Pink Eyed Jim’s Blog

A few years ago, I began work on what I then thought would become a cookbook. It promptly went nowhere. Still, over the years, when I’ve come up with recipes that fit the theme “Meals for under a buck,” I’ve written them down and kept them.

Well lucky you.

I’ve decided that this, while not being a great cookbook idea, is wonderful fodder for my blog! I can write these recipes as they come to me, interact with you on them, and even post your great Ramen recipes as well.

So without further ado, I present to you my original Introduction to The Ramen Noodle Gourmet

Introduction

Eating on a budget brings certain memories to my attention. A “Garbage Dog” was my loving name for a 7-11 hot dog crammed with as much of the complimentary toppings as possible. A two-ounce portion of meat (?) in a bun topped with about six ounces of chili, two ounces of onion, two ounces of relish, two ounces of ketchup, two ounces of mustard, two ounces of sauerkraut, and four ounces of cheese (?) topping. It is the messiest, and most unforgiving (to the gastrointestinal system) meal imaginable.
Wendy’s Ninety Nine-Cent Super Value Menu, was another budget staple. You could get a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, or five Chicken (?) nuggets, or a medium sized order of French Fries, and numerous other goodies for less than a buck. Nor did you have to cook, it was great.
Canned tuna is another great cheap meal idea. All you needed besides the tuna was some mayonnaise, and two slices of bread, and you had a pretty damn tasty sandwich. Add a slice of cheese, and a little heat, and you have the infamous Tuna Melt.
However, the ultimate Budget food is definitely Ramen Noodles. They cost about ten cents a bag, store almost indefinitely, and come in a variety of flavors. Most people only make the recommended soup from these bagged wheat (?) noodles. However, the typical cheap lunch in my house was Ramen boiled and then sautéed in butter and the included seasoning packet. It was easy, it tasted good, and you got all of your sodium for the following week.
Every college student or entry level employee just starting out in the business world is familiar with Ramen noodles. Nearly every starving artist damns them upon reaching the point of profitability. However, one rarely considers their versatility. It is doubtful that Ramen would be damned if those that are forced to eat them because of their price would just experiment with them a bit; anything gets old when done the same way over and over.

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