One Thrifty Mamma

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - 05/29/10

2010-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week, I am looking forward to our shopping day so I can grab some great deals at Albertson’s. I plan to stock up on a few packages of their USDA Choice Beef Petite Sirloin Steaks. These steaks grill up beautifully!!! They are priced at $6.99 per pound - however, if you use the in-ad coupon, you can buy one package and get TWO free. That works our to only $2.33 per pound for yummy boneless sirloin steaks! I will happily stop in a few times during the sales cycle to add a few packages of beef to our freezer. This will make summer grilling easier in coming weeks!

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!

Grilled sirloin steaks with grilled corn on the cob and watermelon

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

USDA Choice Beef petite sirloin steaks - $2.33 per pound

(when you purchase three packages using in ad coupon for buy one, get TWO free)

Fresh corn on the cob - 6 for $1 (limit 12)

32 oz. bowl cut watermelon – $2.99

Leftover Makeover – slice up any leftover steak into strips and use as the base for beef fajitas (saute meat strips with a few bell peppers and sliced onions and serve on your favorite tortillas)

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

Freezer Cooking - 5/28/10

2010-05-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus in many ways, I am jumping back into the real world. :) We've had a lot of changes in our family since my last post - job changes, role changes within our family, a new baby and more!

One of the things that I like to do to help keep a grip on things when they all seem to be changing, is find ways to simplify the constants in our life. One thing is always certain - we will be eating every day, every few hours. So, why not make it easier?

This weekend, my goal is to get some Freezer Cooking completed. I often will double some of our favorite recipes to stash in the freezer. And, I always take advantage of a good sale to stock our freezer with meats and veggies at the best prices.

I've become a recent fan of Life As Mom and Money Saving Mom and love to follow their monthly freezer cooking blogging adventures! They are preparing for June Freezer Cooking!

My goal is simple - add a few items to our freezer to simplify our day to day. Accomplishing an entire month of freezer cooking is not practical in our home right now. However, I can take a few extra minutes over our weekend at home to stash a few things in our freezer each weekend to make the daily rush easier during the week.

This weekend, my goal is to make and freeze:

Good Morning Blueberry Cake
Whole Wheat Cranberry Apple Muffins
Frozen Hashbrowns (I'm going to bake my potatoes using this method)
The Best Lasagna Ever
And, I have a few sweet potatoes that need to be used so I'm considering these delicious potatoes both for now and the freezer (baked in two smaller pans as I'm the only one in my family who enjoys these!)

These items, combined with a batch of Homemade Bread should keep me extremely busy over the weekend. I'm hoping to keep some kind of balance and to get it all done!!! :)

A Quick Apology......

2009-07-10T07:54:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

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???

2009-05-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-05-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

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....

2009-05-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-04-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

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!

Safeway Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/18 - 03/24/09

2009-03-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

This week, Safeway stores in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas are having a buy 10 and save $5 off of your total order promotion. Perusing their ad online showed some terrific bargains if you are willing to take the time to make sure you have increments of 10 in your order.

Meal #1 - spaghetti with meat sauce and tossed green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Hunt's jarred spaghetti sauce - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

Anthony's pasta - 12 to 16 ounces - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

Fresh Express salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

93% lean Ground Beef - $1.99 per pound

Meal #2 - Meatloaf with canned vegetables and your choice of potatoes

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

93% lean Ground Beef - $1.99 per pound

Del Monte canned vegetables - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

Meal #3 - Homemade pepperoni pizzas with green salad

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Hormel pepperoni - $2 (or $1.50 as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

Hunt's jarred spaghetti sauce - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)
Fresh Express salad - $1.25 (or 75 cents as part of buy 10 and save $5 promo)

Be sure to check out other great bargain meals based on this week's sales at $5dinners! And, please be sure to check back next week for my meal suggestions and recipes to match the new week of sales!

Menu Plan Monday - week of 03/16 - 03/22/09

2009-03-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

We are trying to participate again this week in Menu Plan Monday! Having a menu plan makes our dinner times run so much more smoothly that it is quickly becoming a "must have" item in our household. Here's what is in the works for our meals this week.....

Check out more great Menu Plans for the week to get fresh ideas for your own weekly dinners!

Monday - homemade chicken strips with french fries and fresh veggies - I may even try to slip in some funnel cakes for dessert (such a 'filling' meal but one we only have a few times a year)

Tuesday - something GREEN for Saint Patrick's Day. So far, we have on the menu steamed green beans and some great red potatoes - we're still going to have to look in the freezer for our main course. I may go with meatloaf as it just sounds like a yummy compliment to the sides I've already picked out! We may even try some making some Irish soda bread with the kids. :)

Wednesday - easy chicken pot pie and extra veggies on the side (Recipe added 03/20/09 - it is a nice and easy homemade version of a great comfort food - and a terrific way to use up leftover chicken, which we had on the grill over the weekend and need to finish!)

Thursday - Crock Pot Day - chili with either corn bread or bread bowls and a tossed green salad (I always make a big pot using my dry beans to ensure leftovers - these will appear again on Saturday!)

Friday - pork chops and scalloped potatoes because we didn't get to have them last week!

Saturday - Navajo tacos AKA Indian Fry Bread - so yummy and our favorite way to use up leftover chili!

Sunday - LEFTOVERS to clean up the fridge

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/09 - 03/17/09

2009-03-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this week's Safeway ad for some great deals on items for your Saint Patrick's Day feast!

Meal #1 -St. Patrick's Day Meal!!!!
Corned Beef and cabbage

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Corned Beef Brisket (point cut) - $1.29 per pound
Fresh green cabbage - 25 cents per pound

Meal #2 - Beef Roast / Steak with red potatoes and steamed broccoli

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Rancher's Reserve Boneless Cross Rib Steak - $1.99 per pound
Red potatoes - 5 pounds - $2.99

Organic broccoli - $1.29 per pound

Please be sure to check back next week for more dinner ideas using our local grocer's sales! And, for other bargain meal ideas, check out the Bargain Meal of the Week section of $5dinners every week.

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales ad for 03/11 - 03/17/09

2009-03-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

This week, Fry's is featuring a great Buy 10 and Save $5 Promotion. Check out your ad to see the wonderful deals that can be worked with this deal. And, remember - you can mix and match your groups of ten items to get great savings! Just be sure you have a total of 10, 20 or 30 items when you check out to save the most!

Some items in the below menus use items that are on sale as part of this Promotion. These items are marked with a double asterisks - **. Please keep in mind that to get that low price, you must combine the purchase of those items with others to make sure you have an increment of ten items for your purchase. Otherwise, the price of each individual item will be 50 cents higher than indicated below.

Meal #1 -St. Patrick's Day Meal!!!!

Corned Beef Brisket with green cabbage and red potatoes

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Corned Beef Brisket (point cut) - $1.27 per pound (limit 2)
Fresh green cabbage - 33 cents per pound

Red Potatoes - 5 pound bag - $2.50

Meal #2 - Grilled chicken breasts with Cole slaw and parsley potatoes

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.67 per pound

Fresh green cabbage - 33 cents per pound
Red Potatoes - 5 pound bag - $2.50

Meal #3 - Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and green salad

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.67 per pound
American Beauty pasta - 16 ounce package - 75 cents (**)
Classico jarred Alfredo sauce - 10-24 oz. jar - $1.50 (**)

Dole Salad Kits - $2.50 (try Caesar or another blend for a change of pace!)

Please be sure to check back next week for more dinner ideas using our local grocer's sales! And, for more great meal ideas, check out the Bargain Meal of the Week section of $5dinners every week.

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/11 - 03/17/09

2009-03-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

This week's Albertson's weekly ad features some great products for only $1 each! Be sure to look over the ad before going or while in-store to maximize your personal savings! These sale prices are posted for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - Roasted whole chicken with vegetables and French bread

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Sanderson Farms whole roasting chicken - $1 per pound
Red potatoes - 99 cents per pound

1 bag of carrots - 2 pounds - 99 cents
French bread - $1 per loaf (look for hot and ready loaves near check out stands!)

Meal #2 - Homemade chicken nuggets with green salad and french fries

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders - $1.67 per pound **

Fresh Express bagged salad mix - $1 for 12 ounce bag

Wishbone salad dressings - $1 for 7-16 ounce bottle

** This is a great price to stock up on boneless skinless chicken breast and tenders! **

Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/04 - 03/10/09

2009-03-06T11:21:00.001-08:00

Here are a few meals featuring some of this week's notable items on sale at Phoenix and Tucson area Safeway stores!

Meal #1 - Shake n Bake style Pork chops with green salad

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops - $1.69 per pound
Fresh Express bagged salad - $1.98 (consider Caesar or other variety for a change of pace)

Meal #2 - Easy Beef Roast with baked potatoes and green salad

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:

Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Round Steak - $1.47 per pound

5 lb. bag Idaho Russet potatoes - 99 cents (on sale Saturday and Sunday ONLY for this price)

Fresh Express bagged salad - $1.98

Meal #3 - Pork chops with Scalloped Potatoes
Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Boneless Pork Sirloin Chops - $1.69 per pound

5 lb. bag Idaho Russet potatoes - 99 cents (on sale Saturday and Sunday ONLY for this price)

Great items to consider picking up if you are at the store Saturday (03/07):

Saturday and Sunday only sale items
4 lb. bag frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts - $1.79 per pound
5 lb. bag Idaho Russet potatoes - 99 cents

Using super coupons in weekly ad, dated 03/04 - 03/10/09):
$1.29 for Nabisco Oreos when you spend $10 on other items (coupon on front page)

97 cents for Classico pasta sauce when you spend $10 on other items (coupon on front page)

$1.99 for bottle of Simply Orange juice when you spend $10 on other items (coupon inside ad, page 5)
Some great buys on cold cereal as part of "save $5 when you buy 5 boxes" promo

Using super coupons from mini-ad published Sunday, 03/01/09:

(ad should be available at Customer Service or at cashier )

FREE 2 liter bottle of 7UP when you spend $10 on other items
99 cents for a box of Raisin Bran or Frosted Mini Wheats when you spend $10 on other items
99 cents for Lucerne butter when you spend $10 on other items

Please be sure to check back next week for more dinner ideas using our local grocer's sales! And, for more great meal ideas, check out the Bargain Meal of the Week section of $5dinners every week.

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle from 03/04 - 03/10/09

2009-03-06T10:55:00.001-08:00

This week's sales ad for Fry's in the Phoenix and Tucson areas features a variety of items great for stocking up your pantry including Quaker oatmeal, canned vegetables and hamburger helper items (a good go-to items if you forget your Menu Plan Monday like I did this week!). The following menus feature some other great items on sale this week!

Meal #1 -Pork tenderloin with baked potatoes and steamed baby carrots

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:

Boneless Half Pork Loin - $1.97 per pound

Organic mini peeled carrots - 16 ounce bag - $1.50

Russet potatoes - 69 cents per pound

Meal #2 - Shake n Bake style Pork chops with green salad

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:
Boneless Half Pork Loin - $1.97 per pound

(ask the butcher and they will slice the pork loin into chops and repackage it for you free of charge)

Dole Salad Kits - $2.50 (the Caesar is very yummy!)

Meal #3 - Easy Beef Roast with your choice of salad or roasted vegetables

Items to purchase on sale this week for this meal:

Boneless Beef Roast - a variety are on sale, all $4.99 per pound PLUS buy one get one free (so $2.49 per pound when you buy two) - select the roast that looks best to your personal tastes

Dole Salad Kits - $2.50

Organic mini peeled carrots - 16 ounce bag - $1.50
Russet potatoes - 69 cents per pound

Please be sure to check back next week for more dinner ideas using our local grocer's sales! And, for more great meal ideas, check out the Bargain Meal of the Week section of $5dinners every week.

Albertson's items on sale in Friday's paper (03/06/09)

2009-03-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, you may have noticed that today's Arizona Republic has a full page advertisement for Albertson's! It can be found on page C14 of the Arizona Republic. Some of the highlights include...

Half gallons of Albertson's milk - 75 cents (limit 4)
Moran's lean ground beef - 93% lean - $1.99 per pound
Sanderson Farms Split Chicken Breasts, bone-in - 87 cents per pound

Erin at $5dinners has a great how-to piece on what she does with bone-in chicken breasts and how she overcame being a Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Snob! Check it out for great step by step instructions and photos of how to make the most of the 87 cents a pound chicken breasts this week!

Some recipes that could utilize this chicken include....

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (broccoli is also on sale at Albertson's for 69 cents per pound)
Crock Pot Creamy Enchiladas
Chicken in a Haystack

There is also a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $100 or more through 03/10/09. It may be worth your while to buy an Arizona Republic today if you know that you will be spending more than $100 on groceries at Albertson's between now and the 10th. Your 75 cent purchase of the paper would net you a $10 off coupon!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 03/04 - 03/10/09

2009-03-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

This week's Albertson's weekly ad features some terrific 10 for $10 items. Take a peek at your ad to see if there are any items that you'd like to add to your pantry stock for future weeks. These sale prices are posted for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - Grilled sirloin steaks with steamed vegetables (consider asparagus, broccoli or baby carrots) and baked russet potatoes

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Petite Sirloin Steaks - $6.99 per pound - buy 1 lb., get 2 lbs. free (which breaks down to only $2.33 per pound!)*

Asparagus - 97 cents per pound

Broccoli bunches - 69 cents per pound

Baby carrots - 16 ounce package - $1

Russet baking potatoes - $1 per pound

* The secret to maximizing the buy one, get two free value is to find three packages as close to the same weight as possible. You will pay the tag price on the highest item and the other two will ring up as free at checkout. Also, there is no limit on the amount you can purchase at this price so you may want to put an extra package or two in your freezer if you have space.

Meal #2 - Pasta with green salad and bread

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
American Beauty pasta - 16 ounce package - $1

Hunt's spaghetti sauce - 26-26.5 ounce can - $1

green leaf or romaine lettuce - $1

Hot house tomatoes - 97 cents per pound

You can add sausage to your sauce for $1 (Farmland ground sausage - 16 ounce roll - found in freezer section next to frozen ground beef patties)

You may also want to pick up a baguette from the bakery for $1 - make it into garlic bread or serve sliced with butter!

Meal #3 - an easy hot Breakfast (or Breakfast for Dinner) option

sausage, eggs and toast with milk

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Farmland ground sausage - 16 ounce roll (found in freezer section next to frozen ground beef patties) - $1

Albertson's large grade AA eggs - 1 dozen - $1

Albertson's sandwich bread - 24 ounce - $1

Albertson's half gallons of milk - $1

Meal #4 - an easy Lunch option

sandwiches with baby carrots

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal
Albertson's sandwich bread - 24 ounce - $1
Starkist tuna pouch - 2.6 ounce - $1

Baby carrots - 16 ounce package - $1

Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer for 02/25 - 03/03/09

2009-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

This week, stop by $5dinners for great meal ideas for all of your favorite grocery stores. There are great menu suggestions on how to stretch your grocery budget and feed your family well all at the same time!

At Phoenix area Albertson's this week, the only sale item that really caught my eye was their boneless skinless chicken breast for $1.67 per pound. This is a terrific price for boneless skinless chicken breasts - definitely a stock up price if you have freezer space!

Albertson's is my favorite store for boneless skinless chicken breast as their chicken breasts are butterfly cuts. Basically, each chicken breast looks like a large heart. It is a great piece of chicken to put on the barbeque grill - so yummy and flavorful!

A few suggestions for using this week's sale chicken....

Menu #1 - chicken breast on the grill with grilled or fresh vegetables

Menu #2 - chicken stir fry over rice

(grab a bag or two of stir fry frozen vegetables which are also on sale this week - $1.50 per bag)

Menu #3 - chicken and broccoli casserole

(you can actually make the grilled chicken for meal one and use any leftover pieces of chicken for this yummy casserole a second night!)

Thanks for checking in with my bargain meals of the week! Please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas to simplify your meal planning for the week and maximize your grocery dollars!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle running 02/25 - 03/03/09

2009-02-25T23:04:00.001-08:00

This week, Safeway has a good sale price of $1.88 per pound for Boneless Beef London Broil. Below are a few great options on how to stretch your grocery dollars by making your family a delicious meal with this sale cut of beef!

Menu #1 - Crock pot roast with vegetables

Menu #2 - Grilled London Broil with a great dry rub marinade - consider grilling some vegetables to accompany the meat or add a tossed green salad

Menu #3 - Baked London Broil roast with gravy - serve over noodles, with mashed or baked potatoes or a green salad for a complete meal

If you have other shopping to do while at Safeway, be sure to grab a weekly sales circular from Customer Service or a cashier. There are Super Coupons on the front page for a free 2 liter bottle of Pepsi with a $10 minimum purchase. With that same $10 purchase, you can also buy a package of butter for 99 cents and a box of either Raisin Bran or Frosted Mini Wheats for 99 cents! If that wasn't a great enough deal, there is also a $10 off when you purchase $50 in groceries coupon that is valid 2/25 - 2/28/09!

Thanks for stopping by! For more great bargain meals using this week's sales circulars, check out $5dinners! And, be sure to visit again next week for more budget ideas!

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer for 02/25 - 03/03/09

2009-02-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

There are some great $1 deals this week so please make sure to check out your Fry's store ad before running to the store this week!

A few yummy snack or dessert items you may want to pick up for $1 each include....

Popsicle ice pops (12 count)
Kroger brand fruit snacks (16 ounce)
Nabisco Snak Saks (5.5 - 8 ounce)
Oscar Mayer mini lunchables (3.66 - 4.5 ounce)
Armor lunch makers (2.6 - 3.5 ounce)
Dole canned (15 - 20 ounce) or Del Monte Gold fresh pineapple (Limit 4 fresh)
Fresh mangoes

Here are a few quick meal ideas for this week based upon the current sales!

Menu #1 - Fish and Chips and Relish Tray

Items to buy on sale for this menu:

Tilapia Fillets - $2.99 lb. (flash frozen)

McCormick breading or batter - $1 package

McCormick tartar sauce - $1

Bell peppers - $1 each

English cucumbers - $1 each

Cauliflower and broccoli - $1 per pound

Menu #2 - Homemade chili and green salad

Items to buy on sale for this menu:

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast - $1.97 per pound - ask butcher to grind into ground chuck for you (can purchase two packages at this price)

Hunt's tomatoes, 12-15 ounce - $1

bell pepper - $1 each

Dole premium classic salads, 10-12 ounce - $1

Roma tomatoes - $1 per lb.

English cucumbers - $1 each

You may also want to purchase some of these items as sides to your chili - all on sale for $1 this week!

Kroger saltine crackers (15 - 16 ounce)
Kroger shredded cheese (8 ounce)
Pillsbury Golden Layers biscuits (10.2 - 12 ounce)
Kroger sour cream (16 ounce)

Thanks for stopping by! For more great bargain meal ideas with this week's sales, check out $5Dinners and please check back for more great bargain meals next week!

Albertson's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales cycle 2/18 - 2/25/09

2009-02-19T22:32:00.000-08:00

Here are a few menus that popped into mind while I was reviewing the Albertson's weekly ad for the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas this week.

Meal #1 - sweet and sour pork served over rice

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Pork Loin Roast - sold whole in bag (but butcher will cut and re-wrap for you free) - $1.88 per pound *

(for this particular recipe, ask butcher to cut at least a portion of the roast into chops - you can then cube the steaks more easily for the sweet and sour recipe)

large red or yellow bell pepper - $1.50 each

Meal #2 - beef roast with steamed broccoli

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Beef Bottom Round Roast - $1.88 per pound

Fresh Broccoli - 77 cents per pound

Meal #3 - an easy Breakfast (or Breakfast for Dinner) option - breakfast sandwiches and fruit

Items to Purchase on Sale this week for this Meal

Grands Biscuits - $1 (final price as part of a buy 10, save $5 promo)

Albertson's brand 18 count eggs - $1.50

Tyson bacon - 16 ounce package - $3.50

Seedless red grapes - 77 cents per pound

* consider buying an extra pork loin and adding it to your freezer for future meals if you have a bit of freezer space

Recipes have now been added. Click on the title of each suggested item to see the full recipe on our sister blog, One Thrifty Mamma Recipes!

And, please be sure to check back next week for more great meal ideas. Other menu suggestions based upon this week's sales can be found at $5 Dinners!

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer 2/18 - 2/25/09

2009-02-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the slight delay in posting my suggestions for menus this week based upon this week's sales flyers. Recipes to accompany some of the below menu suggestions will post later this week for your convenience.

I feel very fortunate to be involved with $5 Dinners' new feature, Bargain Meal of the Week. Each week, I will be posting a meal that you can make based upon the items on sale at Phoenix and Tucson area Fry's grocery stores. Meal ideas appear below as well as a list of items on sale that work within each meal.

Meal #1 - chicken in a haystack with green salad

Items to purchase on sale for this menu

Foster Farms Boneless skinless chicken breast - $1.67 per pound *

Dole Salad Blends or Kit, 5-13 oz. bag - $2.50

Meal #2 - pork chops and scalloped potatoes

Items to purchase on sale for this menu

Center Cut Pork Loin Chops - $1.77 per pound

Meal #3 - beef roast with roasted carrots and potatoes
(a bit of a repeat from last week, but the roast is a great price again this cycle)

Items to purchase on sale for this menu

Boneless Beef Bottom Roast - buy one get one free - $4.99 per pound

(the secret that makes this a great price is to try and get two packages as close to the same weight as possible!)

* - This is a definite STOCK UP price on Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast! Consider buying extra (limit 4 packages) to keep in your freezer for future meals

Recipes have now been added - click on the title of each suggested item to link to the full recipe on our sister blog, One Thrifty Mamma Recipes!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to tune back in each week for meal updates!

Safeway Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer 2/18 - 2/25/09

2009-02-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the slight delay in posting this week's menu suggestions. I will post accompanying recipes to go with these menu suggestions within the next few days and will link them to the menu suggestions then! :)

I feel very fortunate to be involved with $5 Dinners' new feature, Bargain Meal of the Week. Each week, I will be posting a meal that you can make based upon the items at Safeway's grocery stores in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Meal ideas appear below as well as a list of items on sale that work within each meal.

Meal #1 - crock pot beef stew and homemade rolls

Items to purchase on sale for this menu
Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Chuck Cross Rib Roast - $1.98 per pound *
Eating Right Bagged Baby Peeled Carrots - 16 ounce package - 99 cents

Meal #2 - roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed carrots

Items to purchase on sale for this menu
Honeysuckle White Bone In Turkey Breast - 99 cents per pound *

Eating Right Bagged Baby Peeled Carrots - 16 ounce package - 99 cents

* - consider buying extra on sale meats to store in your freezer for future meals

(there is a purchase limit of 3 of the turkey breasts, but no limit on the beef roast)

Red seedless grapes are also a great sale item this week for 68 cents per pound. Consider adding them as a snack item to one of your days this week!

Recipes have now been added. To view, click on the suggested food item and you will be taken to our sister site, One Thrifty Mamma Recipes!!

Thanks for stopping by! Please be sure to tune back in for a new meal each week!

Menu Plan Monday - week of 2/16 - 2/23/09

2009-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

One thing that definitely saves our family money (and me some sanity) is planning out our meals. I strive to plan out our weekly dinner plans, taking into consideration the current grocery ad sales as well as our activities for the upcoming week. Here are a few tips I have used in our meal planning....

When I know we will be out of the house for a full day, I try to plan a crock pot dinner. That way, dinner is done when we arrive home and everyone is starving and unable to wait for prep. time.

If we will have an activity one night, I plan something simpler to make sure we are able to eat and be out of the house on time. This helps prevent grumbling about being hungry and curbs the temptation of stopping for unhealthy take-out - or budget-busting grocery store stops for snacks.

I also strive to incorporate leftovers into our meal plans. I do this two ways - first, by leaving a day open for leftovers at the end of the week. If we don't have leftovers, we can easily make something quick and simple that night. Second, we do leftover makeovers! This can be turning leftover turkey into turkey soup or enchiladas, or it could be turning roast beef into BBQ sandwiches or the starter for beef burrito mix!

This week, I am excited to share a post of our weekly menu plan. I will do my best to add recipes for these as we make them for our meals this week. For more great meal plans, check out Organizing Junckie's Menu Plan Monday.

Monday - roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green salad and steamed vegetables

Tuesday - tacos with fresh vegetable tray

(for this meal, I will be using some ground beef that I am purchasing on sale this week - Albertson's has 73% lean on sale in a 5 pound chub for 98 cents per pound. I cook it and then drain the grease and rinse it well with hot water to make it leaner for our family)

Wednesday - roast beef with potatoes and carrots (and gravy!)

(for this dinner, I am using a Rancher's Reserve roast that I purchased at Safeway for $1.77 per pound)

Thursday - attending cub scout potluck dinner (we are bringing some buns for sandwiches)

Friday - turkey enchiladas with rice and green salad

Saturday - family birthday party - meal yet to be determined

Sunday - leftovers to clean up the fridge!

BONUS Bargain Meals of the Week - Albertson's - sales cycle 02/11 - 02/17/09

2009-02-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

Erin over at $5 Dinners was kind enough to allow me to post bargain meals of the week for two of my local grocery stores - Fry's and Safeway. But, we also have a few others stores in our local area. And, as I was making my own personal shopping lists this week, I noticed a few quick and easy meal combinations at another local grocer - Albertson's! This post may not be as thorough as my other two stores, but I felt someone else out there might still appreciate the few quick meals my mind noticed while perusing this ad.

Meal #1 - spaghetti and meatballs or meat sauce, green salad and french bread

Items on sale this week to make this a quick and easy meal:

Moran's ground beef, 73% lean - 98 cents per lb., sold in 5 lb. chub

Albertson's brand or American Beauty assorted pastas - 88 cents

Hunt's spaghetti sauce, 26 ounces - 88 cents

Fresh Express garden salad, 12 ounce size - 88 cents
Hot House tomatoes, $1 per pound

french bread not in ad but usually .99 to $1.49 a loaf

Meal #2 - tacos, quesadillas, salsa and guacamole

Items on sale this week to make this a quick and easy meal:

Moran's ground beef, 73% lean - 98 cents per lb., sold in 5 lb. chub

Fresh Express lettuce shreds, $1 per bag

Hot House tomatoes, $1 per pound

Haas avocados, $1 each

Jalapenos, $1 per pound

If you need a recipe for quesadillas, check out The Pioneer Woman's suggestion for a Make Your Own Quesadilla Party.

And, check out her recipes for Pico de Gallo and Guacamole here.

Or, a Mexican Layer Dip.

Yummmmmm!

Safeway's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer 2/11 - 2/17/09

2009-02-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Meal #1 - beef roast with steamed asparagus and baked potatoes

Items to purchase on sale for this menu
Rancher's Reserve Beef Bottom Roast - $1.77 per pound *
Fresh Asparagus - 98 cents per pound

Meal #2 - crock pot beef stew with rolls

Items to purchase on sale for this menu
Rancher's Reserve Beef Bottom Roast - $1.77 per pound *

Ask at the butcher case and they will chop the roast into stew meat for you free of charge - or grind it into ground beef for your needs as well

* - consider buying extra of the beef bottom roast to store in your freezer for future meals

Recipes:

Meal #1 - beef roast with steamed asparagus and baked potatoes

I have two favorite ways to cook any type of roast.

The first is to use a Reynold's roasting bag and just follow the instructions within the package. You can actually purchase a box of roasting bags and check the instructions while in-store to make sure you have all ingredients on hand to make your meal. The roasting bags make a very moist and delicious roast every time with minimal effort!

My second choice for cooking a roast is to place it in a large crock pot slow cooker with some spices (use your favorites or just pour an envelope of dry onion soup mix on top and add about a 1/2 cup of water). I set the dial to low and let it cook ALL DAY on low. It makes my home smell wonderful and is another great, easy way to make dinner. I will even go so far as to use the meat drippings from the crock pot to make gravy on a good day! :)

You can actually bake your potatoes with your roast in the crock pot too! Just wash them well and pat dry. Wrap each in it's own piece of aluminum foil and place in bottom of crock pot. Place roast on top and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5-7 hours. A great step by step recipe for stacking this meal in the crock pot can be found on Stephanie O'dea's wonderful crock pot website here.

Meal #2 - crock pot beef stew

*ask the butcher to cut one package of the Rancher's Reserve beef roast into stew meat for you*

1 ½ to 2 lbs. Cubed stew meat
salt and pepper to taste
1 finely chopped onion
½ finely chopped bell pepper
2 (8 oz. Size) cans tomato sauce
5-6 large carrots, sliced
5-6 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 cups boiling water
1 (15 oz.) can green beans

Sprinkle stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Layer ingredients in crock pot in order listed (meat, pepper, onion, tomato sauce, carrots and potatoes). Add boiling water. Stir everything to make sure ingredients are mixed well. Some of the meat should come to the surface as you stir well. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. After the crockpot is turned off, add green beans before serving.

Thanks for stopping by! Please be sure to tune back in for a new meal each week!

Fry's Bargain Meal of the Week - sales flyer 2/11 - 2/17/09

2009-02-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

Meal #1 - meatloaf, steamed asparagus and scalloped potatoes

Items to purchase on sale for this menu

Super Lean Ground Beef - $1.88 per pound (sold in 2 lb. chub) *

Fresh Asparagus - 97 cents per pound

Meal #2 - roast with carrots and potatoes and green salad

Items to purchase on sale for this menu

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast - $1.97 per pound *

Kroger Mini Peeled Carrots - $1.25 for 1 lb. bag

Romaine, Red Leaf or Green Leaf Lettuce - $1 (for green salad) OR

Dole Salad Blends or Kit, 5-13 oz. bag - $2.50

* - consider buying extra of the ground beef (limit 4 packages) or boneless chuck roast (limit 2 packages) to keep in your freezer for future meals

Recipes:

Meal #1 - meatloaf, steamed asparagus and scalloped potatoes

Make Ahead Meatloaf

4 eggs

2 cups dry bread crumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 Tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon pepper

4 pounds lean ground beef

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add next five ingredients. Mix well. Add ground beef and mix again. Shape into two meatloaves (shape similar to a football, but flat on one side). Place side by side in a 9 by 13 pan. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Depending upon your family size, you can use both meatloaves in one sitting and use any leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches. Or, if you have a smaller family size, use one meatloaf for dinner and freeze the second for a future meal!

Scallopped Potatoes

Use your favorite homemade or boxed recipe. Or, try this great recipe from recipezaar.com

Meal #2 - roast with carrots and potatoes and green salad

Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

I have two favorite ways to cook roast with vegetables.

My second choice for cooking a roast is to layer all the ingredients - vegetables first (one onion, cut into chunks, a bag of baby carrots and a few potatoes, cut into chunks), then meat on top - in my large crock pot slow cooker. I set the dial to low and let it cook ALL DAY on low. It makes my home smell wonderful and is another great, easy way to make dinner. I will even go so far as to use the meat drippings from the crock pot to make gravy on a good day! :)

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to tune back in each week for meal updates!

Welcome!

2009-02-10T18:24:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to have this brand new blog, to share some of the things that work in our home to help us spread our dollar - and teach important lessons on frugality and thrift! In the coming weeks and months, I hope to make this blog a place where I can share with others menu plans, recipes, tips on being frugal at various grocers and other thrifty tips. Thanks for stopping by -and please come again and share your own thrifty ideas!