A Quick Apology......

Just wanted to make a quick apology for the lack of updates recently. My goal is to keep this site up and running and to make various improvements in the near future. Right now, we are just dealing with some personal family commitments that make it impossible to get anything 'extra' completed - job changes, moving and more! Please bear with me and the new Bargain Meals will return as soon as I can throw it back into the juggling routine! And, please leave me a comment if there is something you'd appreciate added to this blog in the future!!!! :)

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - grill time!

This week, Fry's stores are featuring some terrific 99 cent deals. Be sure to look at your print ad when you head to the store to stock up on some good buys this week! Here's another great bargain meal featuring items on sale at Fry's stores this week....

Grilled steaks with baked potatoes, corn on the cob and green salad

Ingredients to purchase on sale for this meal:
Boneless USDA Choice Rib Eye steak - $3.97 per pound
McCormick grill mates or grinders - $1 (great seasoning options for your grilling)
Kroger potatoes - use the remaining potatoes leftover from yesterday's meal (10 lb bag for $2.57)
Fresh sweet corn - 50 cents per ear
Dole classic salad mix - $1


Find some great grilling tips here:
How To Grill Steak (with video)
How To Grill Corn on the Cob in the Husk
How To Bake Potatoes on the Grill (see step 2)


Thank you for stopping by our little blog. Check back later for more great meals for area stores using current advertised sales!

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - new crock pot recipe

Tonight, I had the chance to try a wonderful new recipe - and you can too thanks to the great sales at Fry's this week! Almost every ingredient for this great dish is on sale at Fry's stores this week! And, it is a crock pot recipe so it will provide you a quick way to toss dinner together and let your crock pot slave away for you all day, making dinner time a snap!

Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup
great served with your favorite bread or rolls

Ingredients on Sale for this Meal:
10 lb. bag Kroger potatoes - $2.57
(you will only need half the bag - save the other half for meal #2 coming tomorrow!)
Kroger cream cheese - 8 oz. package - 99 cents (pick up 2 packages)
Farmer John bacon - 12 oz. - 99 cents


Recipe Tips:

I did not have the chance to put this soup together until mid-afternoon but was so anxious to try it that I couldn't put it off until tomorrow. To speed up cooking time, I used my food processor to shred the potatoes instead of cutting them all into cubes. This made the potatoes cook quickly and our soup was still ready for dinner (with cooking on high). The whole family loved this recipe, served with homemade rolls.

We only used half of the package of bacon for garnishing our bowls so the other half package is chopped and ready for breakfast scramble or burritos tomorrow!


Thanks for stopping by - please be sure to check in for more great bargain meal ideas using current grocery ads throughout each sales week!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle of 06/10 - 06/16/09 - with leftover makeovers and desserts

This week, I am looking forward to our shopping day so I can grab some great deals at Albertson’s. I personally prefer their boneless skinless chicken breast over the other stores because they are full breasts (heart shaped) which grill up wonderfully and then provide some extra meat for meals later in the week. This week, boneless skinless chicken is featured at only $1.67 per pound so I’m happy to be able to add a few packages to our freezer for summer grilling in later weeks.

Summer in Arizona means HEAT so we do a lot of grilling and add simple sides like fresh fruits or vegetables. This provides us with meals that pack a nutritious punch, even when none of us feel much like eating at all in the high heat.

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Albertson’s store this week as the front page includes several in-ad coupons that may interest your family!

Meal #1 – Grilled chicken breasts with fresh vegetable tray and cantaloupe slices

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound

Fresh vegetable tray:

Mini carrots – 99 cents per one pound bag

Large red bell peppers – 88 cents each

Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound

Cantaloupe – 50 cents per pound

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover chicken breast and use it to top salad later in the week (chicken Caesar salads) – or use slices as the base to chicken fettuccine Alfredo.

Meal #2 – Grilled sirloin steaks with green salad and watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

USDA Choice Beef petite sirloin steaks - $2.99 per pound

Fresh Express salad blends - $2.50 per bag

(check produce section to see if a salad you prefer is priced lower)

Grape tomatoes - $1.50 per dry pint

Check watermelon prices at your store – 12 ounce cut bowl available for $2.99

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover steak into strips and use as the base for beef fajitas (add a few bell peppers on sale this week for 88 cents each)

Great Desserts this Week:

Buy 4 Blue Bunny products and save $4 instantly – making final price $2 each

(includes containers of ice cream as well as novelty ice creams)

Fresh fruit parfaits:

Layer rinsed blueberries (on sale 2 for $3) with yogurt (on sale for 60 cents each for several varieties) for a yummy treat

Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Albertson’s current grocery sales!

Safeway's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/20-05/26/09

Thanks for coming by to check out this week’s Bargain Meals at Safeway stores! I am excited to be part of Erin’s team providing money savings tips and suggestions for frugal meals each week!

With the Memorial Day holiday being celebrated by many this weekend, it is a great time to add some grilling to your menus! The following sale items are valid 05/20 through 05/26/09.

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Safeway store this week as there are several in-ad coupons that may interest your family! In addition to suggested meals below, boneless skinless chicken breasts are also on sale for $1.77 per pound this week!



Meal #1 – Grilled salmon with green salad and cantaloupe slices

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Fresh Atlantic Salmon fillets - $5.99 per pound
Fresh Express salads - $1.98
Grape tomatoes – 99 cents
Kraft salad dressings – 3 for $4 ($1.33 each)
Cantaloupe melons - $2.99 – buy one get one free



Meal #2 – Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with baked beans and corn on the cob

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Fresh 93% lean ground beef - $1.77 per pound
Bar S Jumbo franks – 99 cents
Ball Park hot dog buns - $1.50
Bush’s baked beans – 28 ounce can – 3 for $4 ($1.33 each)
White or yellow corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear



Meal #3 – Meatloaf with baked potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Fresh 93% lean ground beef - $1.77 per pound
Russet potatoes – 5 lb. Bag - $2.50



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Safeway’s current grocery sales!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/20-05/26/09 with Leftover Makeovers!

Thanks for coming by to check out this week’s Bargain Meals at Fry’s! I am excited to be part of Erin’s team providing money savings tips and suggestions for frugal meals each week!

It’s grilling season so there are some terrific items to purchase for your grill time this week! The following sale items are valid 05/20 through 05/26/09.

Be sure to check out the print ad when you visit your Fry’s store this week. There are some wonderful $1 deals this week including – 4 count Angel Soft toilet paper, Betty Crock brownie mixes, Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, Dial liquid hand soap, several deodorants and much more!



Meal #1 – Grilled chicken with chips and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Tyson Split Chicken Breast (Bone-in) – 88 cents per pound (first 4 packages)
Lay’s potato chips – $3.99 – buy one get one free
Dole premium classic salads - $1
Roma tomatoes - $1 per pound

Leftover makeover – Remove any leftover chicken from bones and reheat with BBQ sauce for quick sandwiches a second day! Both Cattlemen’s and Kraft BBQ sauces are on sale this week for only $1 a bottle!



Meal #2 – Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with watermelon and corn on the cob

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Biggie patties – 5 lb. Bag of ground beef patties – $6.99
All Beef Franks – save 50% off regular prices
Farmer John meat franks - $1
Sara Lee hamburger or hot dog buns - $1.50
Nature’s Own hamburger and hot dog buns - $2
Personal size seedless watermelon - $1.99 each
Corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear

Leftover makeover – Slice up any leftover hot dogs and add a few cans of baked beans (Van Camp’s are $1 per can this week) for a quick, kid friendly lunch of “beans and weenies”.



Meal #3 – Your favorite chicken casserole!

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Tyson Split Chicken Breast (Bone-in) – 88 cents per pound (first 4 packages)


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Fry’s current grocery sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/20-05/26/09

Thanks for coming by to check out this week’s Bargain Meals at Albertson’s! I am excited to be part of Erin’s team providing money savings tips and suggestions for frugal meals each week! It’s grilling season so there are some terrific items to purchase for your grill time this week! The following sale items are valid 05/20 through 05/26/09.

As always, be sure to pick up a print ad when you visit your store and glance through the pages for deals that might work well for your individual family. This week, there are two terrific coupons on the front page of Albertson’s circular. The first is a coupon for $10 off of your $100 or more purchase. If you ask your cashier, they will often allow you to scan this coupon BEFORE any of your manufacturer’s coupons. This makes a great deal!!!

Also, there is a great coupon for pork baby back ribs. The regular price is $6.99 per pound, but, you can buy one pound and get two pounds FREE with in ad coupon. That makes the final price only $2.33 per pound when you purchase three packages. The secret to saving the most with these type of coupons is to get your packages as close as possible to the same weight / price – the register will automatically charge you for the highest priced package and deduct the price of the two smaller priced packages.


Meal #1 – Baby back ribs with corn on the cob and fresh watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Pork baby back ribs - $6.99 per pound – buy one package, get two packages free with in ad coupon (front page)
Corn on the cob – 5 for $1 (limit 10)
Seedless watermelon – 50 cents per pound



Meal #2 – Grilled chicken breasts with green salad and chips

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound
Fresh Express salad blends - $2.50 per bag
(check your store to see if other salads are lower priced for this meal)
Tomatoes on the Vine – 14 ounce package - $1.50
Lay’s potato chips – 10.5 to 12 oz. bag - $1.88 (limit 4)


Leftover Makeovers – Use any leftover grilled chicken as a topping for Caesar salad, as a base to chicken fajitas or in your favorite casserole!



Meal #3 – Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s big patty – 5 lb. Bag of ground beef patties – buy one get one free – regular retail $12.95 (10 pounds total for this price!)
Bar S Jumbo meat franks – 59 cents (limit 4)
Nature’s Own hamburger and hot dog buns - $2
40 oz. fresh vegetable tray - $9.99
OR, choose your own favorite vegetables from the produce section to make a more affordable version yourself, with your personal favorite veggies!



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using Albertson’s current grocery sales!

Menu Plan Monday - week of 05/18 - 05/24/09

We are back on the meal planning wagon this week - and I'm so happy to have our plans set! This week, we have two activity days so we planned our meals accordingly. I'm also excited to try out a new recipe on Tuesday which I think will be a huge hit with my kids. I'm going to have one of my older kids (probably my 8 year old) help out with this one as it is assembling a lot of pre-cooked ingredients. I like allowing my children the opportunity to be in charge of meal time when I can to help their self-sufficiency. My 8 year old in particular LOVES to be in charge in the kitchen - and this will add a recipe to his personal food arsenal!

Monday - crock pot roast beef with carrots and baby red potatoes

Tuesday - Chicken in a Pan with a Tan with green salad and homemade honey wheat rolls

Wednesday - appointment day - BBQ beef sandwiches using leftover roast from Monday - we'll add fresh vegetables and a pasta salad

Thursday - evening activities - Crockpot Pork Chalupa with rice and green salad

Friday - kid favorite - tater tot casserole with steamed vegetables

Saturday - we've been invited to a party so no planning - we'll eat leftovers if plans change

Sunday - oven roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and homemade rolls

I'm excited to free up some freezer space by cooking a turkey this weekend! Thanks for stopping by! Stop by later in the week for new meal suggestions using current grocery ads! And, be sure to check out hundreds of other great menu plans for this week at Menu Plan Monday!

Do you enjoy chicken???

Do you or your family enjoy cooking with chicken? Do you have a lot of chicken recipes in your personal family favorites?

If so, you may want to take the opportunity to stock up on some chicken this week at Albertson's (sale runs through 05/19/09)! Family Packs of chicken drumsticks, thighs, leg quarters or split breasts are on sale for just 77 cents per pound. Whole fryers are also included at this sale price. The best buy of this deal (in my opinion) is the split chicken breast. When bone-in chicken breasts are on sale, I like to buy a few packages, cook and debone the breasts and freeze the cooked chicken in freezer bags, portioned for our favorite chicken meals.

This week, I purchased one large package of chicken breasts and was able to add enough chicken to our freezer for a full week of chicken recipes! By only having chicken once or twice a week, that means we are set for about a month of our favorite chicken casseroles.

Try this recipe for making your own cooked chicken! The crock pot will cook away for you while you complete the other tasks of your busy day - and you will also make your house smell great! Or, put your chicken on to cook on the low setting when you go to bed in the evening and it will be finished cooking in the morning.

Crock Pot - Usable Chicken

1 whole chicken or package of your favorite parts
4 cups water
2 Tablespoons parsley
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon minced onion or onion flakes
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (salad seasoning also works)

Place all ingredients on crock-pot. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours. I love the fact that I can just put the ingredients in my crock-pot and the chicken cooks by itself while I do other things. If you do not have a crock-pot, simply put the ingredients in a large pot on the back burner of the stove and allow the pot to simmer.

Allow chicken time to cool and then remove from bones. You have several cups of usable chicken all ready for any of your favorite chicken casseroles or recipes.
You can also use frozen chicken parts with this recipe. Cooking the chicken on low allows you to start this cooking before bed at night and have cooked chicken ready in the morning – all ready for use in a casserole for dinner that night! This recipe adds a terrific smell to the kitchen versus simply boiling a pot of chicken parts.

Here are a few recipes for you to use your cooked chicken as well, and possibly help you find a new family favorite or two!

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken in a Haystack

Golden Chicken Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Bake

Buying the chicken on sale and adding to your freezer stock helps you to have some easy go-to recipes for busy nights as well as helps your budget on weeks when the sales may be missing your favorite items! Have a terrific week - and thanks for stopping by!

Safeway's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle of 05/13 - 05/19/09 (with leftover makeovers)

I am sorry to have missed posting some bargain meals for last week’s sales cycle. However, I am back this week and happy to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Here are a few thrifty meal ideas for this week based upon Safeway’s advertised sales running this week (05/13 through 05/19/09).

Be sure to check out your store’s print ad as there are some great sale prices this week on cereal products (see bottom of front page). Another item I’m going to make sure I pick up this week are Nabisco Snak Saks – these are on sale for $1 per bag and they make the perfect on the go snack! We like the mini Oreos and Nutter Butters as well as the Animal Crackers and Teddy Grahams.


Meal #1 – Crock pot beef roast with potatoes and carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef 7 Bone Chuck Steak - $1.47 per pound


Leftover Makeover – shred up any leftover roast and serve with BBQ on buns for easy sandwiches a second night! Add a bag of Doritos for $1.77 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only sale price)



Meal #2 – Grilled steaks with corn on the cob and baked potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef Top Sirloin Steak, boneless – $3.47 per pound
Corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear

Leftover Makeover – cut up any leftover pieces of steak and use for beef fajitas


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Safeway’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Pork Picnic Roast at 99 cents per pound....

Last month, I went on a search to find some recipes that utilize bone-in pork picnic roast. This particular cut of meat has been on sale several times in the last month or two and I am still trying to find the time to try out some new recipes to maximize these great savings. This week, Albertson's is featuring Pork Picnic Roast for only 99 cents per pound. I still think it would be worth experimenting with this cut of meat. I love trying new recipes when I can obtain the main ingredients at a bargain price! Here is a re-post of some recipes I think may be a great fit for this pork roast.

• Pork Machaca - sounds easy and like a great starter for several meals (plus, I LOVE something that will utilize my crock pot while I can accomplish other household and school tasks with our family)
  
  
• Traditional Pork Tamales - I have not had the time to ever try making homemade tamales, but it is one thing I hope to learn in the not-too-distant future. This recipe calls for a large pork roast and may be a perfect use of this sale cut.
  
  
• Green Chili with Pork - this is another recipe that just sounds like an easy and delicious way to prepare pork. I love that green chilies are a tame enough chili to add some great flavor without being so hot that the kids in the family need to have a separate dinner. This is suggested as a filling for burritos or as a stew with a side of tortillas. Yum!
  
  
• Pulled Pork - I typically make my pulled pork sandwiches using my pressure cooker but am looking forward to trying this slow roasted version to see how they compare - the reviews merit a trial of this new recipe! Slow cooking should make the meat fall off the bone and be an easy way to separate the bones from this roast for a speedy preparation at dinner time.
  
  
• Crock Pot Pulled Pork - another recipe that sounds great for the crock pot. The carbonation of the soda in this recipe should result in a VERY tender meat! We use a small amount of carbonated beverage (usually either Pepsi or Sprite) when we cook beef roasts or brine a turkey so this should result in a similar, wonderful flavor!
  
  
• (Yet Another!) Crock Pot Pulled Pork - this recipe calls for a boneless pork roast but I think this bone-in roast would work just as well. This recipe intrigues me as it calls for apple cider vinegar and that is the key ingredient in my pressure cooker pulled pork recipe that makes everyone want more! I think the chipotle powder would also give an excellent flavor.
  
  

Thanks for checking out these meal suggestions for turning a thrifty cut of meat into a great meal! I will be sure to share personal reviews of any of the recipes above that I am able to try in the coming days - and would love to hear from you if you do the same! :)
Be sure to check back next week for more great ideas cooking with our current sales!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 05/13 - 05/19/09

I am sorry to have missed posting some bargain meals for last week’s sales cycle. However, I am back this week and happy to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Here are a few thrifty meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (05/13 through 05/19/09).


Meal #1 – Oven fried chicken with corn on the cob and chips
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in whole fryers – 77 cents per pound
Sweet corn on the cob – 4 pack - $2.99
(watch for better prices on corn on the cob in coming weeks)
Lay’s or Doritos – 8.5-12.5 oz. bag - $1.88 (limit 4)

Check out how to cut up your whole chicken here (with photos) or here (video).



Meal #2 – Shake n Bake Pork Chops with roasted potatoes and green salad
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Assorted pork chops, bone-in – 97 cents per pound
Red potatoes – 79 cents per pound
Fresh Express baby salad blends – 4.5-6 oz. bag - $2.50
(check your individual store as you may find
salad ingredients at a better price in store)



Meal #3 – Baked Salmon fillet with steamed vegetables and bread
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Wild Sockeye Salmon OR Fresh Atlantic Salmon - $4.99 per pound
A bag of your favorite frozen vegetables for steaming
Loaf of fresh bakery bread


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - 05/13 through 05/19/09

I am sorry to have missed posting some bargain meals for last week’s sales cycle. However, I am back this week and happy to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Here are a few thrifty meal ideas for this week based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (05/13 through 05/19/09).



Meal #1 – Whole roasted chicken with baby carrots and baked potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Tyson whole fresh chicken fryer – 88 cents per pound
Private selection mini peeled carrots – organic – 1 lb. Bag - $1
Russet potatoes – 10 lb. Bag - $2.67



Meal #2 – Chili fritos with green salad (or chili frito salad!)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Super Lean ground beef – 93% lean - $1.88 per pound (sold in 2 lb. Chub – first 4 can be purchased at this price)
Fritos – 9.25 – 11.2 oz. bag - $1.88
Dole premium classic salads – 10-12 oz. bag - $1
On the vine tomatoes - $1 per pound
Cucumbers – 2 for $1
Kroger salad dressing – 16 oz. bottle - $1



Meal #3 – Sloppy Joe’s with fresh vegetables and chips

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Super Lean ground beef – 93% lean - $1.88 per pound (sold in 2 lb. Chub – first 4 can be purchased at this price)
Kroger value buns – 8 count – 88 cents per package
Cheetos or Fritos – 9.25 – 11.2 oz. bag - $1.88
Cucumbers – 2 for $1
Private selection mini peeled carrots – organic – 1 lb. Bag - $1
Kroger salad dressing (ranch for dipping) – 16 oz. bottle - $1



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Fry’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - Pork Roast Ideas

A few weeks ago, I noticed that Albertson's had a great sale on bone-in, whole pork butt roast (my kids laugh uncontrollably every time they hear "butt" roast). I still have not had the opportunity to try cooking with this particular cut of meat. However, it is on sale again this week - this time at Fry's stores.

They will allow you to purchase two whole pork roasts at a price of 99 cents per pound. To see some recipe ideas using this bargain cut of meat, check out my prior post. I'd love to hear any great recipes you have for using this bone-in pork as well. I am hoping to eat enough items from our freezer this week to make room for one or two and try our hand at some new recipes!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle of 04/29 - 05/05/09

I am excited to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas that won’t break your budget! Contributors use the current store sales to put together thrifty meals for your family. Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (04/29 through 05/05/09).


Meal #1 – Easy crock pot beef stew

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless beef chuck roast - $1.77 per pound (limit 2)

(ask the butcher to cut this boneless roast into cubes for you - they will cut and rewrap it free of charge)
Red potatoes – 69 cents per pound


Meal #2 – Taco Night – tacos, refried beans and fresh bell peppers

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless beef chuck roast - $1.77 per pound (limit 2)
(ask butcher to grind this roast into ground chuck for you and use as you would hamburger)
Mission soft taco tortillas – 8 count – 99 cents
Ortega taco shells – entire line on sale for 33% off
Kroger shredded cheese on sale for 50% off
Rosarita refried beans – 16 ounce can – 88 cents
Pace Picante Sauce – 16 ounce jar - $1.88
Red or yellow bell peppers - $1 each


Meal #3 – Shrimp Pasta Pomodoro with green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Raw EZ peel shrimp – 51/60 count - $3.99 per pound
Roma tomatoes - $1 per pound
Dole salad blends or kits – 5 to 12 ounce bag - $2.50
English cucumbers - $1 each


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Fry’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales week of 04/29 - 05/05/09

I am excited to be part of the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas that won’t break your budget! Contributors use the current store sales to put together thrifty meals for your family. Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/29 through 05/05/09).

Be sure to look at the Albertson’s store ad when you head into the store as they are also offering some great $1 items this week. If you are a couponer, there are also some terrific matches to save even more!

Another great buy at Albertson’s this week is their 8 count packages of Gatorade. You can buy two 8 count packages for $3.99 each and they will have $2 off coupons either attached to the bottles or available at register – giving you a great price of only $1.99 for 8 small Gatorades!


Meal #1 – BBQ Pork ribs with green salad and corn on the cob

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in pork spare ribs - $3.99 per pound – buy one pound, get two pounds free with in-ad coupon
Fresh Express salads – 9-12 ounce bag - $1
Sweet corn on the cob – 50 cents per ear



Meal #2 – Grilled chicken breasts with baked potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.67 per pound
Baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
Birds Eye Steamfresh frozen vegetables – 12 ounce bag - $1



Meal #3 – Tacos with Spanish rice and refried beans

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s ground beef (85% lean) - $1.99 per pound
(rinse and drain your beef after browning to reduce fat content)
Old El Paso taco shells – 10-12 ct. - $1
Mission flour tortillas (soft taco size) – 8 ct. - $1
Rosarita refried beans – 15-16 ounce can - $1
Old El Paso Spanish rice mix – 7.6 ounce package - $1


Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Albertson's Bargain Meals of the Week - 04/22 - 04/29/09 - lots of recipes included!!!

This week, Albertson’s is featuring some good prices on various cuts of meat. Check both the front and inside the ad for various types of beef and pork on sale.

Moran’s ground beef (96% lean) and ground beef patties are both featured on sale as buy one pound, get a second pound free. The best way to work this sale to your advantage is to find two packages as close to the same weight as possible. The register will charge you full price on the heavier package and reduce the total price of the second, lighter package. If your packages are the same weight, you will end up paying $2.50 per pound for this lean beef.

Boneless pork sirloin chops are featured as buy one pound, get TWO pounds free (with coupon from front page of the ad). The best way to use this sale is to get THREE packages as close to the same weight as possible. Getting three packages of the same weight would make this pork only $1.33 a pound – a great price!

I feel very fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas using the current store sales! Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/22 through 04/28/09).


Meal #1 – Meatloaf with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s 96% lean ground beef - $4.99 per pound – buy one pound, get one pound free
Gourmet baby potatoes – red, white or gold – 1.5 pound bag - $2.99
Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound



Meal #2 – Shake n Bake pork chops with parsley potatoes and fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless pork chops – $3.99 per pound – buy one pound, get TWO pounds free with coupon on front page of ad

Gourmet baby potatoes – red, white or gold – 1.5 pound bag - $2.99

For fresh vegetable tray:
Gourmet mini carrots – 1 lb. Bag - $1.50
Large red bell peppers - $1 each
Fresh bunch broccoli – 99 cents per pound



Meal #3 – Grilled hamburgers, garden salad and sliced watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s ground beef patties (96% lean) - $4.99 per pound – buy one pound, get one pound free
Fresh Express garden salad – 12 ounces - $1.50 per bag
Earthbound Organic Romaine or Italian Lettuce – 10 ounce bag - $1.99
Large Hot House tomatoes – $1.49 cents per pound
Mini seedless watermelon - $2.50



Other Pork Recipes:
Pork Chalupa
Sweet and Sour Pork
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes



Other Ground Beef Recipes:
Meatballs (with sauces)
Tacos (or Tostados)
Beefy Nachos
Homemade Chili
Tater Tot Casserole
Sloppy Joe’s



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Albertson’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Bargain Meals of the Week for Fry's current ad - 04/22 - 04/28/09 - with dessert ideas and recipes

This week, Fry’s has some tremendous $1 deals – be sure to check out your ad before making a shopping trip to Fry’s this week for some terrific bargains! I feel very fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meals of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check the site every week for terrific meal ideas using the current store sales!

Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (04/22 through 04/28/09).


Meal #1 – Shake n Bake pork chops with steamed vegetables and noodle or pasta side dish

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Assorted pork loin chops – 97 cents per pound
Steamfresh frozen vegetables – 10-12 ounce bag - $1
Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni - $1



Meal #2 – Fried chicken with French fries and fresh vegetable tray

(I use my chicken nugget recipe for fried chicken pieces as well!)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Fresh chicken drumsticks or thighs – 77 cents per pound
(whole chicken also on sale at this price)

For fresh vegetable tray:
Hot House cucumbers - $1 each
Kroger mini carrots – 1 lb. Bag - $1
Red or yellow bell peppers - $1 each
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli – $1 per pound
Kroger salad dressing – 16 ounce bottle - $1.69 (ranch for dipping)



Meal #3 – Spaghetti and meatballs (or meat sauce) with green salad and your choice of bread

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Super Lean ground beef – sold in a 2 lb. Chub - $1.88 per pound (limit 4)
Fry’s pasta – 16 ounce - $1
Kroger pasta sauce – 26 ounce can - $1
Dole premium classic salads – $1 per bag
On The Vine tomatoes – 77 cents per pound
Hot House cucumbers - $1 each
Kroger salad dressing – 16 ounce bottle - $1.69


Quick Dessert ideas for this week:
Brownies and ice cream:
Pillsbury brownies - $1
Kroger ice cream, 56 ounce - $1

Popsicles - $1 per box (12 count)

Cool Classics Ice cream sandwiches - $1 per box

Pudding pops:
Place a stick or spoon into each of the four count puddings and freeze until firm.
Hunt’s Snack Pack puddings – 4 count - $1



Thank you so much for stopping by this week! Check back next week for more great ideas using the Fry’s current grocery sales. And, check back throughout this week for more ideas creating affordable meals with other store advertised specials!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle for 04/15 - 04/21/09 - includes recipes and leftover makeover ideas

Check out great bargain meals every week at $5 Dinners!
Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (04/15 through 04/21/09).


Meal #1 – Grilled chicken breasts (or oven roasted) with carrot, cauliflower and broccoli vegetable medley

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – $1.67 per pound
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli – 77 cents per pound

Kroger mini carrots - 1 lb. bag - $1

(An easy way to change your steamed vegetables into a great side dish is to mix one can of cream of mushroom soup with your steamed vegetables. Mix together and the heat from the cooked vegetables will allow you to mix together the vegetables and sauce easily. And, it adds a great flavor!)

Leftover make-over – Dice leftover chicken and use it on top of salad greens for a great main course salad! Or, consider using leftover diced chicken in crock pot enchiladas or chicken and broccoli casserole!



Meal #2 – Homemade chicken strips with French fries and fresh vegetable tray

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – $1.67 per pound

For fresh vegetable tray:
Kroger mini carrots – 1 lb. Bag - $1
Fresh celery - $1
Red or yellow bell peppers - $1 each
Fresh cauliflower and broccoli – 77 cents per pound

Thanks for checking in to see some of favorite meals using ingredients on sale this week at Fry’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales week of 04/15 - 04/21/09 - includes leftover makeovers and recipes

Check out great bargain meals every week at $5 Dinners!
Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/15 through 04/21/09).


Meal #1 – Whole roasted chicken, steamed carrots and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Whole chicken fryers – 77 cents per pound
Fresh carrots – 2 pound bag – 88 cents
Fresh Express Salad blends - $1.88 per bag


Leftover make-over – debone chicken and use it in place of cooked chicken in your favorite recipe. Consider using it for turkey pot pie, crock pot enchiladas or chicken and broccoli casserole!



Meal #2 – Stacked meal in the crock pot – Boneless London Broil, corn on the cob and baked potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice Boneless Beef London Broil - $1.87 per pound
Sweet corn on the cob – 20 cents per ear
Russet potatoes – 88 cents per pound


Leftover make-over – Shred up any leftover roast beef and add some of your favorite BBQ sauce for easy BBQ beef sandwiches! Or, use leftover shredded roast for tacos or burritos by adding a can of green chilies and some salsa for a great filling!

Thanks for checking in to see some of favorite meals using ingredients on sale this week at Albertson’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week for 04/15 - 04/21/09 - including leftover makeovers, recipes and dessert idea!

Check out great bargain meals every week at $5 Dinners!
Here are a few meal ideas for this week based upon Safeway’s advertised sales running this week (04/15 through 04/21/09).


Meal #1 – Roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Honeysuckle White whole turkey breast – 99 cents per pound

Leftover make-over – chop up leftover turkey and use it in place of cooked chicken in your favorite recipe. Consider using it for turkey pot pie, crock pot enchiladas or chicken and broccoli casserole!



Meal #2 – Crock pot beef roast with vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef 7 Bone Chuck Roast - $1.47 per pound

Leftover make-over – Shred up any leftover roast beef and add some of your favorite BBQ sauce for easy BBQ beef sandwiches! Or, use leftover shredded roast for tacos or burritos by adding a can of green chilies and some salsa for a great filling!



Meal #3 – Shake n Bake Pork Chops with your favorite steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless Pork Top Loin Chops - $1.97 per pound

Leftover make-over – Dice up any leftover boneless pork chops and toss with your favorite lettuce, cheese and other salad toppings for a great at-home salad entree!



Dessert Idea – strawberry shortcake

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Strawberries – one pound container – 88 cents


Thanks for checking in to see some of favorite meals using ingredients on sale this week at Safeway stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - 04/08 - 04/14/09

I feel fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meal of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check out their site for great bargain meal suggestions each and every week. Here are a few menus to try this week based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (04/08 through 04/14/09).

In our family, we have a lot of “familiar” meals that we use throughout each month. These are the starting point of our meal plans – the things I know my family will eat again and again. I will often try one or two new recipes a week based on the weekly sales or recipes that I find appealing and want to sample. You may, as a result, see some repeats in our menus. But, that is why I always try to offer at least two meal suggestions for each store – to help you find at least one bargain meal your family might enjoy from our selections!


Meal #1 – Roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed carrots
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Jennie-O turkey breast – 97 cents per pound
Russet potatoes – 5 pound bag – 67 cents (limit 2)
Kroger mini peeled carrots – 1 pound bag – 88 cents



Meal #2 – Ham with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Cook’s Spiral Sliced ham, bone-in – $1.17 per pound (limit 1)
Russet potatoes – 5 pound bag – 67 cents (limit 2)
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 77 cents per bag



Meal #3 – Grilled T-bone steaks with baked potatoes and green salad
Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice Aged T-bone steaks – $3.77 per pound (first 2)
Russet potatoes – 5 pound bag – 67 cents (limit 2)
Dole bagged salads – 5-12 ounces - $2


Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Fry’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meals coming later tonight

Just a mini update - expect meals for Fry's ad late this evening! And, I will also do my best to add a few more recipe links to my many meal suggestions for Albertson's this week! Just ran out of time on the blog for now. :)

Have a great evening and check back late tonight or tomorrow for those updates!

Bargain Meals of the Week for Albertson's - 04/08 - 04/14/09 - LOTS this week!

I feel fortunate to be included in the Bargain Meal of the Week feature at $5 Dinners! Check out their site for great bargain meal suggestions each and every week. Here are a few menus to try this week based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/08 through 04/14/09).

In our family, we have a lot of “familiar” meals that we use throughout each month. These are the starting point of our meal plans – the things I know my family will eat again and again. I will often try one or two new recipes a week based on the weekly sales or recipes that I find appealing and want to sample. You may, as a result, see some repeats in our menus. But, that is why I always try to offer at least two meal suggestions for each store – to help you find at least one bargain meal your family might enjoy from our selections!

This week, Albertson’s has some WONDERFUL meat sales. Their boneless skinless chicken breast and boneless whole pork loin are each $1.57 per pound. This is a definite stock up price and I know I will be trying to make room to stash a few packages of each in my freezer this week. You can ask the butcher at your store to cut the pork loin for you and they will cut it into chops or roast for you free of charge!

Meal #1 – Chicken and Stuffing with steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless skinless chicken breast – $1.57 per pound
Stove Top stuffing mix – 6-ounce box - $1.25
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice Beef Bottom Round Roast - $1.87 per pound
Gourmet mini carrots – 1 pound bag - $1.50
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound


Meal #3 – Sweet and Sour Pork with rice and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Pork Loin roast – $1.57 per pound
Dole pineapple chunks – 20 ounce can - $1
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)


Meal #4 – Ham with homemade scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Hormel Spiral cut ham, bone-in – $1.27 per pound
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
PictSweet frozen vegetables – 67 cents per bag (limit 4)


Meal #5 – Grilled T-bone steaks with sautéed mushrooms, baked potatoes and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
USDA Choice T-bone steaks – $3.97 per pound
Premium Russet baking potatoes – 99 cents per pound
Mushrooms, sliced or whole – 6-8 ounce package - $1.99
Fresh Express bagged salads – 9-12 ounces - $2

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Alberston’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Quick Update - Pork Recipes for Albertson's Sale

I had the time to search a little and found a few recipes online that sound like a wonderful way to use some of the bone-in pork picnic roast on sale at Albertson's this week. I felt that, at only 99 cents per pound, it was worth experimenting with this cut of meat. Now, if it were a cut of fish on sale for $8 a pound, I'd leave it alone! :) I'd love to hear if anyone has any great tried and true recipes using bone-in pork!

Pork Machaca - sounds easy and like a great starter for several meals (plus, I LOVE something that will utilize my crock pot while I can accomplish other household and school tasks with our family)

Traditional Pork Tamales - I have not had the time to ever try making homemade tamales, but it is one thing I hope to learn in the not-too-distant future. This recipe calls for a large pork roast and may be a perfect use of this sale cut.

Green Chili with Pork - this is another recipe that just sounds like an easy and delicious way to prepare pork. I love that green chilies are a tame enough chili to add some great flavor without being so hot that the kids in the family need to have a separate dinner. This is suggested as a filling for burritos or as a stew with a side of tortillas. Yum!

Pulled Pork - I typically make my pulled pork sandwiches using my pressure cooker but am looking forward to trying this slow roasted version to see how they compare - the reviews merit a trial of this new recipe! Slow cooking should make the meat fall off the bone and be an easy way to separate the bones from this roast for a speedy preparation at dinner time.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork - another recipe that sounds great for the crock pot. The carbonation of the soda in this recipe should result in a VERY tender meat! We use a small amount of carbonated beverage (usually either Pepsi or Sprite) when we cook beef roasts or brine a turkey so this should result in a similar, wonderful flavor!

(Yet Another!) Crock Pot Pulled Pork - this recipe calls for a boneless pork roast but I think this bone-in roast would work just as well. This recipe intrigues me as it calls for apple cider vinegar and that is the key ingredient in my pressure cooker pulled pork recipe that makes everyone want more! I think the chipotle powder would also give an excellent flavor.

Thanks for checking out these meal suggestions for turning a thrifty cut of meat into a great meal! I will be sure to share personal reviews of any of the recipes above that I am able to try in the coming days - and would love to hear from you if you do the same! :)

Be sure to check back next week for more great ideas cooking with our current sales!

Safeway's Bargain Meals of the Week - and leftover tips - sales week of 04/01 - 04/07/09

You can check out Safeway's online grocery circular for some great bargain products. Here are a few menu suggestions for this week based upon Safeway’s advertised sales. Each meal also has a tip to use up any leftovers! Enjoy!

Meal #1 – Crock pot BBQ pork ribs served over rice or noodles with a side of raw or steamed baby carrots

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in Pork Country Style Ribs – 98 cents per pound
Eating Right baby peeled carrots – 2 pound bag - $1.48

Leftover Suggestions:

Original recipe poster suggested using the sauce leftover from these ribs as a topping for pasta a second night. You can also shred any leftover pork to use as barbeque sandwich filling - or as a starter for burrito, taco or enchilada filling.

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher’s Reserve Beef London Broil - $1.98 per pound
Eating Right baby peeled carrots – 2 pound bag - $1.48

Leftover Suggestions :

Roast beef is one of the best leftovers! You can slice it thin and serve with gravy over toast for open faced roast beef sandwiches (don't forget the mashed potatoes if you choose this route - yummy!).

You can add barbeque sauce for quick and easy sandwiches (on toast or hamburger buns). You can also spice it up a bit and use it as topping for shredded beef nachos or tostadas! Or, my family loves to use shredded roast beef for filling burritos and tacos as well.

It is very cost effective to make a large roast and plan for one or more of these leftover remakes later in the week. You can even reuse your beef gravy as part of the sauce with many of these options!

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Safeway stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales week of 04/04 - 04/07/09

Here are some menus to try based upon Albertson’s advertised sales running this week (04/01 through 04/07/09). Check the weekly circular for some great 10 for $10 deals this week as well. Remember, you can mix and match these items – you do not need to buy 10 of the same item to take advantage of the great savings offered.


If you are on the look-out for a good movie deal, there is a coupon in the current Albertson’s ad for $5 off when you buy any 2 DVDs priced at $9.99 or above. This could work out to a great deal for an affordable Easter basket addition! Check your local store for individual titles and pricing. (Disney Favorites are shown in ad for $14.99 each and the new releases, Marley and Me or Slumdog Millionaire, for $16.99 each)


Bone in pork picnic roast is also 99 cents per pound. Sounds like a great price but I’m not familiar with any recipes using this cut. I will be sure to post any suggestions I find for this particular cut of meat if I have the opportunity to explore that option more. These ideas will hopefully help you to start your thrifty meal plans for this week!

Meal #1 – Shake N Bake style pork chops with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Bone-in assorted pork loin chops - 97 cents per pound
Betty Crocker pouch or boxed instant potatoes - $1
Green Giant frozen vegetables - $1

Meal #2 – BBQ – hamburgers (or steaks), pasta salad and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Moran’s beef patties – sold in package of 10 patties - $10
OR USDA Choice Rib Eye steaks - $4.77 per pound
Suddenly Salad boxed pasta salad - $1
Fresh romaine, green or red leaf lettuce – 99 cents
Roma salad tomatoes - $1 per pound

Meal #3 – Breakfast for Dinner

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Albertson's Large AA eggs – one dozen - $1
Albertson's boxed cold cereals – assorted varieties, up to 18 ounces - $1
Farmer John or Brown N Serve sausage links - $1
Sara Lee Soft and Smooth sandwich bread - $1
Bakery Fresh cinnamon rolls – 4 pack - $1


Meal #4 – Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce with green salad and French bread

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Albertson's pasta – 16 ounce - $1
Hunt’s spaghetti sauce – 26-26.5 ounce can - $1
Fresh romaine, green or red leaf lettuce – 99 cents
Roma salad tomatoes - $1 per pound
Loaf of French bread – normally $1 - $1.50
For meat in sauce – pick up a bag of Moran’s beef patties (10 patties for $10), defrost and cook until browned, breaking up patty into ground beef as it browns in pan (an easy way to stretch the on-sale ground beef this week)

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Phoenix and Tucson metro area Albertson’s stores. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and please be sure to stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle 04/01 - 04/07/09

This week, Fry’s is having a special 8 hour sale on specific items from 3 to 11 pm on Thursday, April 2nd. If you are in your store during these hours, be sure to check the advertised specials for some possible bargains. Also, be sure to ask for a rain check if they are out of any of the 8 hour advertised specials so you can still get a great deal if their current stock is depleted.

Here are some menus to try based upon Fry’s advertised sales running this week (04/01 through 04/07/09). Consider stocking up on the meats that are on sale this week if you have freezer space to store them. It will make your future meals more affordable during a week where these meats are not sale priced.

Meal #1 – Pork chops with scalloped potatoes and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless half pork loin - $1.97 per pound (limit 2) **
10 pound bag Russet potatoes - $3.77
Dole salad mix – 10-12 ounce package - $1
Roma tomatoes – 77 cents per pound

(** Ask your butcher and they will happily cut and re-package the pork loin into chops or smaller roasts for you free of charge.)

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Boneless beef cross rib roast - $1.97 per pound (limit 4)
10 pound bag Russet potatoes - $3.77

Meal #3 – Grilled steak with sauteed mushrooms, baked potatoes and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

USDA choice aged New York strip steak - $3.77 per pound
Sliced or whole mushrooms – 6-8 ounce package - $1.50
10 pound bag Russet potatoes - $3.77
Dole salad mix – 10-12 ounce package - $1
Roma tomatoes – 77 cents per pound

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Fry’s. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 03/25 - 03/31/09

This week, Safeway is repeating their Buy 10, Save $5 promotion that appeared in last week's ad. Check out their online ad or in-store circular for some great deals. Items include in this promotion are indicated in shopping lists below.

Meal #1 - Oven fried Swai fillets with tossed green salad and oven glazed carrots

(My local butcher informed me that Swai is a Vietnamese catfish so this recipe calls for catfish but should easily work for the Swai fillets. We cooked some Swai fillets on the grill a few weeks ago and found it a bit salty but felt that may have been due to our particular seasoning so I'm looking forward to trying this recipe soon.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Swai fillet - $3.99 per pound

Fresh Express garden salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 of the Buy 10, Save $5 promo items)

2 lb. bag baby carrots - $2.50 (or $2.00 when you purchase 10 promo items)

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

(you can choose to cook the vegetables with the roast or substitute other favorite vegetables and cook them separately.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7 Bone Roast - $1.59 per pound

2 lb. bag baby carrots - $2.50 (or $2.00 when you purchase 10 promo items)

Meal #3 - BBQ beef sandwiches with your favorite chips and salad

(My favorite way to make BBQ sandwiches is to serve roast one night, then shred the remaining roast leftovers and serve them with BBQ sauce on our favorite bread or rolls as sandwiches a day or two later - two great meals for the price of one cut of meat! Plus, it reinvents your leftovers so your family is more likely to enjoy them a second time.)

Items to buy on sale for this meal:
Rancher's Reserve Beef Chuck 7 Bone Roast - $1.59 per pound

Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

Sara Lee bread or rolls (check to see if rolls are included in store sale) - $2.00

Fritos and Cheetos are each $2.00 per bag (or $1.50 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

Fresh Express garden salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents when you purchase 10 promo items)

Thanks for stopping by to see our meal suggestions based on what is on sale this week at Safeway. Check out $5 Dinners for more great bargain meal suggestions - and stop by again next week for more thrifty menu ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle of 03/25 - 03/31/09

This week, Fry's has a terrific buy on whole chickens - only 57 cents per pound! You can buy 4 whole chickens at this price and store a few in your freezer for upcoming weeks. If you have room, you may even consider a second trip to Fry's during the sale cycle to really stock up at this price. I'm

providing a few meal options this week using this bargain priced poultry!

Meal #1 - roasted whole chicken with vegetables (consider roasted carrots using baby carrots that are on sale for $1 per bag)

After Meal #1, take a few minutes to completely de-bone your chicken. Get every single piece of chicken off of the bones and stash it in the fridge for the next two meals. Also save the chicken bones as we will use them for Meal #3! Reusing the leftovers from one meal by using them as the basis for another meal is a great way to stretch your grocery dollars. Plus, it helps minimize complaints from family members about eating leftovers!

Meal #2 - chicken enchiladas with seasoned rice and green salad

Use the remaining leftover chicken PLUS the chicken bones from day one to make a great homemade chicken stock for Meal #3.

Meal #3 - chicken and rice soup with homemade rolls

Use the chicken bones to make homemade chicken stock in your crock pot. Then use this as the chicken broth in your soup (if using recipe above - which is very, very, very yummy - use cooked chicken in place of chicken breasts and broth in place of water and chicken bouillon cubes).

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this leftover's remake meal plan for the week. Check out more great bargain meals at $5 Dinners and please be sure to stop by again next week for more thrifty meals cooking with weekly sales!

How to make Fry Bread (aka Navajo Tacos)

A reader commented on my weekly menu plan from this past week asking for more information about how we make fry bread (also known as Navajo Tacos). I thought I'd share the details as a post in case anyone else was wondering how to make fry bread. I was surprised to recently discover that my family is in the minority in having fry bread in our home. Most people tend to see it as an item they purchase at fairs or other venues. But, once you try your own and realize how easy and yummy they can be, I bet they will be added to your family's meal plans too! I have tried to be detailed in my descriptions below and I hope the information helps someone else. I will do my best to post photos soon of the process as well.

First, I typically make fry bread a few days after we have chili for dinner. I make a double batch of chili to ensure leftovers. :) This takes a big step out of the fry bread preparation because chili works great as a meat and bean topping on the cooked bread.

I use a fry bread dough recipe and mix it up per recipe instructions. We used this recipe recently when we had a large family gathering and needed a lot of dough. It worked out well because you did not have to wait for the dough to rise before shaping and cooking. This made it easy to mix up additional batches for more servings or for dessert (a bit more on that in a minute). When dinner time is a busy time, it is also nice to be able to mix up the dough and keep moving forward, rather than having to stall a half hour to allow rising time.

Once your dough is ready, preheat oil in a nonstick pan on stove, or use your deep fryer to heat oil. Start with balls of dough about the size of a golf ball and roll as thin as you can with a rolling pin. The dough will puff up once it hits the hot oil and you want a thin piece of dough to be able to get the entire piece cooked through without burning.

When oil is hot (test by dropping one or two small beads of water into the oil and see if it sizzles), drop your first piece of dough into the oil. Watch it, allowing time to cook on the first side. Once it is browned, flip it over and allow second side time to brown as well. When second side is brown, remove from oil and allow to drain on paper towels while you cook the remainder of your dough. Now is the time to assess how the first one cooked - did you roll your dough out thin enough or too thin? Did the piece of dough fit in the pan you are using or could it be a bigger or smaller circle and fit better? (you can adjust the size of your ball of dough bigger or smaller than the golf ball based on the first one's results) Did you cook long enough on each side? With these factors in mind, you can make small adjustments in the size and thickness of your bread as you finish frying the remainder of your dough.

Fry the remainder of your dough, placing each piece of cooked bread on paper towels to drain excess oil. When you are finished, serve each piece of bread with your choice of toppings. We typically put on the reheated chili (meat and beans), sprinkle with shredded cheese, then chopped lettuce and tomatoes, some sour cream and salsa. You can tailor the toppings to suit your family's tastes and this is a great time to set out individual bowls with all the toppings and allow the whole family to pile on their favorites.

Some people prefer shredded beef and cooked beans on their fry bread instead of chili. This option would be an easy way to use leftover roast beef. You can simply reheat canned chili beans or pinto beans for the bean portion with this option. (or, if you have time, cook your own dry beans)

Another hint we have found is that it is much easier to eat if we tear up the bread into bite sized pieces on our plates BEFORE adding all the toppings. When intact, the bread is a large round that you can lift and eat, but which is very hard to cut with a fork. With younger kids, we have found it is easier at the table to break the bread into bite sized pieces and then pile on their toppings. Then, they can easily (and more neatly) eat it with a fork. And, there is less chance of all of their toppings being wasted too.

If you have leftover pieces of bread already fried, a great dessert option is to drizzle with honey and add either sprinkled powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. My children look forward to their honey bread more than their Navajo taco version in most cases! With the no-rise dough recipe, it is also an easy way to fry half of your dough for dinner and then leave the remaining dough for dessert. After dinner has been completed, fry up the remaining dough for warm bread with honey and sugar topping.

We missed our fry bread in this week's meal rotation but may have to make some soon to compensate as typing up our tips and how-to has made me hungry for it myself! :) I hope someone finds this information helpful. I'd love to hear how your recipe turns out when you try your own at-home fry bread! Please share your results. :)

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/18 - 03/24/09

This week, Albertson's has a great deal on a few items that are regulars on your shopping list. Gallons of Albertson's milk are 2 for $3 (limit 2) and Oroweat bread is $1.88 per package in great, healthy varieties. Jimmy Dean bacon is also on sale for buy one package at $4.49, get two free (with in ad coupon) - 3 packages of bacon for $4.49. I wouldn't recommend bacon every day, but it, at this price, it would make a nice addition to a weekend breakfast, for sure!

Here are some meal ideas based on some of the cuts of meat on sale this week at Albertson's!

Meal #1 - London Broil (roast style) with green salad and steamed carrots

Items on sale for this meal:

Boneless London Broil - $1.88 per pound

Fresh Express salad blends - buy one get one free (with in ad coupon on back page) - 2/$2.99

Meal #2 - London Broil (steak style) with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli

Items on sale for this meal:
Boneless London Broil - $1.88 per pound

Bunch Broccoli - 77 cents per pound

Meal #3 - Shake n Bake pork chops with baked potatoes and cooked greens

Items on sale for this meal:
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops - $1.99 per pound

Fresh greens (collard, mustard, turnip or kale) - 88 cents per pound

Jimmy Dean bacon - buy one, get two free - 3/$4.49 (with in ad coupon)

use this as part of the above greens recipe

While at Albertson's, you may also want to pick up a 4 pound box of fresh strawberries for only $4.77. The boxes at my local store looked and taste wonderful!!! It would be a great snack, breakfast item, or start of strawberry shortcake for dessert. You may even be brave enough to try some homemade jam to preserve the sweetness a bit longer.

Have a wonderful week and please be sure to check back next week for more meal ideas based on our current store ads.

Fry's Bargain Meals of the Week - sales cycle 03/18 - 03/24/09

Please be sure to check the Fry's ad this week for great sale items as part of their Buy 10 items, Save $5 promo!

Check out $5Dinners for more great ideas for cooking dinner based upon what is on sale at your favorite grocer this week!


Meal #1 - Baked ziti with meat sauce and garlic bread

Items on sale for this meal:

(all items part of Buy 10, Save $5 promo)

Creamette or American Beauty pasta - 16 ounce package - 75 cents

Classico Pasta Sauce - 10-24 ounce jar - $1.50

Pepperidge Farm garlic bread or Texas Toast (in freezer section) - $1.50

Kroger shredded mozzarella cheese - 50% off this week

OR Sargento shredded cheese - $1.50

Super Lean ground beef (93% lean) - $1.88 per pound (sold in 2 lb. chub, limit 4)

Meal #2 - Pork Roast with your choice of roasting vegetables

Items on sale for this menu:

Boneless half pork loin or Boneless pork sirloin roast - $1.99 per pound

(Ask butcher to cut into two smaller sized roasts. Use one for this meal and the remainder for meal #3 - two meals from one roast!)

Meal #3 - Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches (Pressure Cooker Recipe) with your favorite sides

(consider fresh vegetables, green salad, chips or deli sides for an easy meal)

Items on sale for this menu:
Boneless half pork loin or Boneless pork sirloin roast - $1.99 per pound

(Ask butcher to cut into two smaller sized roasts. Use one for this meal and the remainder for meal #2 - two meals from one roast!)

Thanks for stopping by to see this week's bargain meals. Please remember to come by again next week to see what's cooking with the new sales cycle!