Except for cream of tomato, broccoli, and celery, I don't buy canned soups. They're just not as satisfactory as what you can make at home. I use the creams of broccoli or celery as binders when making casseroles, but don't eat them as soup (mine are superior!), while tomato soup goes into just about everything (including cake) as well as being eaten as is. At any rate, I was at Loblaws the other day and noticed cans of Spicy Black Bean soup on mega sale. Looking at the ingredients, it seemed to basically be a thin chili. The nutritional information was impressive and I knew I couldn't buy the ingredients for the buck and change the soup was going to cost, plus there were two portions in the can. I bought it.
Last night, I heated it up and immediately the kitchen filled with the lovely aroma of black beans and spices. The taste was a tad smokey, very rich and flavourful, and there were nice chunks of vegetables in addition to lots and lots of black beans. I served the soup with cheddar sprinkled on top and a hunk of beer bread (taken out of the freezer), making most satisfactorily filling and delicious dinner.
So, I give PC a thumbs up for another fantastic Blue Menu item!
Showing posts with label groceries/pantry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label groceries/pantry. Show all posts
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Being Mindful
I have successfully completed my second week on my weight-loss plan. I feeling so amazing.
A big part of the reason for doing this was spiritual. I felt that I was out of touch with what I was eating, that I was not thankful for all the food available to me, and that I was forgetting to treat my body as a vessel for the gods.
Two weeks in, I feel that I'm in touch with the gods again in this aspect of my life. I give thanks before every meal and savour every mouthful. Because I am consciously counting every calorie, I am very careful in selecting what I ingest. Quality becomes very important.
I haven't really cut anything out of my diet, at least nothing that I miss at this point (like butter on potatoes--turns out cottage cheese and herbs are more satisfying!). I analyze my cravings and see if I can satisfy them in a more healthful way.
But I don't deny my cravings entirely. For the past three weeks, I have been wanting pizza. Tonight, I decided it was time to indulge. I got a single slice from my favourite place instead of two (or a whole pie!) and had a huge salad instead of a beer with it. It was sooooo satisfying.
Earlier this week, I needed chocolate and I bought a high quality one that I ate over the course of a few days. Every mouthful was nirvana, the chocolate so delicious and creamy with no doubt that it was made from good cocoa. Who needs a waxy Mars bar after that? I think that's one of our society's problem; that we go for cheap things instead of high quality ones and it takes more to satisfy us.
I'm cooking so much more now than I have in years and I'm eating more fresh fruits and veggies. My grocery budget has skyrocketed, but my restaurant budget has plummeted and I am finding that everything I make tastes sooooooooooooo good. Fruit is sweet, vegetables are bursting with flavour, plain brown rice is tastes pleasantly nutty, and the best snack is a handful of fresh pecans. I make simple meals and have been experimenting with herbs and citrus juices for flavour instead of fat.
It feels like spring has sprung in my soul and my body is reaping the benefits.
A big part of the reason for doing this was spiritual. I felt that I was out of touch with what I was eating, that I was not thankful for all the food available to me, and that I was forgetting to treat my body as a vessel for the gods.
Two weeks in, I feel that I'm in touch with the gods again in this aspect of my life. I give thanks before every meal and savour every mouthful. Because I am consciously counting every calorie, I am very careful in selecting what I ingest. Quality becomes very important.
I haven't really cut anything out of my diet, at least nothing that I miss at this point (like butter on potatoes--turns out cottage cheese and herbs are more satisfying!). I analyze my cravings and see if I can satisfy them in a more healthful way.
But I don't deny my cravings entirely. For the past three weeks, I have been wanting pizza. Tonight, I decided it was time to indulge. I got a single slice from my favourite place instead of two (or a whole pie!) and had a huge salad instead of a beer with it. It was sooooo satisfying.
Earlier this week, I needed chocolate and I bought a high quality one that I ate over the course of a few days. Every mouthful was nirvana, the chocolate so delicious and creamy with no doubt that it was made from good cocoa. Who needs a waxy Mars bar after that? I think that's one of our society's problem; that we go for cheap things instead of high quality ones and it takes more to satisfy us.
I'm cooking so much more now than I have in years and I'm eating more fresh fruits and veggies. My grocery budget has skyrocketed, but my restaurant budget has plummeted and I am finding that everything I make tastes sooooooooooooo good. Fruit is sweet, vegetables are bursting with flavour, plain brown rice is tastes pleasantly nutty, and the best snack is a handful of fresh pecans. I make simple meals and have been experimenting with herbs and citrus juices for flavour instead of fat.
It feels like spring has sprung in my soul and my body is reaping the benefits.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
In Need of a Bigger Freezer
Whew, I sure did a lot of cooking in the past few days. There isn't a smidgen of space left in the freezer!
Thursday last, I made a bizarrely edible concoction vaguely reminiscent of shepherd's pie. I mixed Ethiopian spiced lentils with veggies and half a can of cream of celery soup. I topped that with rice mixed with the other half of the soup, and then sprinkled cheese over the top. I know it sounds revolting, but it was a culinary experiment that worked. It's not gourmet, but it's definitely good. I put two portions in the freezer.
On Saturday, I made a huge batch of baked farfelle with tomato sauce and cheese and froze one portion. I then made pancakes in the evening so I wouldn't have to in the morning.
Today, I made a big pot of caramelized leek and Yukon gold potato soup and froze three portions. I made a beer bread to go with it.
Add to the freezer a loaf of commercial bread, tons of trout (on sale this week for half price!), shrimp, frozen pizzas (3$ each), and several bags of fruits and veggies as well as more Ethiopian spiced lentils and I can barely close the freezer door!
A full larder is most definitely a Good Thing. :-)
Thursday last, I made a bizarrely edible concoction vaguely reminiscent of shepherd's pie. I mixed Ethiopian spiced lentils with veggies and half a can of cream of celery soup. I topped that with rice mixed with the other half of the soup, and then sprinkled cheese over the top. I know it sounds revolting, but it was a culinary experiment that worked. It's not gourmet, but it's definitely good. I put two portions in the freezer.
On Saturday, I made a huge batch of baked farfelle with tomato sauce and cheese and froze one portion. I then made pancakes in the evening so I wouldn't have to in the morning.
Today, I made a big pot of caramelized leek and Yukon gold potato soup and froze three portions. I made a beer bread to go with it.
Add to the freezer a loaf of commercial bread, tons of trout (on sale this week for half price!), shrimp, frozen pizzas (3$ each), and several bags of fruits and veggies as well as more Ethiopian spiced lentils and I can barely close the freezer door!
A full larder is most definitely a Good Thing. :-)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Interesting Corrolation
When my house is messy and dirty, I just want to bury myself in mindless activity. But when it's tidy and clean, I find myself going on an organization binge. It's 9:36PM as I post and I just finished organizing my pantry. I've been putting this off since, well, since I moved in. It took less than 20 minutes to fix!
BEFORE
Beyond the obvious 'it's messy and I can't find anything' problem, I had these issues to fix:
a) cans were making the second shelf curve and I was worried about permanent damage (pantry belongs to the owners of the house);
b) I could never find small items such as tea, spices that I don't use enough to put them on my counter spice rack, various sauces and sweetners, etc.
c) I wanted to be able to put the excess cat food in there somewhere instead of under the table.
AFTER
This should work for me!
Top shelf: bakery products
Second shelf, left side: teas and sweeteners
Second shelf, right side: various sauces, spices, condiments, etc. (the lazy susan from Ikea was used in a similar fashion at my old house)
Third shelf, left side: dried protein (beans, lentils, tvp)
Third shelf, right side: grains (bulgur, couscous, rice, pasta)
Fourth shelf: non-food items (Brita filters, temporarily empty containers, coffee filters, baggies, plastic wrap, etc.)
Bottom shelf, left side: cans (like sorted with like)
Bottom shelf, right side: cat food!
My father once looked into my pantry on a day when it was particularly full and complained that I had 'nothing to eat, just ingredients!' True; I don't have a ton of pre-packaged stuff. (By the way, miss ya, dad!)
BEFORE
Beyond the obvious 'it's messy and I can't find anything' problem, I had these issues to fix:
a) cans were making the second shelf curve and I was worried about permanent damage (pantry belongs to the owners of the house);
b) I could never find small items such as tea, spices that I don't use enough to put them on my counter spice rack, various sauces and sweetners, etc.
c) I wanted to be able to put the excess cat food in there somewhere instead of under the table.
AFTER
This should work for me!
Top shelf: bakery products
Second shelf, left side: teas and sweeteners
Second shelf, right side: various sauces, spices, condiments, etc. (the lazy susan from Ikea was used in a similar fashion at my old house)
Third shelf, left side: dried protein (beans, lentils, tvp)
Third shelf, right side: grains (bulgur, couscous, rice, pasta)
Fourth shelf: non-food items (Brita filters, temporarily empty containers, coffee filters, baggies, plastic wrap, etc.)
Bottom shelf, left side: cans (like sorted with like)
Bottom shelf, right side: cat food!
My father once looked into my pantry on a day when it was particularly full and complained that I had 'nothing to eat, just ingredients!' True; I don't have a ton of pre-packaged stuff. (By the way, miss ya, dad!)
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Grocery Deals of the Day
On the way back from dropping off a colleague after the funeral, I decided to go pick up some fresh fruits and veggies at a grocery store. Having yet to find a new favourite grocery store, I stopped at the first store that was on the way home (Loblaws), but couldn't find parking, so I headed to the Independent Grocer's across the street. IG was tiny, but they had a decent selection of products (and PC brands). I got more stuff than I'd planned, but the deals couldn't be beat:
-orange peppers, 1.99$/lb (can reach 4.99$/lb);
-'Deliosso' brand pizza, 4.99$ each (normally 7.99$ each; I bought two since frozen pizza is worth getting on sale);
-Asian five Spice sauce by VH for 1.99$ (regular 2.79$).
The latter item made my day. I LOVE Asian spice sauce and use it the way most people use ketchup, putting it on everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to (veggie) hamburgers to stir fries. As usually happens when I get addicted to something, stores stop stocking it. So, when I find some, I just about raid the shelves! I got four today since I still had a bottle and a half in the fridge (because I'd been doling it out, afraid to run out now that it's so rare, *sob*).
My big treat of the day was a loaf of fresh cheese bread. My absolute favourite breakfast is a tomato sandwich, so I can't wait to make that tomorrow with the cheese bread. Add salt, pepper, and basil and it'll make a nice treat.
-orange peppers, 1.99$/lb (can reach 4.99$/lb);
-'Deliosso' brand pizza, 4.99$ each (normally 7.99$ each; I bought two since frozen pizza is worth getting on sale);
-Asian five Spice sauce by VH for 1.99$ (regular 2.79$).
The latter item made my day. I LOVE Asian spice sauce and use it the way most people use ketchup, putting it on everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to (veggie) hamburgers to stir fries. As usually happens when I get addicted to something, stores stop stocking it. So, when I find some, I just about raid the shelves! I got four today since I still had a bottle and a half in the fridge (because I'd been doling it out, afraid to run out now that it's so rare, *sob*).
My big treat of the day was a loaf of fresh cheese bread. My absolute favourite breakfast is a tomato sandwich, so I can't wait to make that tomorrow with the cheese bread. Add salt, pepper, and basil and it'll make a nice treat.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Slow on the uptake sometimes...
My 5x1$ General Mills coupons were going to expire this week, so I was determined to spend them during tonight's grocery pick up. I couldn't believe that there wasn't something on my pantry list for which the coupons could apply. When I got to the end of the last aisle, I found myself looking at the Old El Paso products and debated whether I should 'treat' myself to a taco kit or two using the coupons. Then I made the connection between the shelf and my cart. Tortillas. HELLO! I buy the store brand tortillas normally, but they're just 20 or 30 cents less than the Old El Paso brand. With the coupons, the OEP tortillas became 50 to 70 cents less than the store brand (and they taste SO much better). I put five packs in my cart, patted myself on the back, and shook my head at how slow I can be sometimes. LOL
'Course, passing through the cash was a different story. Coupons are just not that common here when compared to the States and a lot of cashiers don't have the training and/or authority to scan non-circular coupons. So, checkout took a while and the cashier kept on apologizing to me when I think she should have been apologizing to the poor couple behind me! I didn't mind the wait since there was no issue with acceptance of the coupons, just how they would be processed in the computer. Someone goofed at some point because according to the receipt, the store owes me 761,367.11$... The manager who processed the coupons just looked at the before coupon total, subtracted 5$ in his head, and punched that into the Interac system. Once my transaction was approved, he said that he was going to go have fun undoing his more than seven hundred thousand dollar mistake. Hee hee.
Money 'saved' today: 10$. 5$ on the tortillas, 1$ on frozen strawberries, 4$ on cheese. Not a bad haul.
'Course, passing through the cash was a different story. Coupons are just not that common here when compared to the States and a lot of cashiers don't have the training and/or authority to scan non-circular coupons. So, checkout took a while and the cashier kept on apologizing to me when I think she should have been apologizing to the poor couple behind me! I didn't mind the wait since there was no issue with acceptance of the coupons, just how they would be processed in the computer. Someone goofed at some point because according to the receipt, the store owes me 761,367.11$... The manager who processed the coupons just looked at the before coupon total, subtracted 5$ in his head, and punched that into the Interac system. Once my transaction was approved, he said that he was going to go have fun undoing his more than seven hundred thousand dollar mistake. Hee hee.
Money 'saved' today: 10$. 5$ on the tortillas, 1$ on frozen strawberries, 4$ on cheese. Not a bad haul.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
This could be a first...
I went to top up the groceries yesterday (went just 3 bucks over my new weekly limit, not bad!) and found two things on sale: tortillas and non-fried refried PC brand pinto beans. I actually thought to a) pick up both items even though they weren't on my list and b) combine them with some getting-old Colby in the fridge to make mini bean and cheese burritos! Sixteen of them. They'll be wonderful for my lunches. I just made up the packets, wrapped them up, and stuck them in the freezer.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
150$ later...
There's food in the house again! LOL
I focussed on sales and items I'm short on. Anything else, I'll wait for further sales. IGA had its rare 2 for 1 sale on laundry detergent (this time La parisienne) so I bought two even though I'd bought some (for 2$ off) a month ago. The max number of free containers was four, but I only do a load or two of laundry per week so one freebie was sufficient for me to get to the next sale.
I bought a few things at Zellers but find the prices too close to IGA for the most part to bother doing that again since the lineups at the cash there are ludicrous (maybe even worse than Walmart). I did stock up on white cheddar Kraft dinner (my treat of treats) since it was on sale for 99 cents per box at IGA... but 49 cents at Zellers. The six boxes I bought (customer max) will last me a year.
I had 5 1$ off coupons for General Mills, which includes Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Old El Paso, and more, but I was not able to find anything worth spending the coupons on! I'll wait till the granola bars or taco kits go on sale and use the coupons then. Cereal isn't something I buy often and won't buy just because I have a coupon.
I was happy to have a 2$ off coupon for two Swiffer refills since I needed both dry and wet cloths. I don't rely on Swiffer (not too frugal or ecological) but I'm still not allowed to vacuum or mop (ie. carry a heavy bucket of water), so Swiffer is a godssend! Brita filters were also discounted at Zellers, and at a most opportune time.
Best bargain of the day: red peppers for 69 cents per lb!!!
I stopped counting my savings at 30$!!!
I focussed on sales and items I'm short on. Anything else, I'll wait for further sales. IGA had its rare 2 for 1 sale on laundry detergent (this time La parisienne) so I bought two even though I'd bought some (for 2$ off) a month ago. The max number of free containers was four, but I only do a load or two of laundry per week so one freebie was sufficient for me to get to the next sale.
I bought a few things at Zellers but find the prices too close to IGA for the most part to bother doing that again since the lineups at the cash there are ludicrous (maybe even worse than Walmart). I did stock up on white cheddar Kraft dinner (my treat of treats) since it was on sale for 99 cents per box at IGA... but 49 cents at Zellers. The six boxes I bought (customer max) will last me a year.
I had 5 1$ off coupons for General Mills, which includes Betty Crocker, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Old El Paso, and more, but I was not able to find anything worth spending the coupons on! I'll wait till the granola bars or taco kits go on sale and use the coupons then. Cereal isn't something I buy often and won't buy just because I have a coupon.
I was happy to have a 2$ off coupon for two Swiffer refills since I needed both dry and wet cloths. I don't rely on Swiffer (not too frugal or ecological) but I'm still not allowed to vacuum or mop (ie. carry a heavy bucket of water), so Swiffer is a godssend! Brita filters were also discounted at Zellers, and at a most opportune time.
Best bargain of the day: red peppers for 69 cents per lb!!!
I stopped counting my savings at 30$!!!
Credit Report, Pantry List, eBay clothes
This morning, I went to equifax.ca to get a copy of a report called 'Score Power.' It's your credit report with a breakdown and analysis of your FICO score. I'm happy to report that my score has gone up almost 100 points in less than a year! The analysis has helped me make the decision about whether or not to close one of my accounts. I'll take the report with me when I go meet with the financial adviser since there are parts of it I don't understand. I think that the 25$ cost was worthwhile to know that a) I'm on top of things, b) no one has usurped my identity, and c) my financial health is definitely improving.
Moving on...
I finished my list of pantry staples and used it to plan my (badly needed) shopping trip this afternoon. I can't believe I never thought to do this before!!! Making my list was SO easy! I was also surprised to discover that I have a much better idea of what a 'good' price is for the items that I regularly use. Examining the grocery fliers, I've decided to stick with IGA for this trip, although Loblaws has a good deal on Yves TVP. I'm just not sure it'd be worth going all the way out there, though. Before I go to IGA this afternoon, I'll stop in at the Zellers next door and price items on my list there and get anything that's cheaper.
My huge lot of clothes purchased on eBay arrived today and I am thrilled!!! Everything is as described, in great condition, and perfectly my size. WOOHOO!
Moving on...
I finished my list of pantry staples and used it to plan my (badly needed) shopping trip this afternoon. I can't believe I never thought to do this before!!! Making my list was SO easy! I was also surprised to discover that I have a much better idea of what a 'good' price is for the items that I regularly use. Examining the grocery fliers, I've decided to stick with IGA for this trip, although Loblaws has a good deal on Yves TVP. I'm just not sure it'd be worth going all the way out there, though. Before I go to IGA this afternoon, I'll stop in at the Zellers next door and price items on my list there and get anything that's cheaper.
My huge lot of clothes purchased on eBay arrived today and I am thrilled!!! Everything is as described, in great condition, and perfectly my size. WOOHOO!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Pantry Discoveries
I go home for lunch, so I normally have leftovers or quick-to-make options at home, but that wasn't the case today since I'm in 'empty-the-pantry-and-make-do-with-what-you-have' mode. The pantry had nothing that would take less than twenty-minutes to make, so I rummaged in the freezer. Hidden in plain sight, right in front of the containers of homemade spaghetti sauce and storebought pie crust, was an unlabelled bag. Curious, but nervous, I opened it and found pierogies! I heated them up in the microwave and was happy to discover that they still tasted fresh. I still have enough for at least two more meals. I had no fruit left for dessert, not even canned pineapple, so I took stuff out of the freezer to see if I had any frozen fruit hidden under something. Behind the bags of frozen veggies, I found one of sliced strawberries, with just a pitiful handful rattling around the bottom. I nuked them for forty seconds with a bit of brown sugar. They, too, tasted fresh. Woohoo!
Tonight's dinner is either rice pie* or trout with pierogies. Probably the former since I've been eating way too much trout and that pie crust is getting old.
*Rice Pie
Cook about a cup of rice in about two cups of vegetable broth and about two tablespoons of powdered milk.
When the rice is no longer crunchy, but not yet ready, throw in a handful of mixed frozen veggies (whatever floats your boat).
When the rice is ready, mix in some strongly flavoured cheese (whatever floats your boat).
Spread into a pie crust. Top with more cheese, if you want.
Bake at about 375F for about 35 minutes, until the crust is brown around the edges. I like to broil it for a minute at the end to get a cheesy crust over the rice.
Cheap, filling, good cold and/or reheated, and makes four generous portions.
Tonight's dinner is either rice pie* or trout with pierogies. Probably the former since I've been eating way too much trout and that pie crust is getting old.
*Rice Pie
Cook about a cup of rice in about two cups of vegetable broth and about two tablespoons of powdered milk.
When the rice is no longer crunchy, but not yet ready, throw in a handful of mixed frozen veggies (whatever floats your boat).
When the rice is ready, mix in some strongly flavoured cheese (whatever floats your boat).
Spread into a pie crust. Top with more cheese, if you want.
Bake at about 375F for about 35 minutes, until the crust is brown around the edges. I like to broil it for a minute at the end to get a cheesy crust over the rice.
Cheap, filling, good cold and/or reheated, and makes four generous portions.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
That Darn Pantry
I've been trying for quite some time, since I've been able to afford groceries on a more than haphazard basis, to figure out how to build my pantry. The method I've been focusing on is meal planning: figuring out what I'd want to eat that week, then going out to buy it. That has not been working for me.
Reading some blogs last night, the answer came to me. It's so obvious I can't believe I'm only figuring this out now.
So:
Step 1: Make a list of everything that is a staple in my house. Staple is here defined as something that I buy regularly, including beer. :-)
Step 2: Take this list to all the major grocery stores (IGA, Loblaws, Metro, Maxis, Super C) and make an note of which one has the best price for each item. Go home empty handed.
Step 3: Check out the grocery fliers each week. When a staple item goes on sale for less than the cheapest price, go stock up.
We'll see if that works. I'm debating whether to add Walmart, Zellers, and Giant Tiger to my list of grocery stores. Too much choice, augh!!!
Right now, I'm trying to empty my pantry, fridge, and freezer since some stuff has been there for a while. I didn't realise that there is a term for this, "Pantry Challenge."
Reading American blogs, I'm amazed by the couponing opportunities availble there. Unfortunately, most of those opportunities, like 'doubling' aren't available in Quebec (don't know about the rest of Canada).
Reading some blogs last night, the answer came to me. It's so obvious I can't believe I'm only figuring this out now.
So:
Step 1: Make a list of everything that is a staple in my house. Staple is here defined as something that I buy regularly, including beer. :-)
Step 2: Take this list to all the major grocery stores (IGA, Loblaws, Metro, Maxis, Super C) and make an note of which one has the best price for each item. Go home empty handed.
Step 3: Check out the grocery fliers each week. When a staple item goes on sale for less than the cheapest price, go stock up.
We'll see if that works. I'm debating whether to add Walmart, Zellers, and Giant Tiger to my list of grocery stores. Too much choice, augh!!!
Right now, I'm trying to empty my pantry, fridge, and freezer since some stuff has been there for a while. I didn't realise that there is a term for this, "Pantry Challenge."
Reading American blogs, I'm amazed by the couponing opportunities availble there. Unfortunately, most of those opportunities, like 'doubling' aren't available in Quebec (don't know about the rest of Canada).
Friday, August 24, 2007
Ordering Groceries Online
Since I'm still not allowed to lift more than 5lbs at any one time, I've been ordering my groceries online at iga.ca to be delivered at home. I'm really enjoying this process, which I've done three times. I haven't evaluated if I've saved any money at all, but I'm sure I have because I've avoided making impulse purchases. Even though delivery is 10$ (3$ to assemble the order, 5$ to deliver, and 2$ tip), I'm not wasting gas and I stick to my list. The site is set up to recognize if an item is currently on sale or if there is a coupon for it, so I still get the discounts I would have gotten anyway. It also gives me my Airmiles points and I pay with my credit card to get my Petro-Points.
The only thing I don't order through the site is produce, since that store generally doesn't have very good produce. Instead, I go to the local farmers' markets every few days in late afternoon to buy produce sellers would rather mark down radically than schlep home again.
Whomever puts the orders together does a very good job. There have been a few mistakes (eg. wrong flavour sent), but nothing major and I could still use the 'mistakes.' Delivery is always right on time. I also like that they actually read the comments I make. For example, I needed to top up my tomato soup so I searched for the store brand. It wasn't listed on the site, so I reluctantly ordered Campbell's (twice the cost!) and in the comment line put 'Compliments brand, please!' I received the store brand. Then there was the time I asked for one four-pack of veggie burgers... and they sent FOUR four-packs! Big expense, but I would have bought them eventually over time, and the patties freeze well.
That said, I can't wait to be able to go out to the stores again to unit-price shop for my staples, like the aforementioned tomato soup, since they're running low and I don't want to assume that the case that's not listed on the site but I know exists is cheaper than the individual cans.
But, for the moment, this is working out nicely.
The only thing I don't order through the site is produce, since that store generally doesn't have very good produce. Instead, I go to the local farmers' markets every few days in late afternoon to buy produce sellers would rather mark down radically than schlep home again.
Whomever puts the orders together does a very good job. There have been a few mistakes (eg. wrong flavour sent), but nothing major and I could still use the 'mistakes.' Delivery is always right on time. I also like that they actually read the comments I make. For example, I needed to top up my tomato soup so I searched for the store brand. It wasn't listed on the site, so I reluctantly ordered Campbell's (twice the cost!) and in the comment line put 'Compliments brand, please!' I received the store brand. Then there was the time I asked for one four-pack of veggie burgers... and they sent FOUR four-packs! Big expense, but I would have bought them eventually over time, and the patties freeze well.
That said, I can't wait to be able to go out to the stores again to unit-price shop for my staples, like the aforementioned tomato soup, since they're running low and I don't want to assume that the case that's not listed on the site but I know exists is cheaper than the individual cans.
But, for the moment, this is working out nicely.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Summer is Here!/Mid-Winter Treat! Salad
Several years ago, I learned that the reason I had a hard time digesting green peppers is that they should be labeled inedible in that they are a non-ripe vegetable. At the same time, I discovered that, lo and behold, I could digest the colourful, but pricier peppers... because they are ripe. So began my love of bell peppers, those delicious but ridiculously priced bells of great taste. Coloured bell peppers are usually about 4.99$ per lb in my area (OUCH). So, whenever they go on sale to 1.99$ per lb, usually mid-winter and early summer, I stock up. Two or three go to making the salad the recipe of which I am about to share, one is for eating fresh in the day or two after the salad is gone, and the rest are roasted and frozen.
This salad is fantastic because I always have all the ingredients, except the peppers, on hand. So, except for the extravagant vegetables, it's a rather frugal meal. My favourite way to eat it is rolled up in a tortilla, burrito style.
Black Bean Salad With Bell Peppers
1 1/4 cups dry black beans, washed and sorted
1 small yellow onion, peeled
2 bay leaves
2 big peppers (red, orange and/or yellow), or one big one and two small ones to get all three colours.... :-), seeds removed and diced
Dressing
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (I once put 5 in by mistake and it was even more delicious, go figure)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp salt (I find that 1/2 tsp is way too much, but, I don't salt much and have noticed that guests tend to add salt)
1/4 tsp ground cumin (I make it a rounded 1/4 tsp)
Bring the black beans and some water to a rapid boil. Remove from the heat, put on a lid, and let sit for one hour. Drain the beans, and put them back in the pot with water to cover. Add the yellow onion and the bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 70 minutes, adding water as needed.
Alternative method: Heat one can of black beans, the onion, the bay leaves, and a bit of water until the onion is soft.
Meanwhile, in a big bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Add the peppers. Drain the beans and dump them, still hot, in the bowl after removing the bay leaves.
This salad keeps for three days in the refrigerator and serves four (meals) or six (entrées)... or so the recipe claims. It's just enough for a black bean, bell pepper, and cumin lover to eat for half a week for lunch and dinner. :-) It tastes best at room temperature.
This salad is fantastic because I always have all the ingredients, except the peppers, on hand. So, except for the extravagant vegetables, it's a rather frugal meal. My favourite way to eat it is rolled up in a tortilla, burrito style.
Black Bean Salad With Bell Peppers
1 1/4 cups dry black beans, washed and sorted
1 small yellow onion, peeled
2 bay leaves
2 big peppers (red, orange and/or yellow), or one big one and two small ones to get all three colours.... :-), seeds removed and diced
Dressing
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (I once put 5 in by mistake and it was even more delicious, go figure)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp salt (I find that 1/2 tsp is way too much, but, I don't salt much and have noticed that guests tend to add salt)
1/4 tsp ground cumin (I make it a rounded 1/4 tsp)
Bring the black beans and some water to a rapid boil. Remove from the heat, put on a lid, and let sit for one hour. Drain the beans, and put them back in the pot with water to cover. Add the yellow onion and the bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 70 minutes, adding water as needed.
Alternative method: Heat one can of black beans, the onion, the bay leaves, and a bit of water until the onion is soft.
Meanwhile, in a big bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Add the peppers. Drain the beans and dump them, still hot, in the bowl after removing the bay leaves.
This salad keeps for three days in the refrigerator and serves four (meals) or six (entrées)... or so the recipe claims. It's just enough for a black bean, bell pepper, and cumin lover to eat for half a week for lunch and dinner. :-) It tastes best at room temperature.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Interesting Promotion...
Here in Quebec we get a weekly 'Publi Sac' ('advertisement bag') filled with flyers from local merchants. I've never paid much attention to them, but resolved to make a change now that I've decided to do some conscientious grocery shopping.
Inside the bag, I found flyers for five grocery stores: IGA, Loblaws, Maxi, Super C, and Metro.
IGA has for a long time been my store of choice for price, quality, and selection. I also like that I can rack up Airmiles with each purchase. Loblaws/Provigo is okay for the odd grocery trip, but I tend to find it more expensive and the stores are just too big with too much miscellanea. Shopping there is always an expedition. Maxi and Super C have decent prices on what they have in stock, but you can't get everything there. I have no idea where the nearest Metro is, so no opinion on that store.
All that to say that I will continue to focus on IGA. It's still the most convenient for me and I'm most familiar with their prices.
As I went through the flyer, I noted on the back of an envelope the specials for products I used that seemed to be good bargains. The few that required coupons (to get extra Airmiles), I also cut out the coupon and put it in the envelope.
At the back of the flyer was the most interesting promotion I've ever seen at a grocery store: by a 12 pack of beer and get 4lbs of oranges free.... I'll definitely be taking them up on that one!
I did flip quickly through the Maxi flyer and found 398mL cans of Del Monte fruit for 1$ each, which is a real bargain. Since Maxi isn't a detour on the route home from IGA, I might stop off there when I'm done at IGA.
Monday, which signals the arrival of my fridge, so I can finally go grocery shopping, can't come quickly enough!!!
Inside the bag, I found flyers for five grocery stores: IGA, Loblaws, Maxi, Super C, and Metro.
IGA has for a long time been my store of choice for price, quality, and selection. I also like that I can rack up Airmiles with each purchase. Loblaws/Provigo is okay for the odd grocery trip, but I tend to find it more expensive and the stores are just too big with too much miscellanea. Shopping there is always an expedition. Maxi and Super C have decent prices on what they have in stock, but you can't get everything there. I have no idea where the nearest Metro is, so no opinion on that store.
All that to say that I will continue to focus on IGA. It's still the most convenient for me and I'm most familiar with their prices.
As I went through the flyer, I noted on the back of an envelope the specials for products I used that seemed to be good bargains. The few that required coupons (to get extra Airmiles), I also cut out the coupon and put it in the envelope.
At the back of the flyer was the most interesting promotion I've ever seen at a grocery store: by a 12 pack of beer and get 4lbs of oranges free.... I'll definitely be taking them up on that one!
I did flip quickly through the Maxi flyer and found 398mL cans of Del Monte fruit for 1$ each, which is a real bargain. Since Maxi isn't a detour on the route home from IGA, I might stop off there when I'm done at IGA.
Monday, which signals the arrival of my fridge, so I can finally go grocery shopping, can't come quickly enough!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Semi-Grocery
I didn't get a lot of groceries tonight since I'm moving on some indeterminate date next week. I wanted to get just a few fresh items to supplement what I've got left in the pantry and freezer for this week and upcoming weekend, and then do the 'day-to-day' thing for next week.
So, armed with a few coupons, a calculator, and my price book, I came to the conclusion that I did not get the 'rock bottom' price for cheese, but I did get a good deal. I must have been a lot of fun in the cheese aisle during 'rush hour' today, trying to figure out which sale cheese had the best per 100 g price. It turned out to be Lactantia (again), but the per 100g price was 1.15$, which is considerably higher than the .83$ per 100g I paid at Bloblaws a couple of weeks ago. I was okay with paying the 1.15$ price since the extra 2 Airmiles were compensation. I'm so proud of myself for taking the time to figure out what the best deal was out of all my choices AND for having a point of reference!
I also picked up some fresh basil for 1.99$ per bunch (cannot wait to have an herb garden again) with coupon, which included another extra 2 Airmiles, and some pitas, thinking that I could use some of my tomato soup to make mini-pizzas on the weekend. Then, as I was looking at the not-on-sale pizzas for dinner tonight, I had an embarrassing epiphany--why not have mini-pizzas tonight?
So, I did.
Mini pizzas are a whole pita, not split, with a tablespoon of tomato soup slathered over, and then sprinkled with herbs and cheese, then either nuked (tonight) or broiled (when the toaster oven is hooked up). With fresh basil they are absolutely amazing. Then again, just about anything is absolutely amazing with fresh basil.... I sprinkled some of the Lactantia mozzarella over the two I made, rolled one up for lunch tomorrow, and then remembered the (fresh) parmesan my mother gave me this weekend. So, the one I had tonight got two cheeses. I served the mini-pizza with a prepared salad (taxable, boohoo, so I spent 72 cent on taxes for my salads tonight) and more beer than I normally have on a weekday (bro gave me an oversize bottle for my birthday and it doesn't keep well when opened. *g*).
Yummy supper and pretty cheap, and took about 2 minutes to make, prep time included!
So, armed with a few coupons, a calculator, and my price book, I came to the conclusion that I did not get the 'rock bottom' price for cheese, but I did get a good deal. I must have been a lot of fun in the cheese aisle during 'rush hour' today, trying to figure out which sale cheese had the best per 100 g price. It turned out to be Lactantia (again), but the per 100g price was 1.15$, which is considerably higher than the .83$ per 100g I paid at Bloblaws a couple of weeks ago. I was okay with paying the 1.15$ price since the extra 2 Airmiles were compensation. I'm so proud of myself for taking the time to figure out what the best deal was out of all my choices AND for having a point of reference!
I also picked up some fresh basil for 1.99$ per bunch (cannot wait to have an herb garden again) with coupon, which included another extra 2 Airmiles, and some pitas, thinking that I could use some of my tomato soup to make mini-pizzas on the weekend. Then, as I was looking at the not-on-sale pizzas for dinner tonight, I had an embarrassing epiphany--why not have mini-pizzas tonight?
So, I did.
Mini pizzas are a whole pita, not split, with a tablespoon of tomato soup slathered over, and then sprinkled with herbs and cheese, then either nuked (tonight) or broiled (when the toaster oven is hooked up). With fresh basil they are absolutely amazing. Then again, just about anything is absolutely amazing with fresh basil.... I sprinkled some of the Lactantia mozzarella over the two I made, rolled one up for lunch tomorrow, and then remembered the (fresh) parmesan my mother gave me this weekend. So, the one I had tonight got two cheeses. I served the mini-pizza with a prepared salad (taxable, boohoo, so I spent 72 cent on taxes for my salads tonight) and more beer than I normally have on a weekday (bro gave me an oversize bottle for my birthday and it doesn't keep well when opened. *g*).
Yummy supper and pretty cheap, and took about 2 minutes to make, prep time included!
Contrary Coupon Position
I was just clipping coupons at iga.ca (really!) in preparation for a grocery trip today when I began to think about a common coupon 'tip'--to never buy with a coupon something you wouldn't have bought otherwise.
Why not?
Sometimes there are products I'd like to try, but I find the price a bit steep. Take, for example, the sun dried tomato and artichoke veggie sausages in the tofu case at my local supermarket. They seemed so good, but at a cost of 3.99$ for a package of 4, seemed outrageously priced. When I got a coupon for half off a package, I jumped on it. The sausages turned out to be yummy, but way too salty, so not worth 1$ each as they would have to supplement a meal, not be a meal. But at 50 cents each, I felt that they could be a nice treat. So now, whenever I see a coupon for them or they go on sale, I get a couple of packages and toss them in the freezer.
I also have a bunch of coupons from save.ca. It's a site with coupons organized by province. You select the ones you want and they are mailed to you. Fantastic site!
Why not?
Sometimes there are products I'd like to try, but I find the price a bit steep. Take, for example, the sun dried tomato and artichoke veggie sausages in the tofu case at my local supermarket. They seemed so good, but at a cost of 3.99$ for a package of 4, seemed outrageously priced. When I got a coupon for half off a package, I jumped on it. The sausages turned out to be yummy, but way too salty, so not worth 1$ each as they would have to supplement a meal, not be a meal. But at 50 cents each, I felt that they could be a nice treat. So now, whenever I see a coupon for them or they go on sale, I get a couple of packages and toss them in the freezer.
I also have a bunch of coupons from save.ca. It's a site with coupons organized by province. You select the ones you want and they are mailed to you. Fantastic site!
Friday, March 9, 2007
One Small Step for Frugality!
Today was a huge milestone for me--I did some 'conscientious' grocery shopping.
For a long time, groceries were the only flexible thing in my budget. I'd buy food when I could, went hungry when I couldn't, and didn't bother looking at coupons or offers for a bunch of reasons I'm sure made sense at the time (stupid, I know).
Today, I decided to start my price book. I think that what did it for me is that mangoes were selling for 1.29$ (regular 1.49$) each and I didn't know if that was a good enough price to treat myself to more than one.
Because I had an errand to run in the area, I decided to go to the huge Loblaws in town. I tend to favour IGA with the odd jaunt to the more convenient Provigo for PC items, but once in a while, I feel like a foray to Loblaws.
I used to love Loblaws until it became too damn big. I don't want to have to pass six aisles of toys, camping equipment, miscellaneous furniture, and clothes to get to the tampons (this Loblaws) or the cheese (the other Loblaws I visit). I'm also not nuts about the fact that they advertise 'sales' in their flyer (no coupons), but don't mark what the 'regular' price is. Guess I'll know once my price book gets going!
Before I went to the store, I loaded up their website and opened the e-flyer. There, you can click on the 'sale' items you're interested in and the site will make up a nice printable grocery list for you! This is the first time I used the site and I will do so from now on. Except for the cheese (since premium and 'cheap' cheeses are sold separately), the list printed everything in the aisle-order of the store! It was so easy and the list was detailed enough for me to know if the item I had in my hand was the 'sale' version or not.
At any rate, I went to Loblaws and paid a lot of attention to unit prices. I know I saved some money:
-52 count of tampons for 8.59$--I normally pay just shy of 6$ for 20 (so they were worth the hike)
-Dr. Oetker pizza for 4.99$--I normally pay 5.99$
-2/5$ on the Europe's best frozen veggies--I normally pay 3.99$ per bag and would have bought four bags had there been two more bags of a type I like (no asparagus for me, thank you kindly)
-Lactantia cheese, 2x300g for 5$ or 0.8333/100g--I normally consider around 1.50$ for 100g a decent price worth stocking up on for 'cheap' cheese (eesh). I don't often buy 'cheap' cheese often now (IBS, remember), but when they're giving it away, it's a treat. I do pay top dollar for premium parmesan cheese from the Italian deli, however (must start shopping for that!)
-Tostitos, 2x300g for 5$--I would normally pay about 2.99$, if I normally bought Tostitos, which I don't because they're overpriced. But there was no 'plain' PC or NN tortilla chips, so I went with the Tostitos. I don't usually buy chips and junk but tortilla chips and salsa was the one 'acceptable' junk food growing up and I can't get it out of my mind that nachos (just plain chips and salsa with a sprinkling of cheese and maybe no-fat 'refried' beans) isn't a healthy lunch, but anyway.
My favourite savings was on the tomato soup. Yesterday I found myself cursing myself once again for having run out of tomato soup. Tomato soup is to me what ground beef is to some households. It has a million uses, from as-is to cake, and I just never manage to keep enough on hand. Zipping through the 'club size format' section of Blobblobs today, thinking there would be nothing there to interest me, I noticed a lonely 12 pack of No Name tomato soup peeking out from behind the cream of mushroom. No Name is acceptable, although I do prefer Campbells, and is the type I tend to buy unless Campbells is really cheap (I stock up then). At any rate, the 12 pack of soup was retailing for 0.158$ per 100mL. I put the pack in the cart and made a note to see how much individual cans were going for--0.173$, a saving of a cent and a half per can. Okay, that's not much, but I did save 18 cents on a product I use a lot instead of buying it at full price. Go me!
Another interesting thing I noted was the cost of a container of hummus is 2.99$ for both PC and Fontaine Santé brands. But the unit cost on the former is 1.317$ per 100g while the latter costs 1.50$ per 100g. Whopping difference! And, yes, I do plan to start making my own hummus again once I have a kitchen; stopping bugging me.
However, PC brand 'ground soy' was exactly the same price as Yves 'ground soy', so I went with the name brand.
Toilet paper is a perpetual irritant; with all the different types of rolls out there, how am I supposed to know if 25 cents per roll is a good enough price to have gotten the jumbo pack? I guess I'll know one day, if I keep building my price book.
I'd budgeted 50$ for today, expected to pay 100$, and came out at exactly 75$, so I'm pretty pleased. I have lots of easy to make without a kitchen foods that should last me a couple of weeks and not too much junk (no desserts, for example). That's what I've tended to call a 'good grocery.'
Taxes paid on this grocery bill: 2.79$; for the tampons and chips *makes a mental note to write to her MP again about the unfair taxation of women for necessary products... then order a Keeper*
I'm off to input my data into my Excel spreadsheet (I'm such a geek).
For a long time, groceries were the only flexible thing in my budget. I'd buy food when I could, went hungry when I couldn't, and didn't bother looking at coupons or offers for a bunch of reasons I'm sure made sense at the time (stupid, I know).
Today, I decided to start my price book. I think that what did it for me is that mangoes were selling for 1.29$ (regular 1.49$) each and I didn't know if that was a good enough price to treat myself to more than one.
Because I had an errand to run in the area, I decided to go to the huge Loblaws in town. I tend to favour IGA with the odd jaunt to the more convenient Provigo for PC items, but once in a while, I feel like a foray to Loblaws.
I used to love Loblaws until it became too damn big. I don't want to have to pass six aisles of toys, camping equipment, miscellaneous furniture, and clothes to get to the tampons (this Loblaws) or the cheese (the other Loblaws I visit). I'm also not nuts about the fact that they advertise 'sales' in their flyer (no coupons), but don't mark what the 'regular' price is. Guess I'll know once my price book gets going!
Before I went to the store, I loaded up their website and opened the e-flyer. There, you can click on the 'sale' items you're interested in and the site will make up a nice printable grocery list for you! This is the first time I used the site and I will do so from now on. Except for the cheese (since premium and 'cheap' cheeses are sold separately), the list printed everything in the aisle-order of the store! It was so easy and the list was detailed enough for me to know if the item I had in my hand was the 'sale' version or not.
At any rate, I went to Loblaws and paid a lot of attention to unit prices. I know I saved some money:
-52 count of tampons for 8.59$--I normally pay just shy of 6$ for 20 (so they were worth the hike)
-Dr. Oetker pizza for 4.99$--I normally pay 5.99$
-2/5$ on the Europe's best frozen veggies--I normally pay 3.99$ per bag and would have bought four bags had there been two more bags of a type I like (no asparagus for me, thank you kindly)
-Lactantia cheese, 2x300g for 5$ or 0.8333/100g--I normally consider around 1.50$ for 100g a decent price worth stocking up on for 'cheap' cheese (eesh). I don't often buy 'cheap' cheese often now (IBS, remember), but when they're giving it away, it's a treat. I do pay top dollar for premium parmesan cheese from the Italian deli, however (must start shopping for that!)
-Tostitos, 2x300g for 5$--I would normally pay about 2.99$, if I normally bought Tostitos, which I don't because they're overpriced. But there was no 'plain' PC or NN tortilla chips, so I went with the Tostitos. I don't usually buy chips and junk but tortilla chips and salsa was the one 'acceptable' junk food growing up and I can't get it out of my mind that nachos (just plain chips and salsa with a sprinkling of cheese and maybe no-fat 'refried' beans) isn't a healthy lunch, but anyway.
My favourite savings was on the tomato soup. Yesterday I found myself cursing myself once again for having run out of tomato soup. Tomato soup is to me what ground beef is to some households. It has a million uses, from as-is to cake, and I just never manage to keep enough on hand. Zipping through the 'club size format' section of Blobblobs today, thinking there would be nothing there to interest me, I noticed a lonely 12 pack of No Name tomato soup peeking out from behind the cream of mushroom. No Name is acceptable, although I do prefer Campbells, and is the type I tend to buy unless Campbells is really cheap (I stock up then). At any rate, the 12 pack of soup was retailing for 0.158$ per 100mL. I put the pack in the cart and made a note to see how much individual cans were going for--0.173$, a saving of a cent and a half per can. Okay, that's not much, but I did save 18 cents on a product I use a lot instead of buying it at full price. Go me!
Another interesting thing I noted was the cost of a container of hummus is 2.99$ for both PC and Fontaine Santé brands. But the unit cost on the former is 1.317$ per 100g while the latter costs 1.50$ per 100g. Whopping difference! And, yes, I do plan to start making my own hummus again once I have a kitchen; stopping bugging me.
However, PC brand 'ground soy' was exactly the same price as Yves 'ground soy', so I went with the name brand.
Toilet paper is a perpetual irritant; with all the different types of rolls out there, how am I supposed to know if 25 cents per roll is a good enough price to have gotten the jumbo pack? I guess I'll know one day, if I keep building my price book.
I'd budgeted 50$ for today, expected to pay 100$, and came out at exactly 75$, so I'm pretty pleased. I have lots of easy to make without a kitchen foods that should last me a couple of weeks and not too much junk (no desserts, for example). That's what I've tended to call a 'good grocery.'
Taxes paid on this grocery bill: 2.79$; for the tampons and chips *makes a mental note to write to her MP again about the unfair taxation of women for necessary products... then order a Keeper*
I'm off to input my data into my Excel spreadsheet (I'm such a geek).
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