Menu and Shopping List for 12/12-12/18

Here's what Barbara and I have in mind for the week.
Barbara's in a fish mood - and it's evident this week!
There are only three weeks left in the year - that includes a week capped off with Christmas and another capped off with New Year's.  WOW, we've nearly done it... and there are still things that I'd like to make that we haven't done.

How about...
Chicken Parmesan stacks (more about presentation than a unique entree', but gonna be GORGEOUS!)
Broccoli Pesto on Fusilli w/ Almond Slices
Fish Tacos (hard shell tacos)
Gnocchi with Basil Pesto (homemade gnocchi?)
Flounder Fish Sandwich with Cucumbers and Coleslaw
Chicken with Vodka Sauce and Spinach
Carmalized Onion, Prosciutto & fresh parmesano pizza on Cauliflower Flatbread Crust

Now that's a great looking week. 

Raw – unsalted Almonds or pine nuts

Olive oil
Canola or vegetable oil
Vinegar
Sugar
Brown sugar (1 tbsp)
Salt
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
Flour – low/no carb options are fun to try here.
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Fresh Parmesan shavings or slices

Breadcrumbs
Hard taco shells
Fusilli or Rotini pasta
Grated parmesan
Good, high-end Vodka sauce
(a salad in a bag or two to match up with these dishes)

Tomatoes for slicing
Garlic
Avocado
White and red onion
Cilantro
Lime
Cucumbers
Red cabbage
Spinach (can be frozen)
Cauliflower (can be frozen)
(a nice veg mix to go with the Chicken Parm stacks)

Prosciutto or similar meat (canadian bacon or bacon can poorly substitute)

Chicken tenderloins (2.5 lbs)
Tilapia
Flounder
Broccoli
Corn
Frozen gnocchi – or Barbara’s fresh, homemade…

Fresh basil

shopping list

The Aldi Shopping list for the week - and minus the cilantro, jalapeno and ginger, I think it's an all Aldi week!

Peanut Butter
Lime Juice
Chopped peanuts
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes
Cumin
Honey
Chili powder
Oregano
Ground cloves (optional)
Cayenne pepper
basil
parsley
7 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 pkgs dry yeast

Fresh Parmesan Cheese - grated
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese (optional)
2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter or margarine

2x8 oz whole wheat pasta
2.75 cup spaghetti sauce of your choice
Black beans (1 can)
½ pound white beans which you will soak and cook, Or 2 cans white beans of choice
2 - 4 oz cans diced chilies
bread crumbs

Garlic (loads of it!) (like at least a bulb+)
2 cups mushrooms
5 white or yellow onions
2 cups zucchini
4 medium sized baking potatoes
Green onions (optional)
Red onion
1 red pepper
Cilantro
Baby spinach leaves
Avocado (optional)
Fresh Salsa (optional)

2 cups diced cooked turkey or chicken
1.5 lbs ground turkey breast (lean!)

4 Chicken or Turkey Sausages flavored to your liking (I like Asiago & Spinach)
Frozen, shelled, edamame
Frozen stir-fry veggies
4-6oz salmon fillets
Frozen Broccoli
1 bag or box corn kernels

Ginger
½ cup Chicken stock
3 cups chicken or turkey stock
1 jalapeno pepper

So, Barbara, how much do you trust me to have put your wishes into this menu?  I think you'll like it Babe!

what to buy!

Wanna Eat what We're cooking?  FOllow this shopping list - laid out Aldi style, with a few items from your local grocery store listed at the bottom.

Tortilla Chips

Mayonnaise
Horseradish
Dijon Mustard
Black Olives (stock up – thanksgiving is a big Black Olive sale - $.88 at Albertsons Stores like Jewel)

Mozzarella Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls – or store brand equivalent
Breakfast Sausage Links

Marinara
Plain Breadcrumbs
Tortilla for Quesadillas (flats could work)
Black Beans
Jarred Salsa
Whole Wheat Penne
Parmesan Cheese

Cilantro
Onion
Fresh Garlic
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Fresh Spinach (Frozen can Sub)
Lemon
Fresh Parsley (dried CAN substitute)
Field Greens
Fresh Fruit of Choice

Chicken
Mahi Mahi
Veg of choice
Frozen Corn
Raw Shrimp
Ahi Tuna Steak

Tomatillos (small green tomatoes – in closed “skins”)
Corn Meal
Butter Buds
White wine (or chicken broth)

Happy Shopping!

shopping list for 11/7-11/13 - get it done!

Olive oil

Fresh garlic cloves
Dried OR FRESH Rosemary
Honey (2/3 cup)
Sherry vinegar
Chile powder
Cumin
Chopped pecans (3 tbsp)
Sage
Allspice or nutmeg
Apricot preserves
Dijon mustard
Soy sauce
Red pepper flakes
Jarred Artichokes – not pickled

2-3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Breakfast Sausage links
Lemon juice
Ricotta cheese – part skim
Egg or egg substitute

Pizza Sauce
1 can Pumpkin
Whole Wheat Pasta
1 can tomatoes
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Manicotti noodles

Red Peppers
Green onions (or shallots)

Salmon Fillets
Frozen Veg of choice (3 nights)
Tilapia Fillets
Frozen spinach
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken breast tenderloins

English Muffins (Whole Wheat high fiber is great, but get what’s there!)
Chicken broth
Cilantro
Good Marinara sauce OR olive oil, garlic cloves, 48 oz whole italian plum tomatoes, oregano (opt’l), salt & pepper

TIME TO SHOP! we're in a veggie mood...

Sage

Garlic
Lite soy sauce
Ginger (left over from last week!)
Flour
Black pepper
Bay leaf
Oregano
Mustard
Pickles

Grands refrigerated biscuits – or regular refrigerated biscuits
Mozzarella cheese – or pizza blend
Breakfast sausage or turkey pepperoni
Butter
Turkey lunch meat
Cheese of choice for sandwich

Pizza sauce – marinara will work well
Flour tortillas
Spaghetti pasta

Red peppers
Onions
Avocados
Tomatoes
Cilantro
Lime
Broccoli
Pea pods
Mushrooms
Carrots
Celery
Sweet potatoes
Zucchini

Pre-cooked shrimp (12 oz)
Chicken tenderloins or breasts
Beef stew meat
Frozen cut green beans

Spaghetti Squash
Rice vinegar
Corn meal
Chicken broth

Shopping List 10/16 or 17

Happy Shopping - nothing expensive here, but a great great week of meals!

Enjoy!

Pancake Flour

Caramel Sauce – ice cream topping
Peanuts
Dried Cranberries
Cumin
Oatmeal
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Evaporated Skim Milk
Flour
Sugar
Baking Soda
Nutmeg
Vegetable or canola oil
Raisins
1 cup walnuts

Apple juice
Hominy (28 oz can)
Diced chilies
Corn tortillas
Rigatoni
Apple Sauce

Bacon
Blue Cheese
Sour cream
Egg
Plain yogurt (fat free)

Apples – loads of them! Whatever flavor you like
Field Greens
Onion
Garlic
Cilantro
Tomato (or fresh salsa)
Mushrooms
Bagged Salad

2.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins
Pork Chops
Broccoli

8 cups chicken broth
white wine

Grocery Shop for 10-3 to 10-8

Here's what you'll be buying for a full week of meals this go-round:

Scoops (Tostitos) Chips
jarred artichoke hearts (in water, not marinated)
white wine vinegar
dijon mustard
canola oil
flour
coconut
baking powder
red pepper flakes
parsley
garlic

sour cream
cottage cheese
fresh salsa (or jarred)
eggs
Mozzarella cheese

1 can tomatoes diced or stewed
2 can black beans
1 pkg taco seasoning
crushed pineapple
bread crumbs
parmesan cheese
marinara - spicy marinara if available.

lettuce
field greens
mango
big carrots
potatoes
onions
(Big) Zucchini
spinach
spaghetti squash

lump crab meat

1 lb ground turkey
cooked, tail on Shrimp
3 lb beef roast

1 can beer

Shopping List for 9/19-9/25

Shopping List for 9/19-9/25

IF you haven't bought fresh (new) dried spices lately, this might be a good time of the year to do so.  As we've repeatedly reported, Aldi and Walgreens both have GREAT prices - get yourself some good fresh spices and toss anyting more than a year old.  When you about 1/4 what the grocery store charges, you can afford to get new bottles periodically.


Dried Parsley
Red wine Vinegar
Cumin
Olive Oil
Crushed Red Pepper
Salt
Blue Diamond brand Lime-Chili Almonds
Paprika
Tortilla Chips
Worcestershire Sauce
Brown Sugar
Oregano
Garlic

Shredded Cheddar
Sour Cream
Sliced Cheddar Cheese (singles or slices)
Turkey Bacon or regular bacon or Canadian Bacon
8 eggs

Bread Crumbs
Taco Seasoning
Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti or Linguine

Fresh Parsley
Cilantro
Garlic
Lime
Salsa
Lettuce
Red Pepper
Tomato

2 to 3 lbs. Ground Beef or Turkey (or 1 ½ lb of each)
Pork Roast or tenderloin

Chicken Breast or Tenderloin or Ready to Eat Chicken Chunks
Tilapia
Frozen Ravioli
Fuitti di Mare (frozen blend of seafood – shrimp, scallops, muscles, etc.)

English Muffin, Bagel, or Whole Wheat Bread

shopping is SO simple these days

OK, if you're working outside the home, you take this menu, you add in your lunch time favorties and breakfast standbys, and you're out the door!  If you're an at home Mom, you take this shopping list, you add in your lunch time favorites and breakfast standbys, and you're out the door!  If you're an empty nester you take this shopping list cut each amount in half, add in your lunch time favorites (minus the times you'll be enjoying the company of friends you now have time to see during the day!) and breakfast standbys, and you're out the door! MY POINT IS THAT WE'VE DONE THE WORK... DON'T LET YOUR WORKING/BUSY-NESS/COOKING FOR TWO status deter you from cooking right for your family!  this is easy friends!

Garlic

Fresh Basil
Olive oil
Salt
1 tsp Corn starch
Parsley
1/3 tsp dried parsley
1/3 tsp dried chives
1/3 tsp dried basil
1/3 tsp dried tarragon
¼ cup flour

2 eggs
Blue Cheese

Grated parmesan cheese

Avocado
Tomato (optional)
4 ears corn on the cob
Cilantro
Onion
5 plum Tomato
Green Beans
2 red peppers
2 lbs asparagus
2 Lemon (for zesting) & juice
Yellow onion
1 bag mixed greens

Turkey Bacon (or regular bacon)
Precooked Shrimp
White Fish
2 to 3 lbs chicken
Roast Beef – thinly sliced (deli meat is good)

3 cups Chicken Broth
Flat wraps
Arborio rice
Thick bread to cut for bruschetta

that's a pretty simple list - I know we're having a fast cooking week whenever the shopping list I create is less than one page in the software I use to write it out.  This week we're not even close to a page (and I didn't change the font!).  It's gonna be a great week!

Shopping List for 8/22-8/29

Here's the List! of super great things we're asking you to buy this week.  It's so produce laden that a stop at your local farmers market might be in order.  Their tomatoes are SO SO SO wonderful this time of year it's almost a shame to buy from the grocer.  Check out what else you can grab there.  Consider a whole cilantro bush or a basil plant while you're there.  Cilantro needs wet conditions free of "too much" sun, but basil I think can grow nearly anywhere!

Staples
Mayonnaise

Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Cajun Seasoning mix
Ranch Dressing

Dairy
Provolone cheese
Plain yogurt
Blue Cheese Crumbles

Pantry Items
Tomato basil pasta sauce
Black Beans
Taco Seasoning Mix

Produce
4 giant or 8 medium Portabella mushrooms caps
tomatoes
grapes
apples
6 romaine hearts
celery
red onion
avocados
Corn on the cob
Sweet Potatoes
Red Pepper
Fresh green beans (or yellow)
Zucchini and/or yellow squash
Fresh Basil

Meat
Fresh Ground beef Lean (93%)

Frozen
2.5 to 3 lbs Chicken tenderloins or Chicken Breasts
1 to 1 1/2 lb ready to (thaw and) eat Shrimp
1 lb frozen corn kernels

Breads
Tortillas or wraps
Hamburger buns

Miscellaneous
Fresh Basil
Cilanto
Ingredients for KeyLime Pie (I haven’t a clue!)

shopping list 8/8-8/14

Staples
chili pepper
red pepper flakes
cumin
sage
balsamic vinegar
Olive Oil
Pine nuts or almonds

Dairy
milk
cream cheese
“taco” or “Mexican” or “co-jack” shredded cheese
Fresh mozzarella ball

Pantry
tomato sauce
diced tomatoes with green chilies
kidney beans, dark
4 oz can green chilies
Garbanzo beans
Farfalle pasta (bowties)
Corn or flour tortillas
Pasta of choice (rigatoni, farfalle, etc.)

Produce
Yellow onion
Butternut squash
Bag salad
Mushrooms
Peppers
2 Zucchini
1 yellow squash
Tomatoes (2 lbs)
Avocado
Onions (1 red, 1 white or equivalent)
Cilantro
Lime
Fresh Basil
Cherry tomatoes

Meat
Extra lean Ground beef (or lean ground turkey)

Frozen
Frozen corn
Raw (not pre-cooked) shrimp
1 to 1 ½ lbs chicken breast tenderloin
White fish (tilapia, orange roughy, etc)
Misc.
Panco (or plain bread crumbs)

Shopping for the first week in August

Assumed in your Pantry

Olive oil
Cumin
Chili powder
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Red wine vinegar
Crushed red pepper
Black pepper
Balsamic vinegar

Aisle One
Sauce for pizzas

Dairy
Cheese for pizza
Orange juice
Swiss Cheese

Pantry
Corn tortillas
Black Beans (canned or dried)
Angel hair pasta

Produce/Bakery
Whole Wheat Pitas (not necessarily pockets)
Hamburger buns

1 fresh pineapple
1 red pepper
Red onion (a big one or several small ones)
Cilantro (a good size bunch)
3-4 Limes
Summer squash (or zucchini if preferred)
Mushrooms
Corn (on the cob) or frozen
Avocado
A lot of Cherry tomatoes
Fresh Basil
Spinach
Capers
Lemon juice (or juice of a lemon)

Meat
Meat for your pizzas
1 lb flank steak
Turkey luncheon meat

Frozen
Salmon Fillets
Corn (unless you buy corn on the cob)
1 to 1 ½ lbs Chicken tenderloins
1 to 1 ½ lbs frozen (raw) shrimp

Misc.
Tequila
Chicken broth
Wasa Krisp Break Crackers

While we haven't talked too much about spending less than $70 on these seven meals, we still know you can do it!  This is a long list of produce, but it's stuff we're using alot this time of year, and maybe you have some in your garden, can swap with someone you know who does have a garden, or can go to a market!  Support those who grow for us!

shopping list July 4-10,

These are grocery items that can be found at almost any convenient store. I dont fret if I dont have fresh herbs or vegetables, dried seasoning can work just as well, and can save money. I dont usually give up on a recipe if I dont have every ingredient, I just try to work around what I am missing. I always remember the stories about my grandmother in Italy who was an amazing cook and made pasta with just flour and water because she had no eggs. Her sauce was tomatos, olive oil and salt.
grocery list:

2 cans pink salmon
maynoaise
3 cans diced tomatos
2 cans pork and beans
red pepper
black pepper
hot sauce
eggs
whole wheat bread
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans tunafish
1 lb pasta
walnuts
1 can black olives
olive oil
canola oil
garlic powder
garlic salt
tortilla chips
can corn
oats
honey
dried cranberries
raisins
can pinapple
can peaches
milk

June 27-July 3

Here's What to buy for the end of June... produce season!  Let's get shopping

Walgreens

- Any item you can get here!

Assumed Items
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Garlic cloves

Aisle One
Yeast Packet
BBQ Sauce
Mayonnaise
Apple Cider Vinegar
Sugar
Balsamic Vinegar
Rosemary
Black Olives

Dairy
Mozzarella Cheese
Milk
Blue Cheese

Pantry
2 cans Pineapple Tidbits
Corn tortillas
2 cans Chick Peas

Produce
Strawberries
Red Onions
Spinach
Lettuce (iceberg in a bag or one head)
3 kiwi
Lime juice
Cilantro
2 plum tomatoes
Jalapeno pepper
Zucchini (4-6 mini or 2 small)
Yellow squash (1 small or 2-3 mini)
Mushrooms (8 oz)
Colored Peppers (2 peppers)
Spinach
Eggplant

Meat
Roast Beef Deli Meat (look for lower Sodium)
Bacon or Turkey Bacon
Ham
Pork tenderloin about 1 ½ pounds

Frozen
1 ½ pounds Chicken Breast Tenderloins
White Fish of Choice

Misc.
Bread for Brushcetta – French or baguette
Wheat Flour
Beer (preferably old and warm)
Poppy Seeds

shopping list June 20-26

Canned, boxed, dry or refrigerated
Canned peaches $1.99
milk $1.99
honey $3.79
cheddar cheese shredded
bread
ham $1.99
1 dozzen eggs $1.29
2 boxes 1 lb pasta
2 cans tuna $1.98
1 can black olives $2.29
1 can diced tomato
1 can diced pinapple $1.99
olive oil $3.99
garlic powder $1.19
can peas $1.59
can baby shrimp $1.50
taco shells
canned chicken $1.50
can corn $1.59

shopping list June 13-19 Walgreens

Canned, boxed, dried and refrigerated goods:
canned salmon $3.49
olive oil $3.99
bacon 2/$5.00
eggs $1.29
evaporated milk $1.69
1 can peas $1.59
honey $3.79
1 can black olives $ 2.29
dried parsley $ 1.19
dried onion powder $ 1.19
garlic salt $1.19
pepper $ 1,29
salt .99
2 boxes pasta(1 linguine, 1 penne)$3.00
2 can clams $3.98
1 can tomato sauce $1.79
2 cans tuna $1.98
2 loaves bread $3.98
turkey $ 2.59
swiss cheese $3,29
rice $2.29
green beans $1.59
mushrooms .50
chicken broth .99
mandarin oranges .50
pinapple $1.99
2 cans diced tomatos $3.38
oatmeal $4.99
milk $1.99
dried cranberry $1.00
dried blueberries $1.50

shopping list 6/6-12

Walgreens


Assumed Items
Olive Oil
Garlic
Flour
Salt
Cayenne Pepper
Black Pepper

Aisle One
Red Roasted Peppers
Parsley
Horseradish
Cinnamon
Walnuts
Light mayonnaise
Honey
Raisins
Raspberry Viniagrette dressing (for marinading)
Dijon Mustard

Dairy
1 Dozen Eggs
Non-fat plain yogurt
Low fat cottage cheese
Milk
Cheddar Cheese

Pantry
Chick Peas
Bread Crumbs
Elbow Macaroni
Parmesan Cheese
Canellini Beans
2 cans tuna

Produce
Veggie Tray (carrots/celery/broccoli/cauliflower – whatever fresh vegs you like)
Sweet Potatoes
Bag Salad
Lemon
2 large CRISP apples
2 ribs celery
Romaine Hearts (not chopped)
Fresh Garlic
Green Onion
Red Pepper
Red Onion

Meat
Pork Tenderloin (NOT flavored)

Frozen
Salmon
Broccoli
Frozen Spinach

Misc.
Tortillas or Baked Pita Wedges

shopping List May 30-June 5

Walgreens

     tortillas, cream cheese, dried oregano, feta cheese (sub mozz if not available), black olives, turkey deli meat (or canned Salmon can work too), and fresh spinach leaves (?).

Assumed Items
Minced Garlic
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Balsamic Vinegar

Aisle One
Dill weed
Garlic salt
Almonds, slivered or sliced
Black olives

Dairy
Mozzarella Cheese (the big bag! – at least four cups)
2 packages (8) crescent dough in a tube (like Pillsbury – reduced fat if available)
Sour cream (reduced fat)
12 oz light cream cheese (whipped could work)
Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
Gorgonzola Cheese (can sub blue cheese)
Feta Cheese crumbles

Pantry
lasagna noodles
A good marinara sauce
Pizza sauce (can sub marinara)
Crushed pineapple

Produce
Big Portabella Mushroom Caps
Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
2 carrots (or 15 baby carrots)
Fresh broccoli
Green onion
2 Red pepper (or other colors)
Granny Smith Apple (or a pear)
Salad in a bag
Romaine Lettuce (for a big salad)
2 cups baby spinach leaves
Mango
Jalapeno pepper
Cilantro
Fresh White Button Mushrooms
Baby Bella Button Mushrooms

Meat
Ground beef, extra lean
Sliced pepperoni (optional!)
Sliced turkey deli meat

Frozen
Frozen spinach
Frozen veg of choice
Chicken tenderloins or 20 ounces chicken breast
Frozen Broccoli
Frozen Peas

Misc.
4 (8 inch) Whole Wheat Tortillas
Bruschetta Bread (French Bread for slicing)
White Cooking Wine
1 box chicken broth

Shopping List for 5/23-29

Walgreens
Eggs (2 dozen needed for week)
Cheddar Cheese (or cheese for omelets)
Deli Sliced Ham
Bread of choice for toast

Assumed Items
Cooking Spray
Olive Oil
Cumin
Salt
Baking Powder
Flour

Aisle One
Artichoke hearts
Teriyaki marinade
Balsamic Vinegar
Shredded Coconut
Sesame Ginger Dressing

Dairy
Eggs (need 2 dozen for week)
Swiss Cheese slices
Blue Cheese

Pantry
(6 inch) flour tortillas (or whole wheat if desired)
Spaghetti pasta
Parmesan cheese
CousCous – or some other grain that you don’t eat all the time … try something new
Mandarin oranges (check @ Walgreens)
2 cans black beans
Bread crumbs

Produce
4 limes
2 bags Mixed salad greens (2 nights)
Fresh garlic
Avocado
Red onion
Jalapeno pepper
Cilantro
Romaine lettuce leaves
Little red potatoes
Fresh parsley
Fresh Basil leaves
Fresh Oregano leaves
Portabella mushrooms

Meat
Turkey bacon (or real bacon)
Chicken Breast or Chicken Tenderloins

Frozen
4 portions swordfish or other “thick” fish
Spinach
Veg of choice
4 portions salmon fillets
Raw shrimp

Misc.
Beer (six ounces)

Shopping List May 16-22

Assumed Items

Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Brown Sugar

Aisle One
1/3 cup small black Niçoise-type olives
Wine Vinegar
Dijon Mustard
Pancake Flour
Cinnamon
Raisins
Walnuts
Pancake Syrup

Dairy
6 Eggs
Sour Cream
Shredded cheddar
Goat Cheese (feta can substitute)

Pantry
2 – 3oz cans chunk tuna
Flour tortillas
Corn Tortillas
Salsa
3 cans (28 oz needed total) enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice)

Produce
Bag Salad
8 baking potatoes
Whole garlic
Broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Green onions
Tomatoes
Lemon (Juice)
Colored Peppers
Onions (at least two large white or yellow onions)
Romaine lettuce (for 3 meals this week)
Cilantro

Meat
Sausages (links or patties)

Frozen
Whole Chicken (enough for two meals)
Broccoli (Frozen or Fresh)
Green beans
Raw (uncooked) Shrimp

Misc.
Anchovy fillets (optional)
Capers
Pizza Crust