WIS, WWA | A sandwich-full week!
What I Spent
- $8 at Giant
- $22 at Aldi
- $32.50 at Lid
- $4 at BJs
- $36 at Chick-Fil-A
So, $103 all told.
June Grocery Spending
Week 2: $103
What We Ate
Saturday
The girls fended for themselves (I remember that some of them had ravioli), and Mr. FG and I had a date night to the taco truck.
Taco truck = always an under-budget date night!
Which handily makes up for the weeks when we opt for seafood.
Sunday
Sonia volunteered to make dinner; BLTs, fruit, and Shirley Temples.
She really likes to make mocktails, which is handy because while I am not underage, I just usually don't like cocktails that much.
Mocktails for me all the way!
Monday
Another sandwich night.
I made this brineraded chicken, which we ate on toasted ciabatta rolls with this basil/pepper mayo and lettuce.
If you like basil and roasted peppers, you really should blend up a batch of this mayo. It's so good on sandwiches and I like to use it as a veggie dip as well.
And if you thin it a bit, it makes a great salad dressing.
Tuesday
I made a pasta salad, using the leftover brined chicken, Italian dressing, pasta, and sliced cucumbers.
Since Sonia is allergic to so many raw veggies, it's tough to make salads. But I am thankful that at least she can eat raw cucumbers.
On the side, we had watermelon and some toasted marked-down croissants.
Wednesday
I feel slightly sheepish about telling you that....we had sandwiches again! This time I made grilled sandwiches with chipotle mayo, ham, turkey breast, and cheese (except no cheese on Sonia's sandwich).
Chipotle mayo is one of my favorite things to add to sandwiches. I just add some of my blended chipotle chilies into a small bowl of mayo; super easy!
We had more watermelon, plus some chips with our sandwiches.
Thursday
Zoe did a drop-in class at a new dance studio she is considering joining, and the class was from 6:00-7:00.
This was pretty inconvenient dinner timing and since I hadn't spent much on groceries this week, I opted to use some of my budget to pick up Chick-Fil-A on our way home from the class.
Friday
Book club is tomorrow, so Mr. FG and I will do our date night tonight instead, and the girls will fend for themselves.
What did you have for dinner this week?
(Let me guess: you didn't have as many sandwiches as we did!)
I'm a few hours north of you and it was HOT here with HIGH humidity, like tropical level humidity, so not heating up the kitchen was smart!!
My goodness, it was terrible, wasn't it? So, so humid.
Sunday: Grilled chicken ( 21 salute from trader joe's seasoning and olive oil, s and P), steamed broccoli and carrots and grapes
Monday: At home salad bar diced chicken and salad fixings laid out and you could choose your own toppings Fun Fun and brownies
Tuesday: Chicken salad sandwiches with fresh herbs and chips n salsa
Wednesday: Greek chicken burgers ( from Aldi freezer section...summer only LOVE!), red onion and pickles, Greek Quinoa salad , Baked BBQ chips
Thursday: Cajun sausage, pepper and onion grill packs with aluminum foil, guacamole and blue corn chips
Friday: out for dinner to celebrate the LAST DAY OF THIS CRAZY SCHOOL YEAR We are going to a GREEK diner. YUMMY
Due to lots of sunshine, my herb garden has gone bonkers. I am using chopped fresh herbs in every meal in every place that I can!
Allergic to raw veggies? What a bummer!
Yep. It's related to her pollen allergies and it's called Oral Allergy Syndrome. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/oral-allergy-syndrome-foods
My mom is allergic to quite a few raw fruits and veggies but can handle some of them in small quantities if well cooked.
This is interesting. Poor Sonia & everyone who has it! And those who cook for them.
I really admire all of us who provide meals for others, especially with the busy-ness and hot weather. I always enjoyed it, but day after day after week after month, it can be a challenge. Good for us. And think of pioneers and before indoor plumbing, refrigerators, and AC. Wearing long wool skirts and such...
Kristen, your photo at the bottom makes me feel hot today! Whew!
The turtleneck sweater. It's at the top in this other device.
ohhh, in the recommended posts?
Sunday-I grabbed a rotisserie chicken at Sam's club- there were random leftovers and fruit in the fridge.. it was FFYS evening for the kids before they left for work and for the husband and I.. super easy!
Monday- I was meeting a group of friends at ones house so I made a quick taco dip and took that.. left the husband and the lone teen at home to FFYS with food in the fridge.
Tuesday- planned to grill a marinated pork loin but Mother Nature thought differently. So I roasted it in the oven and used my pressure cooker to steam the bowl of mini red/yellow potatoes.. serve with fruit.
Wednesday- Taco night! Served with rice and seasoned black beans!
Thursday- I had my oldest grill the marinated chicken while I pulled out the salad fixings and the rest of the fresh cut fruit. Made a large bag of noodle alfredo mix and steamed frozen corn... 4 of us ate supper( 1 teen at work) and my oldest packed leftovers for his lunch today!
Friday- weather looks better so I am planning to grill burgers I have in the freezer... already pulled buns out to defrost. I know I have fries in the freezer.. will see what else I can serve for sides and them pack a lunch for the kid to take to work tomorrow!
Saturday-TBD only 1 kid will be here for supper... maybe I will cook the meatballs I made last weekend...
Are Sonia's mocktails part of her love of all things retro? I don't know much about mixed drinks but I'm pretty sure that Shirley Temples have been around for a long time.
After a hugely busy weekend, I've been hitting the easy button. Also, it's been a weirdly hot/humid week for this early in the season up here in Michigan, which always makes me feel meh about cooking. Monday night was baked potato bar (cook the potatoes in the crockpot and top with whatever I have sitting around). Tuesday was sweet and sour chicken in the crockpot because, hot weather. Wednesday I made Huevos Rancheros. Thursday hubby made pork stir fry. I am totally uninspired for dinner tonight so who knows what I'll come up with?
Ha, yes! She will probably have a bar cart in her house and just have it stocked with non-alcoholic items. For the aesthetic.
Saturday-chicken fajitas and pineapple
Sunday-veggies, roll, watermelon
Monday-leftover fajitas, apple
Tuesday-veggies again, watermelon
Wednesday-pizza
Thursday-stuffed pepper casserole, green beans, carrots, pineapple
Friday-planning to make egg, toasted skinny bagel, bacon, pineapple
Okay, how did you get out of BJ's for $4?
Well. I left my shopping/menu notebook at the house, so I'll do the best I can on here. My husband has to be on a low residue diet most of this week for a minor procedure in the hospital next week, so we didn't eat normally.
We had braised loin chops with broccoli sauteed in the pan after I took out the chops. With that we had honey-rosemary carrots. This was before he had to start low-residue -- broccoli is not allowed on that diet.
I made cassava spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce from our tomatoes for him, and homemade nomato sauce from beets and sweet potatos and stuff, for me.
Hamburgers (bunless for me), French fries from the freezer for him and cut up jicama sticks for me. He can't have pickles or onion right now, so he wasn't too happy with his burger.
Grouper, skillet fried, with "baked" beans (this was just before we went low-residue; beans are not allowed now) and something else.
Leftover fish with leftover fried green tomatoes that his caregiver had made for him (this low-residue diet allows tomatoes -- weird) for him and leftover spaghetti for me, with raw veggies on the side for me.
Tonight, I'm not sure, but Sunday through Monday, he can only have clear liquids, so that part will be easier.
That was a Mr. FG stop. He is very good about sticking to only what he needs; I think it was coffee that he popped in for?
I have never heard of a low-residue diet but I will google it now!
Our AC was out for half the week and it was (and still is) beastly hot so we are eating everything cold:
- Corn basil quiche, twice
- Veggie sandwiches, thrice
- Veggies and dip along with crackers, cheese and olives
- Salads, salads and more salads!
This was a busyish kind of week. I spent $41 at Kroger, $7 at Costco, $53 at the butcher, and $70 on 35 lbs of farm fresh strawberries.
Saturday...This was the day I bought the strawberries and we started making the jam so everyone fended for themselves. Some had cereal, some had peanut butter sandwiches. 28 Pints of jam were processed so we are set for the year ahead.
Sunday...Grilled steaks, creamed spinach from our garden, corn on the cob.
Monday...a fried rice sort of dish with sausage, cabbage, onion, and peppers from the garden, leftover corn on the cob, leftover spinach. Chocolate Cobbler.
Tuesday...beef stroganoff, the last of the leftover corn on the cob, grapes, cherries.
Wednesday...clean out the fridge night & fruit for everyone.
Thursday...homemade chicken strips, mashed potatoes, pinto beans from the garden, cucumbers from the garden, gravy, & biscuits.
Friday...I have no idea but it will most likely be another clean out the fridge night.
Here is to another week of keeping us all fed even if it was a bit of a hodge podge.
You sheepishly say you ate sandwiches all week - but I would happily eat sandwiches every day in the summer to avoid the kitchen heat! Instead we rely a lot on homemade frozen items because my husband will eat lasagna any day.
FTR, I am am amazed by those of you leaving Costco/Sam's Club with a <$10 bill. We went in the other night to pick up light bulbs and came back with two light fixtures, two trash cans, frozen cherries, salt, almonds, and green tea.
Saturday - Indian food at mom's house
Sunday - Falafels, hummus, salad and fatoush
Monday - grilled tilapia tacos, fresh fruit & veggies
Tuesday - Taquitos, fresh fruits and veggies
Wednesday - Buttered noodles, sauteed bok choy, air fryer brussel sprouts and fresh fruit
Thursday - ravioli, grilled cheese, and quinoa burger for me.
Friday - will probably splurge and go out to eat
A taco truck sounds fun! This week we had:
Saturday: The graduation party we went to had a pizza truck! It was delicious.
Sunday: Another graduation party. Taco bar and snow cones.
Monday: I went out to dinner with some other moms from church. I had a queso smothered burrito... YUM. I made spaghetti and broccoli for everyone at home.
Tuesday: We had to eat dinner on the road, so I packed fruit, veggies, cheese, and sandwiches.
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Pork chops, grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, pineapple, and cherries. My 4yo thanked me repeatedly for making such a yummy dinner, which made my heart happy.
Friday: Pizza... but since it's in the 90's here, I'll be making it on the grill.
Days 1-2: I was sick, so family fended for themselves. Not sure what they ate, but they survived. I suspect the meal resembled a bowl of cereal.
3. Salmon Burgers, Buns, couscous and veggies
4. Takis coated chicken, Salad
5. My daughter cooked some burgers and poutine for herself and my husband. I had a large snowball since I was on a liquid diet this day.
6. Leftovers
7. I'm thinking baked potatoes, cheese and broccoli with salad
Please keep Thankful Thursday. Gratefulness is such a great feeling.
We spent only $88 for the weekly shopping, though I think my husband made a run for bagels at mid-week.
For Sunday, I cooked a big dish of pork barbecue, a pan of diced roasted sweet potato and acorn squash, and a pot of Spanish rice. It made great leftovers for my lunches and my husband's suppers. I had extra sharp cheddar and tomato sandwiches for supper.
How terrible that your daughter is allergic to so many things! What a challenging food life she has (and you, as her cook). My husband is allergic only to pears and I still managed to screw that up one time and he ended up with terrible boils all over.
Sat/Sunday: crepes with a chicken/mushroom/cream sauce. Fruit.
Monday/Tuesday: meatloaf from the freezer. Cuke salad. Fruit.
Wednesday: a foil packet dinner with shrimp, slices of corn on the cob, tiny potatoes, butter and garlic and Old Bay for the juice, baked at 350 for 35 minutes. Very yummy. Watermelon
Thursday: pancakes and fruit
Friday: Filet 'O Fish for me and food truck tacos for him. Salad and Snickerdoodles.
Luckily, all of her allergies are fairly mild; they generally just give her an itchy mouth. The dairy issues cause more problems, though.
And yes, it is challenging for me too as the head cook!
We had a wild week, with summer camp, the last week of school for another kiddo, getting ready for a trip (COVID tests) & a really busy work week. Plus, our first "work dinner" in a year and a half. So, we were a bit all over the shop.
We had: grilled burgers, barbecued chicken, ribs, & tacos. Sides included salads, fruit salad, potato salad. Notice a theme? 🙂
One dinner out for the adults, while the teens had chicken & mac & cheese. Such a typical teen meal!
Tonight I'm making shrimp for one diner, and everyone else will have tacos.
We had sandwiches today! Very unusual for our main meal.
Sudden weather change had given me a headache and Craig made the meal:
steamed asparagus with melted butter
Sliced chicken on wholewheat bread sandwiches ( 2nd meal from a Costco grilled chicken
Fresh strawberries and cream
Ice cream bars from Costco
Not very healthy but very pleasant.
I spent $62 this week after a very expensive week last week.
Saturday- rotisserie chicken, Brussels sprout, and rice
Sunday- My eldest treated us to dinner out as a thank you for taking care of his dogs over Memorial Day weekend. It was scrumptious!
Monday- I was home alone.I made chicken shawarma and salad. I ate some leftover rice too.
Tuesday - My sister brought dinner over pork roast, potatoes and cucumber/tomato salad
Wednesday - Still alone at dinner. Leftover shawarma and salad.
Thursday - I made a new recipe - cauliflower gnocchi with spinach and sun dried tomatoes. Sauce was delicious. Gnocchi not so great. I always can taste the bitterness in the cauliflower.
Friday - Sloppy Joe’s, corn on the cob, and raw veggies,
Happy weekend all!
I only spent $15 last week
Aldi: $40. I had to add honey for my yogurt; coconut oil to make
Store 2 $75--bought the limits on the sale meats--shaved steak, sausage--and salmon.
Also bought a few items to replace/add (sale items) to my daughter's pantry.
Last Fri: I was caring for the grandchildren. We had pizza and salad.
Sat: Granddaughter had a soccer game. #1 daughter & family came to game. I stretched the dinner from 4-7 (4 adults and 3 children)--pasta, jar of sauce, 6 sausage cut up, 4 pieces of cheese bread sticks and salad. It worked.
Sun: Pork chops, potatoes and vegetable
Mon: Chicken, broccoli, potatoes
Tues: Leftover meatloaf, beans and baked potato.
Wed: Pork chop, rice, french fries, vegetable.
Thurs: Burgers & beans
Tangentially related: I would love some advice on choosing a good watermelon! I usually have good luck but the last few have been horrible.
I use the thump technique, and I pick a thump that is right in the middle. (I was told it should be similar to thumping your chest - if it sounds like thumping your stomach it is overripe, and it if sounds like your head it is underripe.)
Spent $100 at Aldi and $30 at Kroger.
Monday:Red beans and rice with sausage , corn muffins
Tuesday: mozzarella chicken with mushrooms and spinach, over spaghetti. Fresh green beans on the side.
Wednesday: takeout burgers
Thursday: beef stew and homemade biscuits
Tonight: Mexican! I had beef fajita chalupas with guacamole and pico de Gallo.
Saturday - takeout night, we had pizza
Sunday - smoked a whole chicken and had that with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and baked beans. Used the leftover meat for the rest of the chicken recipes this week!
Monday - lobster pasta with yellow tomatoes and basil
Tuesday - chicken and mushroom quesadillas and cheesy rice
Wednesday - chicken pot pie
Thursday - Mexican chicken and rice salad
Friday - Veggie lasagna stuffed portobello mushrooms, steamed carrots, dinner rolls
I think your sandwich week sounds perfect for a busy summer week - I might purposely add one in to my rotation! This week we ate:
Monday - Indian-spiced Chicken Bowls (with garlicky spinach over rice)
Tuesday - Salmon, fresh green beans, small twice-baked potato
Wednesday - Tomato Basil Gnocci, eggplant cubes, garlic toast
Thursday - Turkey Chili Crockpot, low salt Fritos
Friday - BBQ Garlic Chicken, corn on the cob, a twice-baked
Saturday - TBD, but I have some tilapia thawing
Sunday - TBD as well, but we have a wine club pick-up in Fredericksburg, so maybe we will do a sammie.
I can't remember all of Sonia's allergies, but I can't eat dairy, and really miss cheese. Most vegan cheeses aren't that great, although I've gotten used to them. That said, Chao Cheese slices are INCREDIBLE. I can eat a plain grilled cheese with them and they taste just like the grilled cheeses I used to eat, and my husband, who regularly eats real cheese confirmed that this wasn't just distorted memories. They're really that good! I also love Violife's feta and parmesan. (Just wanted to give you a heads up because I know how much trial and error was involved when I gave it up.)
Ooh, I will have to look for those. Thank you!
@Jen, if you have a grocery outlet near you both of those cheeses shop up there. It makes them way less expensive.