Bargain Meal of the Week is Moving!!!

Last week, I came to the realization that I talk about food way too much on this blog. I mean, come on....the blog is called "ToddlerWorld"! How much do toddlers really eat, if we are being honest? I think my love of "all-things-food" has overtaken my original plan to share parental tips and anecdotes (and the occasional picture of my angelic offspring) with the general public.

Thus, I have started an additional blog, dedicated solely to "all-things-food". :-)
If you enjoy food even a smidgen, I think you will like it. I will be sharing recipes, shopping tips, easy kitchen shortcuts, etc. Head over, check out Woman Shall Not Live by Coffee Alone, and let me know what you wanna see in regards to FOOD.

Oh, and enjoy this week's Bargain Meal of the Week....in its new little home. Make it feel welcome.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Nov.4-10, 2009

Fall is always full of festivals, celebrations, weather changes, and school events. It gets harder and harder to fit in family time, let alone family dinners. During this season, I like to find recipes that I can throw together in a hurry, and know that my kids will agree on them. :-) This recipe qualifies as just that......enjoy!

Frito Chili Casserole and Veggies with Dip
(I left out the onions in this recipe.....my family is not fond. :-)

Hormel Chili with Beans--$0.79 (need 1 1/2 cans)
Fritos--$1.49
Kraft Cheese--$2.49 (use 1 cup)

Mini Peeled Carrots--$0.99 (serve 1/3 of the bag)
Nature Sweet Cherub Tomatoes--2/$6
Wishbone Salad Dressing--$1.49

Est. Cost: $5.43

And don't forget to check out BeCentsable, for your local store's deals!

Bargain Meal of the Week: Oct. 21-27, 2009

My husband is a native of Wisconsin, and up until 2008, had lived his whole life in the Midwest. I am a West Coast girl, always living in the Pacific Northwest or one of its bordering states, until I met and married him in 2001.

This has made for some interesting cultural misunderstandings in our marriage. Not fights, mind you.....we never fight (of course). But we have discovered differences between our two upbringings.

One major area of difference is in regards to food. I grew up in a state where organic "tree huggers", if you will, resided. Thus, the food choices were generally very fresh, very healthy, with lots of Latino influences. My husband grew up in a state heavily influenced by German ways of living. Very traditional, heavy, substantial food is the norm. (This is not a hard and fast rule on either side, mind you. But there are definitely different ways of life and eating in both areas of the country!)

Because of this, we had to blend our two styles of eating and cooking. I think we have done very well in this regard.....but we still have a few points of disagreement.

*I would take baked fish over fried any day.
*I would eat frozen yogurt over frozen custard any day.
*I would make a chicken/spinach/artichoke heart pizza over sausage/pepperoni any day.
*I would take a nice light pasta salad over hot German potato salad ANY day.
*And I would take a nice piece of grilled salmon over a brat (pronounced "brawt") any day.

That last point brings me to my $5 meal for the week........

As I was scanning my King Soopers ad, I spotted the Italian sausages on sale for $1.99/lb. My husband would love me even more if he walked into the house and was greeted by the smell of sausages being cooked for supper. (gag.....) But because I am a loving and kind-hearted wife, I just may hop over to KS and buy him a couple. Maybe.

Baked Italian Sausage with Rosemary Potatoes
(Add a few baby carrots to make it a complete meal!)

Italian Link Sausages--$1.99/lb (need 6 sausages)
Bulk Russet Potatoes--10 lbs/$10 (the recipe calls for 28.25 oz. of potatoes....huh?...It comes out to 1 3/4 lbs. :-)
Ecce Panis Ciabatta Artisan Bread--$1.99 (need 2 slices)
Mini Peeled Carrots--10/$10 (use half the bag)

Est. Cost: $5.65

(I will let you know if I bless my hubby with this hearty dish this week. :-)

Bargain Meal of the Week: Sept. 23-29, 2009

Fall has arrived....time for some serious comfort food. I am planning on making my first pot of potato soup this weekend, along with some yummy butternut squash (check out this week's recipes!).

What is your favorite comfort food?

Meal #1: Easy Italian Chicken and Garlic-Baked Squash
Boneless Chicken Tenders--$1.99/lb. (use 1 1/2 lbs.)
Kraft Salad Dressing (buy Italian)--$1.19

Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti Squash--2 lbs./$1

Est. Cost: $5.20


Meal #2: Sausage, Peppers, and Spaghetti Squash Dish

Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage--$3.99 (I would only use 3/4 pkg....seems like alot of meat to me!)
Red Tomatoes on the Vine--$1.48/lb. (need one cup, diced)
Spaghetti Squash--2 lbs./$1 (need 3 cups)

Est. Cost: $4.50 (before peppers....price will vary from store to store)

Bargain Meal of the Week: Sept.16-22, 2009

In case I have any new readers who are completely confused by these posts each week, I will explain.....
I am part of a blogging "network", brought together by Erin of $5 Dinners. This lady gives fabulous tips on how to make dinners for cheap, and she decided to start a feature called "Bargain Meal of the Week" so that bloggers all over the nation could share local deals with their readers. Thus, why I post "Bargain Meals" each week. It is a fun little way to merge my love for cooking with my love for deals. Make sure you check out Erin's blog--she is a wealth of knowledge!
Please keep in mind that with most of my bargain meal posts, I assume that you have some of the recipe ingredients on hand. (the basics--spices, garlic, sauces, etc.) If you do not, this may add some cost to my estimates.
I hope that if you are a Colorado reader, you are able to use some of my recipes. If so, leave a comment so I know I am being helpful! lol




I will post two meals this week, because I know the first one will not be liked by some of you. :-)
(I, on the other hand, think it sounds DELICIOUS!)

And then the 2nd recipe sounds absolutely disgusting to me, but I am posting it in honor of a few southern friends I have....enjoy?????

Have fun this week, preparing for the coming of fall.....I love this time of year!

Meal #1: Grilled Eggplant with Crumbled Bacon

Red Peppers--10/$10 (need 2)
Eggplant--10/$10 (need 1)
Feta Cheese--$2.99 (use 1/2 cup)
Kroger Sliced Bacon--2/$5 (cook 5 slices and crumble on top of cheese)

Est. Cost: $5.00


Meal #2: Fried Bologna Sandwiches with Coleslaw and Chips

Oscar Mayer Bologna--$1.49
Kraft Cheese--$1.49
King Soopers White Bread--$1.29

Deli Connection Coleslaw--$2.99 (use 1 lb.)
Sun Chips--$2.48

Est. Cost: $5.05

Bargain Meal of the Week: August 26-Sept.1, 2009

Two meal choices this week, depending on the weather...... :-)

Outdoor Meal: Grilled London Broil and Grilled Corn on the Cob

London Broil--$1.99/lb. (need 1 1/2 lbs.)
Organic Sweet Yellow Onions--$0.99/lb. (need 1 onion)

Olathe Sweet Corn--3/$1 (make 6)

Est. Cost: $5.50


Indoor Meal: Beef Stroganoff and Fresh Fruit Plate

80% Lean Ground Beef--$1.88/lb. (need 1 lb.)
Betty Crocker Skillet Helpers--$0.79

Golden Pineapples--10/$10 (use 1)
Jumbo Mangos--$0.99 (use 1)
Organic Red Seedless Grapes--2/$3 (use 1/2 lb.)

Est. Cost: $5.45

Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering for your weekly deals!

Bargain Meal of the Week: August 19-25, 2009

Summertime is when I try to keep my dinners simple. It is not fun to slave over a hot stove, and miss time you could be spending outside! So I always look for quick-fix ideas, that are still hearty and nutritious. This menu qualifies for both of those--I can hardly wait to try it out on my family!

Sausage and Cabbage Pitas with Steamed Veggies
(I am swapping tortillas for pitas....my family eats them better. :-)

Jennie-O Fresh Ground Turkey--50% off (need 1 1/2 lbs.)
Green Cabbage--2/$1 (need one medium head)
King Soopers Natural Sour Cream--$1.14 (use 1/3 cup)
Tortillas--$1.59/12 (use 8)

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers--$1.19

Est. Cost: $5.42

Make sure you sign up at King Soopers (or your local grocery store)

Bargain Meal of the Week: August 12-18, 2009

One for you, one for the kids this week. I made the kid one on Wednesday night, and my kids devoured it! :-)

Parent's Meal--#1: Baked Pork Chops with Wild Rice & Sauteed Zucchini

Mixed Pork Chops--$1.49/lb. (use 4)
Cream of Mushroom Soup--$0.49 (need 1 can)

Rice-A-Roni (wild rice mix)--$10/10 (make 1 box)
Zucchini--$0.99/lb (make 1 lb.)

Est. Cost: $5.50


Kid's Meal--#2: Easy Pasta Primavera and Melon Slices

American Beauty Pasta (Fettucine)--$1.27 (cook whole pkg.)
Ragu Cheesy Alfredo Sauce--$1.55 (heat entire jar on stove)
Zucchini Squash--$0.99/lb. (use 1 lb.)
Organic Tomatoes on the Vine--$1.99 (use 2 tomatoes)

Rocky Ford Cantaloupe--3/$1 (buy 1, cut into slices)

Saute diced zucchini in olive oil. Add diced tomatoes and heat just until soft. Mix sauteed vegetables into heated alfredo sauce. Pour over cooked noodles.

Est. Cost: $5.82

Check the Grocery Gathering for your local weekly deals!

Bargain Meal of the Week: August 5-11, 2009

I love making summer recipes.....using fresh garden ingredients and creating recipes on the grill.
Enjoy this one--the peaches are perfect this week!!!

Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Peach-Ginger Chutney and Tossed Salad

Half Boneless Pork Loin--$1.88/lb. (need 1 lb.)
Yellow Flesh or Palisade Peaches--$0.99/lb. (use 2 peaches)
Fresh Express Garden Salad--$0.99
Organic Grape Tomatoes--$2.99 (use half the pint)

Est. Cost: $5.37

~Remember to stop by BeCentsable, to find the deals at your local grocery store!~

Bargain Meal of the Week: July 29-August 4, 2009

Summer is halfway over--and as it winds down, I always get invited to (or host!) tons of picnics. I like to take dishes that don't have to stay hot, and that are easy to throw together at the last minute. These two recipes are easy to make, and easy to take along to an outside get-together. Enjoy!

Picnic Dish #1: Layered Taco Dip
(I divided this recipe in half....to use for a potluck picnic. If you are making it for an entire family, make the whole thing!)

93% Ground Beef--$1.99/lb. (need 1/2 lb.)
King Soopers or Kroger Sour Cream--10/$10 (need 1/2)
Kroger Cheese--$5.99 (need 1 cup)
Kroger Salsa--$1.69 (use 1/2 jar)
Green Leaf Lettuce--$0.99 each (use 1/2 head)
Kroger Cream Cheese--$1.29 (need 1 pkg.)
Kroger Olives--$0.69 (use one small can)
Kroger Tortilla Chips--$1.00 (need 1 bag)

Est. Cost: $5.80


Picnic Dish #2: BLT Potato Salad

Kroger Value Russet Potatoes--$2.99/10 lb. bag (need 3 lbs.)
Kroger Value Bacon--$1.39 (use 6 strips)
King Soopers or Kroger Sour Cream--10/$10 (need 1/2 cup)
Celery--$0.89 (need one cup)
Romaine Lettuce--$0.99 (use 1 head)
Flavorino Cherry Tomatoes--2/$5 (use 1 pint)

Est. Cost: $5.55

~Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering and King Sooper's home site.~

Bargain Meal: July 8-15, 2009

Either I was not motivated to figure out a recipe this week, or there really were no good deals on food......

I don't know, but when in doubt---always go with a good breakfast. :-)

Ham & Cheese Egg Muffins with Strawberry Smoothies

Thomas English Muffins--$1.77 (use 4)
Large Eggs--$1.29 (cook 8)
Kroger Cheese--$2.99 (use 4 slices)
Bar-S Sliced Ham--$2.99 (use 4 slices)

Strawberries--2/$3
Kroger Frozen Orange Juice--4/$5
Horizon Organic Yogurt--$0.79

Est. Cost: $5.40

Mmmm.....now I need to go to bed, so I can get up and make BREAKFAST!!! :-)

(Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering for your store's deals!)

P.S. Watch for a special contest tomorrow. This is my 300th post, and in honor of that, I will be holding a giveaway for all of my readers. :-) Tune in tomorrow for the details......

Bargain Meal: June 24-30

*This was supposed to be posted on Wednesday....sorry I am such a slacker!*

We are back from vacation, and back to making our own meals again. I must admit.....I got a little spoiled having family cook for me for 10 days. :-) Anyone want to come stay with me and cook for awhile?

No, I really do like to cook. I just need to get back into the groove of meal planning. How do you plan your meals (if you do)? What system works for you?

Meal #1: Grilled Chicken Salad

Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders--$1.99/lb. (need 1 lb.)
Kroger Salad Dressing (Italian)-- $0.95 (Buy 10/Get $3 off sale) (need 1/4 cup)
Kroger Cheese--2/$3
Fresh Express Garden Salad--2/$3
Greenhouse Tomatoes--$1.99/lb. (need 1-2)

Est. Cost: $5.50

Perfect summer meal.....priceless! :-)

Bargain Meal of the Week: June 3-9, 2009

For some reason, I was having a really hard time coming up with recipes this week. Thus--why you are only acquiring one......remember to check out Deal Seeking Mom and the Grocery Gathering for help with your shopping this week!



Cheesy Taco Pasta Dinner and Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
(halve the cherry tomatoes and marinate them in dressing for several hours)

93% Lean Ground Turkey--$0.99/lb. (need 1 lb.)
Green Giant Steamers (Corn medley)--$1.69 (use equivalent to one can of corn)
Knorr Lipton Side Dishes--$1.00 (use one pkg.)

Nature Sweet Cocktail Tomatoes--B1G1 Free (use 1 bag)
Ken's Salad Dressing--$1.49 (use 1/3 of the bottle)

Est. Cost: $5.75

Bargain Meal of the Week: May 27-June 2, 2009

We are down to nothing in the fridge and pantry today, so maybe I am just overly excited about buying food.......

But the King Sooper's ad this week looks pretty good to me. :-)



Meal of the Week: Ham and Pasta Casserole and Steamed Veggies
(I substituted the jarred alfredo sauce for the homemade cream sauce in the casserole.)

Boneless Ham--$0.99/lb. (need 2 cups--approx. 1 lb.)
Ragu Alfredo Sauce--$1.58 (use whole jar)
Barilla Pasta--$1.50 (use half the box)
Kroger Cheese--$1.69 (need 1 cup--half a bag)
Cut Vegetables--2/$3 (use 3/4 bag)

Est. Cost: $5.17

Enjoy shopping, and enjoy welcoming June!

Bargain Meal: May 20-26

It's almost summertime.....and nothing says summertime to me like a big SALAD!!!!

I am sharing two different salads this week. No heating up the kitchen! Enjoy. :-)

Meal #1: Mixed Greens with Grilled Chicken

*Marinate chicken breast in 1/2 cup dressing overnight. Cook on grill until done. Cut into chunks. Toss with spring mix salad, halved grape tomatoes, and 1/2 cup Italian dressing.*

King Soopers B/S Chicken Breasts--$2.49/lb. (need 1)
Fresh Express Salads--2/$5 (use one bag)
Grape Tomatoes--2/$5 (use 1/2 carton)
Kraft Zesty Italian Salad Dressing--3/$5 (use 1/2 bottle)

Est. Cost: $5.80


Meal #2: Warm Spinach and Sausage Salad

Jennie-O Italian Grind Turkey--Buy 1/Get 1 Free (need 12 oz.)
Organic Salads--$2.99 (use one pkg. spinach)
Small Lemons--4/$1 (need one)
(You are supposed to use fried eggs in this recipe also.....I am choosing not to. Sounds gross to me. :-)

Est. Cost: $4.99

Be sure to check out King Sooper's website for weekly specials, as well as the frugal mom sites on my sidebar (How We Improve Our World).

And if you get a chance, stop on by my chef friend's new blog, and leave a comment for him regarding topics you would like to see him write about!

Bargain Meal of the Week: May 6-12

Hopefully none of you will be cooking on Sunday......but if you are, here are some easy recipes to whip up. (Then you need to ask your family to take you out for dessert. ;-)

Meal #1: Easy Overnight Tuna Casserole and Glazed Carrots
(In the glazed carrot recipe, they left out instructions for adding the butter with the brown sugar in the microwave.....just be aware!) :-)

Barilla Pasta--$1.00 (need 2 cups)
Tuna (3 different brands on sale)--$0.69 (need one can)
Campbell's Soups-$1.00 (need one can, cream of chicken)
Kraft Cheese--$1.99 (need 1 cup)

Mini Organic Peeled Carrots--B1G1 Free ($1.15/bag)

Est. Cost: $4.75

Meal #2: Breakfast Sandwiches and Mango Smoothie
(I am sorry, but I had to post this link for the breakfast sandwich. The detailed explanations and cautionary notes just kill me.....come on--it is a breakfast bagel! Please excuse my amusement--perhaps it will be a real help to some of you. :-)

Thomas' Bagels--$1.49 (need 4)
Kraft Cheese--$1.99 (use 4 slices)
Heritage Farm Deli Ham--$4.99/lb. (need 4 slices)

Yoplait Yogurt--$0.50 ( use 1 carton)
Organic Mangos--$0.99 (use 1)

Est. Cost: $5.00

(And remember to check out my favorite "deal" blogs, over on my sidebar--
"How We Improve Our World A Little".)

Bargain Meal of the Week: April 29-May 5

So Cinco de Mayo is coming up.....

Didn't recall that until I looked in the King Soopers ad. Thanks, K. Soopers....for always keepin' me current.

They have a bunch of spicy food on sale. This is my kind of sale.....I adore spicy food of any kind. And I don't always make the recipes that I share with you, but I will be making this one. My friend made it for us one night, and it was DELECTABLE.

Meal #1: Spicy Shredded Pork & The Fixin's

(Most of the ingredients should already be in your pantry.....)

Pork Shoulder Roast--$0.99/lb. (need 4 lbs.)
Limes--5/$1 (use 3)
Private Selection Spices are on sale this week, in case you need them for this recipe--33%off
Pace Salsa--$1.99
Mission Tortillas--$1.29 (use 6)

Est. Cost: $6 (a little over the budget, but totally worth it!!)

(The funnier version of the recipe--complete with pictures--is found here. :-)


Appetizer Option: Green Chile Dip

Kroger Cottage Cheese--$1.99
Kroger Diced Green Chiles--$0.79
Tostitos--$1.98


Happy Cinco de Mayo to all, and to all, a good night........ :-)

Bargain Meal of the Week: April 22-28

Ya'll better be very grateful for this post.....I am typing it on my husband's tiny laptop (which he loves, for some reason). I am so not a fan. But the bargain meal MUST be posted--some of you may be hanging out by the computer, just waiting for that wonderful recipe that will make your weekend complete.

Lol.

In any case, I feel better knowing it is done. I just wish my hands weren't cramped from typing on the tiny keyboard. The sacrifices of a blogger......sigh.

Because of my discomfort, :-) I am only sharing one meal this week.......

Spicy Montreal Burgers and Grilled Corn on the Cob with Ice Cream Sammies for Dessert

73%Lean Ground Beef--$1.00/lb. (need 1 lb.)
McCormick Grill Mates (Spicy Montreal)--$1.00 (use 2 teas.)
Kroger Cheese--$2.49 (need 4 slices)
Hamburger buns--not on sale this week, but usually around$1.25/bag (need 4 buns)

Sweet Corn--4/$1 (need 4)

Cool Classics Ice Cream Sammies--$1.00/box

Est. Cost: $5.50

Enjoy a nice pre-summer dinner on the deck! :-)

(And don't forget to check out your local deals on my favorite money-saving blogs!)

Bargain Meal of the Week: April 15-21

As I am typing this, it is cold, rainy, and threatening to dump LOTS of snow on our area.

So all I can think about is comfort foods. :-)

I may have to make one (or both) of these recipes this weekend, esp. if we are snowed in. Better head out to King Soopers while I can!!!


Meal #1: Rach's Sausage & Zucchini Rice (Done Cheap) and Melon Slices

*Note: I substituted Rice-a-Roni for the regular rice and chicken broth in the recipe. Cook the rice according to the box, and then continue the recipe from step #2 in Rachel's recipe.*

King Soopers Italian Hot Sausage--$1.99 (use 1/2 roll)
Organic Zucchini Squash--$0.88/lb. (use 2 squash)
Rice-a-Roni--$0.88 a box (use 2 boxes)
Herbs--2/$5 (use 1/3 cup parsley)
Kroger Cheese--2/$3 (use 3/4 cup)

Cantaloupe--2 lbs/$1

Est. Cost: $5.95


Meal #2: Twice-Baked Potatoes

Russet Potatoes--2/$5 (need 5 potatoes)
Kroger or King Soopers Sour Cream--$0.88 (need 3/4 cup)
Herbs--2/$5 (use for topping)
Kroger Cheese--2/$3 (use 2 cups)
Kroger Bacon--2/$6 (use 1/2 pkg.)

Est. Cost: $5.25

Bargain Meal of the Week: Resurrection Edition

I thought about giving you recipes for your Easter dinner. You know, all the fancy fixings for quiche and twice-baked potatoes and some fabulous cream pie or something......

But I decided to leave that up to you. Have fun! :-)

Instead--I am hooking you up with recipes for Easter breakfast and for the day after (as you try to get rid of all of the ham you have left over.)


Meal #1: Egg & Sausage Bake and Fresh Strawberries

King Sooper Eggs--$0.99/dozen (use 1/2 dozen)
Jimmy Dean Sausage--$4.49 for 2 (use 2/3 of a roll)
Kroger shredded cheese--2/$3.00 (use 1 1/2 cups)
Colorado Proud milk--FREE! with cereal purchase (use 3 cups)
Bisquick--not on sale this week (only need 1 1/2 cups though)

Strawberries--$1.98/lb.

Est. Cost: $5.98


Meal #2: Ham & Broccoli Chowder and Rolls

Farmland Boneless Ham--$0.99/lb. (use 2 cups cooked ham)
Fresh Broccoli--$0.99/lb. (use 1 lb.)
Kroger Shredded Cheese--2/$3 (use 1 cup)
Onions--$0.69/lb. (use 1/4 lb.)
Carnation Evaporated Milk--$1.69

Kroger Brown n' Serve Rolls--$0.99

Est. Cost: $5.60

Happy Easter to all of you!

It is my favorite day of the year......Jesus Christ conquered death and sin--for ME and YOU!
I hope you have accepted the eternal life He graciously offers because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross.