Dining dollars: Family meals on a budget

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large 2-quart gratin or casserole pan

In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter in a large (12-inch or bigger) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the cabbage and scallions. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the cabbage is nicely wilted and just beginning to brown in spots, about 10 minutes. Add the stock and adjust the heat to a simmer, and cook about 5 minutes.

Transfer to the prepared dish. Tightly cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue to bake until the liquid is mostly evaporated, about 20 minutes more. Then remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with cheese, increase oven temperature to 375, return the dish to the oven, and cook until the cheese is thoroughly melted, about 10 minutes. You can serve now, but for extra deliciousness, put under the broiler for 2 minutes.

Pulled pork sandwiches
In a large saucepan over high heat, stir together BBQ sauce and chicken stock. Add leftover pork. Bring to a boil, lower to simmer, cover and cook about 1 1/2 hours, or until the pork is falling apart. Remove from liquid, let cool about 5 minutes. Using 2 forks, pull the pork apart. Return to pan and stir.

Heat beans. Place about 1/2 cup of leftover pork onto bun, add beans and cole slaw.

Cole slaw
In a large bowl, combine ingredients and stir well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

BBQ sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, garlic, and chile and slowly cook until onion becomes translucent. Add tomatoes, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, and stock. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook about 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning.