If you read this and it sounds mighty familiar, then you are probably a dear soul from Prairie Homemaker. I posted this there a few days ago, and thought I'd use it here as well. Busy day, what can I say? :)
About a month ago when I was in Walmart I thought that it'd be a good idea to grab a can of my favorite Campbell's soup - Bean with Bacon in the family size can. I love that stuff, and I always have. It's the perfect combination of beans, tanginess, smokiness, MSG and who-knows-what-else-ness.... When we get below 8 cans (the family size cans!) in our pantry, I get nervous.
They didn't have any.
Neither did King Sooper the next time I was there, and neither did Albertsons, and neither did Walmart the next couple times I checked.
I got worried that maybe they'd quit making 'my' soup in that size, so I called the 800 number on a can I had at home, and talked to a nice lady named Barbara.
She reassured me that they still make it, and said that Super Target has it, and that Walmart isn't on their search system, so they might still have it too.
Meanwhile, while she was looking all this up for my genuinely concerned self, I was telling her how it was my MOST favorite Campbell's soup since I was old enough for solid foods - like, 1967.
I told her how when I was three, they took out my tonsils, and they told me I could have all the ice cream I wanted after surgery, but when I woke up from the operation I insisted that the only thing I would eat in the whole world was Bean With Bacon. The hospital didn't have any (egads!), so my parents went to a store and got some for me, heated it and brought it in a thermos.
Yum.
I even confessed that I've tried, and failed, several times, to make a copycat of the soup, but none of them are even close.
Yes, I'm that goofy. I really love me some Bean n Bacon!
Moral of the story? If you love a product, tell the company. If you have a story, share it, and there's a pretty good chance they will give you some.
Post Script: Last week I received three fantastic coupons from the Campbell's Soup Family of Companies. After coupons, I was able to get three cans of my beloved Bean With Bacon - Family Size - for four cents apiece. They are lovingly nestled in my pantry, next to the others.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Chicken Lunch: Barbecue Chicken Pizza
This is the fourth meal from that same chicken, and we still have a good amount of chicken broth left. That broth and this chicken have been in the freezer to prevent spoilage, just FYI.
Let's make a simple, yummy main course for lunch.
This is the easiest pizza you can make, I think, without ordering from somewhere. You start with tortillas and a thin cookie sheet. I have thicker pans that look nice, but the crust doesn't get crispy on them, so welcome to the ugliest baking sheet at Ten Things Farm.
My mom says that barbecue chicken pizza is NOT pizza. That might be true, but if I call it barbecue sauce and chicken on a tortilla with cheese and stuff, it takes too long. I don't want to start anything (Mom), so cut me some slack, K? Anyway, spread some barbecue sauce on the tortillas. Then top them with cheese.
Don't get too crazy with the cheese either. If you put a ton, it'll just ooze off the edges and stick to the pan. With such a thin crust, a little goes a long way.
Top with the chicken.
Right there, you're good to go, but before you put that in the oven, check the fridge for other toppings. We found black olives, red onions (garden), crumbled bacon (free with coupons last week at Safeway - woot!)and mushrooms for me! So we topped each chicken pizza to individual preferences.
Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes if you like crispy crust. Check after 10 minutes though - I live at high altitude and things take longer to cook. Toss a salad, pour some tea, and enjoy!
Did you notice there's already one missing in the last photo? Hee hee. I made five of these today - two for each adult, one for the kidlet, and I still have some chicken left. Yay!
(Psst - if you ever need snacks for Game Day, make a honkin' pile of these and call them barbecue nachos!)
I bet you can think of a hundred other chicken stretcher meals - these were just a few to encourage us all to be creative and have fun while we save money. I hope you liked them!
Let's make a simple, yummy main course for lunch.
This is the easiest pizza you can make, I think, without ordering from somewhere. You start with tortillas and a thin cookie sheet. I have thicker pans that look nice, but the crust doesn't get crispy on them, so welcome to the ugliest baking sheet at Ten Things Farm.
My mom says that barbecue chicken pizza is NOT pizza. That might be true, but if I call it barbecue sauce and chicken on a tortilla with cheese and stuff, it takes too long. I don't want to start anything (Mom), so cut me some slack, K? Anyway, spread some barbecue sauce on the tortillas. Then top them with cheese.
Don't get too crazy with the cheese either. If you put a ton, it'll just ooze off the edges and stick to the pan. With such a thin crust, a little goes a long way.
Top with the chicken.
Right there, you're good to go, but before you put that in the oven, check the fridge for other toppings. We found black olives, red onions (garden), crumbled bacon (free with coupons last week at Safeway - woot!)and mushrooms for me! So we topped each chicken pizza to individual preferences.
Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes if you like crispy crust. Check after 10 minutes though - I live at high altitude and things take longer to cook. Toss a salad, pour some tea, and enjoy!
Did you notice there's already one missing in the last photo? Hee hee. I made five of these today - two for each adult, one for the kidlet, and I still have some chicken left. Yay!
(Psst - if you ever need snacks for Game Day, make a honkin' pile of these and call them barbecue nachos!)
I bet you can think of a hundred other chicken stretcher meals - these were just a few to encourage us all to be creative and have fun while we save money. I hope you liked them!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Chicken Dinner #3 - Chicken Long Rice
Long Rice is a Hawaii thing, but I would imagine it has roots in China, possibly Japan. It's easy to make, and really tasty. "Long Rice" is cellophane noodle. It's not made of rice, and it's not exactly a noodle either, in the sense that it's not starchy. It's also called 'bean thread', and I'd guess it's somehow made from soybeans.
This recipe is easy, even though the pictures will make it look like there are a lot of steps. Also, it's nice for summer, because you don't cook it a long time. Once you get all the ingredients together, you turn off the pan and it finishes on its own. Lots of recipes in Hawaii are like this, probably because it's hot and humid, and no one wants the stove on if it's not necessary. :)
Here are most of the ingredients (I forgot to set out the ginger and the garlic):
These are cellophane noodles, or 'long rice'. When they are totally dry, like in the first photo, you cannot cut them - not even with scissors. To soften them and speed their cooking, put them in a bowl of hot tap water for about 30 minutes. Just start them soaking first thing, and they'll be softened by the time you need them.
We're using the skinned legs, thighs and wings (also some of the chicken broth) for this meal. Put a small amount of oil (about 1 T.) in the pan, heat it up and add the chicken. If you're cooking in stainless like I am here, the chicken will immediately stick. Don't worry, once it's cooked some, it comes loose again. I don't quite understand it, but that's what stainless 'does'.
Turn the chicken occasionally to cook it on all sides. Meanwhile, prep your vegetables. I'm using carrots (three of them), a medium onion, a couple of mushrooms (those are only for me, my family doesn't care for them) and some green onion tops - probably about 1/3 cup.
Once the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, add some grated fresh ginger. See this ginger? It's frozen solid. Little tip I learned - when you bring home fresh ginger, put it in the freezer in a baggie. When you need some, grate it off, then put it back in the freezer. It tastes the same as fresh, and doesn't dry out and get old in your crisper drawer. It's not necessary to peel ginger either - you can if you really want to, but no need. Anyway, grate some off into the pan with the chicken. I probably used almost a tablespoon.
Add a nice spoonful of minced garlic too.
Next, add about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, 2T. soy sauce and 1/3 c. brown sugar. Drizzle in a little dark sesame oil if you have it. You may need more chicken broth later, but this will be a good start. By the way, the recipe calls for twice as much soy sauce, but start with 2T. and you may find that it's enough.
Take those cellophane noodles out of the hot (now warm) water and put them in the pan.
Add the carrots,
Then the onions,
Then give it all a little stir. Taste the broth. If it seems a too strong, add a little more chicken broth.
Bring back to a simmer, then pull out all the chicken pieces onto a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly - until you are able to separate the meat from the bone.
Give the meat a quick rough chop, discard the bones. They have done their job, giving flavor to the dish.
Return the meat to the saucepan. Put the lid on the pan, turn off the heat and let everything just sit a while. The flavors will marry, the long rice will soften, and it will all be just lovely.
To serve, put some brown rice in your bowl.
If you're me, put your thin-sliced mushrooms on top of the rice, then spoon the hot chicken long rice over the top. The hot broth cooks the mushrooms just enough. Garnish with green onions and serve.
This recipe is easy, even though the pictures will make it look like there are a lot of steps. Also, it's nice for summer, because you don't cook it a long time. Once you get all the ingredients together, you turn off the pan and it finishes on its own. Lots of recipes in Hawaii are like this, probably because it's hot and humid, and no one wants the stove on if it's not necessary. :)
Here are most of the ingredients (I forgot to set out the ginger and the garlic):
These are cellophane noodles, or 'long rice'. When they are totally dry, like in the first photo, you cannot cut them - not even with scissors. To soften them and speed their cooking, put them in a bowl of hot tap water for about 30 minutes. Just start them soaking first thing, and they'll be softened by the time you need them.
We're using the skinned legs, thighs and wings (also some of the chicken broth) for this meal. Put a small amount of oil (about 1 T.) in the pan, heat it up and add the chicken. If you're cooking in stainless like I am here, the chicken will immediately stick. Don't worry, once it's cooked some, it comes loose again. I don't quite understand it, but that's what stainless 'does'.
Turn the chicken occasionally to cook it on all sides. Meanwhile, prep your vegetables. I'm using carrots (three of them), a medium onion, a couple of mushrooms (those are only for me, my family doesn't care for them) and some green onion tops - probably about 1/3 cup.
Once the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, add some grated fresh ginger. See this ginger? It's frozen solid. Little tip I learned - when you bring home fresh ginger, put it in the freezer in a baggie. When you need some, grate it off, then put it back in the freezer. It tastes the same as fresh, and doesn't dry out and get old in your crisper drawer. It's not necessary to peel ginger either - you can if you really want to, but no need. Anyway, grate some off into the pan with the chicken. I probably used almost a tablespoon.
Add a nice spoonful of minced garlic too.
Next, add about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, 2T. soy sauce and 1/3 c. brown sugar. Drizzle in a little dark sesame oil if you have it. You may need more chicken broth later, but this will be a good start. By the way, the recipe calls for twice as much soy sauce, but start with 2T. and you may find that it's enough.
Take those cellophane noodles out of the hot (now warm) water and put them in the pan.
Add the carrots,
Then the onions,
Then give it all a little stir. Taste the broth. If it seems a too strong, add a little more chicken broth.
Bring back to a simmer, then pull out all the chicken pieces onto a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly - until you are able to separate the meat from the bone.
Give the meat a quick rough chop, discard the bones. They have done their job, giving flavor to the dish.
Return the meat to the saucepan. Put the lid on the pan, turn off the heat and let everything just sit a while. The flavors will marry, the long rice will soften, and it will all be just lovely.
To serve, put some brown rice in your bowl.
If you're me, put your thin-sliced mushrooms on top of the rice, then spoon the hot chicken long rice over the top. The hot broth cooks the mushrooms just enough. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Chicken Dinner #2
Tonight we used the remaining breast meat and some of the chicken broth. There were close to 8 ounces of trimmings from the breasts we used last night for the Buffalo Chicken sandwiches.
Tonight we had salads and Chicken Enchilada Soup, a family favorite.
(If you've ever eaten the chicken enchilada soup at Chili's restaurant, this is a copycat recipe.)
Chicken Enchilada Soup
1/2 T. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 c. diced onion
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 c. enchilada sauce
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. ground cumin (though we like it with a little more)
1/2 c. masa harina (corn tortilla mix)
3 1/2 c. chicken broth, divided
1/2 lb. cubed processed cheese (we're talking Velveeta type cheese (store brand is fine) here)
1. Heat oil in a medium size pot. Add onions, garlic and chicken. Cook until just beginning to brown.
2. Add the enchilada sauce, chili powder and cumin to the chicken mixture.
3. Measure masa harina into a medium size bowl. Add about half the chicken broth and whisk to combine. Pour the masa harina/broth mixture into the chicken mixture, stir to combine. Add the rest of the broth and bring to a low simmer.
4. Cube the cheese to help it melt more quickly. Sprinkle into the soup, heat on low, stirring while cheese melts and blends into the soup.
5. Garnish with tortilla chips, salsa, sour cream, onions, cilantro, taco sauce, fresh tomatoes - really, whatever you like best!
P.S. We also have enough soup left for hubby to take this to work one day for his lunch.
Tonight we had salads and Chicken Enchilada Soup, a family favorite.
(If you've ever eaten the chicken enchilada soup at Chili's restaurant, this is a copycat recipe.)
Chicken Enchilada Soup
1/2 T. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 c. diced onion
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 c. enchilada sauce
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. ground cumin (though we like it with a little more)
1/2 c. masa harina (corn tortilla mix)
3 1/2 c. chicken broth, divided
1/2 lb. cubed processed cheese (we're talking Velveeta type cheese (store brand is fine) here)
1. Heat oil in a medium size pot. Add onions, garlic and chicken. Cook until just beginning to brown.
2. Add the enchilada sauce, chili powder and cumin to the chicken mixture.
3. Measure masa harina into a medium size bowl. Add about half the chicken broth and whisk to combine. Pour the masa harina/broth mixture into the chicken mixture, stir to combine. Add the rest of the broth and bring to a low simmer.
4. Cube the cheese to help it melt more quickly. Sprinkle into the soup, heat on low, stirring while cheese melts and blends into the soup.
5. Garnish with tortilla chips, salsa, sour cream, onions, cilantro, taco sauce, fresh tomatoes - really, whatever you like best!
P.S. We also have enough soup left for hubby to take this to work one day for his lunch.
It's not groceries, but it's a great deal!
Hey, Y'all!
I was in Walgreens today and they had Gillette Fusion (Phenom) razors on clearance for $2.29. I was able to use a $2 off coupon for the razor (from a recent red plum insert - sorry I don't have the date for it) and ALSO use a coupon from the P&G insert that let me get a free Gillette Body Wash when I purchased the razor.
29 cents (plus tax) for a razor and a 12 oz. body wash. Best, I had two sets of the coupons!
Back later with tonight's chicken meal! :)
I was in Walgreens today and they had Gillette Fusion (Phenom) razors on clearance for $2.29. I was able to use a $2 off coupon for the razor (from a recent red plum insert - sorry I don't have the date for it) and ALSO use a coupon from the P&G insert that let me get a free Gillette Body Wash when I purchased the razor.
29 cents (plus tax) for a razor and a 12 oz. body wash. Best, I had two sets of the coupons!
Back later with tonight's chicken meal! :)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Three People. One Chicken. Four Different Meals
Last week, whole chickens were on sale in my town for 57 cents a pound. That's a really great price - at least here - so we stocked up, to the tune of 20 chickens. I don't want my family getting bored with chicken, so I'm challenging myself to mix it up with different flavors so that we really enjoy all this chicken.
The first thing I did was cut up the chicken. I didn't take how-to photos for a few reasons.
One - even though I've done it a million times, I'm not the world's best cutter-upper of chicken.
Two - I didn't want chicken goo on my camera.
Three - please see number two.
Anyway, here is the chicken - cut up. The bowl in the back on the left is everything you don't really want to mess with - back, breastbone, wing tips, skin, neck. That's the start of some broth I'll use later in the week. I *did* take a picture of all that stuff in the pot, in water, but honestly, it looked pretty grody, so let's just skip that pic, shall we?
The bowl on the right is skinned legs, thighs and wing segments.
On the left (on the cutting board) are the two breasts and the tenderloins. You'll notice that I cut the 'pointy part' of each boneless skinless breast off. I also shaved about a half inch of thickness off the thickest part of each breast to make the meat a more even thickness.
On the plate the front is extra breast meat. It's not a normal 'part' of chicken, but it's a good amount of meat, and we'll be using it for a really yummy something very soon.
Tonight we're using those breast pieces and tenderloins, front left, to make Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. These are really easy - tasty too! Let's get started!
Heat the oven. Mine is on 400 because I'm roasting a pan of potatoes to go with these sandwiches. Put some breadcrumbs on a plate and coat each piece of chicken evenly. Our breadcrumbs are homemade from leftover bread ends, so basically free. I've tried different 'dips' like milk, egg, etc., but just pressing the chicken into the crumbs works fine, saves a step, and gets us that much closer to supper.
Spray a little nonstick spray in a heavy pan. If you use nonstick spray, you will need very little oil for the saute'. I don't know why it works that way, but it does, so that's how we do it. Cook the chicken on medium heat until the breadcrumbs are a medium brown, then turn to cook the other side.
While the chicken is cooking, make celery sticks and put some Red Hot Sauce on a plate. (Put any celery leaves/tops into that chicken broth that's simmering on the stove, too!)
Lay the chicken in the hot sauce, turning to coat. If you have little kids, use barbecue sauce for theirs, or leave them plain. Little Bit wanted the tenderloins tonight, and she had them with barbecue. Put all the coated chicken on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. This will ensure that it's cooked all the way through without burning any breadcrumb. It also mellows the Red Hot Sauce some, and allows the flavors to blend.
While the chicken is in the oven with the potatoes, mix some ranch dressing mix with some sour cream. Make enough to put some on the buns and have some for the celery. Thin it with a bit of water if needed - sometimes it's really thick.
Warm the buns, slice them open if they're homemade, and put some of the ranch dip. Then put the chicken and some lettuce (I don't have any lettuce in the house, and it's already dark out, so I'm not going to the garden to get some - I'll plan better next time!).
Taadaa! Supper is ready! Not a great photo, but it's late, we're hungry, and I'm not making my sweet family wait while I figure out the lighting, hee hee.
So - there's one meal - Buffalo (or Barbecue) Chicken Sandwiches on homemade wheat buns, celery and ranch dip, roasted potatoes and onions from our garden. It was delicious! It would have been great with some cole slaw, but I ran errands, hung out two loads of laundry and mowed most of the yard today. Maybe next time.
(Psst...how-to for the roasted potatoes is here.)
Meanwhile, that bowl of chicken bones/skin/stuff was simmering on the stove with some water and celery tops. I got about 8 cups of broth and 3/4 cup of small chicken pieces. I have plans for both of them. Big plans. Yummy plans. Easy plans. For now, the broth is chilling, and I'll remove the fat tomorrow.
Stay tuned for our next chicken meal - coming soon!
The first thing I did was cut up the chicken. I didn't take how-to photos for a few reasons.
One - even though I've done it a million times, I'm not the world's best cutter-upper of chicken.
Two - I didn't want chicken goo on my camera.
Three - please see number two.
Anyway, here is the chicken - cut up. The bowl in the back on the left is everything you don't really want to mess with - back, breastbone, wing tips, skin, neck. That's the start of some broth I'll use later in the week. I *did* take a picture of all that stuff in the pot, in water, but honestly, it looked pretty grody, so let's just skip that pic, shall we?
The bowl on the right is skinned legs, thighs and wing segments.
On the left (on the cutting board) are the two breasts and the tenderloins. You'll notice that I cut the 'pointy part' of each boneless skinless breast off. I also shaved about a half inch of thickness off the thickest part of each breast to make the meat a more even thickness.
On the plate the front is extra breast meat. It's not a normal 'part' of chicken, but it's a good amount of meat, and we'll be using it for a really yummy something very soon.
Tonight we're using those breast pieces and tenderloins, front left, to make Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. These are really easy - tasty too! Let's get started!
Heat the oven. Mine is on 400 because I'm roasting a pan of potatoes to go with these sandwiches. Put some breadcrumbs on a plate and coat each piece of chicken evenly. Our breadcrumbs are homemade from leftover bread ends, so basically free. I've tried different 'dips' like milk, egg, etc., but just pressing the chicken into the crumbs works fine, saves a step, and gets us that much closer to supper.
Spray a little nonstick spray in a heavy pan. If you use nonstick spray, you will need very little oil for the saute'. I don't know why it works that way, but it does, so that's how we do it. Cook the chicken on medium heat until the breadcrumbs are a medium brown, then turn to cook the other side.
While the chicken is cooking, make celery sticks and put some Red Hot Sauce on a plate. (Put any celery leaves/tops into that chicken broth that's simmering on the stove, too!)
Lay the chicken in the hot sauce, turning to coat. If you have little kids, use barbecue sauce for theirs, or leave them plain. Little Bit wanted the tenderloins tonight, and she had them with barbecue. Put all the coated chicken on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. This will ensure that it's cooked all the way through without burning any breadcrumb. It also mellows the Red Hot Sauce some, and allows the flavors to blend.
While the chicken is in the oven with the potatoes, mix some ranch dressing mix with some sour cream. Make enough to put some on the buns and have some for the celery. Thin it with a bit of water if needed - sometimes it's really thick.
Warm the buns, slice them open if they're homemade, and put some of the ranch dip. Then put the chicken and some lettuce (I don't have any lettuce in the house, and it's already dark out, so I'm not going to the garden to get some - I'll plan better next time!).
Taadaa! Supper is ready! Not a great photo, but it's late, we're hungry, and I'm not making my sweet family wait while I figure out the lighting, hee hee.
So - there's one meal - Buffalo (or Barbecue) Chicken Sandwiches on homemade wheat buns, celery and ranch dip, roasted potatoes and onions from our garden. It was delicious! It would have been great with some cole slaw, but I ran errands, hung out two loads of laundry and mowed most of the yard today. Maybe next time.
(Psst...how-to for the roasted potatoes is here.)
Meanwhile, that bowl of chicken bones/skin/stuff was simmering on the stove with some water and celery tops. I got about 8 cups of broth and 3/4 cup of small chicken pieces. I have plans for both of them. Big plans. Yummy plans. Easy plans. For now, the broth is chilling, and I'll remove the fat tomorrow.
Stay tuned for our next chicken meal - coming soon!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
So I got this email....
I was taking a break from my chores yesterday and decided to check email. I had a note from All You - I am one of the finalists in the Grocery Challenge!
I couldn't believe it! I printed the email, just to make it more real. I told Little Bit all about it. She said, 'Oh, good. Now can we read my Barney book?' Now that is some enthusiasm!
I spent the rest of the day giddy and nervous. What if they accidentally sent that email to everyone? What if it was a prank? But it wasn't. I sent in my receipts, some pictures (eeeep!) and a couple of recipes that I use all the time, but never write down.
Hubby is really proud of me, and that is the best part. That, and the fact that I missed the phone call because I was out digging potatoes. New York City called my house, and I was digging potatoes. Yep, sounds about right!
I couldn't believe it! I printed the email, just to make it more real. I told Little Bit all about it. She said, 'Oh, good. Now can we read my Barney book?' Now that is some enthusiasm!
I spent the rest of the day giddy and nervous. What if they accidentally sent that email to everyone? What if it was a prank? But it wasn't. I sent in my receipts, some pictures (eeeep!) and a couple of recipes that I use all the time, but never write down.
Hubby is really proud of me, and that is the best part. That, and the fact that I missed the phone call because I was out digging potatoes. New York City called my house, and I was digging potatoes. Yep, sounds about right!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Still going!
I ended up getting 20 of those sale chickens last week! 19 of them are in the freezer, and we ate one. We had roasted chicken a couple of times, barbecue chicken pizza, and chicken noodle soup, all from one bird. It ended up being 4 meals, plus we still have enough chicken noodle soup for today's lunch.
This week I was able to get some $3 off coupons for Smithfield bacon, and it's on sale at Safeway for $3. Bacon adds a lot of flavor, so a little bit goes a long way. Free bacon is a good deal!
I also plan to pick up some ramen noodles for 10 cents a pack at Albertsons. I don't like them much 'alone' but you can add things to them and come up with some nice things. Since they keep forever, it's a good thing to stock.
Mostly, though, I'll be picking up various sale/coupon deals at Target. I can get some fresh apples (ours aren't ripe yet), bananas, snack foods, etc., and I have a gift card (from a recent buy this, get a gift card deal) that I can use for the money part!
Today I dug Yukon Gold and Blue Colorado potatoes. I have 3 buckets of them to cure and store. We have some summer squash that is still producing (even after all the hailstorms of late) and a few green beans as well. Soon we'll harvest turnips, rutabaga and carrots too!
Anyway, I'm still 'here', just busy! Have a great day!
This week I was able to get some $3 off coupons for Smithfield bacon, and it's on sale at Safeway for $3. Bacon adds a lot of flavor, so a little bit goes a long way. Free bacon is a good deal!
I also plan to pick up some ramen noodles for 10 cents a pack at Albertsons. I don't like them much 'alone' but you can add things to them and come up with some nice things. Since they keep forever, it's a good thing to stock.
Mostly, though, I'll be picking up various sale/coupon deals at Target. I can get some fresh apples (ours aren't ripe yet), bananas, snack foods, etc., and I have a gift card (from a recent buy this, get a gift card deal) that I can use for the money part!
Today I dug Yukon Gold and Blue Colorado potatoes. I have 3 buckets of them to cure and store. We have some summer squash that is still producing (even after all the hailstorms of late) and a few green beans as well. Soon we'll harvest turnips, rutabaga and carrots too!
Anyway, I'm still 'here', just busy! Have a great day!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
If only the challenge weren't over!
The way I shop is weird to some. If the great deal of the week is toilet paper, that's what I'm buying, especially if there are coupons! If it's tuna, we buy tuna, tuna, and more tuna.
During the challenge, the great deals that came our way were on fritos, ice cream and pepsi, so my receipts make it look like I don't care a whit for health or nutrition. I kept hoping the sales would cycle around to something y'all would be proud of, but, eh, no.
This week, whole chickens are 57 cents a pound, starting yesterday, ending next Tuesday. I've already got 12 of them in the freezer and more to come. Too bad that sale didn't come up during the challenge!
Are you still keeping to your budget, or did you go on a spree the day after the challenge ended? It's okay, you can talk about it here. We won't tell.
During the challenge, the great deals that came our way were on fritos, ice cream and pepsi, so my receipts make it look like I don't care a whit for health or nutrition. I kept hoping the sales would cycle around to something y'all would be proud of, but, eh, no.
This week, whole chickens are 57 cents a pound, starting yesterday, ending next Tuesday. I've already got 12 of them in the freezer and more to come. Too bad that sale didn't come up during the challenge!
Are you still keeping to your budget, or did you go on a spree the day after the challenge ended? It's okay, you can talk about it here. We won't tell.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hail last night.
We had a pretty big hailstorm last night. I have photos on my other blog, if you want to see what can happen, rather quickly, to a lot of food.
This is why I think it's important to have several strategies - not just one. You never know when your 'plans' are going to change.
This is why I think it's important to have several strategies - not just one. You never know when your 'plans' are going to change.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 28
The last day - that went fast!
I ended up spending a little bit after all - $2.08 for big containers of cumin and ginger, at the ranch supply! It just goes to show that you have to be on the lookout EVERYWHERE for great prices! :)
We mostly had 'bits' to eat today - using up items in the fridge or making little creations. Supper was sausage links and blueberry pancakes. We planted blueberries this year, and we had a wee, tiny harvest from one plant. So we sprinkled those into our pancakes at suppertime.
As I was gathering items for supper I realized we were down to about a half inch of maple syrup in the bottle. Maple syrup is expensive, and the last time I was in the store, I decided I'd wait to purchase more, because I thought I might have another bottle in the pantry.
I didn't have another bottle in the pantry.
Plan B? I combined sugar, water and maple extract and made some. It's not 'real' maple syrup, but it's the same as the stuff you buy if you buy 'pancake syrup', and it has NO high fructose corn syrup. I put a little vanilla in it too, and it was delicious! (Also very affordable.)
I'm thinking of continuing this - keeping this blog running so we have a place to share tips and hints with one another. What do you think?
I ended up spending a little bit after all - $2.08 for big containers of cumin and ginger, at the ranch supply! It just goes to show that you have to be on the lookout EVERYWHERE for great prices! :)
We mostly had 'bits' to eat today - using up items in the fridge or making little creations. Supper was sausage links and blueberry pancakes. We planted blueberries this year, and we had a wee, tiny harvest from one plant. So we sprinkled those into our pancakes at suppertime.
As I was gathering items for supper I realized we were down to about a half inch of maple syrup in the bottle. Maple syrup is expensive, and the last time I was in the store, I decided I'd wait to purchase more, because I thought I might have another bottle in the pantry.
I didn't have another bottle in the pantry.
Plan B? I combined sugar, water and maple extract and made some. It's not 'real' maple syrup, but it's the same as the stuff you buy if you buy 'pancake syrup', and it has NO high fructose corn syrup. I put a little vanilla in it too, and it was delicious! (Also very affordable.)
I'm thinking of continuing this - keeping this blog running so we have a place to share tips and hints with one another. What do you think?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Day 27
I worked in town today (I sub at the library from time to time), so I made a couple quick stops for some good deals.
King Sooper
1 clementine orange - free sample :)
2 boxes of Post Honey Bunches cereal and a Snickers bar (I was starving, yo!)
Cash - 20 cents
Coupons - $4
(The cereal was on sale for $1.88, but my coupons were for $2 off - the overage wouldn't come back to me as change, so I grabbed the candy bar from the display and added it to the order. The cereal overage helped bring down the price of the candy bar (which was also on sale)
Albertsons
Back with more coupons to put more ice cream in the deep freeze. I was going to get a couple of other loss leader items, but they were out of them. I have rainchecks for later - woot! I also got 4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast ($1.57 a pound!)
Cash - $10.36
Coupons - $8
So - $10.56 in money, $12.00 in coupons. Love it!
I had a grilled cheese sandwich and some orange juicefor breakfast this morning. The rest of the family slept in, so I'm not sure what they had for breakfast (I was already leaving for work by then), but I know they had plenty to choose from.
Lunch was chicken sandwiches on whole wheat buns with lettuce, mayo, etc., tater tots and water/juice/tea.
Supper was spaghetti w/meat sauce and wheat bread for Little Bit, homemade jalapeno poppers (try them - they are SO good!!)for hubby and I, and fresh apples for everyone.
King Sooper
1 clementine orange - free sample :)
2 boxes of Post Honey Bunches cereal and a Snickers bar (I was starving, yo!)
Cash - 20 cents
Coupons - $4
(The cereal was on sale for $1.88, but my coupons were for $2 off - the overage wouldn't come back to me as change, so I grabbed the candy bar from the display and added it to the order. The cereal overage helped bring down the price of the candy bar (which was also on sale)
Albertsons
Back with more coupons to put more ice cream in the deep freeze. I was going to get a couple of other loss leader items, but they were out of them. I have rainchecks for later - woot! I also got 4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast ($1.57 a pound!)
Cash - $10.36
Coupons - $8
So - $10.56 in money, $12.00 in coupons. Love it!
I had a grilled cheese sandwich and some orange juicefor breakfast this morning. The rest of the family slept in, so I'm not sure what they had for breakfast (I was already leaving for work by then), but I know they had plenty to choose from.
Lunch was chicken sandwiches on whole wheat buns with lettuce, mayo, etc., tater tots and water/juice/tea.
Supper was spaghetti w/meat sauce and wheat bread for Little Bit, homemade jalapeno poppers (try them - they are SO good!!)for hubby and I, and fresh apples for everyone.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 26
I did some shopping today - at Target I used a gift card that I'd gotten for buying pet food, but I also used coupons to save. Target has a coupon on their site for $1 off of 1 lb. or more of bulk apples. I got some braeburn and some jonagold apples - just over a pound of each type, to maximize my savings. The cost for the apples worked out to about 64 cents a pound. I also saw some 'kid size' ice cream cone cups, and decided to give those a try.
Cash spent: 0 - I used a gift card to pay the $3.22
Coupons spent: 2.00
At Albertson's I was able to combine a sale and coupons to get Blue Bunny ice cream for $1 a carton (1.75 quart size). That's a great price, so we put some in the deep freeze. If I can get more coupons, I may pick up more before the sale ends. I used some other coupons combined with sales to get canned tuna, nutter butter minis (hubby's lunches), oyster crackers, frozen potato rounds, a cantaloupe, organic strawberry lemonade and some sausage links.
Cash spent: $16.10
Coupons spent: $18.95
Finally, at Safeway, we picked up Little Bit's WIC items - milk, cheese, juice and whole wheat bread. We also purchased 20 pounds of sugar (sale and coupons) and a carton of organic sour cream that was marked down for quick sale. We use some sugar during canning season (for peaches, plums, jams and jellies), but we are also feeding hummingbirds, so a sale on sugar is a good time to stock up.
Cash spent: $8.24
Coupons spent: $4.25
Totals for today:
Cash spent: $24.34
Coupons spent: $28.32
MAJOR BONUS!!
The bank inside Safeway has an offer - open a checking account and get up to $75 in a rebate on money spent in Safeway. You can even purchase gift cards or prescriptions with it, just as long as they are on a Safeway receipt. The accounts are one per person. I opened one, and hubby opened one, so that is $150 we will save on groceries (or possibly gift cards or gasoline) very soon. We have to wait until the debit cards arrive (about a week), but look around for offers like this!! We do something like this a few times a year, and the extra money can really come in handy. Just make sure you read and understand the offer!
Cash spent: 0 - I used a gift card to pay the $3.22
Coupons spent: 2.00
At Albertson's I was able to combine a sale and coupons to get Blue Bunny ice cream for $1 a carton (1.75 quart size). That's a great price, so we put some in the deep freeze. If I can get more coupons, I may pick up more before the sale ends. I used some other coupons combined with sales to get canned tuna, nutter butter minis (hubby's lunches), oyster crackers, frozen potato rounds, a cantaloupe, organic strawberry lemonade and some sausage links.
Cash spent: $16.10
Coupons spent: $18.95
Finally, at Safeway, we picked up Little Bit's WIC items - milk, cheese, juice and whole wheat bread. We also purchased 20 pounds of sugar (sale and coupons) and a carton of organic sour cream that was marked down for quick sale. We use some sugar during canning season (for peaches, plums, jams and jellies), but we are also feeding hummingbirds, so a sale on sugar is a good time to stock up.
Cash spent: $8.24
Coupons spent: $4.25
Totals for today:
Cash spent: $24.34
Coupons spent: $28.32
MAJOR BONUS!!
The bank inside Safeway has an offer - open a checking account and get up to $75 in a rebate on money spent in Safeway. You can even purchase gift cards or prescriptions with it, just as long as they are on a Safeway receipt. The accounts are one per person. I opened one, and hubby opened one, so that is $150 we will save on groceries (or possibly gift cards or gasoline) very soon. We have to wait until the debit cards arrive (about a week), but look around for offers like this!! We do something like this a few times a year, and the extra money can really come in handy. Just make sure you read and understand the offer!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Day 25
Right now I have 7 more quarts of green beans in the pressure canner. They will help keep our grocery bills down throughout the winter, plus we'll be eating (very) local!
Today was book club at my house. I made a no-bake cheesecake from items on hand, and we topped it with home-canned cherry pie filling - it was really good!
Our meals today:
B - Cereal, milk, applesauce
L - Spaghetti with meat sauce, zucchini and onions (both from garden), homemade breadsticks, tea
S - We just took out various leftovers and ate them - potatoes, veggie sticks, etc. It's humid, we weren't all that hungry, and this was easy and healthy.
Snacks - The book club cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly on wheat, veggie sticks.
We are low on baked items - down to the last bit of bread, only one breadstick, etc., so I'll be baking tomorrow or Saturday. So far my baking list includes:
Whole grain bread - 3 loaves
English Muffins
Breadsticks
Buns
Donut Muffins
Scones
Zucchini Bread
Should keep me busy! :)
Today was book club at my house. I made a no-bake cheesecake from items on hand, and we topped it with home-canned cherry pie filling - it was really good!
Our meals today:
B - Cereal, milk, applesauce
L - Spaghetti with meat sauce, zucchini and onions (both from garden), homemade breadsticks, tea
S - We just took out various leftovers and ate them - potatoes, veggie sticks, etc. It's humid, we weren't all that hungry, and this was easy and healthy.
Snacks - The book club cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly on wheat, veggie sticks.
We are low on baked items - down to the last bit of bread, only one breadstick, etc., so I'll be baking tomorrow or Saturday. So far my baking list includes:
Whole grain bread - 3 loaves
English Muffins
Breadsticks
Buns
Donut Muffins
Scones
Zucchini Bread
Should keep me busy! :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 24
While we were out and about late this afternoon, we picked up a few bargains, spending $6.26 in cash and $6.00 in coupons. I picked green beans and zucchini today as well. I don't have enough green beans to can quarts, so I may run a canner of pints instead - we shall see. I'm going to dry zucchini 'chips' tomorrow, lightly sprinkled with seasoned salt.
Our meals today:
B - my version of migas (an egg scramble with peppers, onions, corn tortillas and cheese), cinnamon toast, milk.
L - homemade tomato soup (tomatoes canned from last year's garden), grilled cheese on homemade whole grain bread, veggie sticks (mostly from the garden), milk for Little Bit and pepsi for the grownups.
S - Hubby is taking leftovers from last night. We are having pulled pork sandwiches, leftover vegetables (blue potatoes, veggie sticks, green beans) and frozen pineapple tidbits. And - out of the blue - Little Bit asked for an egg, over easy. She has never wanted to try eggs, so this was a surprise. She ate a couple bites, but wasn't wild about it. It's a start, though! :)
Snacks - Ice cream cones, applesauce with graham crackers.
Our meals today:
B - my version of migas (an egg scramble with peppers, onions, corn tortillas and cheese), cinnamon toast, milk.
L - homemade tomato soup (tomatoes canned from last year's garden), grilled cheese on homemade whole grain bread, veggie sticks (mostly from the garden), milk for Little Bit and pepsi for the grownups.
S - Hubby is taking leftovers from last night. We are having pulled pork sandwiches, leftover vegetables (blue potatoes, veggie sticks, green beans) and frozen pineapple tidbits. And - out of the blue - Little Bit asked for an egg, over easy. She has never wanted to try eggs, so this was a surprise. She ate a couple bites, but wasn't wild about it. It's a start, though! :)
Snacks - Ice cream cones, applesauce with graham crackers.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 23
Seriously? Day 23? Time flies, doesn't it?
We were in town today, and we did spend a little money, but not on groceries. We took our dog, Molly, to the spay and neuter clinic, and we also bought dog and cat food. Did a little Goodwill shopping too - but no groceries.
Meals today:
B: raisin bran, scones, applesace and milk
L: tuna salad - I had it on a green salad with a little shredded cheddar, sliced raw zucchini and some triscuits on the side, while Little Bit had it on triscuits, also with cheese. Hubby had it on a homemade wheat bun, again with cheese. Veggie sticks on the sides. Water to drink.
S: marinated pork chops, stuffing, green beans and potatoes from our garden.
Snacks: PBJ on wheat (Little Bit considers this a food group), pretzels with mustard and pepsi.
We were in town today, and we did spend a little money, but not on groceries. We took our dog, Molly, to the spay and neuter clinic, and we also bought dog and cat food. Did a little Goodwill shopping too - but no groceries.
Meals today:
B: raisin bran, scones, applesace and milk
L: tuna salad - I had it on a green salad with a little shredded cheddar, sliced raw zucchini and some triscuits on the side, while Little Bit had it on triscuits, also with cheese. Hubby had it on a homemade wheat bun, again with cheese. Veggie sticks on the sides. Water to drink.
S: marinated pork chops, stuffing, green beans and potatoes from our garden.
Snacks: PBJ on wheat (Little Bit considers this a food group), pretzels with mustard and pepsi.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day 22
Once again, no shopping today. We did, however, harvest some garden. We dug some potatoes, pulled some carrots and onions, and even rutabaga. We saved some for us to eat at home, but we also shared some with neighbors. We wanted to thank one family for the horse manure they gave us for our garden. Without them, we wouldn't have so much growing. Also, another neighbor plows our driveway in the winter, so we thank him with some garden produce in the warmer months.
We are also getting a few blueberries, but this is the first year, so it won't be a big harvest. We're planning blueberry pancakes for the weekend. :)
Today's meals:
B: cereal, fruit and milk
L: green beans, potatoes and onions from the garden with assorted protein sources - Little Bit had PBJ on wheat for her protein, I had a quesedilla made with corn tortillas.
S: Garden burgers on homemade buns, veggie sticks, tortilla chips and tea.
Snacks: applesauce, frosted mini wheats (we pretend they are cookies) with milk, pretzels and soda.
We are also getting a few blueberries, but this is the first year, so it won't be a big harvest. We're planning blueberry pancakes for the weekend. :)
Today's meals:
B: cereal, fruit and milk
L: green beans, potatoes and onions from the garden with assorted protein sources - Little Bit had PBJ on wheat for her protein, I had a quesedilla made with corn tortillas.
S: Garden burgers on homemade buns, veggie sticks, tortilla chips and tea.
Snacks: applesauce, frosted mini wheats (we pretend they are cookies) with milk, pretzels and soda.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 21
We had a busy day today, so this afternoon we took a little break and went to the store. We picked up our daughter's WIC items (milk, beans, juice, cereal) and we spent $1.88 for a package of tortillas and 2 cans of ravioli (free plus overage after coupons). I used $2 in coupons as well.
Meals today:
B - Cereal and milk
L - Assorted leftovers for hubby and I - Little Bit had PBJ on whole wheat and a carrot from the garden.
S - Thin crust pizzas made with tortillas for crust (easy and tasty!), fresh vegetable sticks and dip.
Snacks - pretzels, graham crackers, juice, vegetable sticks
Meals today:
B - Cereal and milk
L - Assorted leftovers for hubby and I - Little Bit had PBJ on whole wheat and a carrot from the garden.
S - Thin crust pizzas made with tortillas for crust (easy and tasty!), fresh vegetable sticks and dip.
Snacks - pretzels, graham crackers, juice, vegetable sticks
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 20
We had a really busy day today, but never left home - so no spending! I made six half-pints of cherry pit jelly. We'll probably eat some and use some as gifts - it's so pretty, I may save back a jar to enter at the county fair next year!
The pantry is filling up for the year - I'm stoked! The garden is producing well, and our apple trees look good too. The peaches are getting big on the tree - we're going to net that tree tomorrow to keep the birds out of them.
Today we ate:
B: Cereal with milk.
L: Assorted leftovers, like baked beans, brown rice, veggie sticks, etc. I had a hot dog, Little Bit had PBJ on wheat, and hubby had some Portuguese sausage.
S: Tongkatsu Chicken, brown rice, green beans with new potatoes. Ice cream for dessert.
Snacks: Raw veggie sticks, cheese and crackers, cookies.
I've got to menu plan for the upcoming week, and I think we may run to the store for a few items tomorrow. More soon - thanks for reading! :)
The pantry is filling up for the year - I'm stoked! The garden is producing well, and our apple trees look good too. The peaches are getting big on the tree - we're going to net that tree tomorrow to keep the birds out of them.
Today we ate:
B: Cereal with milk.
L: Assorted leftovers, like baked beans, brown rice, veggie sticks, etc. I had a hot dog, Little Bit had PBJ on wheat, and hubby had some Portuguese sausage.
S: Tongkatsu Chicken, brown rice, green beans with new potatoes. Ice cream for dessert.
Snacks: Raw veggie sticks, cheese and crackers, cookies.
I've got to menu plan for the upcoming week, and I think we may run to the store for a few items tomorrow. More soon - thanks for reading! :)
Day 19
This is going up a day late - yesterday was super busy!
I didn't do any shopping. Instead I canned 11 pints and 3 quarts of cherry pie filling and 7 quarts of green beans. I also pitted the remainin cherries and froze them - 2 quarts and one half-pint. The green beans were from our garden, and the cherries were from a friend. I thanked her with some eggs from our hens - yay for barter!
Our meals were:
B - Oatmeal with apples, raisins and peanut butter, milk.
L - Hotdogs on homemade wheat buns, homemade baked beans, carrot and raisin salad, water.
S - Buffalo chicken wings, panfried potatoes and onions, ranch dip with carrots, celery and lightly steamed snowpeas. Butter pecan ice cream for dessert.
Snacks - PBJ on wheat (Little Bit), leftover pear crisp.
I didn't do any shopping. Instead I canned 11 pints and 3 quarts of cherry pie filling and 7 quarts of green beans. I also pitted the remainin cherries and froze them - 2 quarts and one half-pint. The green beans were from our garden, and the cherries were from a friend. I thanked her with some eggs from our hens - yay for barter!
Our meals were:
B - Oatmeal with apples, raisins and peanut butter, milk.
L - Hotdogs on homemade wheat buns, homemade baked beans, carrot and raisin salad, water.
S - Buffalo chicken wings, panfried potatoes and onions, ranch dip with carrots, celery and lightly steamed snowpeas. Butter pecan ice cream for dessert.
Snacks - PBJ on wheat (Little Bit), leftover pear crisp.
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