Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Weekly Meal Planning Email 2/29


I would love feedback on this email! If you are using the recipes, how they turned out, if you loved them or not. Please let me know how this email is helping you!

Menu planning is a great way to also save money.  By planning your meals, you can make sure you buy exactly what you need, stick to your budget, and create healthy homecooked meals.
This works under the assumption that you keep certain pantry staples always stocked.  (Here is a great site that has a pantry staples list: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/pantry-staples-checklist-00000000000197/index.html)  It also works under the assumption that you are stocking up on the good deals such as meat and cheese when it is on sale so that these are always staples in your pantry.  For example, chicken is a great price at No Frills 1.49 for boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I bought 8 packages and will be using them for the next month in my meal planning.

Another great week for spices, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee, stock up!!  Also a great deal on avocados .19 cents at Aldi!!

I just want to point out, even *I* don't make every recipe on this email.  I have lots of frozen pizzas in the freezer that I pull out at least once a week and load up with fresh veggies and more cheese.  But even if you get 2 of these meals made a week, it will make a difference!!

Menu Planning for 2-29

Roast Chicken with Basalmic Bell Peppers http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roast-chicken-with-balsamic-bell-peppers-10000001949749/

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken
Sides: Salad, Mashed Potatoes
Price match ups: All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,

Broccoli and Rice Casserole (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-rice-casseroles-50400000116719/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken

Sides: Salad and Buttered Carrots

Price match ups: Broccoli Crowns $0.99/lb. At Aldi, All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)

Chicken Milanese (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-milanese-with-spring-greens-10000001981729/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe
Sides: Salad a
Price match ups: All Natural Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.88 lb at Fareway, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,

Enchilada Casserole (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/enchilada-casserole-50400000118573/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit beef and add extra veggies
Sides: Spicy Black Beans
Price match ups: 93% Lean Ground Beef $2.67/lb. At Super Saver, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Mission Tortilla Caseras (12 ct.) $1.48 at Bag N Save, , Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)


Cheesy Meatloaf Minis

(http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/cheesy-meat-loaf-minis-50400000109591/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe
Sides: Salad and Mac and Cheese
Price match ups: 93% Lean Ground Beef $2.67/lb. At Super Saver, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Hunt's Ketchup 24oz .68 at Hyvee, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each),

Tortilla Pizza (http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/vegetarian/tortilla-pizzas/ )

Alternatives: For Carnivores add your meat of choice
Sides: Rice Side
Price match ups: Mission Tortilla Caseras (12 ct.) $1.48 at Bag N Save, Fresh Yellow Onions 3 lb bag .86 at Super Saver, Kraft Cheese (shredded, chunk, cuts, cubes) $1.68 at Super Saver (Use $0.50/2 coupon found HERE makes it $1.43 each)

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin (http://www.macaroniandcheesecake.com/2009/08/sweet-spicy-pork-tenderloin.html )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe
Sides: Salad and Mac N Cheese
Price match ups: Farmland Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.86/lb. At Super Saver, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee

Avocado Pesto Pasta (http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/avocado-pesto-pasta/ )

Alternatives: For Carnivores add your meat of choice
Sides: Salad and Garlic Breed
Price match ups: Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee

Sides Price match ups:
Salad: Dole Classic iceberg or coleslaw bags .99 at Hyvee or Iceberg Lettuce $0.88 ea. At Bakers
Buttered Carrots:  Buttered Carrots: Bring 1 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add 2 cups thinly sliced carrots. Reduce heat; simmer 6 minutes or until tender. Drain; return to pan. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; stir until butter melts. Serves 4 (serving size: ½ cup). CALORIES 51; FAT3g (sat 1.9g); SODIUM 148mg Baby Carrots (16 oz.) $0.98 at Hyvee, Country Crock Spread (45 oz.) $2.97 at Hyvee (use $1/1 coupon found HERE Final cost $1.97!)
Spicy Black Beans: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons canola oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add 1 cup chopped red bell pepper and 1 minced jalapeño pepper; sauté 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained organic no-salt-added black beans. Cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Red Bell Peppers $1 at Bakers, Tone’s Mini Spices 5/$4 or .80 each at Hyvee,
Mac and Cheese: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese SV .50 At Bag N Save
Steamed Veggies: Birds Eye Vegetables $0.99 at Bag N Save (use $1/3 Printable (click on scissors) makes it 1.97 when you buy 3 or .65 each)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Menu Planning Weekly with Pricematching 2-21


Menu Planning for 2-21
I would love feedback on this email! If you are using the recipes, how they turned out, if you loved them or not. Please let me know how this email is helping you!
Menu planning is a great way to also save money.  By planning your meals, you can make sure you buy exactly what you need, stick to your budget, and create healthy homecooked meals.
This works under the assumption that you keep certain pantry staples always stocked.  (Here is a great site that has a pantry staples list: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/pantry-staples-checklist-00000000000197/index.html)  It also works under the assumption that you are stocking up on the good deals such as meat and cheese when it is on sale so that these are always staples in your pantry.  For example, chicken is a great price at No Frills 1.49 for boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I bought 8 packages and will be using them for the next month in my meal planning.


Blogs that I found this week with great menu planning!

Pork Tenderloin with Red and Yellow Peppers (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pork-tenderloin-with-red-yellow-peppers-recipe-50400000109575/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe. I also omit the anchovies and use a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce instead
Sides: Salad Pasta sides, steamed veggies
Price match ups: Farmland Boneless Pork Loin Chops 10/$10 (sold in 10 pack) at Super Saver , Larget Red or yellow Bell Peppers .88 at No Frills

Smoked Paprika Pork Chops with Bell Pepper and Corn Relish (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoked-paprika-pork-chops-with-bell-pepper-corn-relish-10000001041923/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe.

Sides: Pasta or Rice Sides, Salad, Steamed Veggies

Price match ups: Farmland Boneless Pork Loin Chops 10/$10 (sold in 10 pack) at Super Saver , Large Red or yellow Bell Peppers .88 at No Frills, Yellow onions, $0.27/lb at Aldi 

Skinny Yet Creamy Carrot Ginger Soup

(http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/skinny-yet-creamy-carrot-ginger-soup.html )

Alternatives: For Carnivores, have leftover pork or make a chicken breast
Sides: Bread and Salad
Price match ups: Baby Carrots 1 lb .90 at No Frills, Yellow onions, $0.27/lb at Aldi , Generic Sour Cream or soft margarine 16 oz 1.28 at Hy Vee

Cajun Chicken Pasta on the Lighter Side

(http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/cajun-chicken-pasta-on-lighter-side.html )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken and add extra veggies
Sides: Salad
Price match ups: Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.57 a lb at Super Saver, Large Red or yellow Bell Peppers .88 at No Frills, Yellow onions, $0.27/lb at Aldi , Mushrooms, 8 oz $0.79 at Aldi, Generic milk, gallon Vit D, 2%, 1% or skim $2.69 at Baker's 


Zucchini Casserole

(http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/07/zucchini-casserole-25-pts.html )

Alternatives: For Carnivores, you can ground hamburger or used leftover chicken or pork from previous week's meals.
Sides: Salad and Mac and Cheese
Price match ups: Zucchini & Yellow Squash .98lb at No Frills, Yellow Onions 3lb bag 99¢ at Fareway , Bisquick Shake and Pour 5.1 oz .90 at No Frills (use $0.50/1 Bisquick Original, Heart Smart or Shake 'N Pour, (GM 02/05/12) makes it .40)

Chicken Rollatini with Spinach alla Parmigiana (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/chicken-rollatini-with-spinach-alla.html )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe
Sides: Rice Side
Price match ups: Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 1.57 a lb at Super Saver, 12 Large Eggs .88 at Fareway, Dole Spiniach 1.88 a bag at No Frills, Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 24 oz. to 26.5 oz. 59¢ at Hy Vee

Provençal Beef Daube (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/provencal-beef-daube-50400000110437/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe
Sides: salad and fruit salad
Price match ups: Boneless Beef Chuck or Arm Roast 2.99 lb at Bakers, Mushrooms, 8 oz $0.79 at Aldi , Baby Carrots 1 lb .90 at No Frills, Yellow onions, $0.27/lb at Aldi 

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/beef-stroganoff-10000001535413/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe.
Sides: Salad and Knorr Pasta or Rice sides
Price match ups: Boneless chuck roast or steak $2.99/lb at No Frills, Mushrooms, 8 oz $0.79 at Aldi, Generic Sour Cream or soft margarine 16 oz 1.28 at Hy Vee

Sides Price match ups:
Salad: Dole Classic Iceberg Salad .99 at Bag N Save, Leaf Lettuce 88¢ each at Fareway, Iceberg lettuce $0.68 head   at No Frills
Asparagus $1.29 lb at Fareway
Rice or Pasta Roni 11/$10 or .90 a piece at No Frills (use $1/4 printable from Facebook makes it 2.60 when you buy 4 or .65 a piece)
Fruit Salad Braeburn or jonagold apples $0.99/lb at Bag'N SaveNavel oranges $0.44/lb at Super SaverStrawberries (1 lb.) 2/$4 at Bakers
Mac and Cheese Kraft Mach and Cheese SV .50 at Super Saver




-- 
"If you can't speak well of someone, come sit by me." -Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Perfectly acceptable to insult someone in private, they might even thank you for it afterwards.  But when you insult someone in public, they tend to think you’re serious.

~Benjamin Franklin 

~If you can’t be kind, at least be vague ~ Joshilyn Jackson 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Menu Planning with Pricematching for Omaha 2/15 to 2/22


If you know anyone who wants to be on this email list, please pass it along and have them (or you can email me their address) If I put you on this email and you don't wish to be on it or if you no longer wish to receive it, please email me and let me know!  I don't want to spam your inbox!  Also if you have any suggestions or things you want to share with everyone, please email me and I will get it out in the big email to everyone!!
I would love feedback on this email! If you are using the recipes, how they turned out, if you loved them or not. Please let me know how this email is helping you!
Menu planning is a great way to also save money.  By planning your meals, you can make sure you buy exactly what you need, stick to your budget, and create healthy homecooked meals.
This works under the assumption that you keep certain pantry staples always stocked.  (Here is a great site that has a pantry staples list: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/pantry-staples-checklist-00000000000197/index.html)  It also works under the assumption that you are stocking up on the good deals such as meat and cheese when it is on sale so that these are always staples in your pantry.  For example, chicken is a great price at No Frills 1.49 for boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I bought 8 packages and will be using them for the next month in my meal planning.
Again this week I used the website that uses weight watchers guidelines www.skinnytaste.com !  I also tried to focus on pasta based meals since there is a great stock up price on pasta this week.  Also a great stock up price on chicken 1.33 a lb!!  Make sure you buy a little extra if you have freezer/shelf space!
Menu Planning for 2-15-12

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce

Alternatives: For Vegetarians use pasta sides and salad and Steamed Veggies, there aren't many alternatives to this recipe.
Sides: Salad and asparagus
Price match ups: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 3.99 a 3 lb bag (1.33 a lb) at No Frills, Sliced Monterey White Mushrooms 1.77 8 oz packages at Hy Vee


Pasta with Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Oil

 (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/pasta-with-roasted-broccoli.html)

Alternatives: For Carnivores add Chicken

Sides: Salad

Price match ups: Bariilla Pasta SV .97 at Bag N Save (use 1.00/2 printable from Facebook (take the challenge) or $0.55/1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, (SS 01/08/12) makes it .94 when you buy 2 or .47 each when you use the printable or .42 when you use the paper coupon, Broccoli Crowns .99 a lb at No Frills, Iceberg Lettuce .88 at Bakers, Wishbone Salad Dressing 16 oz 1.89 at Fareway (use $0.70/1 Wish-Bone Dressing, (RP 01/29/12 R) makes it 1.19)  

Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verde

 (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/06/chicken-and-white-bean-enchiladas-with.html  )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians omit chicken and add veggies, steamed veggie bags work well but canned corn would work too.
Sides: Rice
Price match ups: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 3.99 a 3 lb bag (1.33 a lb) at No Frills,  Onions .88 lb at Hy Vee, Generic Sour Cream 24 oz 1.99 at Bakers


Pasta with Asparagus

 (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/06/pasta-with-asparagus.html)

Alternatives: For Carnivores add Chicken
Sides: Salad
Price match ups: Bariilla Pasta SV .97 at Bag N Save (use 1.00/2 printable from Facebook (take the challenge) or $0.55/1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, (SS 01/08/12) makes it .94 when you buy 2 or .47 each when you use the printable or .42 when you use the paper coupon, Asparagus 1.48 a lb at No Frills, Iceberg Lettuce .88 at Bakers, Wishbone Salad Dressing 16 oz 1.89 at Fareway (use $0.70/1 Wish-Bone Dressing, (RP 01/29/12 R) makes it 1.19)  

 

Crock Pot Asian Pork with Mushrooms

 (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/crock-pot-asian-pork-with-mushrooms.html)

Alternatives: For Carnivores, you can ground hamburger or used leftover chicken or pork from previous week's meals. Also can use extra veggies, using frozen veggies on sale last week or fresh veggies on sale this week
Sides: Salad and Mac and Cheese
Price match ups:  Pork Steak 1.49 lb at Fareway, Sliced Monterey White Mushrooms 1.77 8 oz packages at Hy Vee, Iceberg Lettuce .88 at Bakers, Wishbone Salad Dressing 16 oz 1.89 at Fareway (use $0.70/1 Wish-Bone Dressing, (RP 01/29/12 R) makes it 1.19), Generic Mac and Cheese Spirals or Original .29 at Bag N Save  

Roasted Cabbage Rolls

 (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-cabbage-rolls-10000000223494/)

Alternatives: For Vegetarians, omit meat and add root veggies such as zucchini or squash
Sides: Knorr pasta sides
Price match ups: Green Cabbage .33 at Bakers, Onions .88 lb at Hy Vee, Large Premium Washington Braeburn Apples .89 at Fareway, Generic Eggs 12 ct .99 at Bakers


Pork Schnitzel with Noodles and Browned Cabbage

 (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pork-schnitzel-with-noodles-browned-cabbage-10000001571435/ )

Alternatives: For Vegetarians, add salad or steamed veggies
Sides: salad
Price match ups: Pork Steak 1.49 lb at Fareway, Onions .88 lb at Hy Vee, Green Cabbage .33 at Bakers, Generic Eggs 12 ct .99 at Bakers, Bariilla Pasta SV .97 at Bag N Save (use 1.00/2 printable from Facebook (take the challenge) or $0.55/1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, (SS 01/08/12) makes it .94 when you buy 2 or .47 each when you use the printable or .42 when you use the paper coupon


Baby Pasta Shells with Asparagus and Marinara Sauce

 (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/baby-pasta-shells-with-asparagus-and.html)

Alternatives: For Carnivores add ground beef
Sides: Salad
Price match ups: Bariilla Pasta SV .97 at Bag N Save (use 1.00/2 printable from Facebook (take the challenge) or $0.55/1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, (SS 01/08/12) makes it .94 when you buy 2 or .47 each when you use the printable or .42 when you use the paper coupon, Asparagus 1.48 a lb at No Frills