Today was grocery day here. We decided to go on Wednesday, because I thought it was time I took advantage of my "senior" status! You see, if you shop at Kroger, and other places I am sure, on Wednesday you get 5% off. While 5% doesn't sound like much, it is $5.00 on each hundred and $5.00 will buy quite a bit if you are a wise shopper (it actually bought me two whole chickens today).
For instance, do you coupon? Now, I don't use every coupon out there, only the ones for the brands or items I would regularly buy anyway. Today I actually saved $17.00 by couponing. It doesn't really take that long, and you can do it while you watch TV after the kids have gone to bed.
There are a lot of on line couponing sights now too, and you can enter your zip code and choose coupons which will be available in your area on any given week. Times are tough for everyone, and couponing may be one way you can save big money if you are diligent, and remember to use them!
Another way to save money, is always go with a list! I do so much better when I have and list and stick to it...it helps to keep down those "impulse" buys.
Planning menus can also be a big help, and will also help you not to "waste" food by letting it expire or failing to use it while it is still fresh.
Don't be afraid of those "marked down" meats which are about to go out of date! If you are going to use them right away they are fine. If not, if you carefully freeze them they will be good also. This tasty, great smelling (never be afraid to use your nose...the nose KNOWS) Tyson chicken will go into the pressure cooker today for a great pot of my hubby's favorite (I'll share that easy recipe at another time) chicken and rice...and I got it for just at half price! I actually bought two and put the other one in the freezer for a later date.
I also buy bananas when they are marked down if I am going to use them for baking. Peel, cut up and freeze them and they are great in any baked bread, cake, cookies, etc. Check out a previous blog on "going bananas" for the best recipe for banana bread you will ever find.
I DO NOT buy marked down fish however,that is one exception...Old fish is just not good!!!
A trick for you about fish: If you buy or get fresh fish (cleaned whole, or fillets) and you are not going to use it immediately, put it in a container and completely immerse it in water before freezing it. When you thaw it out, it will taste just as fresh and beautiful as when it was first caught!
TODAYS GREAT RECIPE
TOASTED ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD
3 small chicken breast halves
3 ribs celery, sliced
1 bunch chives, finely chopped
1/2 cup low-fat yogurt (I like FAGE Greek Yogurt best)
1/4 cup light or fat free sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons of dried tarragon
2 TBSP slivered almonds (best if toasted)
Salt
Ground Black Pepper
1 bag (10-12 ounces) mixed greens or romaine
Coat a nonstick skilled with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. When it is hot add chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side or until the juices run clear.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, chop chicken breasts into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, chives, yogurt, sour cream and tarragon and mix lightly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (you can actually do this a day ahead if you like) Add almonds, salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on a bed of greens.
Four Servings. 177 calories, 25 g protein, 8 g carb, 5 g fat, 58 mg. cholesterol,
144 mg sodium, 3 g fiber
Eat up! Guilt Free Food!!!
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