Easter Meal Plan (Under $30)

Budget Breakdown:

1. Appetizer: Ranch Crack Dip w/ Crackers - $6.25
2. Main Course: Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs - $8.00
3. Side Dish: Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes + Green Beans - $8.50
4. Dessert: Apple Pie - $5.00
Total: $27.75

Recipes:

Ranch Crack Dip w/ Crackers

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
- 1 box buttery crackers (like Ritz)

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix sour cream and ranch seasoning together.
2. Stir in shredded cheese until well combined.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
4. Serve with buttery crackers for dipping.

Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 stick butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt & pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pan, melt butter and add garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir.
3. Rub the butter mixture onto the chicken thighs.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, until crispy and fully cooked.

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes + Green Beans

Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bag frozen green beans (12 oz)

Instructions:
1. Peel and chop potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
2. Drain potatoes and mash with butter, milk, garlic, and parmesan.
3. Steam or microwave green beans until tender.
4. Serve mashed potatoes with green beans on the side.

Apple Pie

Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
- 1 can apple pie filling (21 oz)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place one pie crust in a pie dish and fill with apple pie filling.
3. Top with the second pie crust. If desired, cut shapes in the top crust for decoration.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.