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!