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Saturday, April 25, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Friday, April 17, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

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


Bargain Meal of the 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 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!


Bargain Meal of the 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)

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!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

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!


Saturday, April 4, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Friday, April 3, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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

Bargain Meal of the Week

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.)
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!