I only needed a few things when I went to the store before the snowstorm two weeks ago. I went to Aldi’s to get most everything I needed that afternoon. I needed Velveeta cheese and fresh Italian bread, which they don’t carry. So, my husband dropped me off on the way home after dinner with friends that evening to Weis. Of course, I got a few more things than I needed, but I figured it would still be under thirty bucks.
As my stuff rang up, it was $45. I thought, “Holy crap. Seriously?” First off, I’m a Wegmans girl. That’s where I do my main shopping along with Aldi. But Weis can throw some good deals. I work in Jersey Shore and often stop in at their Weis for particular breakfast stuff for my boys that Wegmans doesn’t have, and I also love their creamer selection. But on this night, as my things rang up, I was head scratching on what everything rang up to. I mean, Velveeta alone is almost $10 for two pounds. I hadn’t used my Weis card yet, which had brought my bill down to $43, but I was still speechless at the few items I had coming up to that price. Two breakfast items: Velveeta cheese, bakery Italian bread, Weis brand Monterey Jack cheese, creamer, a gallon of milk, and a bag of whole grain Tostitos nachos. I had spent $35 at Aldi’s that same day and seriously got twice as much. I still can’t get over that Tostito, and most bags of chips are $5. Another item that always shocks me is grapes! How can a bag of grapes be $8-$12? Typically, I get my grapes from Aldi, but if they don’t look good, I go to Wegmans. I have to have my fresh fruit weekly, but that $2.99 a pound for grapes can hit hard sometimes at that price.
Before COVID, I could do all my big shopping (every other week) and spent right around $150. Now, it’s around $250, and I don’t buy anything different. It’s insane. Not mentioning the off week was usually $50-$60, now as you see, it’s about $80-$100
Here are a few tips to help save on groceries:
I keep a list on my phone of what I need each week. I used to write it on a notepad on our fridge, but then I would forget the darn thing. So, I got smart and put it on a notepad on my phone. With columns like produce, dairy, baking, paper products, meats, and others. It helps me keep organized as I am shopping. It also helps me to not overspend. I usually keep it right around our grocery budget.
Another tip is to figure out meals for the week. This helps you not to overspend as you have each item/ingredient accounted for.
Now, I am not saying I don’t buy anything that is not on my list. I’m human. I love food and love grocery shopping, but if I bought everything that looked good and that I wanted, my bill would be $500!
Making a grocery list for the week not only sets you up to stay within budget but also helps you make your week easier by having your menu ready. Meals don’t have to be crazy every night. You know your budget, and you work with it.
Another tip is to keep count in your head as you are shopping. I normally round up to the highest number. So, if it’s $3.69, I say it’s $4. It’s a great way to keep track of your shopping if you are going in on a whim! Coupons and apps can help save money, too, along with searching for deals at places you are shopping.
Everything doesn’t need to be a name brand, either. There are things I’m picky about, like Hellman’s mayo, Cabot cheese, Tostitos, and others, but there are other things I’ll get store brand, and it’s good! Like Aldi’s protein Greek yogurt, knock-off Nature Valley bars, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, butter, and others. Wegmans peanut butter, ice cream, hummus, and so many others are on my list there too!
The Wegmans family pack of chicken is the way to go for savings. A pack gives us two to three meals for around $12-$15. The best part is you can clean the breast as soon as you get home. Have freezer bags ready and prepare three meals in about fifteen minutes.
Meal #1: Chicken Fajita
Cut two chicken breasts into chunks and place them into a freezer bag. Sprinkle chicken seasoning from Dollar General ($1) and mix it well until the chicken is covered. Freeze. Then, all you will need is soft shells and sharp cheese to throw this meal all together. Cheese & Shells approx. ($10)
Meal #2: Garlic Herb & Wine Chicken & Green Beans
Three chicken breasts — cleaned and trimmed. Place into a freezer bag.
One packet of McCormick Garlic Herb & Wine seasoning, prepared and poured on chicken before freezing. Then, all you need is a fresh bag of green beans. (approx. $5) Place chicken and green beans on a baking sheet and bake at 325° for 45-60 minutes. Stir green beans in the juice during the baking process.
Meal #3: Chicken & Stuffing
Two to four chicken breasts (these all depend on the size of your family) cleaned, cut, and seasoned to your liking.
Place into a freezer bag.
Then all you will need is a box of Stove Top stuffing, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Approx ($10)
All of these recipes are on my website at Andreascountryhomecookin.com for full directions and recipes. There are three recipes to feed your family for less than $40 with one family pack of chicken. I’ll continue next week with more delicious recipes for a lower cost and more grocery talk! Here is another chicken recipe to choose from. So simple and absolutely delicious!
Crockpot Chicken & Biscuits
(An oldie but goodie in case you missed it!)
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless chicken breast (seasoned to your liking)
• Chicken broth
• 1 can of cream of chicken
• 1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
• Few dollops of sour cream
• 1 can of Pillsbury buttery biscuits
Directions:
Pour chicken broth just to cover the bottom of the crockpot.
In a crockpot, place seasoned chicken on the bottom of the crockpot.
Place the cream of chicken on top of the chicken, then pour the bag of veggies in.
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
Take the chicken out and shred just before you are ready to eat.
Add a few dollops of sour cream (Optional of course!)
Mix well and serve over warm baked biscuits!
My family absolutely loves this. It tasted extra good on a snowy night.
