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Good for you and your pocketbook

It is easy to spice up chicken by simply adding pasta sauce. This chicken cacciatore recipe also packs a nutrition punch as a half cup of the pasta sauce provides a full serving of vegetables. Not only is it good for your kids (and you, too), but at less than $2 per serving* - it's easy on the pocketbook.

A recent Nielsen study found 93 percent of shoppers are worried about rising food prices. Here's the good news: a little creativity and a few fresh ideas can make family favorites nutritious and delicious without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

"With some super-simple recipes that use just a few ingredients paired with America's favorite pantry staples, it can be easy to prepare a dinner for four for less than $3 a serving*," said Lauren Dellabella, co-manager, The Unilever Consumer Kitchens.

For more tips and recipes, visit MakingLifeBetter.com.

*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 55 minutes2 tablespoons olive oil2 pounds chicken legs and thighs1 jar (1 pound 10 ounces) chunky pasta sauceHeat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken. Stir in Pasta Sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered 45 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.Makes 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 35 minutes1 envelope onion soup mix4 medium all-purpose potatoes, cut into large chunks (about 2 pounds)1/3 cup vegetable oilPreheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all ingredients in 13 x 9-inch baking or roasting pan.Bake, stirring occasionally, 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown. Makes 4 servings.Variations: Try substituting 2 sweet potatoes for 2 all-purpose potatoes. Or stir in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and soy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutes1 pound ground beef1 small onion, chopped1 small tomato, chopped1-¾ cups water½ cup milk1 tablespoon butter1 package Cheddar Cheese Pasta with Broccoli and CarrotsBrown ground beef with onion in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; drain. Remove ground beef and set aside.Bring tomato, water, milk and spread to a boil over high heat in same skillet. Stir in the pasta and veggies packet and continue boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 9 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in ground beef mixture; heat through. Makes 4 servings.

Potatoes are a great, hearty staple for any meal. Instead of greasy french fries, moms can jazz up this popular side with a better-for-you recipe, such as Onion-Roasted Potatoes, that impresses every palate from the kids to the dinner guests.
For a new twist on two family favorites — macaroni and cheese and hamburgers — try Cheeseburger Pasta and Vegetables Dinner. It's an easy one-pot dinner in only 20 minutes. It's also a great and easy way to add veggies into your kids' meals.

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