In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show, we welcome back Chef Ivan Flowers and his wife, Tracy Phillips, for a lively "Getting to Know You" conversation that blends personal stories with practical advice on eating well without overspending.

From rising grocery prices and smart shopping strategies to healthy meal planning and making the most of affordable ingredients, Chef Ivan and Tracy share simple ways to create flavorful, nutritious meals on a budget. Along the way, they talk about Chef Ivan's work teaching high school culinary students, Tracy's love of cooking and baking, favorite music, dream features for the Big Blend Media House, and the foods they'd love—or avoid—at a dinner party, making this a fun opportunity to get to know them beyond the kitchen.

Whether you're feeding a family or simply looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget, you'll come away with practical cooking tips, plenty of laughs, and inspiration for your next meal.

🍽️ Featured Recipe: Chef Ivan's Budget-Friendly Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/cooking-smart-living-well-chef-ivan-flowers-tracy-phillips

Visit the Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome Chef Ivan Flowers & Tracy Phillips
02:45 – Chef Ivan on Teaching Young Culinary Students
05:47 – Getting to Know Tracy & Rising Grocery Prices
11:00 – Favorite Foods, Music & "Getting to Know You" Questions
35:27 – Budget Shopping & Cooking on a Budget Begins
47:17 – Chef Ivan's Budget-Friendly Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
53:05 – White Rice vs. Brown Rice & Budget Vegetables
58:24 – Building a Healthy, Balanced Rice Bowl
1:02:07 – Reading Labels & Rotisserie Chicken Tips
1:06:00 – Sunday Meal Prep, Batch Cooking & Saving Money
1:09:05 – Smart Shopping, Reading Labels & Final Budget Advice

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