In fact I still want to write a Dollar Store Cookbook! There is lots of stuff there that is GREAT! Our local stores have RoTel products as well as okra and other stuff not usually found around here.
Even those little canned hams for a couple of bucks or less can make some really good things like jambalaya, omelets and simlar.
There's also a Save-A-Lot near us with lower priced goods. If you are there on the right days at the right times they have REALLY good meats and produce!
Back story is a friend of mine, now deceased, was very grateful for things we had done for her. Even though she was on assistance she wanted to do things for us and insisted that when I took her to S-A-L she buy us stuff.
We were AMAZED at how good the fresh food was and they had the old pot pies, a fav with Mrs p6 and me for lunches, for less than a buck each!
You have to be careful but there are good things there!
I really don’t pick up much food at the $1 store here, but we have a restaurant supply store, a Winco, and a Grocery Outlet where I find some great deals. I also watch the weekly ads at the regular grocery stores for their loss leader items. The tortillas were one of these loss leader items and I can often get them for free by using my double coupons on them.
One thing our dollar store does have that we love to get for a special treat are some Key lime cookies (similar to a Mexican Wedding cake cookie or a Walnut crescent cookie, but with a Key lime flavor). They are really good!
A dollar store cookbook is a great idea! I have been typing up some of my menus and recipes as well as budget saving ideas, and want to set up a blog sometime soon, as I am sure there are lots of other people out there that could benefit from some budget friendly meals.