garlic and onion powders to remove the tin can taste from the beans and assemble everything together before heating up.
4. French Fries. A medium sized order of fries can usually be found on the value menus for about $1. My homemade version ranges from 25¢, or $1.00 for a whole platter of chili cheese fries. At the Food Rainbow I pick up a 5 lb bag of frozen French fries for $2.99. Purchasing a smaller bag of frozen French fries at a higher price from Safeway would still yield you a cheaper alternative to the fast food version. For chili cheese fries I add a can of 99¢ chili and some grated cheese to the last 10 minutes of bake time. The kids devour it.
5. Frappuccino-Type Drinks. What would a hot day be without one of these? I can make a healthier version that agrees with both my stomach and my wallet for about half the cost. I purchase mocha java ice cream (buy one get one free from Safeway), place about 2 scoops in a glass, add nonfat milk, some chocolate syrup and a shot of my favorite espresso then "mix" it up with a fork until it is frap or milk shake consistency. I'm not a whip cream fan so I usually omit this anyway. If you don't have an espresso machine you can use a coffee press. Years ago I purchased an espresso machine at a time when my oldest used to work for Starbucks and they were having a huge promo. My final price was further cut when she was allowed to use her employee discount. Before I made that investment purchase, I used a small coffee press I picked up at a garage sale for $1. For road trips I use a vintage Tupperware tumbler with a dome lid snagged for 69¢ at a local thrift store. After several runs through the dishwasher and disinfecting in a ‘bath' of bleach and water, this reusable frap drink holder is in perfect condition - no flimsy lids or leaks!
6. Fruit Smoothies. Again, another hot weather craving! I can make a healthier version with less sugar for about half the cost of those smoothie chains. (Plus save loads of time by not having to wait in line at one of these places during 90 degree weather.) My kids' favorite is the mango smoothie. I purchase several packages of frozen mango chunks at Food Rainbow or Trader Joe's for about $2.99 - $3.79 for a 2 lb bag. Half the package goes into the blender, along with 6-8 ice cubes and some soy vanilla milk (or silken tofu - whatever I have more of at the time). I add sugar to taste, more is required if you use silken tofu. We have a small strawberry plant growing in a container and when it bears fruit, the sweet, tiny strawberries are thrown into the blender. If my youngest (who is allergic to dairy) is not experiencing a smoothie craving, then I use a little regular milk and some vanilla ice cream in place of the soy milk or tofu. It usually yields 2 medium size drinks & one small drink, not quite as big as the smoothie chain, but not as expensive either!

What to Do With The Extras?

Purchasing bulk sausage patties or chicken patties always yields more than what can be made into sandwiches. I incorporate any unused patties into other non-fast food meals. Everything is pre-cooked and frozen anyway so it keeps pretty well in the freezer. I've used the extra sausage patties by dicing them up and adding them to my scrambled eggs medley or breakfast casserole. My kids also have them with their waffles, sliced to make it bite-size and fork-friendly. For the extra chicken patties I have sautéed them with onions, added a can of cream of chicken soup and served it over a bed of rice and a side of steamed vegetables. Voila! Easy dinner. This chicken steak dish has since become a family favorite.

I am well aware that the nutritional value of these meals leaves something to be desired - but keep in mind these are cost cutting fast food alternatives, so these meals satisfy the craving we usually give into when we tire of our standard healthy homemade meals. A side benefit is how our homemade versions would cut down on any unnecessary paper or plastics used to serve up the fast food versions. When you eat your "fast food", smile in the knowledge that you gave the environment, your wallet, your time and your gas tank a well-deserved break!