This is a prime example of why I don't like going to the store too often. But as I've mentioned, I'm sick with a nasty miserable virus (the doc told me yesterday this one lasts THREE WEEKS! I'm on day 8, and was down with vertigo a couple of weeks ago) so I'm not doing the shopping/cooking like I usually would, depending on hubby who does a good job but not like I do it. And I'm over my $200 budget for the month already. I won't beat myself over the head about it, and some months - when I'm stocking up on a big meat sale, for example - I go over and don't give it a 2nd thought, and some months - like last month - I'm under budget. But this month it happened just because I didn't do a big shopping with my coupons or shop the sales, and this is the result. Hopefully you can at least learn from it :).
Sav-a-Lot (now that I've gone to Aldi's a few times, I'm really hating paying SaL's high prices!)
(3) pkgs shredded cheese @ $3.19 ea (4 oz smaller & $0.20c more than Aldi's)
(2) quarts half'n'half @ $1.99 ea ($0.20c more than Aldi's)
(2) lbs. butter @ $2.39 ea ($0.10 more than Aldi's)
(1) 4.54# whole chicken $4.40
(2) frozen pizzas (!) @ $1.79 ea
(1) 24 oz. fish $3.19
(100 ct.) sugar sub $1.19
(4) bags salad mix @ $0.29 each ($1 off each)
5# potatoes $2.29
TOTAL $34.34
TOTAL for month so far $207.24
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Delicious #Lowcarb Quiche! (& a couple more receipts...)
Whenever I slice my lowcarb bread it seems that I end up with a couple of slices that just aren't right. I dry these for breadcrumbs, or set them aside for another use. Tonight I used some of these pieces in my quiche.
I melted a half stick of butter in a 9" round pyrex baking dish, then I broke the bread into small pieces and put it in the dish to soak up the butter. While it was doing that I whisked together a half-dozen eggs with a half-cup of full fat ricotta cheese and a little S&P, and diced some ham into small dices, which I spread across the soaked bread. Then I sprinkled a few handfuls of frozen spinach (out of the big bag, it's pretty loose, like crumbles) on the ham, and poured the egg/ricotta mixture on top. Into a 350 oven for 30 minutes, at which time I removed it and sprinkled some shredded colby-jack cheese on top. After another 20 minutes in the oven it was lovely! And I do have to say that this is one of the best quiches I've ever made! Isn't it beautiful???
I've been sick all week, so today hubby went to the store to pick up a few things. Here are the receipts:
Walmart -
(1) rotisserie chicken $4.58
(1) Blue Bunny no sugar added ice cream $3.97
(because it would feel good on my swollen and painful throat)
(1) 20 ct. berry flavored teabags $2.38
TOTAL $12.16 (with tax)
Sav-a-Lot -
(1) lb butter $2.39
(1) box saltines $0.99
(1) 24 ct. decaf teabags $0.99
TOTAL $4.37
Then he stopped at Dollar General to pick up some Whales crackers for our grandson for another buck.
TOTAL today = $17.53
TOTAL for February so far $172.90
It really is a lot more expensive to go to the store more often and just buy a few things at a time! If nothing else, this month is evidence of that.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Few More #Lowcarb Grocery Receipts
Seems like we're just going to nickel and dime our way through this month! That's what I get for not doing a "big shopping" to start with, I guess :).
Sav-a-Lot (Feb.5 - just found receipt):
(2) quarts half'n'half @ $1.99 ea
(2) frozen 14.34 oz. pizzas @ $1.79 ea
(4) packages SF pudding mix @ $0.50 ea.
(1) some kind of cheese on the receipt, don't remember now what exactly $1.49
TOTAL $11.05
Aldi (Feb.10)
(1) jar salsa $1.79
(1) 15 oz. sour cream $1.29
(4) quarts half'n'half @ $1.79 ea
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee $2.79
(2) bags pork rinds @ $0.89 ea (They're $1.19 at Sav-a-Lot!!)
(1) pint carton liquid egg whites $1.89 (specifically for a recipe I want to try)
(2) cans diced tomatoes @ $0.59 ea.
(1) jar SF raspberry preserves $1.99
(1) jar peanut butter $2.29
(1) 3# bag of yellow onions $1.59
(2) 12 ct. large eggs @ $1.19 ea. (They're $2/dozen around here!!)
(2) cans tuna in water @ $0.59 ea. (They're $0.79 around here!!)
TOTAL $27.31
Then this morning before I got up my husband went to Walmart and got (4) frozen 9 oz. pizzas (!) @ $1.36 ea. and a 2# bag of popcorn for $1.48 - TOTAL = $6.92 (These were the small pizzas; for another $0.43 he could have gotten pizzas that were nearly 50% bigger, if he'd gone to Sav-a-Lot...which is also a lot closer, so less gas used...but he doesn't do things my way which doesn't make him wrong, just, well, more expensive :). )
So there are still 2 weeks left to the month and we've spent $155.37. Less than $45 left for the month in the budget (although I could spend more than that if I had to - I just do my best not to go over $200/mo.), I think we can do it...although since Pete bought popcorn, we'll be using more butter :).
Sav-a-Lot (Feb.5 - just found receipt):
(2) quarts half'n'half @ $1.99 ea
(2) frozen 14.34 oz. pizzas @ $1.79 ea
(4) packages SF pudding mix @ $0.50 ea.
(1) some kind of cheese on the receipt, don't remember now what exactly $1.49
TOTAL $11.05
Aldi (Feb.10)
(1) jar salsa $1.79
(1) 15 oz. sour cream $1.29
(4) quarts half'n'half @ $1.79 ea
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee $2.79
(2) bags pork rinds @ $0.89 ea (They're $1.19 at Sav-a-Lot!!)
(1) pint carton liquid egg whites $1.89 (specifically for a recipe I want to try)
(2) cans diced tomatoes @ $0.59 ea.
(1) jar SF raspberry preserves $1.99
(1) jar peanut butter $2.29
(1) 3# bag of yellow onions $1.59
(2) 12 ct. large eggs @ $1.19 ea. (They're $2/dozen around here!!)
(2) cans tuna in water @ $0.59 ea. (They're $0.79 around here!!)
TOTAL $27.31
Then this morning before I got up my husband went to Walmart and got (4) frozen 9 oz. pizzas (!) @ $1.36 ea. and a 2# bag of popcorn for $1.48 - TOTAL = $6.92 (These were the small pizzas; for another $0.43 he could have gotten pizzas that were nearly 50% bigger, if he'd gone to Sav-a-Lot...which is also a lot closer, so less gas used...but he doesn't do things my way which doesn't make him wrong, just, well, more expensive :). )
So there are still 2 weeks left to the month and we've spent $155.37. Less than $45 left for the month in the budget (although I could spend more than that if I had to - I just do my best not to go over $200/mo.), I think we can do it...although since Pete bought popcorn, we'll be using more butter :).
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Such a Yummy #Lowcarb Day! (How I Actually Use These Groceries!)
Before I forget, Pete ran to the store to pick up 3 bags of pork rinds, they were $1.19 each at Sav-a-Lot. (I will see what they are at Aldi, and perhaps stock up, the next time I'm in Saginaw.) So, adding $3.57 to our previous total, so far this month we've spent $113.66.
Today was so good! For late breakfast/early lunch I scrambled 4 eggs with full fat sour cream and a handful (about 1/4c) of shredded cheese; we had it with 2 sausage patties each. Late lunch/snack was pork rinds dipped in a mixture of salsa/sour cream; these are best if I first bake a layer of cheese onto the porkies but I was too hungry and didn't feel like it - and they were still really delicious!!
Supper - ooooh, supper...soooo good! I coated my tilapia fillets with a mixture of coconut flour and carbquik (2:1), and added some seafood seasoning and sea salt, then fried it in butter/olive oil until crisp outside and tender inside. Tilapia is great for this, it's thin enough to cook through quickly on higher heat so it can crisp up - high enough that the butter doesn't burn, but just barely. And I made the green beans we love (sauteed in butter/olive oil with sea salt and onion powder), and I have a bunch of 2c bags of cooked hubbard squash in the freezer - I got 4 hubbard squashes from friends this fall that I cooked and bagged - so we had one of those also, seasoned with butter, brown sugar sub, and cinnamon.
If I want a snack later I'll have some dark chocolate.
I'm going to get a pork roast out of the freezer tonight to roast tomorrow, and will make some fried cabbage with it. I'll make bacon for before church tomorrow, and will use some of the bacon fat, and some of the bacon, for the cabbage. I have 4 small potatoes left, so I'll bake those to go with it...
Today was so good! For late breakfast/early lunch I scrambled 4 eggs with full fat sour cream and a handful (about 1/4c) of shredded cheese; we had it with 2 sausage patties each. Late lunch/snack was pork rinds dipped in a mixture of salsa/sour cream; these are best if I first bake a layer of cheese onto the porkies but I was too hungry and didn't feel like it - and they were still really delicious!!
Supper - ooooh, supper...soooo good! I coated my tilapia fillets with a mixture of coconut flour and carbquik (2:1), and added some seafood seasoning and sea salt, then fried it in butter/olive oil until crisp outside and tender inside. Tilapia is great for this, it's thin enough to cook through quickly on higher heat so it can crisp up - high enough that the butter doesn't burn, but just barely. And I made the green beans we love (sauteed in butter/olive oil with sea salt and onion powder), and I have a bunch of 2c bags of cooked hubbard squash in the freezer - I got 4 hubbard squashes from friends this fall that I cooked and bagged - so we had one of those also, seasoned with butter, brown sugar sub, and cinnamon.
If I want a snack later I'll have some dark chocolate.
I'm going to get a pork roast out of the freezer tonight to roast tomorrow, and will make some fried cabbage with it. I'll make bacon for before church tomorrow, and will use some of the bacon fat, and some of the bacon, for the cabbage. I have 4 small potatoes left, so I'll bake those to go with it...
Friday, February 10, 2012
And Yet a Few More #Lowcarb Groceries
I didn't buy nearly what I wanted to get, but the prices were to outrageous, I will have to make do with what I got on Wednesday:
Sav-a-Lot:
4.54# chicken drumsticks $4.40
(3) 12 oz chubs ground turkey @ $1.00 ea
2# tilapia fillets $5.99
24 pack drinking water $2.99
(2) 16 oz boxes baking soda* @ $0.59 ea.
(3) 15 oz, cans tomato sauce $1.00
(1) gal. white vinegar* $2.29
(2) 20 oz. pkgs ham "ends & pieces" @ $0.99 ea
(3) 20 oz. pkgs turkey "ends & pieces" @ $0.99 ea.
*I use these more for cleaning than cooking, but including them anyway
TOTAL $25.80
Walmart:
(2) eggplants @ $1.64/lb - $3.49
(2) 16 oz frozen cauliflower @ $1.29 ea
(1) 14 oz. frozen brussels sprouts $1.68
(1) NSA apple juice (for grandson) $1.97
(2) frozen meals for Pete's lunches @ $1.00 ea
(1) spaghetti squash @ $0.69/lb - $1.33
(1) head of iceburg lettuce $0.94
(1) 24 oz cottage cheese (full fat) $2.68
(1) 24 oz sour cream (full fat) $2.08
(2) 15 oz whole-milk ricotta @ $1.59 ea
TOTAL - $21.91
TOTAL for the month so far $110.09 - and it's only the 10th! But my freezer and cupboards are pretty full, so I'll just fill in here and there for the rest of the month.
And what I've been eating:
Wednesday I prepared the entire package of chicken legs (seasoned well & roasted) for quick snacks, Pete's lunches, whatever. I had 4 chicken legs for a late lunch, then a steak with fauxtatoes (cauli, butter, sour cream mashed) for supper.
Thursday I had pork rinds dipped in sour cream and salsa for lunch; supper was lasagna using thin eggplant slices for noodles; also contained tomato sauce, seasonings, ground turkey, ½ onion, cottage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, and an egg. I also had 4 squares of 82% cacao chocolate as a snack.
Sav-a-Lot:
4.54# chicken drumsticks $4.40
(3) 12 oz chubs ground turkey @ $1.00 ea
2# tilapia fillets $5.99
24 pack drinking water $2.99
(2) 16 oz boxes baking soda* @ $0.59 ea.
(3) 15 oz, cans tomato sauce $1.00
(1) gal. white vinegar* $2.29
(2) 20 oz. pkgs ham "ends & pieces" @ $0.99 ea
(3) 20 oz. pkgs turkey "ends & pieces" @ $0.99 ea.
*I use these more for cleaning than cooking, but including them anyway
TOTAL $25.80
Walmart:
(2) eggplants @ $1.64/lb - $3.49
(2) 16 oz frozen cauliflower @ $1.29 ea
(1) 14 oz. frozen brussels sprouts $1.68
(1) NSA apple juice (for grandson) $1.97
(2) frozen meals for Pete's lunches @ $1.00 ea
(1) spaghetti squash @ $0.69/lb - $1.33
(1) head of iceburg lettuce $0.94
(1) 24 oz cottage cheese (full fat) $2.68
(1) 24 oz sour cream (full fat) $2.08
(2) 15 oz whole-milk ricotta @ $1.59 ea
TOTAL - $21.91
TOTAL for the month so far $110.09 - and it's only the 10th! But my freezer and cupboards are pretty full, so I'll just fill in here and there for the rest of the month.
And what I've been eating:
Wednesday I prepared the entire package of chicken legs (seasoned well & roasted) for quick snacks, Pete's lunches, whatever. I had 4 chicken legs for a late lunch, then a steak with fauxtatoes (cauli, butter, sour cream mashed) for supper.
Thursday I had pork rinds dipped in sour cream and salsa for lunch; supper was lasagna using thin eggplant slices for noodles; also contained tomato sauce, seasonings, ground turkey, ½ onion, cottage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, and an egg. I also had 4 squares of 82% cacao chocolate as a snack.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February #LowCarb Groceries #2
We were in Saginaw yesterday, didn't have a whole lot of time but managed a quick trip through Aldi's while we were there. I'm so excited to have rediscovered this gem! I used to shop there all the time when I lived in Lansing (they have TWO of them!) and have really missed it.
Anyway, here is what I bought:
(1) 16 oz. Mexican Shredded Cheese $2.99
(2) 16 oz. Shredded Mozzarella @ $3.49 ea.
(2) dark chocolate bars, 1 @ 99¢, 1 @ $1.49
(1) bag of chips (Hubby got for himself) $1.99
(1) 100 ct. saccharin sweetener packets $1.19 (I usually buy the bulk box which is MUCH cheaper, but we were out of it; it's best not to go to another store, where I buy more stuff than I need! I spend much less by paying a little more at a store I'm already at.)
(1) 33.9 oz can of coffee $5.49
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee $2.79
(1) pint jar salsa $1.79
(1) box instant rice $1.35 (will use in potluck meals for church; ½c goes a long way in a casserole!)
(2) cans diced tomatoes 59¢ ea
(1) can parmesan cheese $2.39
(1) 16 oz pkg American cheese slices 99¢
(1) 16 oz pkg Swiss cheese slices $1.99
(1) bottle salad dressing $1.29
(4) quarts half'n'half @ $1.79 ea
TOTAL @ Aldi's was $42.05; total for the month so far $62.38. And I have to go pick up a few things today for meals through this next week: eggplant and ground sausage for lasagna (and I can use up that vile lowfat cottage cheese I picked up by mistake!), turnips, onions, cauliflower, brussels sprouts (hubby's favorite veggie), popcorn, broth, fish, SOS soap pads (I like these SO much better than Brillo!), dog food...and if there's any "red sticker" meat for a good price I might bring home some of that as well. I will be up near $100 within the first 10 days of the month but shouldn't need to spend more than another $100 before March - unless I have an opportunity to stock up on something for a great price :).
Anyway, here is what I bought:
(1) 16 oz. Mexican Shredded Cheese $2.99
(2) 16 oz. Shredded Mozzarella @ $3.49 ea.
(2) dark chocolate bars, 1 @ 99¢, 1 @ $1.49
(1) bag of chips (Hubby got for himself) $1.99
(1) 100 ct. saccharin sweetener packets $1.19 (I usually buy the bulk box which is MUCH cheaper, but we were out of it; it's best not to go to another store, where I buy more stuff than I need! I spend much less by paying a little more at a store I'm already at.)
(1) 33.9 oz can of coffee $5.49
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee $2.79
(1) pint jar salsa $1.79
(1) box instant rice $1.35 (will use in potluck meals for church; ½c goes a long way in a casserole!)
(2) cans diced tomatoes 59¢ ea
(1) can parmesan cheese $2.39
(1) 16 oz pkg American cheese slices 99¢
(1) 16 oz pkg Swiss cheese slices $1.99
(1) bottle salad dressing $1.29
(4) quarts half'n'half @ $1.79 ea
TOTAL @ Aldi's was $42.05; total for the month so far $62.38. And I have to go pick up a few things today for meals through this next week: eggplant and ground sausage for lasagna (and I can use up that vile lowfat cottage cheese I picked up by mistake!), turnips, onions, cauliflower, brussels sprouts (hubby's favorite veggie), popcorn, broth, fish, SOS soap pads (I like these SO much better than Brillo!), dog food...and if there's any "red sticker" meat for a good price I might bring home some of that as well. I will be up near $100 within the first 10 days of the month but shouldn't need to spend more than another $100 before March - unless I have an opportunity to stock up on something for a great price :).
Friday, February 3, 2012
First #LowCarb Groceries for February (& What We've Been Eating)
Today I needed a few things so I sent hubby to Sav-a-Lot for me. (I've had some nasty vertigo for a few days and didn't want to stagger around the store like a drunk - lol!) He got more than I asked for, as he always does :). But here's what he spent and what he got:
2# of Country Style pork loin $4.08
2 frozen pizzas $3.58 (I should have known)
20 oz. fish filets $2.99
2 cans of chili beans $1.38
3 cans of tomato sauce $1.47
2 head of cabbage @ 39c/lb $2.05
a big yellow onion $0.79
8# bag of russet potatoes $3.99
TOTAL - $20.33
I know he wants chili, I would buy canned diced tomatoes (and tomato juice) rather than tomato sauce but I can work with it. Got a pound of ground venison (given to us) out of the freezer tonight, will make his chili tomorrow. I don't like chili, so will make some tuna salad or something.
Sunday is a potluck at church, I don't know what I'll make yet but I have some b/s chicken breasts and lots of vegetables so I'll make something out of that. Probably :).
Might as well mention what I ate today: Had a big pile of shaved ham fried in butter on a single slice of low carb bread with swiss cheese and full fat mayo. Then had some of the frozen pizza for an early supper. Can't remember what I made yesterday, except for supper was steaks fried in bacon fat, with green beans fried in bacon fat also but in another pan. Don't remember what else I ate yesterday. Another meal I made this week was chicken breast, cut into strips, wrapped in bacon, baked, and served on top of a big heaping pile of creamed spinach (frozen spinach cooked with butter and full fat cream cheese, seasoned with sea salt and a little onion powder).
2# of Country Style pork loin $4.08
2 frozen pizzas $3.58 (I should have known
20 oz. fish filets $2.99
2 cans of chili beans $1.38
3 cans of tomato sauce $1.47
2 head of cabbage @ 39c/lb $2.05
a big yellow onion $0.79
8# bag of russet potatoes $3.99
TOTAL - $20.33
I know he wants chili, I would buy canned diced tomatoes (and tomato juice) rather than tomato sauce but I can work with it. Got a pound of ground venison (given to us) out of the freezer tonight, will make his chili tomorrow. I don't like chili, so will make some tuna salad or something.
Sunday is a potluck at church, I don't know what I'll make yet but I have some b/s chicken breasts and lots of vegetables so I'll make something out of that. Probably :).
Might as well mention what I ate today: Had a big pile of shaved ham fried in butter on a single slice of low carb bread with swiss cheese and full fat mayo. Then had some of the frozen pizza for an early supper. Can't remember what I made yesterday, except for supper was steaks fried in bacon fat, with green beans fried in bacon fat also but in another pan. Don't remember what else I ate yesterday. Another meal I made this week was chicken breast, cut into strips, wrapped in bacon, baked, and served on top of a big heaping pile of creamed spinach (frozen spinach cooked with butter and full fat cream cheese, seasoned with sea salt and a little onion powder).
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Quick Note: #Cheap 'n' Easy #Lowcarb, and #couponing
"...I manage to cut between $6000-7000 off my yearly grocery bill..." This was from a video by Happy Homemaker Cindy.
Seriously? I can't imagine even SPENDING that much for food in a year!! Of course, she has kids...but this statement caught my attention so I wanted to share :).
Seriously? I can't imagine even SPENDING that much for food in a year!! Of course, she has kids...but this statement caught my attention so I wanted to share :).
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Final Grocery Shopping for January #lowcarb
January is just about over, I don't expect I'll be shopping much more this month...actually I don't need anything, so I know I won't. At the end of this post will be the total I've spent on groceries for the month. If you know people who use the excuse that low carb eating is too expensive, send them here. I feed my husband and I, plus my almost-3YO grandson who is here 4-5 days/wk, and my mom on Sundays. My husband eats 4 full meals in every 24-hour period, plus snacks. I eat regular meals and a couple of mini-meals.
This week our car wasn't working so I asked my daughter to bring me 2 dozen eggs. They were "about 4 bucks" (!) but she said I didn't have to pay for them. But I thought I'd mention it, that I got 2 dozen eggs this week, even if I didn't have to pay for them.
Today I was near Falmouth, MI. In Falmouth is a wonderful store called Ebel's. If you are ever anywhere near Falmouth, this store alone is worth the side trip. This store will bag up a bunch of frozen meats and sell the bagful at a discount. As an example, they put a half dozen packages of boneless skinless chicken breast fillets in a bag to make 10# +/-, freeze it, and sell it for $1.29/lb. Today I bought 9.25# of chicken thighs (our favorite part) for 69c/lb, or $6.38. I bought 9 packages of lunch meat bagged up and frozen (I freeze my lunch meat anyway if I buy a bunch on sale) for $3.00. And a single package of 3 turkey wings for $2.08, for a total of $11.46 at Ebel's.
Then I went back to Merchandise Mart for more unsweetened organic shredded coconut @ $1.29/pkg, and got 3 more packages. They also have organic coconut flour there now for $1.99/pkg (1#) so I got 2 of those. And a liter of coconut water (full of electrolytes!) for 50c and a 2 qt. bottle of juice (mainly plum, also others, plus filtered water and sucralose, no HFCS) for my grandson for $1.59. Total spent at MM $7.94.
Finally I had to go to Walmart, and because I still had some $ left in the grocery budget for the month I went a little crazy, spending $39.06. But for that I got 2# of shredded cheese - can't beLIEVE the cost of cheese now!, (3) half-gallons of half'n'half, 2 frozen pizzas, a jar of natural peanut butter, a big carton of cottage cheese, a pint of chocolate milk (hubby grabbed that one as we walked past it!), a 24-count bottled drinking water, and 2 bottles of low-carb ketchup (Heinz calls it "reduced sugar").
Total for today was $58.46. Add that to my previous total for groceries this month, and we're under $240 for the month, or $60 a week.
This is just one month, I will continue to keep track but I defy anyone to tell me that low carb eating is too expensive.
This week our car wasn't working so I asked my daughter to bring me 2 dozen eggs. They were "about 4 bucks" (!) but she said I didn't have to pay for them. But I thought I'd mention it, that I got 2 dozen eggs this week, even if I didn't have to pay for them.
Today I was near Falmouth, MI. In Falmouth is a wonderful store called Ebel's. If you are ever anywhere near Falmouth, this store alone is worth the side trip. This store will bag up a bunch of frozen meats and sell the bagful at a discount. As an example, they put a half dozen packages of boneless skinless chicken breast fillets in a bag to make 10# +/-, freeze it, and sell it for $1.29/lb. Today I bought 9.25# of chicken thighs (our favorite part) for 69c/lb, or $6.38. I bought 9 packages of lunch meat bagged up and frozen (I freeze my lunch meat anyway if I buy a bunch on sale) for $3.00. And a single package of 3 turkey wings for $2.08, for a total of $11.46 at Ebel's.
Then I went back to Merchandise Mart for more unsweetened organic shredded coconut @ $1.29/pkg, and got 3 more packages. They also have organic coconut flour there now for $1.99/pkg (1#) so I got 2 of those. And a liter of coconut water (full of electrolytes!) for 50c and a 2 qt. bottle of juice (mainly plum, also others, plus filtered water and sucralose, no HFCS) for my grandson for $1.59. Total spent at MM $7.94.
Finally I had to go to Walmart, and because I still had some $ left in the grocery budget for the month I went a little crazy, spending $39.06. But for that I got 2# of shredded cheese - can't beLIEVE the cost of cheese now!, (3) half-gallons of half'n'half, 2 frozen pizzas, a jar of natural peanut butter, a big carton of cottage cheese, a pint of chocolate milk (hubby grabbed that one as we walked past it!), a 24-count bottled drinking water, and 2 bottles of low-carb ketchup (Heinz calls it "reduced sugar").
Total for today was $58.46. Add that to my previous total for groceries this month, and we're under $240 for the month, or $60 a week.
This is just one month, I will continue to keep track but I defy anyone to tell me that low carb eating is too expensive.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
One of my Favorite #Lowcarb Suppers. EVER!
I'd originally planned broiled steak with fried onions, a favorite of ours anyway. I started the onions, chopping 2 of them into chunks, frying/stirring them until brown over high heat, in butter and olive oil with some sea salt, then reducing the heat to low, adding garlic powder, and covering them to continue cooking until they got soft.
When they were almost done I started the steaks broiling, seasoned only with some seasoned salt.
Then I spied a can of diced tomatoes on the shelf. After draining them, I put them in a small saucepan with butter over medium heat, added 2 drops of EZSweetz (liquid sucralose), and then on a whim decided to mix in a couple shakes of balsamic vinegar.
Oh. My. GOODNESS!
With a spoonful of the buttery onions and a spoonful - ok, 2 spoonsful - of the sweet/tart tomatoes over my steak, I created the closest thing to heaven on earth, at least in a culinary sense. AMAZING! The flavors came together so beautifully that my mouth is watering again just thinking of it 90 minutes later!
I will eat this every day. OK, maybe not. But I will want to!
Definitely easy, and I'd say for as great as it was, it was also pretty cheap! I got 25 NY strips for $49.something, or @2.00 each. The can of tomatoes was 63c, the onions were $2.99 for a bag of 10, or 30c each. Plus a couple Tbsp of butter, sprinkle of olive oil, a little balsamic, some seasonings...Easily under $3 per serving. And we each got a whole plateful of food, definitely didn't leave the table hungry!
Can't wait to fix this meal again!
When they were almost done I started the steaks broiling, seasoned only with some seasoned salt.
Then I spied a can of diced tomatoes on the shelf. After draining them, I put them in a small saucepan with butter over medium heat, added 2 drops of EZSweetz (liquid sucralose), and then on a whim decided to mix in a couple shakes of balsamic vinegar.
Oh. My. GOODNESS!
With a spoonful of the buttery onions and a spoonful - ok, 2 spoonsful - of the sweet/tart tomatoes over my steak, I created the closest thing to heaven on earth, at least in a culinary sense. AMAZING! The flavors came together so beautifully that my mouth is watering again just thinking of it 90 minutes later!
I will eat this every day. OK, maybe not. But I will want to!
Definitely easy, and I'd say for as great as it was, it was also pretty cheap! I got 25 NY strips for $49.something, or @2.00 each. The can of tomatoes was 63c, the onions were $2.99 for a bag of 10, or 30c each. Plus a couple Tbsp of butter, sprinkle of olive oil, a little balsamic, some seasonings...Easily under $3 per serving. And we each got a whole plateful of food, definitely didn't leave the table hungry!
Can't wait to fix this meal again!
Monday, January 23, 2012
More #Lowcarb Shopping!
In the last few days I've picked up a couple of things, and just want to mention them here since I'm trying to be complete in my reporting of what I buy and how much I spend:
Sav-a-Lot:
2.29# boneless chuck steaks (2) @ $3.71/lb = $8.39 (on special)*
4.01# chicken legs @ $0.69/lb = $2.77 (on special)
*I typically don't pay over $3/# for beef but I desperately wanted steak, and it was cheaper than going to a restaurant for a steak dinner.
Walmart:
(2) half-gallons Half'n'Half @ $3.58 ea = $7.16
Steve's (my favorite meat market):
16.6# NY Strip steak @ $2.99/lb = $49.63 (cut free into about 20 3/4"-thick steaks)
4.98# bacon @ $2.19/lb = $10.91
TOTAL = $68.53
TOTAL spent so far in January = approx. $182.00
(January is 75% over, and I've spent less than $200 so far - way less - for 2 adults with big appetites and an almost-3YO boy who eats about half his meals with us. Yes, low carb CAN be Cheap'n'Easy!)
Sav-a-Lot:
2.29# boneless chuck steaks (2) @ $3.71/lb = $8.39 (on special)*
4.01# chicken legs @ $0.69/lb = $2.77 (on special)
*I typically don't pay over $3/# for beef but I desperately wanted steak, and it was cheaper than going to a restaurant for a steak dinner.
Walmart:
(2) half-gallons Half'n'Half @ $3.58 ea = $7.16
Steve's (my favorite meat market):
16.6# NY Strip steak @ $2.99/lb = $49.63 (cut free into about 20 3/4"-thick steaks)
4.98# bacon @ $2.19/lb = $10.91
TOTAL = $68.53
TOTAL spent so far in January = approx. $182.00
(January is 75% over, and I've spent less than $200 so far - way less - for 2 adults with big appetites and an almost-3YO boy who eats about half his meals with us. Yes, low carb CAN be Cheap'n'Easy!)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A #Lowcarb Shopping Trip
Stop me if I've already told you this...but we get down to Saginaw every so often (at least once a month lately), and there is an Aldi's there. Well, 2 of them, but we drive right past one of them...anyway, as a rule their dairy, some of their frozen foods, and snack foods (for hubby and grandson), canned goods, coffee, spices are cheaper than I can get here in Houghton Lake. So I've started doing more shopping there and less here.
Yesterday I spent $50.06. Here is the breakdown:
(2) 1# butter @ $2.29 ea.
(2) 15 oz. ricotta @ $1.69 ea.
(1) qt. Mayonaisse @ 2.19
(1) 1# ground premium sausage @ $2.69
(4) qt. Half'n'half @ $1.79 ea.
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee @ $2.79
(2) 16 oz. shredded cheese @ $2.99 ea
(1) 16 oz. sour cream @ $1.29
(2) cans chicken broth @ $0.59 ea.
(2) cans tomato sauce @ $0.29 ea.
(1) 16 slice American cheese @ $1.99
(1) 16 slice Swiss cheese @ $0.99
(4) frozen pizzas @ $1.99 ea.
The rest is the snack foods, such as oyster crackers and peanut butter/cheese cracker sandwiches that my grandson loves, and some "veggie chips" for my husband.
Then we went to GFS, as I needed some big bags of vegetables for a dish I needed to prepare for a large group after a memorial service today. I spent $14.00, used about $6.00 worth for the dish, and got extra for our own use.
Today I stopped in at Merchandise Mart and found Bob's Red Mill low carb bread mix for $1.99. Each package makes a 2# loaf, and will probably cost nearly $3 per loaf after adding in the cream, egg, etc., but it's better than buying "light" bread for $2.99 and not knowing what most of the ingredients are. (I don't know when I'll have enough $ for a netrition order to get more flours for making my own Lovely Loaf.) They also had a variety of "whole grain" chips for $0.25 per bag - big bags, not single servings - that will give me something to put in baggies in hubby's lunches at night. The other bargain was unsweetened organic coconut for $1.29; I bought 2 packages but it's such a great deal that I will probably go back tomorrow and get the rest. (We bought suet cakes for the feeder, a 2012 planner, and some other non-edible stuff as well.) Value of the food items about $13.60.
Total spent is around $72.00 for food this week; added to roughly $41 last week, and we're at $113 so far this month. Still need to buy meats...but no rush, we probably have enough to last another week or 2...
Yesterday I spent $50.06. Here is the breakdown:
(2) 1# butter @ $2.29 ea.
(2) 15 oz. ricotta @ $1.69 ea.
(1) qt. Mayonaisse @ 2.19
(1) 1# ground premium sausage @ $2.69
(4) qt. Half'n'half @ $1.79 ea.
(1) 11.3 oz can decaf coffee @ $2.79
(2) 16 oz. shredded cheese @ $2.99 ea
(1) 16 oz. sour cream @ $1.29
(2) cans chicken broth @ $0.59 ea.
(2) cans tomato sauce @ $0.29 ea.
(1) 16 slice American cheese @ $1.99
(1) 16 slice Swiss cheese @ $0.99
(4) frozen pizzas @ $1.99 ea.
The rest is the snack foods, such as oyster crackers and peanut butter/cheese cracker sandwiches that my grandson loves, and some "veggie chips" for my husband.
Then we went to GFS, as I needed some big bags of vegetables for a dish I needed to prepare for a large group after a memorial service today. I spent $14.00, used about $6.00 worth for the dish, and got extra for our own use.
Today I stopped in at Merchandise Mart and found Bob's Red Mill low carb bread mix for $1.99. Each package makes a 2# loaf, and will probably cost nearly $3 per loaf after adding in the cream, egg, etc., but it's better than buying "light" bread for $2.99 and not knowing what most of the ingredients are. (I don't know when I'll have enough $ for a netrition order to get more flours for making my own Lovely Loaf.) They also had a variety of "whole grain" chips for $0.25 per bag - big bags, not single servings - that will give me something to put in baggies in hubby's lunches at night. The other bargain was unsweetened organic coconut for $1.29; I bought 2 packages but it's such a great deal that I will probably go back tomorrow and get the rest. (We bought suet cakes for the feeder, a 2012 planner, and some other non-edible stuff as well.) Value of the food items about $13.60.
Total spent is around $72.00 for food this week; added to roughly $41 last week, and we're at $113 so far this month. Still need to buy meats...but no rush, we probably have enough to last another week or 2...
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