The Grocery Store Challenge Main Thread

[HeatherFeather]

The concept is simple:
Each week you choose a way that works for your needs that you feel will help you save money on your grocery bill. Everyone can have a different challenge, or you are welcome to do the same challenge as anyone else. The challenge topic is entirely up to you, as we all have different needs and budgets.

Some challenge ideas could be:

1) Setting a specific amount to spend on groceries that week that is lower than your usual budget
2) Coming up with new ways to organize your menu, time, budget, kitchen storage, diet, etc that will help you reduce your weekly food expenses
3) Tackling a task that you have been putting off that has been costing you money while waiting (such as getting your fridge coils cleaned, renewing a discount club membership, replacing or repairing broken gadgets/appliances/storage items in your kitchen)
4) Using coupons or setting couponing goals like organizing your coupons, getting a newspaper subscription for coupons, or saving X amount that week using coupons
5) Focusing on using up a specific item type before buying more (such as eating all the meat out of your freezer, or using up all the canned goods expiring in the next 2 months before buying more, etc)
6) Planning an OAMC or OAWC cooking session (where you cook a bunch of meals in advance and store them for the month/week)
7) anything at all that you feel will save you money on food during the week or in the long run

We will normally post challenge topics each Saturday. Come back and post how things went at any time throughout the week, and let us know how things turned out at the end of the week. You are not obligated at all to participate every week (although it would be great if you did) - feel free to skip weeks when you want to or need to.

[Kchurchill5]

December 10-16th. LEFTOVER or freezer items.

I have many catered parties so, I have to be ultra organized. That doesn't include my regular job, plus the ladies I cook for, so busy is an understatement.

I don't mind cooking dinner, but I am really trying to buy a few fresh items and use freezer stash or pantry items.

Last week I used, ground beef for tacos, although I had to buy cheese, sour cream and lettuce, but then I used the leftover beans and meat from the freezer for 2 other dishes. I light salad one day; and then a burrito last night. It fed 2 of us the first night and 2 other meals.

I made soup, so I have lunch 3-4 days. And CHEAP

I also am making chicken Monday, so I will grill extra for the freezer, and I also will grill 4 sausage links (a spicy roasted red pepper turkey link) that I can enjoy the next night. 2 will be for dinner; 2 will be in the freezer. The pkg I had a 50% coupon.
So, I try to think ahead and make ahead to save time. Plus I saved money

I'm also going to make a pot of ham and bean soup up next week with a ham bone in the freezer. Great way to use up the ham and it will give me lunch or dinner for a few nights.

Also picked up another pkg of chicken, dirt cheap. I will cook; make broth; have for dinner one night; also shred and bag up and freeze.

I got my 3.99 lb extra large shrimp. I got 5 lbs, You can't beat that. I also picked up my salmon last week. 3.99 lb fresh atlantic salmon. I got 5 lbs. Cut and froze the salmon wrapped individually in parchment and put in a large baggie. I have enough for a couple of months and so cheap.

Then, one of my stores had green beans, buy one bag, get one free. They were very very fresh and crisp. I got 4 bags.
- 2 bags I blanched and froze in separate baggies
- 1 I used for 2 meals
- 1 I used in a casserole, a turkey dish with wild rice and froze in 2 separate 8x8 pans. Ready for one night when I don't want to cook.

So when they go on sale ... take advantage of that. It only took about 30 minutes to put them up and I have them ready to thaw, steam and serve.

My friend gave me about 5 lbs of tomatoes, maybe more. But I got the de-hydrator out and just added my tomatoes. Cut in half, added them and tomorrow, I will have wonderful sundried tomatoes. If you don't grow your own or have a best friend - the Farmers Markets or local market is great. Just watch for sales.
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But this week and the next 2 is all about using the freezer. Grilling a lot because it is quick and easy and less clean up. Lots of soups. Lots of easy dishes and leftovers.

I do check online for sales on the 3 stores. I don't clip coupons, but I will grab the sales flyer if I go to that store if I know I need a few items.
Household items are usually what I find coupons for - most other items I don't always find coupons for.
However, albertson's when they run their big sales; they offer bogos for ribs, tenderloin, roast, shredded cheese, hot dogs, bakery breads, bacon, sausage; and 10 for 10 canned items and boxed (like beans, broth, soups, tomatoes, pasta, rice) and that is usually worth it.

And ... stay away from fast food, delivery food and prepackaged meals. They are expensive, usually take just as long to make, pick up, or wait for delivery. Don't procrastinate or make excuses, plan ahead.
A simple bowl of soup and grilled cheese is healthy, cheap and easy.

So that is my plan for the next 3 weeks until Christmas, and basically through the New Year.

[HeatherFeather]

I am always so inspired by your planning and pre-prepping. I always feel very staisfied when I do a huge prep day and get a lot of food prechopped, bagged for the freezer, or cooked for the week. I don't always get quite as much as you do - you are the master of advance prep!

I really need to make some of your soup recipes - so many great ideas.