The ongoing recession affects most households where it really counts — right in the pocket. Unemployment, falling wages and rising food prices have caused over ten percent of all American households to claim government food assistance benefits.In fact, research has shown that it is hard for one in six Americans to put enough food on the family table each day. However, regardless of your financial situation, the chances are high you are looking for ways to cut costs in these uncertain times.Fortunately, there are many cost-effective and delicious meals that families on a budget can enjoy for less than $1 per serving. And to start you off there are twenty-one new delicious, healthy options included in the first of a new series of easy recipes simply called;Dollar DinnersEat for Thirty Dollars a MonthExamples;Gratinee (French Onion Soup)Cost $4 - Feeds FourIngredients5 lb of thinly sliced onion1.5 litres of beef or chicken stockOlive oil4 oz Butter1 small glass of sherrySalt and pepper to tastePrepareHeat butter & olive oil and gently cook the onions until browned. (thirty minutes) Add the stock and bring to a boil and then simmer for twenty minutes. Add salt & pepper and fresh garlic if desired.Serve with sprinkled cheese and fresh crusty French bread and salad.Bistro ChickenCost $4 - Feeds SixIngredients4 skinned chicken breasts2 white onions1 cup of flourhalf a kilo of chopped mushroomshalf litre of chicken stockGarlic, parsley, oregano & parsleysalt & pepperPrepareSeason the chicken breast with salt and pepper and then dust with flour. Fry gently in olive oil for ten minutes each side and then place into a casserole dish.Add the rest of the ingredients and fry in the chicken juices for ten minutes before spooning over the chicken breasts.Add chicken stock and a little flour and simmer gently for thirty minutes (add cream towards the end if desired)Serve with chopped basil on a bed of rice or with French fries.