The Budget Minded Momma's Dion's

I am always open to a last minute meal idea that's affordable and NOT from a fast food joint! Mostly because occasionally at least once a week the unexpected comes up. And as much as I'd love to drop $20 on dinner at Dion's, sometimes it's just not in the budget. So, I go to the next best thing...Did you know you can buy Dion's pizza dough and sauce for just under $4?? You can even CALL IT IN AND PICK IT UP AT THE WINDOW. 

It's as easy as bringing it home, rolling it out, shredding a block of mozzarella and adding whatever toppings you have on hand! We bake ours on a pizza stone at 450 degrees for about 13 minutes-taking care to make sure the cheese doesn't burn at the end. (Lightly cover with foil if it starts to get too brown.} Paired with a salad or fresh veggies, dinner is still on the healthier side and the limited prep-work makes clean up a breeze. And it only costs around $6!

Helpful Tips: 

• The amount of sauce that our Dion's gives us really can cover two pizzas, not just one. So if you find yourself in the same situation, pour half into a freezer bag, date and label, and toss into the freezer for the next time.
• I try to always keep several different types of cheese on hand mostly because cheese makes pretty much anything taste good! It can be expensive and a pain to do so when you're shopping at a grocery store though. Although pretty affordable when a store has it on sale, the non-sale price can easily soar to around four dollars. I try to avoid this by buying from one of my favorite stores of all time. Target. The store brand is always under $2 for a 8oz. which makes it very easy to stock up and at anytime!. My three standards that you'll usually find in my fridge are Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and Mozzarella. Between keeping those three on hand, I am usually covered when it comes to a last minute meal!
• And for those of you not in Albuquerque, check with your favorite locally owned pizza joint! Their answer just might surprise you!