Judy wrote: “I s’pose what they’re bbq-ing might play a role. Tomato-based or teriyaki/Asian? Vegetarian?

Olive oil based pasta salads. The combination of veggies and cheese are endless.

Crostinis (you can use sliced bread cut in quarters if you don’t have baguettes, then they’d be called canapes ;)) or vegetables (like stuffed cherry tomatoes) or wraps with a creamy filling or topping.

You just a need a little bit of cheese like gorgonzola or feta. Stretch the cheese spread with greek yogurt or mayo or sour cream and more vegetables like frozen artichokes and herbs and caramelized onions.

Potato salad. Varieties. Add turkey bacon, olives, a selection of herbs…

Omigosh, I’m getting hungry.

First and foremost, think about what kinds of foods you enjoy preparing and put a twist on your recipe.

I love straight up any-kind-of-greens sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and onion with an acidic spritz at the end (flavored vinegars, citrus).

Also, I know what’s local and cheap here so I’d buy whatever-in-bulk and that would be my foundation.

I don’t know how to cook everything. Even with a recipe.

We’re so fortunate to have arugula and escargot (in cans) and eggplant and avocado and blackberries and strawberries, etc at our 99cent stores. Where the stuff really all costs 99cents each… unlike other stores that have “99” in the store name.

Anyway, you’re the best person to conclude what the most budget-friendly dish would be, Rachael.

I hope you post pics of what you make!! :D”