King Soopers, Colorado week of 7-20 to 7-26

King Soopers is the same as Kroger or Smith's (depending on where you live)  Their ads vary greatly from region to region.  I do like the chain as a whole because they tend to double and triple coupons and offer a savings card that will give you savings on gas (depending on where you live).  Their stores tend to be clean and have great customer service.  When you can combine a coupon with their ad the price is often less than discount grocers such as Wal-Mart.  Also don't forget to register your loyalty card on their website and add "in-store" savings to your card.  These are e-coupons that are automatically deducted from your sale.  No clipping needed.

For several meals I am assuming that you have some basic pantry ingredients.  If you do not have pasta, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and other such staples, you may need to purchase these items.

For those in the Colorado area here are my picks from this week's ad:

Breakfasts:

*Cereal with milk

*Yogurt with cereal and fruit

*Poached eggs on English muffins

*Pillsbury Toaster Strudel

*Pancakes with fresh fruit

*Bird's nests

*Egg, bacon, mushroom and spinach quiche

Here is what you will need to pick up:

*Driscoll’s Organic Blackberries or Raspberries

6 oz USDA Organic, 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD 

*Mangos

Mangos, 2 FOR $1 WITH CARD

*Spinach

Colorado grown Wellington Bunch, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*White Mushrooms

Colorado grown Alamosa Whole or Sliced, 8 oz, 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Kroger or Private Selection Bacon

12-16 oz, $3.77 WITH CARD

*Dannon Yogurt

4-6 ct, $1.88 WITH CARD

*King Soopers Large Eggs

Grade AA, 12 ct, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Kellogg’s Cereal, Quaker Cereal

Kellogg’s Cereal (Select Varieties, 10-20 oz) Quaker Cereal (Select Varieties, 14-15 oz), $1.99 WITH CARD

*Maxwell House or Yuban Coffee, Starbucks Coffee

Maxwell House or Yuban Coffee (Select Varieties, 31.5-34.5 oz) Starbucks Coffee (Select Varieties, 11-12 oz) $8.99 ea with card – 50¢, $8.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*King Soopers Soopers Bread

White or Wheat, 24 oz, $1.19 with card

*Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread, Thomas’ English Muffins

Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread (12-24 oz) Thomas’ English Muffins (6 ct) $2.49 ea with card – 50¢, $1.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Scrambles or Biscuits

7.4-11.5 oz, $1.79 WITH CARD

Lunches:

*Cold cut sandwiches on bagels or flat bread

*Chicken Salad

*Tuna salad wraps

*Cobb Salad

*Pasta Salad

*Spinach Salad with a warm bacon dressing

Here is your list:

*Grape Tomatoes

10 oz, 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD

*Hot House Tomatoes

Colorado grown Brush, 2 LBS. FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Mangos

Mangos, 2 FOR $1 WITH CARD

*Radishes

Colorado grown Pueblo Bunch, 99¢ WITH CARD

*Romaine, Bib, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce

Colorado grown Brighton, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Spinach

Colorado grown Wellington Bunch, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*White Mushrooms

Colorado grown Alamosa Whole or Sliced, 8 oz, 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Kroger Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins

Frozen, Sold in 3 lb Bag for $7.98, $2.66 LB. WITH CARD

*Kroger or Private Selection Bacon

12-16 oz, $3.77 WITH CARD

*Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat

Select Varieties, 16 oz $2.99 ea with card – 50¢, $2.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat 10 oz

Zip Pak $2.79 ea with card – 50¢, $2.29 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage

13.5-16 oz Rope or Links, 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

*King Soopers Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Fresh, $1.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip

22-30 oz $2.99 ea with card – 50¢, $2.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*King Soopers Soopers Bread

White or Wheat, 24 oz, $1.19 with card

*Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread, Thomas’ English Muffins

Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread (12-24 oz) Thomas’ English Muffins (6 ct) $2.49 ea with card – 50¢, $1.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Dole or Fresh Selections Salad Blends

5 -12 oz, 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

Dinner:

Again, the crock pot is my best kitchen aid in the summer. It does not heat up the kitchen and allows you to cook worry free. You simply set it up before lunch-time and then dinner is ready to go when you are. You can also set it up in the morning and have lunch ready with out heating up your kitchen.  I love the microwave steamable veggies, they are easy, healthy and do not heat up you kitchen.

Here is what I would make with the sales from this week's ad:

*Beef Stew

*BBQ Ribs (crock pot)

*Creamy Chicken and rice with Kale Chips

*Sausage and peppers

*Rice A Roni/Pasta A Roni with ground beef and veggies

*Teriyaki Pork

*Tombstone Pizza

Here is the grocery list:

*Classico Pasta Sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce

Classico Pasta Sauce (8.1-26 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce (28 oz) $2.49 ea with card – 50, $1.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Kroger Tomatoes or Sauce

28 oz $1.49 ea with card – 50¢, 99¢ EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables

Select Varieties, Frozen, 10-16 oz $1.49 ea with card – 50¢, 99¢ EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese

8 oz $1.99 ea with card – 50¢, $1.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Tombstone Pizza

17.5-29.5 oz $3.49 ea with card – 50¢, $2.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Boneless Beef Cube Steak or Stew Beef

Super Value Pack, $3.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage

13.5-16 oz Rope or Links, 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

*King Soopers Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Fresh, $1.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Kroger Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins

Frozen, Sold in 3 lb Bag for $7.98, $2.66 LB. WITH CARD

*Kroger or Private Selection Bacon

12-16 oz, $3.77 WITH CARD

*Pork Shoulder Steaks or Country Style Ribs

Moist & Tender, Bone-In, Super Value Pack, $2.49 LB. WITH CARD

*Pork Spareribs

Previously Frozen, Moist & Tender, $2.49 LB. WITH CARD

*Private Selection Angus Ground Round

Fresh, 85% Lean, Super Value Pack, $2.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni

3.8-7.2 oz $1.19 ea with card – 50¢, 69¢ EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Cilantro or Parsley

Colorado grown Brightion Bunch, 2 FOR $1 WITH CARD

*Collard, Mustard, Turnip Greens or Kale

Colorado grown Brighton Bunch, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Yellow or Zucchini Squash

Colorado grown Ft. Lupton, 2 LBS. FOR $3 WITH CARD

Kroger (North Texas) Week of 7-20 to 7-26

This week I will be doing two posts: one from North Texas and one from Colorado.  With back to school right around the corner, don't be surprised to see some BTS values here as well.

Kroger (North Texas)

BTS (only one from Kroger):

*Crayola Crayons

24 ct, Limit 4,  25¢ with card (this is a good deal and maybe even a great deal, WM may have them for $.10, but that is doubtful)

Breakfasts:

Poached eggs on English muffins

Toaster Strudels

Cereal with milk and fresh fruits

Bird's nests with fruit salad

Sausage or bacon and egg burritos

Yogurt with cereal and fruit mixed in

Here is the list of items to pick up:

*Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread, Thomas’ English Muffins

(Select Varieties, 12-24 oz) Thomas’ English Muffins (Select Varieties, 6 ct) $2.49 ea. with card – 50¢, $1.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items WITH CARD

*Kellogg’s Cereal, Quaker Cereal

Kellogg’s Cereal (Select Varieties, 10-20 oz) Quaker Cereal (Select Varieties, 14-15 oz), $1.99 WITH CARD

*Pillsbury Toaster Strudel,

Scrambles or Biscuits Frozen, Select Varieties, 7-11.5 oz, $1.79 WITH CARD

*Del Monte Fruit Naturals

Select Varieties, 6-7 oz, 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Dannon Yogurt

Select Varieties, 4-6 ct, $1.88 WITH CARD

*Kroger Large Eggs

Grade A, 18 ct, 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger or Private Selection Bacon

12-16 oz, $3.88 WITH CARD

*Tennessee Pride Breakfast Sausage

16 oz Roll, 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

*Blueberries, Blackberries or Raspberries

Blueberries (Dry Pint) Blackberries or Raspberries (6 oz), 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD


*Driscoll’s Strawberries

16 oz, 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD 

 

Lunches:

In the summer since it is so hot (especially in the south) I like to keep it light and cool. Sandwiches are a go to lunch meal around here. Salads are the other lunch we have often. I don't like heating up my kitchen in the summer and I am betting neither do most of you. So here are some of my favorite sandwiches and salads. Salads are a great way to use up left over meat from the night before as well.

Cold cut sandwiches

*For these you can switch it up by serving them on hoagie rolls, pitas or even hotdog buns. Sandwiches can be served with chips or for a healthy alternative carrot sticks or fruit salad.

Egg salad sandwiches

Tuna salad lettuce wraps

*My tuna salad recipe will be posted

Cobb salad

Fajita salad

Here is the list:

*Pepperidge Farm Bread, Bagels or Flat Bread, Thomas’ English Muffins

(Select Varieties, 12-24 oz) Thomas’ English Muffins (Select Varieties, 6 ct) $2.49 ea. with card – 50¢ $1.99 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items WITH CARD

*Kroger Tomatoes

Select Varieties, 28 oz $1.09 ea. with card – 50¢, 59¢ EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo

Select Varieties, 22-30 oz $2.99 ea. with card – 50¢, $2.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items with card

*Kroger Large Eggs

Grade A, 18 ct 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat, Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat (8-9 oz Tub) Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage (13.5-16 oz Rope or Links), 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD



*Kroger Marinated Beef or Chicken Breast Fajitas

Sold in 2 lb Bag for $5.98, $2.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Kroger or Private Selection Bacon

12-16 oz, $3.88 WITH CARD

*Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat

Select Varieties, 9-10 oz Zip Pak $2.79 ea. with card – 50¢, $2.29 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat 16 oz

Select Varieties, 16 oz $2.99 ea. with card – 50¢, $2.49 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items WITH CARD

*Kroger Grape Tomatoes

10 oz, 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Pringles

Select Varieties, 5.71-6.73 oz $1.49 ea. with card – 50¢ 99¢ EA. When you buy any 10 participating items WITH CARD

*English Cucumbers, Bell Peppers

English Cucumbers (Each) Bell Peppers (Red, Orange or Yellow) 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Private Selection Organic Salad Blends

Select Varieties, 5 oz USDA ORGANIC, $2.99 WITH CARD

Dinners:

Since heating up the kitchen in the summer is not fun, here are some cool ideas for hot summer nights. The crock pot is my favorite tool in the kitchen for summer nights. It is such a favorite that I have three different ones. It is not uncommon for me to have two or even all three going to keep from heating up the kitchen. If you do not have a crock pot, you should get one (or three). They are greaat not only for the summer, but for working parents they are great since you can put all the ingredients in there in the morning and have dinner when you get home. Wal-mart has several different ones for reasonable prices. My other favorite kitchen tool in the summer is the toaster/convection oven. I can cook small amounts in it without heating up the entire kitchen/house.

*Fajitas with grilled (or sauteed veggies)

*Sausage and peppers

*Honey mustard chicken with a side salad

*Creamy chicken and rice (crock pot recipe to follow)

*Pizza or pasta

*BBQ ribs (crock pot recipe to follow)

*Roast

*Private Selection Organic Salad Blends

Select Varieties, 5 oz USDA ORGANIC, $2.99 WITH CARD

*Broccoli Crowns

Broccoli, 4 LBS. FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Select Varieties, 8 oz $1.69 ea. with card – 50¢, $1.19 EA. WHEN YOU BUY ANY 10 Participating Items With Card

*Large Artichokes

Each 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Kroger Value Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Tenderloins or Thighs

Fresh, USDA Inspected $1.49 LB. WITH CARD

*Kroger Marinated Beef or Chicken Breast Fajitas

Sold in 2 lb Bag for $5.98 $2.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Boneless Sirloin Roasts or Tip Steaks

USDA Select, Beef Round, Super Value Pack $2.99 LB. WITH CARD

*Freschetta Pizza or Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pasta

Select Varieties, 9.4-30 oz, $4.99 WITH CARD

Other items for household use or snack that I would pick up:

*Kroger Water

24 pk, 16.9 oz Bottles $2.99 WITH CARD

*Blue Bell Frozen Treats

Select Varieties, 4-24 ct BLUE BELL ICE CREAM SALE 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Blue Bell Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

Select Varieties, 64 oz or 12 ct Cups BLUE BELL ICE CREAM SALE $3.99 WITH CARD

*Colgate Toothpaste

Select Varieties, 6.4 oz $1.49 ea. with card – 50¢ 99¢ EA. When you buy any 10 participating items WITH CARD



*Suave Deodorant

Select Varieties, 2.6 oz $1.49 ea. with card – 50¢ 99¢ EA. When you buy any 10 participating items WITH CARD

*Brawny Paper Towels, Charmin Bathroom Tissue

Brawny Paper Towels (8 Giant Rolls) Charmin Bathroom Tissue (Select Varieties, 9 Mega Rolls) $8.99 with card



*Kleenex Facial Tissue

Select Varieties, 68-184 ct $1.49 ea. with card – 50¢ 99¢ EA. When you buy any 10 participating items WITH CARD

*Chex Mix, Bugles or Gardetto’s Snack Mix

Select Varieties, 6-8.75 oz 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

Long time no post

It has been a long time...almost 2 months since I have made a post.  For those of you following me I am sorry that it has been so long.  It has been a very busy two months.  The end of school and family vacation and attempting to clean the sty that I call home have been time consuming.

It is hard to believe that I only have about 4 weeks until school starts again!  Where did the time go?  I had such plans for the summer and only about half are realized.  We did have a fabulous family vacation (our first ever, but not our last)!

It was an adventure to travel the south eastern part of the United States camping with my family.  We learned several lessons: drive no more than 4 hours in a day, don't reserve camp sites in advance (unless you must because most sites are already reserved), we must spend at least 3 nights in a location, and it is important to get to the campsite early (so you can set up and still have time to hang).   We also learned that we like to wander around.  We like to stop when something catches our eye (road sign for the Tiger Truck stop, with a live tiger, for example).  My husband rediscovered his love for the beach, and I discovered mine.  Don't tell him, but I think I might prefer the beach to the mountains despite all the sand!  I so thought I was a mountain girl.  I learned that I can and am very happy with 4-5 changes of clothes and so are the girls.  Greg has always been happy with just a few changes.  Going without many electronic devices was not as big a struggle as I thought it would be.  We logged about 4000 miles on our suburban and way too many hours to count.  My girls (ages 4, 6, and 9) did great in the car thanks to books on cassette (really on cassette).  They loved sleeping in the tent and in the car.  They did not miss having cable at all.

We found the Crooked Road.  What an adventure that was!  We experienced the capital on the nation's Birthday! We saw the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and swam in both.  We drove through the Appalachians and the Smokies.  We experienced lakes and rivers. We drove the 18mi bridge.  We saw the USS Alabama, we got rained on and sunburned, and we loved every minute of it!  We will be doing another trip next summer.

We managed to going through at least a portion of 14 states and the District of Columbia in 15 days.  I think that is a good record.  I doubt we will ever beat it...although anything is possible. 

Food was not the challenge I thought it would be either.  The girls were great with eating pb and chocolate chip sandwiches in the car.  We had eggs, ham and toast most mornings for breakfast.  A french press (which my husband thought of) made some amazing coffee.  I bought an electric skillet and made spaghetti in it a few times.  We also had a coleman propane burner and did have hotdogs a couple of times.  We only had fast food one (yes, really, one) time. 

We also were able to meet up with many of my friends who are no longer imaginary (that is what my husband calls my internet friends).  Best of all I got to hold a brand new, fresh out of the box, not quite 4 day old baby!  That was awesome!

In my next post (probably next week) I will get back to menu planning and deal hunting.  Thanks for reading and taking the time to share the adventure of the first annual family vacation.

Wisconsin

This week we (okay, really just me) are traveling to the state of Wisconsin.  I don't know much about the state, since I'm from TX.  My friends from there really love it.  So this I am posting for them this week.  A few things to note.  Piggly Wiggly in the North is not the same as the Piggly Wiggly in the South.  Also, each Piggly Wiggly in WI has a slightly different ad.  Each store is owned indepently, so check for your local store's coupon policy.  I am including meats, although my friend who am featuring this week has access to her own meat sources.  The only store of these that allows you to create a shopping list is Sav-a-lot.  The others it is old school pencil and paper.

This week's stores are Piggly Wiggly, Pick-n-Save and Sav-a-lot.

Piggly Wiggly
*Ragu pasta sauce with in store coupon $.99
*Wishbone dressing with in store coupon $.99
*Skippy Peanut Butter with in store coupon $.99
*Breyer's Ice Cream with in store coupon $2.49
*Iceburg lettuce $.99/head
*Boneless Pork Country Style Ribs $1.79/lb
*Boneless Rump Roast or Bottom Round $2.49/lb
*Navel Oranges $.79/lb
*Artichokes 2 for $3
*Zucchini Squash $.99/lb
*Food Club Cake mix $.89
*Food Club tomato sauce 8 oz can 3/$.99
*Food Club spaghetti sauce 28 oz can $.89
*Food Club sweet relish 16 oz jar $$.99
*Food Club coffee 34.5-39 oz can $6.99
*Food Club Pretzel bag $.89

Sav-A-Lot
*Hillshire Farms Sausage 14 oz package $1.99
*5lb bag of potaotes $1.49
*Vine ripe tomatoes $.99/lb
*Jumbo Vidiala Onions $.59/lb
*Libby's Steam bag veggies $.69/bag
*Eggs $.99/doz
*Portside Tuna 5 oz can $.59
*Coburn Sour Cream 16oz $1.39
*Cowboy Billy's Baked Beans 16 oz can $.79
*KoolAid 5/$1

Pick 'N Save
*Roundy's Chicken Breast or Jumbo Pack thighs or legs $.99/lb
*Bananas $.49/lb
*Strawberries  16oz (1lb) container 2/$3
*General Mills Cereals 4/$10
*Roundy's Split Top Wheat bread 10/$10
*Asparagus $2.79/lb
*Red Grapes $1.99/lb
*Roundy's cream cheese 8 oz $.98
*Heluva Good Dips 10/$10
*Open pit BBQ sauce 10/$10
*TGIFriday's Skillet Meals $5.99
*Seedless Cucumbers 10/$10
*Butterball Turkey Bacon 10/$10
In Store coupons (these are founf on the local ad):
     *Skippy Peanut Butter $.98
     *Chicken of the Sea Tuna $.49
     *Fresh Express Salad $.88
Meal Deal:
buy one Black Angus Beef Boneless Chuck Roast $2.99/lb get 1 Celery, 1 bog of Carrots, and 1 package of King's Hawaiian rolls (12 ct)

Possible meals might include the following:

Breakfast
Cereal with milk
Chewy Granola bars
Eggs and turkey bacon.
Cereal with fresh fruit salad
Quiche (use the eggs and mix in 8oz cream cheese and one container of the Heluva Good dip)
Coffee

Lunch
BLT's with a salad
Sausage and onions with steamed veggies
Tuna salad sandwiches with salad
Peanut butter sandwiches and fresh fruit salad
Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches

Dinner
Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus
Roast with potaotes and carrots
BBQ sausage with baked beans and potato salad
Spaghetti with steamed veggies and roasted zucchini
TGIFriday's Skillet meal

Desserts
ice cream with homeade strawberry compote
cupcakes
use the cake mix to make cookies

I hope this week's post is helpful to not only my friend, but gives everyone reading a few ideas to spruce up thier normal menu.

Vegas week of 5/11/11 to 5/17/11

I know I am late getting a post up this week and I skipped last week.  My apologies.  It is the last few weeks of school here and between that and working the extra hours after school 3 nights a week, I have been wiped out every night.  Enough excuses.  My friend in Vegas asked if I would feature her store this week.  Of course I had to agree.  I love my friends and I love a challenge.

Below is what I have found looking at the Smith's ad for the Vegas area.  Here is my tip of the week: Don't forget to check out the digital coupons at Smithsfoodanddrug.com under "In Store" and then "coupons".  You can then choose the ones you want and they will be loaded to your store card in about an hour.  No clipping required.

Breakfast:

*Green Onions Bunch 2 FOR $1

*Tender Asparagus $1.99 LB.

*Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-10 oz 2 FOR $5

*Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes 10.5 oz 2 FOR $5

*Oscar Mayer Ham or Turkey Lunch Meat 10 oz $1.99 EA.

*Dannon Yogurt Select Varieties, 4-6 ct or 32 oz $1.49 EA

*Quaker Cereal Select Varieties (Cap'tan Crunch), 14-16 oz $1.49 EA

*Kellogg’s Cereal (Select Varieties, 12-20 oz) Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (Select Varieties, 8-10 ct) $1.98

*Maxwell House or Yuban Coffee Select Varieties, 31.5-34.5 oz $7.49 EA. 

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz 99¢ EA

*Mountain Dairy Milk Vitamin D, 2%, 1%, Skim Royale or Fat Free, Gallon $2.59 

Breakfast meals from the above:

Cereal

Granola bars (for those busy mornings when you just don't have time)

Cream cheese on toast

Yogurt with cereal mixed in

Quiche or scrambled eggs with tomato, mushrooms, onions and asparagus.  Prepare the quiche the night before (or on Sunday night) and then you have a quick breakfast during the week.

Scrambled eggs (or omelets) with chopped lunch meat and green onions and mushrooms.  Omelets can be made in a freezer quart size bag.  Recipe will be posted later in this post.

 

Lunch:

*Cheetos or Fritos Select Varieties, 7.75-10.25 oz $2.49 EA

*Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes 10.5 oz 2 FOR $5

*Green Beans 2 LBS. FOR $3

*Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-10 oz 2 FOR $5

*Avocados Each 89¢ EA

*American Beauty Pasta Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 49¢ EA.

*Oscar Mayer Ham or Turkey Lunch Meat 10 oz $1.99 EA

*Kroger Cheese Select Varieties, 6-8 oz 3 FOR $5

*Ragú Pasta Sauce Select Varieties, 16-26 oz 99¢ EA

*Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Select Varieties, 22-30 oz $2.49 EA.

Meals for Lunch could include:

Sandwiches (on the hotdog buns for faux hoagies) with avocados and chips

Pasta Salad with asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms

Pasta Alfredo with green beans

Green bean salad with lunch meat that has been sliced into strips and heated in a skillet then sprinkle with some cheese

Dinner:

*Green Beans 2 LBS. FOR $3

*Green Onions Bunch 2 FOR $1

*Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes 10.5 oz 2 FOR $5

*Tender Asparagus $1.99 LB

*Cheetos or Fritos Select Varieties, 7.75-10.25 oz $2.49 EA.

*American Beauty Pasta Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 49¢ EA.

*Avocados Each 89¢ EA.

*Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-10 oz 2 FOR $5

*Pork Baby Back Ribs Previously Frozen, Moist & Tender $3.49 LB.

*Pork Shoulder Butt Roast Moist & Tender, Bone-In, Sold Whole in Bag $1.69 LB.

*Smith’s Split Chicken Breast, Drumsticks, Thighs or Whole Fryer Chicken Fresh, Super *Value Pack 99¢ LB.

*Boneless Petite Sirloin Steak Beef Loin, Super Value Pack $3.99 LB.

*Ground Beef Fresh, 85% Lean, 2 lb or More $2.49 LB.

*New York Strip Steak Bone-In, Beef Loin, Super Value Pack $5.99 LB

*Kroger Cheese Select Varieties, 6-8 oz 3 FOR $5

*Ragú Pasta Sauce Select Varieties, 16-26 oz 99¢ EA

*Kraft Barbecue Sauce Select Varieties, 18 oz 59¢ EA

*Smith’s Buns Select Varieties, Hot Dog or Hamburger, 8 ct 10 FOR $10 

Dinner meals

Steak with mushrooms and steamed asparagus

Steak with mashed potatoes and green beans

Ham with roasted asparagus and tomatoes

Spaghetti with green beans

Hamburgers with chips

chicken cacciatore in the slow cooker (recipe to follow)
Oven BBQ Baby Back Ribs with a cold green bean salad (there are many recipes on the net)
BBQ Pork sandwiches (Pork shoulder and buns)

Dessert:

*Chips Ahoy Cookies (Select Varieties, 9.5-15.25 oz) Ritz Crackers (Select Varieties, 7.5-16 oz) $1.99 EA.

*Breyers Ice Cream (Select Varieties, 48 oz) Klondike Frozen Treats (Select Varieties, 6 ct) 2 FOR $5

For a fancy dessert take vanilla ice cream and let it soften enough to scoop easily then place a scoop between two of the cookies.  Place in the freezer on wax paper until frozen, then you can store them in ziplock bags for easy access.  If you want to get really fancy you can roll the outside in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles before freezing.

Other:

*Bounty Paper Towels (Select Varieties, 6 Big or 8 Regular Rolls) Bounty Paper Towels (Select Varieties, 12 Regular or Double Rolls or 16 Basic Double Rolls) 5.99 EA.

*Cheez-It Crackers Select Varieties, 9.75-14 oz $1.99 EA. 

These are just good deals I thought I would include.

*Remember this is a $5 off 10 participating items event so be sure to get ten participating items to get the prices I quote.*

Recipes:

Omelet in a bag

Ingredients:

2 eggs

2 tbsp milk or water

3 tbsp chopped ham (or other meat of your choice)

1 tbsp chopped onion

1 tbsp grated cheese of your choice

1-2 tbsp of other ingredients of your choice (mushrooms, tomatoes, asparagus, jalapeno, avocado)

Directions:

Crack eggs into freezer bag.  Add milk (or water).  Seal bag and squish eggs until well mixed.  Open bag and all all other ingredients except cheese).  Drop bag into a large pot of boiling water.  Boil about 10 min or until no egg comes out when bag is squeezed with tongs.  Turn omelet out on plate and sprinkle with cheese and top however you like.

salt and pepper to taste

Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
• 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
• 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup dry red wine(this could be omitted)
• 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp. water

Preparation:

Place all ingredients except cornstarch and water in 4-5 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. If you want a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch and water in small bowl and mix well. Stir into crockpot; cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes until thickened. Serve with hot cooked pasta, if desired. 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours, 15 minutes

 *this recipe is from: http://busycooks.about.com/od/chickenthighrecipes/r/cpcacciatore.htm

Meals and Recipes from the week of 4/27/11

Dinners

Enchiladas are a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Even if you aren't in a state where this is a common celebration, it is fun to have a reason to have Mexican food.  With the sale items this week enchiladas, with all the fixings, are just begging to be made.  Here is my recipe for them.  It is super easy, although I cannot guarantee the authenticity of the dish as I have been told by my Hispanic students that I am not making them right.  That is mostly because I use flour tortillas and their moms, grandmothers and tias, use corn.

Enchiladas

Ingredients

10-20 fajita size tortillas (*Mission Corn or Flour Tortillas 10 or 30 ct 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD Kroger)
1-2 lbs ground meat (*HONEYSUCKLE Fresh Ground Turkey 85% Lean 1.2 lb. Package 10 FOR $10
3 pkg Taco seasoning (this usually runs about 80 cents a pkg you could make your own, but I do not have that kind of time)
1 can Refried beans (Old El Paso on sale at Wal-mart for $1.00, though I like Gebhardt and it is usually about 90 cents a can)
1 small onion, diced
2 large cans tomato sauce (Albertson's RED GOLD Canned Tomatoes 28 oz 10 FOR $10 *if you have a coupon this is a good deal, if not then the Great Value brand is a better deal at around 90 cents a can)
3-4 cups of grated cheese (Kroger has 16 oz bars for 3.29)


Directions:
Brown the ground meat with the onion.  Add in 1 pkg of taco seasoning and about half a cup of water.  Stir until combined.  While the ground meat is cooking place the refried beans in a large sauce pot and add about a cup of water and a taco seasoning packet.  Stir occasionally until beans are hot.  In another large sauce pot place the two large cans of tomato sauce and the last taco seasoning packet.  Heat until the sauce is heated through.  Once all other ingredients are hot, warm tortillas in a skillet or on a comal.  
Place 2 tbsps of the taco meat plus 2 tbsp refried beans in a tortilla and roll tight.  Place in a rectangle baking dish.  Repeat until all tortillas are used.  Pour tomato sauce over enchiladas and top with cheese.  Bake at 350 until cheese is melted.  Serve with remaining refried beans and mexican rice (recipe to follow).


Cost analysis:
3.00 tortillas
.80 x 3 = 2.40 Refried beans
.90 taco seasoning
.26 onion
1.80 tomato sauce
3.29 cheese
1.0 meat
12.64 for about 30 enchiladas.  That is enough to feed my family of 5 2 times.  So the cost of each of the two main dishes is 6.32.  


Mexican Rice
Ingredients
2 cups white rice (uncooked)
1 jalepeno, diced, seeded and with the membrane taken out (I would recommend wearing gloves or placing a plastic baggie over your hand that is handling the pepper and the wash your hands well after handling the pepper.  You can adjust the heat of the pepper buy leaving some of the seeds.)
2 cubes Knorr Tomato Chicken Boullion (Caldo de Tomate)
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1/2 onion, cut into rings
1 tbsp butter or evoo

Directions
Rinse the rice in cold water.  Then brown the rice, the boullion and jalapeno in the butter.  Once rice is brown add the water, chicken stock and onion.  Cover and cook until rice is soft.

Cost analysis:
rice .90
jalapeno .20
knorr cubes .40
chicken stock 2.00
onion .13
Total cost = 3.50 divided by 2 (since it is enough for two meals) = 1.75

So cost of enchiladas (and refried beans) 6.32 + cost of rice 1.75 = 8.07 divided by 5
(the number in my family) = 1.61 per serving.  Not bad.  This is a splurge meal for my family.  If you add in chips and salsa and guac (I'll pot that recipe as well) you are at about $2.00 a serving.  WAY, WAY cheaper than eating out and much yummier.

Guacamole
3 avocados (.79 cents at Walmart)
1 sm jalepeno, diced really small
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 a red onion diced
3-4 tsp lemon or lime juice
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Place all the diced veggies in a bowl with the lemon juice.  Smash the avocado until smooth.  Add in the spices to taste.  Mix in the veggies and chill for a at least 30 minutes.  Serve with chips.

There you have it.  A Mexican dinner at home for around $2.00 a serving.

A Little Closer to Home... North Texas

 Here are the deal from this week at Kroger and Albertson's.  I will be adding Wal-Mart, Aldi and Central Market tonight (if I am not so exhausted I go to bed before 8pm) and the meal plans for this weeks' ads.

Since this is the end of the month, and as most everyone knows, teachers get paid at the end of the month, I am using my own ads from the North Texas (DFW area) to do this weeks' challenge.  To be honest, there is not much to get excited over for this week in the Kroger ad.  As of Wednesday evening I have not seen the Wal-mart ad.  I checked on-line but could not find one for grocery.  I have checked out Central Market's ad and they have a decent price on grass fed ground beef, T-bones and 1 lb strawberries.  Not much else in their ad made me swoon.  I will say that it is hands down the best place for fresh fish and really good meat (if you have the money to spend).  Alberston's appears to have a good meat sale going, but I am not always a fan of their meat, especially their steaks.  CM is a far better product.  Yes, Iam a meat snob.  That said, Albertson's does have a good price on whole fryers this week, with a limit of 3...so take someone with you and stock up while they are cheap!  They are great for the slow cooker and soups.  I will be including some recipes for both later this week.  Another tidbit to keep in mind is that Wal-Mart will pricematch any local ad, so when/if you head there take the ads with you.


Kroger:

Kingsford Charcoal Select Varieties, 15.7-16.6 lb Bag $6.99 WITH CARD

Bakery

*Angel Food Cake Any Variety, 14 oz 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger Buns (Select Varieties, Sandwich or Hot Dog, 8 ct) Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20-24 oz) 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

Beverages

*Kroger Water 24 pk, 16.9 oz Bottles $2.99 WITH CARD

Breakfast

*Kellogg’s Cereal, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Kellogg’s Cereal (Select Varieties, 12-20 oz) Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (Select Varieties, 8-10 ct) $1.98 WITH CARD

Canned & Packaged

*Del Monte Fruit Naturals Select Varieties, 6-7 oz 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

Condiment & Sauces

*Bush’s Best Baked Beans (Select Varieties, 22-28 oz) Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce (Select Varieties, 18 oz) 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

Dairy

*Fage Greek Yogurt Select Varieties, 5.3 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding or Gelatin (Select Varieties, 4 ct) Kroger Fruit (Select Varieties, 15-15.25 oz Can) 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

*Kraft Singles Select Varieties, 16 ct $1.79 WITH CARD

Frozen

*Breyers Ice Cream Select Varieties, 48 oz $2.79 WITH CARD

*DiGiorno or California Pizza Kitchen Pizza Select Varieties, 11.9-34.2 oz 2 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Kroger Microwave Pizza (Select Varieties, 8 oz) Tony’s Party Time Crispy Crust Pizza (Select Varieties, 9.7-10.4 oz) 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Red Baron Pizza (Select Varieties, 5.7-22.6 oz) Kroger Self-Rising Crust or Thin Crust Pizza (Select Varieties, 14.8-32.7 oz) 3 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Tombstone Pizza Select Varieties, 17.5-27.7 oz 4 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Tyson Chicken or Any’tizers Frozen, Select Varieties, 22-28 oz $6.99 WITH CARD

Health & Beauty

*Crest Toothpaste Select Varieties, 4.6 oz 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

*Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap Select Varieties, 7.5 oz 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

International

*Mission Corn or Flour Tortillas 10 or 30 ct 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Old El Paso Dinner Kit (Select Varieties, 8.8-14 oz) Pace Salsa (Select Varieties, 16 oz) 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD

*Old El Paso Refried Beans (Select Varieties, 16 oz) Old El Paso Taco Shells (Select Varieties, 10-12 ct) 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

Meat & Seafood

*Pork Baby Back Ribs Moist & Tender $2.99 LB. WITH CARD

Pet Shop

*Pedigree Dog Food (Select Varieties, 3.5-4.4 lb Bag)$3.99 WITH CARD (This is more for me, I have a $5 off coupon and don't want to forget to pick up free dog food)

Produce

*Dole or Fresh Selections Premium Garden Salad Select Varieties, 10-12 oz 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD

*Florida Sweet Corn Each 6 FOR $2 WITH CARD

*Jalapeno 68¢ LB. WITH CARD

*Large Artichokes Each 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Nature’s Sweet Cherub Tomatoes 10.5 oz Save up to $3.99 With Card Buy One Get One FREE WITH CARD

*Red Seedless 99¢ LB. WITH CARD

*Small Avocados 78¢ EA. WITH CARD

*Zucchini or Yellow Squash 10 LBS. FOR $10 WITH CARD

Snacks

*Haribo Gold-Bears Gummi Candy Select Varieties, 5 oz Bag 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

*Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers (Select Varieties, 6.6-8 oz) Cracker Jack (7 oz) 10 FOR $10 MIX OR MATCH WITH CARD

Alberston's:

*ALBERTSONS Sandwich Bread 24 oz. or Kraft Easy Mac Cups 1.90-2 oz. 88¢

*GREEN GIANT Nibblers 6 Half-Ears or Allens Frozen Vegetables 12-16 oz., Select Varieties 88¢

*HUNT'S Pasta Sauce 26-26.5 oz.or Barilla Pasta 12-16 oz 88¢

*HONEYSUCKLE Fresh Ground Turkey 85% Lean 1.2 lb. Package 10 FOR $10

*WHOLE Fryers 49¢ lb.

*FRESH Jalapeño Peppers 2 lb. For $1

*FRESH EXPRESS Garden Salad 12 oz. 99¢

*RED GOLD Canned Tomatoes 28 oz 10 FOR $10

Kicking it with the "K"s part 2

After a very long day, I am finally able to sit down and look at the Kentucky ad for Kroger.  It is very similar to the one in Kansas, though there are a few differences.  No, you are not having de ja vu, the two are very similar.

 

Breakfast items:

*Folgers Coffee Select Varieties, 22.6-33.9 oz $7.49 WITH CARD
*General Mills Cereal (Select Varieties, 10.6-14 oz) Fiber One or Nature Valley Granola Bars (Select Varieties, 5-12 ct) Get A Kroger $5 Gift Card Limit 1 reward per transaction. Gift card received at checkout. when you buy ANY 4 participating* General Mills Cereals or Snacks using your shopper’s card. Purchases must be made in a single shopping visit between 04/17/11 and 04/23/11. Redeemable only at Kroger on next visit. * Participating Products: All General Mills Cereals (8.9 oz or larger), Nature Valley® Crunchy Granola Bars (8.9 oz), Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars (7.4 oz), Chewy Trail Mix Bars (7.4 oz), Yogurt Bars Variety Pack (7.4 oz), Granola Thins (6 oz), Nut Clusters (5 oz), Fiber One® Chewy Bars, 90 Calorie Bars, Chex Mix® (Cheddar & Traditional only – 15 oz AND 20 oz Bonus Bag) the gift of savings brought to you by General Mills $2.79 WITH CARD
*Dole Mandarin Oranges or Tropical Mixed Fruit (15-15.25 oz) Dole Pineapple (Select Varieties, 20 oz) 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Kroger Fruit Select Varieties, 15-15.25 oz Can 98¢ WITH CARD
*Dannon Yogurt Select Varieties, 4-6 ct $1.99 WITH CARD
*Fage Greek Yogurt Select Varieties, 5.3 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD (if you like Greek yogurt, this is a good brand)
*Pillsbury Crescent, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits Select Varieties, 8 ct 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD
*Kroger Butter Select Varieties, 16 oz 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD
*Kroger Large Eggs Grade A, White, 12 ct 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage or Lit’l Smokies Select Varieties, 13.5-16 oz 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD
*Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy 8 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Blackberries 5. 6 oz 2 FOR $4 With Card
*Red Delicious & Fuji Apples or Organic Cameo Apples Mix or Match 99¢ LB. WITH CARD
*Red Seedless Grapes $1.58 LB. WITH CARD
*Strawberries 16 oz 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD
*Whole or Cored Pineapple $2.99 EA. WITH CARD
*Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20-24 oz)

Meal plan:

cereal with yogurt and fruit
fruit salad
bird's nest or eggs in a basket
scrambled eggs, sausage and gravy
Crescent rolls filled with fruit and cream cheese
biscuits and gravy
pigs in a blanket
breakfast casserole


Lunch and Dinner items:
*Kroger Bread (Select Varieties, 20-24 oz) Kroger Buns (Select Varieties, Sandwich or Hot Dog, 8 ct $1.19 with card
*Kroger Brown ‘N Serve Rolls Select Varieties, 12 ct 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Bumble Bee Tuna Select Varieties, 2.5-6.5 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Bush’s Best Baked or Grillin’ Beans Select Varieties, 21-28 oz 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD
*Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup 10.75 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Kraft Barbecue Sauce Select Varieties, 18 oz 10 FOR $10 with card
*Kroger Cheese, Kroger Singles
*Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 6-8 oz) Kroger Singles (Select Varieties, 16 ct) $1.77 WITH CARD
*Kroger Large Eggs Grade A, White, 12 ct 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz Bar 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD
*Pillsbury Crescent, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits Select Varieties, 8 ct 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD
*Smithfield Shank Portion Ham Bone-In $1.59 LB. WITH CARD
*Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables (Frozen, Select Varieties, 10-12 oz) Green Giant Vegetables (Frozen, Select Varieties, 7-10 oz) 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Sister Schubert’s Rolls Select Varieties, 11-15 oz 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD
*Tyson Chicken or Any’tizers Frozen, Select Varieties, 22-28 oz $6.99 WITH CARD
*Henry Crab Cakes Select Varieties, 2.25 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage or Lit’l Smokies Select Varieties, 13.5-16 oz 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD
*Perdue Whole Roaster Chicken Fresh, USDA Grade A 99¢ LB. WITH CARD
*Barilla Pasta Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Idahoan Potatoes (Select Varieties, 4-4.1 oz Pouch) Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni (Select Varieties, 3.8-7.2 oz) 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Anjou Pears 99¢ LB. WITH CARD
*Blackberries 5. 6 oz 2 FOR $4 With Card
*Fresh Selections Garden Salad or Cole Slaw Select Varieties, 12-16 oz $1.29 WITH CARD
*Kroger Mini Peeled Carrots 2 lb Bag 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD
*Sweet Corn In-Husk, Each 10 FOR $3 WITH CARD
*Sweet Potatoes 49¢ LB. WITH CARD
*Whole or Cored Pineapple $2.99 EA. WITH CARD
*Keebler Club Crackers Select Varieties, 9-16 oz 2 FOR $5 with card
*Nabisco Snack Crackers, Cheez-It Crackers (Select Varieties, 5.5-10 oz) Cheez-It Crackers (Select Varieties, 10.5-14 oz) $2.28 WITH CARD
*Ritz Crackers Select Varieties, 7.5-16 oz 2 FOR $5 with card

Meal ideas:

Ham baked with fresh pineapples and brown sugar glaze, sweet potatoes and roasted corn
Pasta with sausage Bird's Eye veggies
Chicken with a blackberry glaze, corn on the cob, rolls and broccoli
Crab cakes, coleslaw and broccoli
Chicken with baked pears, salad and sweet potatoes
Ham, chicken and cheese stuffed crescents, roasted corn on the cob and a salad
BBQ chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad
Tuna salad sandwiches

Dessert items:

*Cool Whip Select Varieties, 8 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Strawberries 16 oz 2 FOR $4 WITH CARD
*Whole or Cored Pineapple $2.99 EA. WITH CARD
*Blackberries 5. 6 oz 2 FOR $4 With Card
*Red Delicious & Fuji Apples or Organic Cameo Apples Mix or Match 99¢ LB. WITH CARD
*Pillsbury Cake Mix Select Varieties, 18.2-19.2 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD
*Reese’s or Hershey’s Eggs or Bunnies Easter Candy Select Varieties, 6 pk 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD
*Starburst Jelly Beans Select Varieties, 14 oz Bag $1.88 WITH CARD
*M&M’s Easter Candy Select Varieties, 9.9-12.6 oz Bag $2.79 WITH CARD
*Hershey’s, Cadbury or Dove Easter Candy Select Varieties, 7.94-12 oz Bag 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

Dessert ideas:

fruit salad
cupcakes
apple bake (slice apples place in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg, place several pats of butter on top of the apples, add just a little salt. Top with the Pillsbury Crescent roll sheet. Bake at 350 until golden. If you want you can sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top)
Sopapilla cheesecake found here: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/sopapilla-cheesecake-dessert/Detail.aspx

Drinks:

*Smartwater Sportcap, Vitaminwater, Smartwater Sportcap (700 ml) Vitaminwater (Select Varieties, 20 oz) 10 FOR $10 with card  *the only reason I am including this is because there are often coupons for $1 off of vitamin water...that would make these free.

Kicking with the "K"s. That would be Kansas and Kentucky

For this week's challenge I am using Wichita, KS and Western Kentucky.  Dillon's is in KS and Kroger is in Kentucky.  It always strikes me as funny (as in weird) that the same chain (Kroger is the parent company) will have different sales in various locations around the country.  If you don't see something on sale in your weekly ad then just wait a week or two and it will likely be on sale in your area.  I have also decided that I will most likely be putting these in two different posts.  This week's format will be a bit different as well.  Please let me know how you all like it.


My tip of the week is: Most grocery stores that have online ads also have a feature that allows you to make a grocery list from the ad.  Simply click on the item and it will be added to the list.  Then you can print the list.  The great thing is that the software categorizes the items for you.  What a bonus!

DILLON'S LIST

BREAKFAST:

*Folgers Coffee Select Varieties, 22.6-33.9 oz $7.99 WITH CARD

*Get A $5 Gift Card Limit 1 reward per transaction. Gift card received at checkout. when you buy ANY 4 participating* General Mills Cereals or Snacks using your shopper’s card. Purchases must be made in a single shopping visit between 04/13/11 and 04/26/11. Redeemable only at Gerbes on next visit. the gift of savings brought to you by General Mills General Mills Cereal (Select Varieties, 10.6-14 oz) Fiber One or Nature Valley Granola Bars (Select Varieties, 5-12 ct) $2.79 WITH CARD (this deal is the same as last week...free stuff anyone? Remember to use your coupons for the cereal or the bars)

*Dannon Yogurt Select Varieties, 4-6 ct $1.99 WITH CARD

*Fage Greek Yogurt Select Varieties, 5.3 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger Butter Select Varieties, 16 oz $2.69 WITH CARD

*Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 6-8 oz) Kroger Singles (Select Varieties, 16 ct) $1.77 WITH CARD

*Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz Bar 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Pillsbury Crescent, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits Select Varieties, 8 ct 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger Breakfast Sausage 12-16 Roll, Links or Patties or 8-9 oz Fully Cooked Links or Patties 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*California Red Ripe Strawberries 2 lb Package $3.77 WITH CARD

*Red Seedless Grapes $1.77 LB. WITH CARD

*Balance Bar Select Varieties, 1.76 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD (there were coupons for these out there that made them almost , if not completely, free)

Breakfast ideas:

cereal with milk

yogurt with cereal mixed in (I like granola type cereals mixed in mine)

pancakes with fruit (strawberries or grapes)

quiche (use the spinach dip to mix in with the eggs and cheese)

cinnamon rolls

biscuits and sausage gravy

running late grab a Balance Bar

cottage cheese and fruit (fresh or canned)

Crescent rolls (the regular ones, butter or plain, Grands! or regular size) filled with a small slice from the cream cheese block and jelly or wrapped in a slice of lunch meat (the lunch meat is not on sale but you might have some) or some of the leftover ham.

HERE ARE MY PICKS FOR LUNCH OR DINNER:

*Dillons Buns Select Varieties, Hamburger or Hot Dog, 8 ct 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Bush’s Best Baked or Grillin’ Beans Select Varieties, 21-28 oz 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup 10.75 oz Can 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*French’s French Fried Onions Select Varieties, 6 oz $3.29 WITH CARD

*Idahoan Potatoes Select Varieties, 4-4.1 oz Pouch 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Kraft Barbecue Sauce Select Varieties, 18 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Miracle Whip Select Varieties, 30 oz $3.99 WITH CARD

*Kroger Butter Select Varieties, 16 oz $2.69 WITH CARD

*Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 6-8 oz) Kroger Singles (Select Varieties, 16 ct) $1.77 WITH CARD

*Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz Bar 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Pillsbury Crescent, Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits Select Varieties, 8 ct 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Cook’s Half Hams Smoked, Bone-In $1.45 LB. WITH CARD

*Birds Eye Vegetables *Frozen, Select Varieties, 10-12 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Bob Evans Side Dishes 12-24 oz 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

*Green Giant Vegetables Frozen, Select Varieties, 7-10 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Tyson Chicken or Any’tizers Frozen, Select Varieties, 22-28 oz $6.99 WITH CARD

*Kroger Brown or Powdered Sugar Select Varieties, 2 lb Bag 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Farmland Jumbo Deli Style Franks 16 oz 3 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Fresh Selections or Dole Cole Slaw Select Varieties, 10-16 oz 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage 13.5-16 oz Rope, Links or Lit’l Smokies 2 FOR $6 WITH CARD

*Kroger Cooked 71-90 ct Cocktail Shrimp Frozen, 16 oz Bag $4.99 WITH CARD

*Private Selection, Honeysuckle or Jennie-O Whole Turkey Frozen, While Supplies Last 79¢ LB. WITH CARD

*Barilla Pasta Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Green Bell Peppers Each 99¢ WITH CARD

*Kroger Grape or Nature Sweet Cherry Tomatoes 10-12 oz 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Peeled Mini Carrots 16 oz 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Sweet Corn Each 5 FOR $2 WITH CARD

*Yams 99¢ LB. WITH CARD

*Keebler Club Crackers (Select Varieties, 9-16 oz) Ritz Crackers (Select Varieties, 7.5-16 oz) 2 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Nabisco Snack Crackers (Select Varieties, 5.5-10 oz) Cheez-It Crackers (Select Varieties, 10.5-14 oz) $2.28 WITH CARD

Meals:

Hot dogs with coleslaw and Bush's bakes BBQ beans

Ham with a brown sugar glaze, yams and green bean casserole and add some Pillsbury Crescent rolls and you have Easter Sunday lunch.

With the left over ham make ham sandwiches and serve with the remaining coleslaw and beans

Smoked sausage with BBQ sauce and one (or two) of the Bob Evan's sides

Lil' Smokies wrapped in crescent rolls (Buy the rounds and cut each strip into 5 sections, then wrap around the Lil' smokies, bake according to package directions for the crescents or until brown) serve as a snack or appetizer for guests

Turkey with roasted (oven or grill) and yams

Turkey pot pie

Turkey noodle soup (boil turkey carcass to make a stock, remove all bones and add in veggies) serve with crackers

AND FOR DESSERT:

*Angel Food Cake Any Variety, 14 oz $2.99 WITH CARD

*California Red Ripe Strawberries 2 lb Package $3.77 WITH CARD

*Cool Whip Select Varieties, Frozen, 8 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger Fruit Select Varieties, 15-15.25 oz Can 98¢ WITH CARD

*Jell-O Instant Pudding or Gelatin Select Varieties, .6-6 oz 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz Bar 4 FOR $5 WITH CARD

*Kroger Baking Chips (chocolate chips) Select Varieties, 11-12 oz $1.88 WITH CARD

*Kroger Butter Select Varieties, 16 oz $2.69 WITH CARD

*Kroger Brown or Powdered Sugar Select Varieties, 2 lb Bag 2 FOR $3 WITH CARD

*Kroger Flour Select Varieties, 5 lb Bag $1.66 WITH CARD

*Pillsbury Cake Mix Select Varieties, 18.2-18.9 oz 10 FOR $10 WITH CARD

*Red Seedless Grapes $1.77 LB. WITH CARD

Here is what could be done with the dessert items:

Strawberries, angle food cake and cool whip instant Strawberry short cake

Angel Food Cake Dream (hollow it out and mix up some Jello Pudding with fruit and Cool Whip and then put that mixture back into the hollowed out part...My mom made this with pistachio pudding and pineapple)

Chocolate chip cookies (or one big cookie) top with a mixture of the cream cheese, cool whip and pudding, then place fruit (strawberries, canned oranges and fresh grapes) on top.

Cupcakes topped with a warm fruit compote


Okay it is late.  I am done for the night.  Going to bed.  Tomorrow I will post the Kroger ad and ideas for Western Kentucky.  I sincerely hope you all enjoy reading tonight's post.  Feel free to point out any spelling or grammar issues, as I am sure I missed a few.

Leslie

Taking on Vegas and Colorado

I thought I would start out small, you know so as not to overwhelm me.  These first two posts are from this weeks' ads for Kroger (Smith's and King Sooper depending on where you live).  I am using the discussions that started this whole saga to begin posting.  Without further ado, here are the two meal plans and my suggestions for each ad.

Vegas:
*Folgers Coffee Select Varieties, 22.6-33.9 oz $7.49 (if you all drink coffee this is a great deal. They had coupon on FB earlier this month, you could check that as well as the other coupon sites and of course the paper)
*Mountain Dairy Milk Vitamin D, 2%, 1%, Skim Royale or Fat Free, Gallon $2.59
*General Mills Cereal (Select Varieties, 10.6-14 oz) Fiber One or Nature Valley Granola Bars (Select Varieties, 5-12 ct) Get A Smith's $5 Gift Card Limit 1 reward per transaction. Gift card received at checkout. when you buy ANY 4 participating* General Mills Cereals or Snacks using your shopper's card. Purchases must be made in a single shopping visit between 04/13/11 and 04/26/11. Redeemable only at Smith's on next visit. the gift of savings brought to you by General Mills 4 FOR $10 (this one is like $ in your pocket...There are tons of cereal coupons out and when you combine them with this deal you MAKE money b/c while paying a little for the cereal, you get GC to other places That is free food to eat out on..Woot)
*Campbell's™ Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup (10.75 oz Can) Idahoan Potatoes (Select Varieties, 4-4.1 oz Pouch) 10 FOR $10 (the soup is a good bording on great deal...you can print coupons from the Campbell's website to make it awesome.  The potatoes are a decent deal, but check their FB page and their website as well as smartsource and coupons.com and redplum to see if their is a coupon for it)
*Dole Fruit Select Varieties, 15-20 oz 10 FOR $10
*Manwich Select Varieties, 15-15.6 oz 10 FOR $10
*Dole Classic Salads Select Varieties, 9-12 oz 2 FOR $3
*Kraft Barbecue Sauce Select Varieties, 18 oz 98¢
Dannon Yogurt (danimals is included) Select Varieties, 4-6 ct $1.99
*Kroger Butter Select Varieties, 16 oz 2 FOR $5
*Kroger Cheese Select Varieties, Bar or Shredded, 32 oz $5.99 (this is the better deal, but if there are not the kind you like the other deal is good too.)
*Kroger Cheese (Select Varieties, 6-8 oz) Kroger Singles (Select Varieties, 16 ct) 3 FOR $5
*Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip Select Varieties, 16 oz 4 FOR $5
*Kroger Cream Cheese Select Varieties, 8 oz 10 FOR $10
*Reddi Whip Select Varieties, 7 oz 2 FOR $4 (splurge item IF you have a coupon that makes them 2/$3, otherwise skip)
*Smith’s Eggs Grade AA, 12 ct 99¢
*Tyson Chicken or Any’tizers Frozen, Select Varieties, 22-28 oz $6.99
*Duncan Hines Cake Mix (Select Varieties, 18.25 oz) Duncan Hines Frosting (Select Varieties, 15-16.2 oz) 10 FOR $10
*Kroger Brown or Powdered Sugar Select Varieties, 2 lb 99¢
*Kroger Flour Select Varieties, 4 lb $1.69
*Kroger Value Granulated Sugar 4 lb Bag $1.89
*Pillsbury Cake Mix Select Varieties, 18.25-18.9 oz 10 FOR $10
*Bar-S Franks 12 oz 10 FOR $10 (these are not the all beef ones...this is the chicken, turkey, pork ones)
*Boneless Rump Roast Beef Round $2.99 LB
*Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat 8-9 oz Tub 3 FOR $10
*Kroger Smoked Sausage 16 oz 2 FOR $5
*Smith’s Chicken Drumsticks, Thigh s or Whole Fryer Chicken Fresh, Super Value Pack 99¢ LB
*Barilla Pasta Select Varieties, 12-16 oz 10 FOR $10 with card
*Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni Select Varieties, 3.8-7.2 oz 10 FOR $10 with card
*Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala or Granny Smith Apples10 LBS. FOR $10
*Blackberries or Raspberries6 oz 2 FOR $5
*Brussel Sprouts or Green Beans $1.99 LB.
*Red Bell Peppers Each 88¢ EA.
*Red Seedless Grapes 99¢ LB.

Dinners:
Meal 1:
Roast with potatoes, carrots and roasted brussel sprouts (my girls like them roasted or "burned" as my oldest daughter says.  I cut them in half, cook them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and butter until they start to brown...not dark brown just turning brown, and the toss them with more extra virgin olive oil and salt and put them in the over until they are a dark brow.  My girls and I eat them up.)  You could add in a salad here.

Meal 2:
Chicken thighs with an apple and brown sugar glaze.  Serve with salad.

Meal 3:
Polish Sausage with the BBQ sauce and green beans and a salad

Meal 4:
Chicken breast (oven roasted) with pasta Alfredo...cream cheese and sour cream for the sauce.  With some of the Green Giant veggies that are on sale.

Meal 5:
Leftover roast (or a different one) chopped up mixed with the bbq sauce and served on buns for sloppy joes.  I'd make deviled eggs to go with it.

Meal 6:
Creamy Chicken...cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup served with veggies and a fruit salad...apples, grapes and raspberries and or black berries toss with maple syrup.

Meal 7:
Chicken baked in the berry and apple compote

Meal 8:
Chicken tetrazini with a salad

Meal 9:
Herb roasted whole chicken with veggies and a salad

Meal 10:
Chicken noodle soup

Lunches:
Sandwiches (grilled cheese, grilled with the lunch meat) and fruit salad or fruit kabobs
Hotdogs

Desserts:
Cake with a berry and apple compote, topped with a squirt of whip cream (reddi whip, if you bought it, if not, they will never know)


Colorado:
*Barilla Pasta 10/$10...I'd buy 4 or 5
*Butter 2/$5...this is a good price...so I'd get 2-3
*Bird's eye veggies steam in bag 10/$10 again a really good price I'd get 10 or 20.  really.  Also there is a coupon out there (at smartsource and coupons.com) for $.75 off of 3...since you can print 2 from each source then you can get them for 12 for .75 each.  not a bad deal.
* Cream cheese blocks Kroger brand 10/$10...stock up at this price...I'd get 4-6.  They keep for a long time and they add lots of versatility in your kitchen.  You can mix it with milk and put over chicken, (then of course cheesecake)...just saying.  If you won't use it then don't get it.
*Cuties are 3.99 a bag and there is a .55 coupon on the cuties site.  These are great if your kids eat them.
*lettuce 10/$10...lettuce here is $1.79 a head so we eat lots of salad this week
*Jimmy Dean Skillets are $3.99...if you can find a coupon...There might be one on the Jimmy dean site...I have printed my allowed amt so I don't know if there is one out right now.  If you can't find a coupon then I'd pass.
*Chicken Breast are BOGO...even at 4.99/lb a BOGO would be a good deal.  Buy extra and freeze.
*Kid Cliff bars are 2/$1 this is an awesome price.  Here they are .79-1.00 each.  I'd get a couple (6) and see if your boys will eat them for breakfast.
*Ground Chuck is $2.99/lb...eh deal, but not bad... I think it is 80/20 so good for hamburgers and meatloaf.
*Cheese Kroger brand shredded and slices are $1.77 this is a pretty good deal.  This is a pretty good deal, but not a stock up and freeze deal.
*milk $2.39/gal...here it is between $1.99 and $2.99...So not bad, but not great.
*Fuji Apples are 10lbs/$10...this is a decent price...I'd get a few
*Black berries are 10/$10...really good price.
*Rump roast is $3.99/lb...so $12 for a 3lb one would be good...make sure it is fairly lean.  That could be 2 meals depending on how much you family eats.
Dinners:
Meal 1:
Use the cream cheese, chicken and pasta to make a chicken alfredo of sorts....serve with the bird's eye veggies and a salad.

Meal 2:
Chicken with apples in the crockpot...serve with the veggies

Meal 3:
Meatloaf...Serve with potatoes and salad

Meal 4:
Chicken Caesar salad

Meal 5:
Hamburgers with homemade oven fries and a salad or veggies

Meal 6:
Spaghetti with meat sauce and salad or veggies

Lunch:
There is a Tyson Chicken coupon around...the nuggets are on sale for 6.99 and with the $1 off coupon those would be a good alternative for lunch.

Breakfast:
Microwave (or stove top) scrambled eggs with the Jimmy Dean scrambles. 

Cliff bars are a hit around here for breakfast

You can throw an apple, an orange or two and some blackberries together and drizzle with maple syrup and have fruit salad.

If you are feeling really domestic you could make some oatmeal cookies and use those for breakfast or snacks.

Okay, there you have it...my first two attempts at this meal planning from the grocery ad blog.  Let me know what you think...was it helpful?  Do you have suggestions?  Feel free to comment below.

And so it begins....

First, let me say that I am not a blogger.  I have never done a blog, I don't follow blogs...I simply have not found the time.  I have friends who blog daily.  I do occasionally check their blogs.  That is as far as I get.  So this is a whole new world for me.

Second, I am starting this at the encouragement of my friends.  It started out simply enough: We were discussing the cost of food and the rising grocery and household goods bill.  We were all tossing out how much we spend and wondering how to feed our families.  I work in education and was telling how my students took our local ad and planned several meals for around $1.50 a serving.  They were amazed.  So, I offered to do the same for one of them.  She accepted.  I planned her menu for the week and she was so excited.  Then another friend asked me to do it for her (she said so she could be inspired to try new things, I secretly think she just wanted me to plan the weeks menu, which I love) so it gave me an excuse to do it again.  She was amazed and excited.  They suggested I start a blog doing just that very thing. So, here I am.

Each week one of them will give me their local sales ad and I will post a menu of 4-10 meals...some breakfast, some lunch and some dinner and maybe some desserts, using the sales ad and what one might have in the pantry.  I will combine the ad with some coupons (though not extreme coupons) and state what I think the best deals are that week.  I will try to post some recipes, but I make no promises.  I will also give tips on stocking up.  Your tips are always welcome, please share. 

Thanks for sharing in the adventure!  I hope that my blog inspires you!