Sunday, August 6, 2017

Pantry and Aldi Meal Prep

When I shop at Aldi's, I have to be willing to know things I wanted may not be in stock and something not on my list might be too great a bargain to pass up. I was disappointed that they did not have the Israeli couscous that was such a hit 4th of July weekend, but had terrific deal  on a few meat items. I spent $123 at Aldi's on Wednesday night, and now, combined with my pantry, do not want to big shop again until at least the 16th. DH is hard on my plans-came back with $13 worth of shopping when I only asked him to bring home sour cream. Still, I have to plan his impromptu shops in my challenges to try and be authentic to my goals. Therefore, with a stop Monday night at Kwik Trip (counting in August even though July 31) and another last night when I got gas, I am at $163 for groceries already. I also spent $48 at Target, and $9 at a roadside produce stand on peppers, corn, and cucumbers, leaving me with a balance of $130 until September 1 if I am to stay at or below my $350 goal.

We'll need more milk, eggs,veg,and fruit before the next big shop, so creativity and planning is a must. Vegetarian dishes are part of my stretcher plan. Lunches will be leftovers and sandwiches with fruit. I've plenty of baking ingredients, plus miscellaneous items to make/serve as nibbles for guests and for the lake. Here's a list of meals and sides to stretch to the mid month marker. There's more meals here than days, so I should have plenty to decide upon and will have a start on a plan for second half of the month.
  1. Vegetarian Chili made Friday as DD2 came home for the night. I sent a portion back, plus there are two good portions left for DH and DD2. Served with cheese, crackers, avocados, and olives.
  2. Country boneless ribs-An unexpected Aldi's find, roasted potatoes, corn.
  3. Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables
  4. Spaghetti and Meat sauce, Italian vegetable blend
  5. Meatless mock lasagna with extra vegetables
  6. Goulash with hamburger, green beans
  7. Baked chicken, rice pilaf, corn
  8. Homemade chicken nuggets, cheesy potatoes, green beans
  9. Chicken fried rice and mixed vegetables
  10. Grilled chicken sandwiches and sweet potato wedges
  11. Bean burritos, with cheese, black bean, corn, and tomato salsa/salad
  12. Chicken wraps with peppers, cucumbers
  13. Pork loin (an Aldi's find), grilled vegetables (whatever we have available), pasta salad with chick peas, olives, and artichokes* , desert bars, for Sunday August 13th at the lake for MIL's, DH, and BIL birthday. (Other's bring food as well)
  14. Italian sausage on buns, french fries
  15. Chicken Alfredo, mixed vegetables
  16. Vegetable curry and basmati rice 
  17. Use it up vegetable noodle soup-never let's me down! Homemade wheat bread (frozen dough in freezer)
  18. Rice crust vegetable and cheese quiche 
  19. Tuna noodle hot dish and vegetables






13 comments:

  1. So which one are you fixing the day we get there? Hopefully not the curry(not a fan). At this point after eating on the road for 19 days I'd settle for meatloaf or spaghetti with something veggie-like......lolz

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    1. Well, my plans were nibbles and cocktails, and burger by the river. You have to see the river walk, and there are a couple places to choose from with outdoor seating. I'll make the nibbles substantial though to soak up the cocktails!

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    2. I'll amend my previous response-you sound like a nice respite form the road and road food is in order. Not sure yet what we'll have, but something (s) from my list.

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  2. I have never been to ALDIs; I hear good things about it.

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    1. They are popping up all over Minnesota. I was surprised to see one up in Northern MN last weekend. If you are not brand loyal, it is a way to save some serious grocery money.

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  3. I went to Costco yesterday & I swear that we were out of everything. We haven't done a full shop in a while with all of the traveling. I'm at $195 spent for the month (our budget is $625). We're having house guests (my parents) all week, and they tend to cook for us - because they are amazing like that. So, I haven't even thought of a menu outside of tonight. I'm making spaghetti & meatballs, garlic bread, & kale salad.

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    1. Having guests that cook? That's a win. Your parents sound like amazing people, and I hope you have a lovely week with them.

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  4. I wish we had Aldis in Canada, so jealous. The USA has the best shopping. I got 8 bananas on sale for a buck and cheap ground beef which is difficult to find. Neither were on my list but if it's cheap I buy it. Fortunately we have a large freezer now.

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    1. I wish Aldi's was around here when I had three kids at home. Cereal alone in regular grocery stores cna break the bank.

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  5. If you spent 123 at Aldi you scored a boat load of food! I feel your budget pain since I married a recreational grocery shopper and continually have to add his purchases to the food budget. No fun.

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    1. Yes, and no at the same time. Produce, and we needed so much, is not going to be cheap. I also bought three kinds of cereal, trail mix, and a variety of meat. Still, I'm sure I spent at least $40 less than had I gone to Cub.

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  6. I have taken to shopping at Aldi every now and then, there are certain things that are just such a good price. I do have to make sure I don't get my head turned too much though and stick to the list!

    Your menu plan is really varied and sounds super healthy.

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    1. Variety and healthy eating are the biggest challenge within my self imposed food challenges. Also,my daughter has become sort of finicky, but loves fruit and vegetables so as long as I build meals with those in plenty, I should do OK.

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