By now, you have probably seen the television commercial for the "KFC $10 Challenge," where a mother and her two children wander around the grocery store trying to buy everything they need to make a fried chicken dinner for $10.

The actors say it can't be done and quickly head over to the nearest KFC where they enjoy their chicken, biscuits and sides knowing they haven't forsaken the grocery budget.

Not so fast, says Iowa Chef Kurt Michael Friese, who actually took the challenge and wrote about it on this website under the headline: "Colonel of Truth"

" I made the same meal (chicken, four biscuits, mashed potatoes, and gravy) for $7.94 -- and I got three extra pieces of chicken and a carcass to use for soup," he wrote.

In fact, Friese made 2 dozen biscuits and the meal still came to $8.45, Friese has posted recipes and a spreadsheet if you want to check his math or take the challenge.

Making your own meal will take more time than a drive-thru. But Friese said he took the challenge to show people there is value in preparing a home-cooked meal for the people you love.

"In America, if we are what we eat, most of us are fast, cheap, and easy," he said. "We should aspire to be more, and gathering the family around the table is the best way I know how."