Happy New Year friend! The 6th plan is another 'Slow Cooker Freezer Pack' plan with a set of brand new recipes. I have pulled together a fantastic list of recipes for this newest plan and they can all be assembled into packs that you can freeze and quickly thaw and dump into the slow cooker. You've got dinner under control when you've got these goodies stashed in the … [Read more...]
6 Tips for More Effective Grocery Shopping
Dave Daniels writes about smart shopping and tips for frugal living especially when it comes to costs in the kitchen. Most people don't get overly excited about their weekly trip to the grocery store, but instead of trudging through the task, learn to make it better. Use these tips to speed up the experience and save some cash. You might actually learn to enjoy shopping for … [Read more...]
How to Roast Hatch Chiles
My trip to the grocery store last week almost brought me to tears. An old friend caught my eye as I entered the store. The beautiful, glossy green pepper I look forward to every year was back. I knew that my weekend would revolve around roasting and enjoying these deliciously warm, smoky, and mildly hot Hatch chiles. If you’re new to Hatch green chile peppers then let me … [Read more...]
15 Grab ‘n Go Breakfast Ideas
Well, we've been talking so much about back to school lunches, I almost forgot about the whole 'what's a quick and easy breakfast option that I can grab 'n go' concept! BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE THOSE MORNINGS. I try to get everyone up 15 minutes earlier than I think we need to get up, in order to just get through the morning routine. I don't like the frenzy that happens with … [Read more...]
AIRS TONIGHT ~ Erin’s ‘Grocery Budget Makeover’ Segment on ABC’s Nightline
{Behind the scenes with Rebecca Jarvis, Julie and Claire, our producer!} Y'all...it's airing T.O.N.I.G.H.T.....on ABC...at 12:35 EST/11:35 CST. If you're a night owl, I hope you'll stay up to catch the piece! Last week, I flew out to New York City to help Julie and her family with their grocery shopping and spending habits. Julie was spending about $200 a week for her … [Read more...]
20 Meals from Sam’s Club for $150 – Recipes & Printable Shopping Lists
Our 20 Meals from Costco for $150 was quite popular as so many people found it helpful - yay! So, we decided to do the same menu plan (with a few substitutions) for those that shop at Sam's Club. Let's get to it, shall we?!? Disclaimers Yes, I realize this makes for more like $7.50 dinners. You'll have lots leftover! Produce prices may vary by region. And … [Read more...]
7 Most Common Grocery Shopping Frustrations {Plus Solutions!}
Photo Credit What comes to mind when you think about heading to the grocery store? I can only imagine that it’s not a vision of clear aisles, carts that drive in a straight line and that don’t have squeaky wheels, or checkout lines where you never have to wait. In an ideal world, that would be what I would want for my grocery shopping experience. And of course, I … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Batch Cooking Navy Beans
I really love it when my slow cooker can do the work for me. January usually means a freezer and pantry challenge, including rice and beans. So, about once a month I batch cook some beans to tuck away in the freezer. Especially in the winter months, that means navy beans. Using the slow cooker to batch cook takes only a little pre-planning. You need to rinse and … [Read more...]
Ways to Save on Fruits and Veggies
(photo credit) As a registered dietitian, one recommendation that I make to almost all of my patients is to increase the number of fruits and vegetables that they consume. Why? Produce is bursting with nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber. They help control blood sugar and weight while nourishing the body. In fact, research has shown in folks that eat 9-10 servings per … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Yogurt
With seven in our household it seems we are always out of something. Especially with the two eldest children constantly grazing. However, since I replaced store-bought yogurt with homemade slow cooker yogurt, I don’t have to ration yogurt cups. I can say yes, please have some yogurt. Slow cooker yogurt is so easy to make. The recipe is simple – just two ingredients. It also … [Read more...]