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

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

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

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


Recipe Tips:

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



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

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



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

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



Meal #3 – Meatloaf with baked potatoes and steamed vegetables

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



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

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

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

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

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



Meal #1 – Grilled chicken with chips and green salad

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

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



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

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

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



Meal #3 – Your favorite chicken casserole!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday - kid favorite - tater tot casserole with steamed vegetables

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

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

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

Do you enjoy chicken???

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

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

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

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

Crock Pot - Usable Chicken

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

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

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

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

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken in a Haystack

Golden Chicken Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Bake

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

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

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


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

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



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



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


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

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

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


Meal #1 – Easy crock pot beef stew

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

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


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

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


Meal #3 – Shrimp Pasta Pomodoro with green salad

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


Meal #1 – Meatloaf with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes

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



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

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

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

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



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

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



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

Pork Chops with Scalloped Potatoes



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



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

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

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

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


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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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


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

Popsicles - $1 per box (12 count)

Cool Classics Ice cream sandwiches - $1 per box

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



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

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

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


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

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

Kroger mini carrots - 1 lb. bag - $1

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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



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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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



Meal #2 – Crock pot beef roast with vegetables

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

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



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

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

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



Dessert Idea – strawberry shortcake

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


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

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

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

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


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



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



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


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

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

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

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

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

Meal #1 – Chicken and Stuffing with steamed vegetables

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

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

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

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

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

Swai fillet - $3.99 per pound

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

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

Meal #2 - Beef Roast with carrots and potatoes

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

Items to buy on sale for this meal:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Items on sale for this meal:

Boneless London Broil - $1.88 per pound

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

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

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

Bunch Broccoli - 77 cents per pound

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

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

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

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

use this as part of the above greens recipe

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!