What's for Dinner March 2012?

[oceanchild]

I buy most of my stuff at Sunflower Market (a Sprouts copycat).

They're merging! http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_20139883

We spend SO MUCH money on groceries. We budget for it. DH likes to be able to buy whatever groceries he wants. It goes against everything my mother taught me, but I'm trying to embrace it. Good, fresh food costs more.

VJ: glad you liked the soup!

[ides]

I love Sunflower market! Best & cheap produce. I get all my produce there as well as yogert & some cheese then the rest of my groceries at Trader Joes.

[Pollyanna]

Made the Frito Chili last night: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2...ito-chili-pie/ So very yummy. We left off the Fritos and just served in a bowl with cornbread. For us a winning meal is when all 7 people in the family goes back for seconds. Trust me when I say that is a rare feat

[SoonerTexan]

OceanChild, that's funny! The stores are pretty much identical anyway. When we moved to near downtown Dallas, I was really bummed to leave my suburban Sprouts, but then discovered Newflower Market nearby. Same deals on chicken and everything. Even their ads look the same. We are moving near a Sprouts in May, so full circle I guess!

[spotty_dog]

You're not imagining it, according to the USDA Cost of Food numbers, groceries have gone up over 5% from last year, and over 10% from four years ago. To fit in with the shopping habits of the top quartile of food spenders, my family should be spending about $1067 a month on groceries. I'm right around there especially if I'm not careful, but my goal is to stay closer to the third quartile which is currently at $862/month. I am not sure if my budget will go up during farmer's market season or stay the same. We do pay a premium to support our farmers, but we also eat less-processed meals and supplement from our home garden during those months.

I find that I'm one of the shoppers who does better with fewer trips to the store. Less temptation! I also watch the circulars. I choose a store based on the deals they're offering, and I stock up.

[SoonerTexan]

Had the soup. It was amazing.

[MrsK]

Bingo! Chicken and Grapes!!!

[bokelley]

Crock pot chicken. So easy and yummy.

[houseelf]

Honestly, we spend about $1100 on groceries for a family of five. When I say groceries I mean food plus some drug store items, cleaning supplies, and diapers. I cook 90 to 95% of the time at home and I use a lot of generic products. My husband asked how much income he would have to make for me not to buy the cheap toilet paper. LOL. I told him if he wants the good stuff he has to buy it because nicer toilet paper isn't worth it to me. Ah, the trials and trivialities of marriage.

I cook all the time because it costs $15 to 20 to run through a fast food joint and that stuff isn't worth eating. In fact, if we eat out we tend to upgrade to a Chipotle or Panera, midrange but edible, fast food. This costs about $30 for a family of five. I *honestly* don't know how most families afford gas, groceries, and drug store/health items.

Back to the original topic, I tried the roasted broccoli recipe last night and it was AMAZING. I think I will serve this at Easter. I also made a white bean and ham soup that keeps well for lunch.

[GrayMatterWife]

Today we had corned beef and cabbage and potatoes. Yes, yes, I know that people in Ireland do not really eat corned beef on StP's day, but the Irish heritage Plastic Paddy side of me just could not resist this Americanized celebratory meal! Kids gobbled it up. My mother is really wishing she were here. It's her fav. DH, too. Not a lot of Irish heritage in the area of Atlanta where he's living, apparently. He was bummed. The closest he could find was a "Shamrock Shake" at McDonald's or somewhere...which sounds disgusting. It guess it is a vanilla shake with green dye? I hope so...something shamrock-flavored would be inedible!

[L.Jane]

The closest he could find was a "Shamrock Shake" at McDonald's or somewhere...which sounds disgusting. It guess it is a vanilla shake with green dye? I hope so...something shamrock-flavored would be inedible!

Haha.. Its a mint shake. I have never had it, but I know a few people who look forward to getting one every year. And yes, I bet there is a bit of green dye in there.

[SuzySunshine]

I had one yesterday, I was not impressed.

[SoonerTexan]

I'm making corned beef and carrots/potatoes today. I learned my lesson about cabbage the first week N was born.

[Phoebe]

I made the broccoli. Freaking awesome! And I hate broccoli. Two of my kids loved it. It's definitely going to be something in our rotation.

[diggitydot]

I'm not a big steak eater. Maybe once a year, at the most. I've actually gone MANY years without eating any red meat. I typically just don't like the texture or flavor. Last night, DH grilled some elk steaks his dad sent us a little while ago. Best steaks ever. Very tender and yummy. Totally surprised me. I always forget how good elk can be when cooked by someone who knows what they're doing.