My Young Single Adult Life

One of my favorite blogs has moved!

2011-02-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

One of my must read blogs has moved from blogspot to her own domain and she is having a great giveaway to celebrate!!!

If you really like food storage and preparedness blogs, I highly recommend adventuresinselfreliance.blogspot.com Now /http://foodstorageandsurvival.com/ I have read every blog post she has ever posted and I really like her perspective. So take a minute and see what you think.

Canning chicken

2011-01-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

Remember I said I would post about canning meat when it was on sale? Well Chicken breast was on sale last week at Reams for $1.39 a pound. So I bought about 12 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and gathered together every half pint jar I had which was 15 jars. I had hoped for more when I bought the chicken, 15 jars would only hold about 7 and a half pounds. So the rest would have to be frozen.

Home canning any food needs to be done according to a tested and approved recipe with proper tools.
You need to have a pressure canner to can any vegetable or meat safely because boiling alone will not get up to a high enough temperature to kill bacteria ( like Clostridium botulinum bacteria which causes botulism) that thrive in low acid, low oxygen environments. Meats and vegetables and some other foods are low acid, most fruits and tomatoes are high acid and may be safely canned in a water bath caner.

First you must clean everything thoroughly; the jars lids and canning tools can be washed in the dishwasher and the canner must be washed by hand because it is too big to fit in the dishwasher. Next put the canner on the stove filled part way with water and turn the burner to high. Also fill the water bath canner with water, turn the burner to high, and put all the clean jars into the water bath canner. Then fill a sauce pan with water and turn it to medium for the lids.

Next cut the chicken into chunks to make it easier to fit into the jars. You can see I have four cutting boards set up, the one on the top left where the uncut chicken was set, the one below that was where I trimmed and cut the chicken, the green one to the right is for the cut up chicken and the clear thin one on the top right was for the trimmings and fat.

Yes I am left handed I know it looks odd.

Next set everything you need next to stove: the chicken, the jar lifter, the lid lifter, the plastic spatula, the funnel, and the rims (in the measuring cup). Then fill each jar one by one lifting them out of the water bath canner, pouring out the water and filling them with chicken, leaving one inch head space ( the space between the top of the jar and the top of the food and liquid.), sprinkle a 1/4 teaspoon for halt pints 1/2 teaspoon for pints and 1 teaspoon for quarts, canning salt over the chicken and pour a little hot water over it. Then wipe the rim of the jar clean then lift a lid out of the sauce pan and place it on the jar, screw down the rim "finger tight" and place it into the canner.

Once they are all filled and placed into the canner put the lid on the caner. (I have a weighted pressure canner and at the altitude I live food must be processed at 15lbs of pressure to be safe, If you have a dial pressure gauge this part will be different.) Wait until steam comes out the vent on the top. Time ten minutes of steam before putting the weight on the vent. After the weight starts to rock gently start the timer for one hour and ten minutes for half pints, an hour and fifteen minutes for pints and an hour and thirty minutes for quarts. Stay where you can hear the sound of the weight rocking and adjust the heat to keep the weight rocking gently. Once the processing time has passed, turn off the burner and move the canner off the heat and wait until the pressure in the canner dissipates.

DO NOT OPEN THE CANNER UNTIL THE PRESSURE DROPS!!!!!!

Once the pressure drops open the canner and take out the jars placing them on a clean towel to cool overnight.

In the morning check the seals on the jars by pressing on the middle of the lids. If they pop up, refrigerate that jar and use soon. Clean and label the jars and store in a cool dark place for up to one year.

The white lids are tattler brand lids which are reusable, this is my first time using them.

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

A New Year is upon us and although I have never been very good at keeping my new years resolutions I resolve that this year will be different. ;-P

There are many thing that I want to improve on but there are a few that are more important to me right now.

My New Years Resolutions are as follows:
1. Stay within my $5 a day budget
2. Menu plan and stick to it (eat out less)
3. Eat healthier and get more exercise
4. Get more food storage and Emergency Preparedness items
5. Keep my room and house cleaner and more organized
6. Use a day planner to remember important dates and events

So far I am not doing too well on 1, 2 and 3 but 4, 5and 6 are going really well, I have a plan for buying food storage (not part of the $5 a day plan), my room is more organized and I have been using my day planner since I bought it.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

Lots of new toys

2011-01-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well It has been quite a while since I last posted. Things have been going pretty fast around here and I can't seem to keep up. I have done a lot of things that I wanted to post about but I couldn't get around to it.

I wanted to talk a bit about some new toys I have acquired the last few months.

With great sales and Christmas gifts I have been blessed enough to now own many things on my wishlist.

The first toy is the L'quip Stick blender. I bought it on black Friday for $20, the regular price is over $70
This thing is so cool. I have mixed up a pumpkin pie with it as well as made whipped cream, walnut butter, and mayonnaise. I am really looking forward to playing with this more and finding more things this wonderful tool can do.

The second new toy is a vacuum sealer, I bought about a week after Christmas. Once I had it I took the time to reorganize my freezer, making a list of everything I have in it and vacuum packing everything that needed to be, I ordered a jar attachment from amazon.com to to go with it so I can Vacuum pack things that would be crushed if you tried to vacuum pack them in bags. I can seal bags without vacuuming the air out too, it should keep me from using so many ziplock bags since I can just reseal the bag it came in I have already used it a great deal and plan on using it a lot more.

The third new toy is a water bath canner. I havn't been able to play with it yet as there is no fruit in season right now but I did ask for it for Christmas and am very happy to have it, even if I do have to wait a while to use it. I already have a pressure canner I bought near the end of last summer that I used as a water bath canner but it is too small to can quarts using the water bath method.

Zipper and I taught ourselves how to can last fall. Canning was a blast and I really want to get into it. I plan on entering my canned goods in the state fair in a few years. We had a great time and I will be posting a lot about canning next fall and maybe a few about canning meat when meat is on sale. ( I havn't canned any meat yet but I really do want to try it, that is why I bought the pressure canner in the first place.)

Waterbath canner

Pressure canner

The forth new toy is a pasta rolling machine. I have had one on my Amazon wish list for over a year. It was a Christmas present and I think my parents liked my reaction to it. I have made two batches of pasta, the second much better than the first and I can't wait to post about it. Home made noodles are so good.

Another Christmas present from my parents was a Cuisinart hand mixer. My old hand mixer( $10 and the grocery store) had burnt out on cookie dough. It went out with sparks and smoke. I didn't want that to happen again so I did some research and asked for the Cuisinart. A good sturdy hand mixer is a must for serious bakers and cooks. I look forward to using it for years to come.

The next new toy is the Excalibur 3900 food dehydrator.

I bought it with my Christmas bonus, I dried a batch of pineapples the day it arrived. My roommates liked them but I'm not a big fan of pineapple it was just on sale. Zipper and I have looked through the instruction book and made a list of what we want to try. This thing can do so much more than dry fruits and vegetables. Some of the things we are going to try are beef jerky, yogurt, cottage cheese, instant soup and proofing bread dough. You can take the trays out and run it like a warming box, you can also set the temperature so it wont get too hot to kill the yeast or yogurt cultures. I didn't get one with a timer but I don't think it would have been worth the extra money.

And last but not least I was given a hand me down grain mill. I don't know how old it is maybe 10 years or so but I checked it out, it works great and all the parts are there. They even gave it to me in the original packaging with instruction book and warranty. It is even the brand I was planning on buying with my Christmas bonus just an older model. It was used but I don't think it was used very much. I did need to clean it and I will be looking for a replacement filter because its bent and squished a bit but other than that it was in great working order. Before now when I wanted to grind wheat I would either use my hand grinder( Christmas last year) or ask my roommate to take some wheat to her moms house to grind for me. I am so happy to have a mill I really look forward to baking with fresh ground whole wheat flour and other grains too.

You can see a theme with my new toys can't you? You learned in my first post that I love to cook and bake. My Mom once told me that when I got married no one would know what to give us as wedding presents because I would already have every kitchen gadget out there, I love kitchen gadgets, I have spend hours wandering around stores like Spoons and Spice and Sur-la-table.

I really look forward to the new year and all the new recipes I will try. I hope you will join me learning new ways to cook, trying new recipes and techniques.

What toy would you like me to teach you about first?

Basic Granola

2010-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked for a granola recipe online and found a list of ingredients so long and obscure you turn and run to the store and buy a box a granola? They call for things like flax meal, sesame seeds, coconut flakes and unsweetened wheat germ. Its enough to make your head spin.

This recipe was given to me at a baby shower it is the most basic of basic, any other ingredient is just extra for flavor or health benefit. This is the recipe to start with to create your ideal granola by adding the kinds of things you like in store bought granola. In these pictures I made apple cinnamon flavor by using an Alpine Apple Cider Mix packet half mixed in with the honey and oil mix and half sprinkled over the granola as it baked.

Basic Granola

Heat together:
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Once everything is mixed well and dissolved add 4 cups rolled oats and stir until well coated. Spread out onto a cookie sheet and bake at 250 for an hour stirring every 15 minutes or so.

Turn the oven off but let the granola and the oven cool down together stirring one more time. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

I haven't tried this yet but I am sure if you pressed the granola down tightly into a 9X13 pan and baked it at 300 for 30 min cut into bars while still hot then letting it cool down before breaking apart you would have homemade granola bars.
I will try this soon and report back it would be a great snack for work (or school lunches.) If you try it let post a comment to tell me how it turns out.

Frozen Yogurt

2010-08-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried frozen yogurt? I have and it was love at first bite. I remember like it was yesterday......

We were introduced by some friends from church, I was I little unsure about it but they told me we would hit it off. It looked just like soft serve but WOW looks can be deceiving. I was so suprized by the tart flavor, my friends even giggled at my reaction. I ate it slowly, enjoyed every bite and was very sad when it was gone. I wanted to meet up every chance I had. I came up with any excuse to go.

All kidding aside I couldn't keep going to Red Mango it was just too expensive, but any other place I went to wasn't as good.

After a while I thought I could make this at home!! Why hadn't I thought of the before? It would be easy to find a recipe online. You can find anything online. After combing though the results I found one that looked promising. I called Zipper (One of my frozen yogurt converts) who was all too willing to try it out with me. (She lived far away from any decent yogurt shop)We borrowed an ice cream maker and whipped up a batch. It wasn't quite right so we made some adjustments and tried again. Within a week we each had our own ice cream makers.

Tart Frozen Yogurt

1 Quart plain fat free yogurt (Greek style works best but any brand will do.)
3/4 Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

(Don't try and cheat by using vanilla flavored yogurt trust me its not as good. Okay? Plus if you get fat free vanilla yogurt you are also getting a sugar substitute which I try to avoid.)

Dump it all into your ice cream maker and give it a stir.

Add ice and salt( use more salt than you think you need it works faster)

This is what it looks like when its done:

Scoop it out and serve with the toppings of your choice. (I like raspberries and homemade granola best.)

A dinner FAIL to confess and Chicken Pot Pie

2010-08-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

rFirst the story of my dinner FAIL:

Last week I was having a guy over for dinner (A guy I wanted to impress with my great cooking skills.) I wanted to make something unique and wonderful but I wouldn't have a lot of time to cook. I decided to make a really great side dish and veggies and buy one of those rotisserie chickens from the store. That was sure to impress and not be too expensive. ( no I didn't try to pass the chicken off as mine he knew I bought it)

So the day before I went to Winco and bought some Quinoa from the bulk bins for the side dish( Quinoa is a grain you can cook like rice, it has a nutty flavor and great texture. I have made it at work a few times and really liked it) While I was there I also bought some Millet for another recipe later in the week. I was careful to label both the bags with the bin number and what was in the bag because they look similar. ( You can see where my FAIL is going huh?)

Quinoa cooked and raw

Millet raw

I didn't check the labels and I cooked the millet by mistake!!! Millet isn't supposed to be cooked the same as Quinoa it needs more water and seasonings. It was dry and bland and just plain not good. This is what happens when you try to impress someone, you make a mistake you would never make if you were alone. Great guy though he ate it as did the rest of my guests and didn't complain even though I said they didn't have to.

I feel better confessing that. Now on to the main event:

I bought two chickens for that dinner and had a lot leftover so I decided to make chicken pot pie last night . I didn't make a traditional pie that would have been too much to eat before it went bad. I made one "pie" just big enough for three ( me and my room mates) and four one serving "pies" to freeze for later.

I didn't use a traditional crust either, I used puff pastry and only on the top.( I have never been a big fan of pie crust but I love puff pastry) I used a oval cake pan and four of those disposable mini loaf pans but you can use what ever baking dish you want.

Chicken Pot Pie

2 cups cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
2 potatoes peeled and diced
1 1/3 cup diced carrots
frozen corn
frozen peas
1 10oz can Cream of Chicken soup
10 oz (one can) Milk
Salt and Pepper
one sheet puff pastry thawed and kept cool wrapped in a paper towel.(or Pie crust)

Place the carrots and potatoes in a medium sauce pan with an inch or two of water and bring to a boil then turn the unit off and let the residual heat partially cook the vegetables. Spread chicken over the bottom of whatever bake ware you are using, next layer the potatoes and carrots that have been drained and last layer the frozen vegetables. Mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk and pour over pie filling, Season liberally with salt and pepper. Trim the puff pastry to fit over the top of your bake ware and place over filling. Cut a few slits in the dough and if you wish brush with an egg wash to help browning. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30-60 min depending on the size of your pie.


Single serving "pies" the two on the left had their crusts pieced together with scraps not very pretty but they taste good. They were wrapped tightly in foil, labeled, and frozen for later.

The big "pie" Yum!!

Winco Bulk Price List Updated 8/3/10

2010-08-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have once again taken the time to update the price list. You may be wondering, Why on earth would I spend an hour and a half checking the prices in the bulk section at Winco every few months?
When I went to Winco for the first time, I was blown away by their bulk section, they had everything and more. I though every thing was a great price and got a little carried away. After a while I started to think about how I shop, when I buy things like flour or sugar I look at the price per pound and mentally compare it with what I think is a good price. I started to think how nice it would be to compare all the items available in the bulk section at Winco with like items at other stores that don't offer a bulk section. Now when I think I have found a good deal on something I check it agenst this list and see if it would be cheaper to buy it at Winco. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't, but I like being able to check. I have found the even the same thing (dry beans) in a one pound bag on the shelf at Winco costs more than buying one pound from the bulk bin. Feel free to copy and print this list to take with you to the store I know I have loved having it.

Please note that I am not affiliated in anyway with Winco foods I am just trying to keep a current list for myself and others to use as a reference when shopping .
All prices are per pound unless otherwise stated (e.g. Each)
All prices marked with an * are green tag or sale prices.
These prices were gathered at the Winco Foods 700 West, 7200 South, Midvale, Utah.
*Prices and selection may change at anytime and may vary from store to store.

NUTS

Almonds,whole $3.78
Almonds, chopped $3.67
Almonds, slivered $3.52
Almonds, salted $3.48
Almonds, smoked $3.48
Almonds, Timari $4.58
Almonds,sliced $3.44
Brazils $5.18
Cashew pieces, salted $3.48
Cashew pieces, raw $2.87
Cashew Whole $5.15
Hazel Nuts $4.58
Macadamia $12.22
Mixed Nuts, unsalted $3.56*
Mixed Nuts, with peanuts $3.58*
Mixed Nuts, deluxe mix $5.08
Mixed Nuts, honey roasted $4.08
Pecans halves $8.55
Pecan pieces $7.47
Peanuts, unsalted $1.42
Peanuts, dry $1.48
Peanuts, roasted $1.42
Peanuts, salted Spanish $1.64
Peanuts, raw Spanish $1.42
Peanuts, in shell $1.14
Pine nuts $19.98
Pistachio Kernels $9.22
Pistachios, in shells $4.69
Soy nuts, salted $1.26
Walnuts, medium pieces $3.30
Walnuts, halves, pieces $3.32
Walnuts, glazed $3.77

Dried Fruit

Adriatic Figs $3.19
Apple rings $2.75
Apricots $3.14
Apricot Coconut Logs$4.00
Bananas $1.51
Black Mission Figs $2.83
Blueberries $7.46
Cranberries $3.67
Cran-cherries $3.65
Cran-strawberries $3.65
Cherries $6.39
Dates, whole $2.33
Dates, chopped $1.73
Mangos $2.75
Mango Pineapple $1.37
Mangos with Chile $3.60
Papaya Spears $1.82
Pineapple $2.03
Pineapple with Chile $2.68
Prunes $1.83
Raisins $1.56
Raisins, golden $2.28
Strawberries $3.65
Tomatoes $3.90

Pasta

Angel hair $0.74
Bowties $0.93
Cous-cous $1.78
Cous-cous,tricolor $1.88
Duros $1.44
Eggnoodles, extra wide$1.10
Eggnoodles, whole wheat $1.35
Fettuccine $0.79
Fusilli $0.78
Lasagna $1.26
Linguine $0.74
Macaroni $0.74
Macaroni, whole wheat $0.92
Macaroni, salad $0.74
Gluten Free Elbow Macaroni $1.55
Orzo $0.74
Penne Rigate $0.74
Penne Mostacelli $0.74
Penne, whole wheat $0.94
Rainbow Radiatore $1.08
Rainbow Rotelle $1.09
Rigatoni $0.74
Rotini $0.74
Rotelle, whole wheat $0.91
Shells, small $0.74
Shells, medium whole wheat $1.91
Shells, large $0.74
Spaghetti $0.74
Spaghetti, whole wheat $0.98
Spaghetti, organic $1.23
Wagon Wheel $0.78

Tricolor Tortellini $4.43
Cheese Ravioli $4.43
Parmesan cheese $3.76
Parmesan Romano cheese $3.98

Beans

Adzuki $1.67
Black $0.87
Black Eyed Peas $0.90
Flor De Mayo Beans $1.76
Garbanzo $0.77
Great Northern $0.79
Hominy $0.49
Kidney $0.75
Lentils $0.73
Lentils,red $1.22
Lima, baby $0.81
Lima, large $1.21
Maya Coba $1.08
Navy $0.74
Pink $0.91
Pinto $0.55
Red, small $0.80
Soy $0.70
Soup Mix, beanland $0.90
Soup Mix, 13 bean $1.08
Split Peas, green $0.48
Split Peas, yellow $0.49

Rice

Arborio $1.76
Basmati $1.18*
Basmati, Brown $1.29
Bistro Blend Rice $2.95
Brown, short $0.74
Brown, organic $1.76
Converted Rice $0.61
Jasmine $0.88
Jasmine, brown $1.12
Jubilee Rice Mix $2.07
Lentil Rice Blend $2.65
Long grain, White $0.48
Long grain, brown $0.53
Pearl rice $0.75
Pearl barley $0.40
Wild Rice $8.18
Wild Rice, lemon Herb $3.90
Wild Rice pilaf $3.53

Spices

Allspice, ground $5.24
Allspice, whole $5.06
Basil $2.20
Bay Leaves, whole $4.00
BBQ seasoning $2.33
Beef Soup Base $3.92
Bacon Salt $8.90
Brown Gravy Mix $2.30
Cardamom $14.18
Cayenne $2.41
Celery Seed, whole $2.22
Cheese Sauce Mix $5.31
Country Gravy Mix $2.59
Chicken Gravy Mix $2.76
Chicken Soup Base $3.32
Chili Powder $2.84
Chili Powder, extra hot $2.99
Chives $11.10
Cilantro $8.80
Cinnamon $1.64
Cinnamon Sticks $2.40
Cloves $6.13
Cloves, whole $6.98
Cracked Peppercorn Herb Blend $3.71
Cream of Tartar $5.67
Cream Soup Base $4.78
Croutons, cheese/garlic $2.69
Croutons, small seasoned $2.48
Croutons, large seasoned $2.51
Croutons, Multi-grain Cheese/Garlic $3.18
Crushed chili peppers $2.38
Cumin $3.38
Curry $2.67
Dill Seed, whole $2.32
Dill Weed $6.13
Falafel Mix $3.15
Garlic, minced $2.58
Garlic, granulated $2.58
Garlic salt $1.43
Garlic powder $2.66
Ginger, ground $3.20
Ginger, crystallized $2.31
Ground pepper $3.53
Hummus Mix $4.50
Imitation Bacon bits $1.49
Instant Refried Beans $4.46
Instant Potatoes ( flakes )$1.08
Italian seasoning $4.35
Lemon Pepper $3.52
Mustard, ground $2.49
Nature’s Burger Mix $3.01
Nutmeg $8.08
Onion Salt $1.46
Onion, chopped $3.38
Onion, minced $3.29
Onion, granulated $3.38
Onion Powder $2.76
Onion Soup Mix $2.76
Oregano $3.11
Paprika $3.82
Parsley $4.97
Peppercorns $4.18
Peppersteak Seasoning $4.49
Pickling Spice $2.58
Poppy Seeds $4.17
Poultry Seasoning $4.37
Pizza Seasoning $3.98
Pumpkin Pie Spice $3. 11
Roasted Garlic Pepper Blend $3.71
Rosemary $2.58
Sage, rubbed $5.27
Salt, Iodized $0.23
Sea Salt $0.21
Seasoning Salt $2.03
Sesame Seeds $2.86
Stuffing Mix $2.69
Tabouli $3.69
Taco seasoning $2.39
Thyme $5.07
TVP $1.88
Vegetable Blend Soup Mix $6.06
Yeast, instant $3.09

Spice Bottle, small $0.84
Spice Bottle, medium $1.16
Spice Bottle, large $1.32

Honey & PB station

Clover Honey $3.32
Blackberry Honey $3.54
Orange Honey $3.45
Almond Butter $3.96
Peanut Butter $1.48

Baking

Baking Powder $1.01
Baking Soda $0.48
Bitter Sweet Chocolate $4.38
Brown Sugar $0.60
Buckwheat Flour $1.68
Buckwheat Grouts $2.88
Buttermilk Biscuit Mix $0.84
Bulgar Wheat $1.21
Brownie Mix $1.07
Butter Scotch Chips $2.28
Carob Chips $2.01
Chocolate melty $2.28
Chow Mein Noodles $1.53
Chicken Breading Mix $1.22
Cinnamon Imperials (red hots) $1.55
Cocoa $2.78
Coconut, Sweet flaked $1.77
Coconut, unsweetened $1.45
Corn Grits Polenta $0.76
Cornmeal $0.50
Cornstarch $0.76
Cracked Wheat $0.36
Dark Chocolate melty $2.23
Dark Chocolate chips $2.63
Dark Chocolate chunk $3.07
Dark Rye Flour $1.15
Demerara Raw Cane Sugar $1.10
Farina Cereal $1.19
Flax Seeds $0.56
Flax Seeds, golden $0.84
Flax Seeds, meal $1.57
Fructose $1.43
Gluten Flour $2.56
Granola $1.58
Groats Whole Oats $0.85
Hulled Millet $0.43
Instant Nonfat Milk $2.52
Italian bread crumbs $0.74
M&M,Minis $4.26
Milk Chocolate chips$2.76
Milk Chocolate chunk $3.21
Muffin mix, corn muffin $1.76
Muffin mix, blueberry $1.06
Muffin mix, spiced apple $1.26
Nutritional Yeast $6.94
Oats, Steel Cut $0.86
Oats, 5 grain $1.06
Oats, 7 grain $1.03
Oats, 10 grain $1.10
Oats, organic $0.92
Oatmeal, Scottish $0.46
Oat Bran $0.85
Old Fashioned Oats $0.51
Organic Cane Sugar $1.18
Pancake Mix, 10 Grain $1.55
Pancake Mix, buttermilk $0.69
Panko Bread Crumbs $1.51
Piloncillo Wrapped $0.70
Pie Crust Mix $1.35
Pizza Crust Mix $0.77
Potatoes, Shredded $1.56
Potatoes, Sliced $1.54
Powdered Sugar $0.63
Quick Oats $0.50
Quina Grain $3.52
Rainbow toppings, (Sprinkles) $2.42
Rolled Red Wheat Flakes $0.64
Reese’s PB Chips $2.88
Semi Sweet chocolate chips $2.52
Semi Sweet mini chocolate chips $2.52
Semolina Flour $1.57
Soy Flour $1.22
Spelt Flour $1.38
Sugar $0.47
Tapioca Pearls $1.55
Tapioca Flour $1.28
Triticale Berries $0.63
Vanilla Chips $2.19
Vanilla melty $2.28
Wheat Bran $0.39
Wheat Berry Kernels $0.42
Wheat germ $0.90
White Flour $0.27
White Flour, unbleached $0.27
White Rice Flour $1.04
White Cake Flour $0.37
White Bread Flour $0.42
Whole Wheat Flour $0.41
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour $0.68
Whole Wheat Bread Flour $0.52

Breakfast Cereal

40% Bran flakes $1.47
Breakfast Orange Drink Mix $1.22
Bunch ‘O Crunch Cereal $1.62
Cherry Vanilla Cereal $2.41*
Cocoa Mix, Hot/Cold $1.02
Cocoa Munchie Cereal $1.75
Coffee Creamer $1.31
Corn Flakes $1.57
Crisp Rice Cereal $1.67
French Vanilla Cereal $2.41
Frosted Shredded Wheat Cereal $1.50
Fruit & Nut Granola $2.21*
Fruit Whirls Cereal $1.74
Granola, Almond Cluster $1.61
Granola, Almond Raisin $1.63
Granola, Apple Pecan $1.58
Granola, Blueberry Flax $2.41*
Granola, Cinnamon Raisin $1.58
Granola,Cranberry Almond$1.58
Granola, French Vanilla $1.63
Granola, Honey Almond $1.45
Granola, Honey Raisin Cashew $1.58*
Granola, Lowfat Apple Cinnamon $1.58
Granola, Lowfat Strawberry Raspberry $2.28*
Granola, Peanut Butter $2.88
Granola, Maple Nut $1.58
Happy Shapes Cereal $1.88
Honey Nut Toasted Oats $1.79
Granola $2.28
Muesli Cereal $1.78
Punch Drink Mix $1.21
Raisin Bran $1.91
Soy Protein Powder $4.97
Sugar Frosted Flakes $1.59
Toasted oats Cereal $1.68
Cereal Bowls $0.48Each
Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bar $0.26 Each
Strawberry Cereal Bar $0.26Each

Tea Bags $0.09 Each
Camomile Tea
Chai Spice Tea
English Breakfast Tea
Eral Grey Tea
Green Tea
Peppermint Tea
Orange Spice Tea
Raspberry Tea

Snacks

Animal Crackers $1.46
Apricot Almond Bars $0.75 Each
Back Country Bar $2.18
Blazing Trail Mix $2.25*
Caramel Popcorn $2.85
Cashew Mango Bars $0.75 Each
Cheese Curls $2.18
Cheese Curls, HOT $2.38
Chex Mix $2.93
Chocolate Delight Mix $2.28
Cranberry Almond Mix $3.48*
Cranberry Mix $2.74
Crunch Sweet/Spicy $2.37
Deluxe Trail Mix $2.27
Flax Seed Corn Chip $2.41
Fortune Cookies $0.06 each
Fruit Salad $2.88*
Garelettos Snack Mix$2.69
Goldfish $2.94
Honey Roasted Mini-Chip $2.74
Iced Animal Cookies $2.48
Island Delight Mix $2.03
Kebbler Cheese/PB Sandwich $0.38 Each
Kebbler PB/Jelly Sandwich $0.38 Each
Knott Heath English toffee $0.38 Each
Kebbler Cheese/Cheese Sandwich $0.38 Each
Kraft Cheese Crackers$.41 Each
Macaroons $3.40
Marshmallow Munchie Treat$0.33
Mallow Crisp Bars $3.57
Moon Pie Vanilla and Strawberry $0.48 Each
Mt. Hood Mix $2.47*
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie $0.28 Each
Oriental Rice Crackers $2.08
Organic Mt Rainer Mix $7.47
Pacific Crest Trail Mix $1.88
Papa Giki Cookies $1.15
Paradise Mix $2.06
Party Mix $2.10*
Pilot Bread $2.79
Popcorn Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn Extra Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn Light Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn, yellow $0.64
Popcorn, white $0.69
Porkrinds $4.97
Pretzels Mini Twist $1.89
Pretzel Sticks $1.89
Pretzel Balls $0.94
Pretzels, Peanut Butter $3.08
Samurai Peanut Mix $2.08
Sesame Snaps $0.52 Each
Sesame Stix $2.36
Snack Mix $2.55
Snack Mix Berry $0.38 Each
Snack mix, Cheddar$2.49
Spicy Curry Mix $3.02*
Super Deluxe Trail Mix $2.13*
Sweet&Salty mix $2.54
Szechuan Sesame Mix $2.73*
Tamari Almonds $4.28
Taste of the Orient Mix $2.28*
Toasted Corn $1.82
Toasted Corn, Ranch $1.83
Toasted Corn, Cajan $1.87
Vanilla and Chocolate Wafer Cookies $1.82
Wasabi Peas $2.05
Whole Wheat Fig Bars $3.63

Candy

Almonds, Butter Toffee $4.88
Almonds, Chocolate $3.42
Almonds,Chocolate Organic $8.01
Almonds, Yogurt $3.13
Andes $3.92
Assorted Wrapped Candy $1.68
Atomic Fireballs $1.58
Banana Chips, Chocolate Covered $2.63
Bit ‘O Honey $2.55
Boston Baked Beans $1.88
Bubble Gum Balls $2.19
Candy Corn $1.38*
Candy Necklaces $0.15 each
Caramel Apple Pops $2.47
Charm Blow Pops $1.99
Chocolate Bridge Mix $3.58
Chocolate Gold Coins $6.20
Chocolate Gummy Bears $2.92
Chocolate Malt Balls $2.84
Chocolate Orange Sticks $3.63
Chocolate Peanut Clusters $3.68
Chocolate Pecans $5.90
Chocolate Rocks $3.72
Chocolate Walnuts $5.37
Cinnamon Bears with Chocolate$2.66
Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate $4.18
Coffee Beans, Milk Chocolate $3.98
Dark Chocolate Cranberries $3.94
Fruit Snacks $1.80
Fruit Sours $1.65
Good n Plenty $2.13
Gum Drops $1.08
Gummy Apple Os $1.78
Gummy, Assorted Seasonal $1.68 or $1.88
Gummy Bears $1.58
Gummy Grapefruit $2.69
Gummy Peaches $1.78
Gummy Sharks $1.78
Gummy Sour Worms $1.78
Gummy Worms $1.58
Hershey Minis $4.41
Hersheys Kisses $4.38
Hersheys Nuggets $4.38
Hersheys, Assorted $3.98*
Hot Tamales $2.16
Jaw Breakers $1.58
Jelly Beans, $0.98*
Jelly Beans, black $1.35
Jelly Beans, gourmet $3.77
Jelly Bellies, any $7.18
Jordan Almonds $3.76
Jumbo Jaw Breakers $2.63
Laffy Taffy $2.53
Lemon Drops $1.48
Lemon Heads $1.58
Licorice Mix $1.90
Licorice, assorted $2.40
Licorice, black bites $2.10
Licorice, black stick $3.39
Licorice, red bites $2.10
M&M's, original $3.93
M&Ms,peanut $3.93
Mike&Ikes $2.16
Mints, Alpine $4.86
Mints, Butter $2.33
Mints, Dainty $2.39
Mints, Pastel Large $2.78
Mints, Pastel Petite $2.88
Mint Patties $2.53
Orange Slices $1.08
Peanuts, Butter Toffee $1.64
Peanuts, Butter Toffee Coconut $1.57
Peanuts, Chocolate $2.52
Peanuts, French Burnt $1.92
Pretzels, Chocolate $2.29
Pretzels, Yogurt $2.38
Pumpkin Kernels, Raw $4.19
Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Salt $2.96
Raisins, Chocolate Covered $2.58
Raisins, Dark Chocolate $3.27
Raisins, Yogurt Covered $2.35
Reeses Pieces $3.48
Reeses Mini Peanut Butter Cups $4.38
Reeses Peanut Peanut Butter Cup $2.85
Runts $2.13
Salt Water Taffy $1.88
Skittles $2.89
Snickers $4.39 Sour Belts, Green Apple $3.98
Sour Belts, Peach $3.98
Sour Belts, Strawberry $4.95
Sour Belts, Stripped $3.98
Sour Patch kids $2.40
Spice Drops $1.08
Starburst, original $3.53
Strawberries, Dark Chocolate $4.82
Sunbursts $3.72
Sunflower Kernel, no salt $1.34
Sunflower Kernel, salted $1.37
Sunflower Kernels, Honey Roast $1.61
Sunflower Kernels, Raw $1.00
Sunflower seeds, raw $0.83
Sunflower seeds, salted $1.03
Swedish Fish, mini $2.40
Swedish Fish, red $2.40
Tootsie Pops $2.55
Tootsie Rolls, assorted $2.35
Truffles, Dark Chocolate $4.24
Yogurt Peanut Cluster $3.16
Yogurt Peanut $2.39

Low-Sugar

SF= Sugar Free

NSA= No Sugar Added

Equal Packets $0.03 Each
Splenda Packets $ 0.03 Each

Candy

Almond Clusters SF $5.98
Almond Crunch SF $5.98
Almonds, Chocolate SF $5.98
Almonds, Dark Chocolate SF $5.98
Almonds, Jordan NSA $6.59
Bridge Mix NSA $4.69
Butterscotch SF $3.58
Caramels, SF $5.98
Cashew Cluster NSA $5.71
Cashews, Chocolate SF $5.98
Chk O Stick SF $4.55
Chocolate Malt NSA $4.52
Chocolate Pretzel NSA $4.71
Cinnamon Bear $4.00
Coconut Clusters NSA $4.48
Dark Chocolate SF $5.09
Fruit Button SF $3.38
Gela Mix SF $3.38
Gum Drops $4.04
Gummy Bears SF $2.68
Gummy Worms SF $2.58
Macadamia, NSA $5.98
Milk Chocolate SF $ 3.95
Mint, Meltaway SF $5.98
Peanut Butter Cups NSA $6.54
Peanut Butter Meltaway NSA $5.61
Peanut Cluster NSA $5.78
Peanuts, Chocolate Low Carb $6.35
Peanuts, Chocolate NSA $4.48
Peanuts, Dark Chocolate NSA $4.31
Pecan Cluster NSA $6.23
Peppermint, SF $5.98
Raisins, Chocolate NSA $4.48
Raisins, Dark Chocolate NSA $4.31

Eggs

2010-07-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

If you live in Utah you may have noticed the great deals on eggs that have been popping up recently. Last week a dozen large grade AA eggs at Smiths were $0.69. this week a dozen medium eggs are $0.58 at Macys. With such a great price I need to come up with more things to do with eggs and I will be posting more on what I find works. For now I am posting about a classic, the omelet.
You can put almost anything in one and it is so fast to put together. They are great for days when you don't know whats for dinner and really don't have time to make anything fancy. They are one dish meals and you don't have left overs, you even use up left overs with an omelet.
Last night I was driving home from work thinking I didn't have anything planned for dinner, I was considering which fast food place I should stop at. I had to be at FHE by 7:00 and I knew I didn't have the time to thaw meat or make much of anything because I haven't been making a menu plan and I haven't been shopping for meals. I fought the urge to stop at subway and just went home. I was hungry and I didn't want to wait for dinner. I looked in the fridge and found milk, eggs, green onions, cheese and bacon bits.Perfect!!

Basic omelet

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons milk

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat a small saute pan over medium high heat with a little fat( butter, or oil). Combine milk and eggs in a small bowl and beat well with a fork add salt and pepper to taste and beat again. Pour mixture into preheated pan and tilt pan to evenly coat. As the eggs cook use a rubber spatula to pull up the side of the omelet and tilt the pan to let the runny eggs under the cooked eggs. Once the omelet is solid enough to flip, flip it with a spatula or if you are felling adventurous try to flip it with the pan. Once the eggs have cooked on both side fold the omelet in half and slide onto a plate to serve.

Add any kind of filling you like or have on hand.

I made my omelet with bacon bits green onions and cheese. Before I put the eggs in the pan I sauteed the bacon and sliced green onions a little. the bacon gave off just a little fat so I didn't need to use butter and it crisped up a bit too. I moved the fillings to a paper towel and poured the eggs into the pan and sprinkled the fillings over the cooking eggs keeping some to add later. After the first flip I sprinkled on the cheese and the reserved bacon and green onions.

It took me less than 10 minutes to have dinner ready and I made it to FHE on time

You can put almost anything in an omelet from spinach to fresh tomatoes and bacon to left over chicken. Play around, see what you like. Omelets are a great, easy, fast, and cheap one dish meal for anytime of day and any number of people, even one.

Winco Bulk Price List Updated 5/7/10

2010-05-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so it took me longer than I thought to update this list but I have now and this time it is complete.

Winco has a bulk section that I love as a Young Single Adult and as someone who loves to cook and bake. Buying from the bulk bins saves me so much money in several ways: I can buy a just enough of something to try a new recipe or substitution, I buy spices to refill the jars I already have, I can buy ingredients at the bulk price without buying a huge amount( like the sugar is the same price pound for pound as a 25lb bag is. ) and I am not paying for the packaging or brand.

This is a list I put together of the bulk prices at the Winco foods at 7200 South 700 West in Utah as of May 7th 2010

Prices are all per pound unless otherwise stated. Prices marked with * are sale prices and will change soon. Prices may change at anytime and may be different at other locations. I hope that you find this helpful.

NUTS

Almonds,whole $1.98 Sale
Almonds, chopped $3.67
Almonds, slivered $3.52
Almonds, salted $3.48
Almonds, smoked $3.48
Almonds,sliced $3.44
Brazils $5.18
Cashew pieces, salted $4.06
Cashew pieces, raw $2.87
Cashew Whole $5.11
Hazel Nuts $4.58
Macadamia $6.86
Mixed Nuts, unsalted $3.73
Mixed Nuts, with peanuts $3.80
Mixed Nuts, deluxe mix $5.28
Mixed Nuts, honey roasted $4.27
Pecans halves $7.98
Pecan pieces $7.71
Peanuts, unsalted $1.42
Peanuts, dry $1.48
Peanuts, roasted $1.38
Peanuts, salted Spanish $1.64
Peanuts, raw Spanish $1.42
Peanuts, in shell $1.14
Pine nuts $19.98
Pistachio Kernels $9.22
Pistachios, in shells $4.69
Soy nuts, salted $1.26
Walnuts, medium pieces $3.30
Walnuts, halves, pieces $3.32
Walnuts, glazed $3.48

Dried Fruit

Adriatic Figs $3.19
Apple rings $2.75
Apricots $3.14
Apricot Coconut Logs$3.28 *sale
Bananas $1.51Black Mission Figs $2.83
Blueberries $7.46
Cranberries $3.67
Cran-cherries $3.65
Cran-strawberries $3.65
Cherries $6.39
Dates, whole $2.33
Dates, chopped $1.73
Mangos $2.52
Mango Pineapple $1.37
Mangos with Chile $3.36
Papaya Spears $1.82
Pineapple $1.77
Pineapple with Chile $2.59
Prunes $1.82
Raisins $1.56
Raisins, golden $2.28
Strawberries $4.04
Tomatoes $3.90

Pasta

Angel hair $0.74
Bowties $0.93
Cous-cous $1.78
Cous-cous,tricolor $1.88
Duros $1.44
Eggnoodles, extra wide$1.10
Eggnoodles, whole wheat $1.35
Fettuccine $0.79
Fusilli $0.78
Lasagna $1.26
Linguine $0.74
Macaroni $0.74
Macaroni, whole wheat $0.92
Macaroni, salad $0.74
Gluten Free Elbow Macaroni $1.55
Orzo $0.74
Penne Rigate $0.74
Penne Mostacelli $0.84
Penne, whole wheat $0.94
Rainbow Radiatore $1.08
Rainbow Rotelle $1.09
Rigatoni $0.74
Rotelle $0.76
Rotelle, whole wheat $0.91
Shells, small $0.74
Shells, medium whole wheat $1.91
Shells, large $0.74
Spaghetti $0.74
Spaghetti, whole wheat $0.98
Spaghetti, organic $1.23
Wagon Wheel $0.78

Tricolor Tortellini $4.43
Cheese Ravioli $4.43
Parmesan cheese $3.76
Parmesan Romano cheese $3.98

Beans

Adzuki $1.67
Black $0.78
Black Eyed Peas $0.95
Flor De Mayo Beans $1.76
Garbanzo $0.77
Great Northern $0.86
Hominy $0.49
Kidney $0.94
Lentils $0.79
Lentils,red $1.23
Lentil blend rice $2.48*sale
Lima, baby $0.92
Lima, large $1.31
Maya Coba $1.18
Navy $0.81
Pink $0.91
Pinto $0.48* sale
Red, small $0.78
Soy $0.70
Soup Mix, beanland $0.91
Soup Mix, 13 bean $1.11
Split Peas, green $0.53
Split Peas, yellow $0.52

Rice

Arborio $1.76
Basmati $1.67
Basmati, Brown $1.63
Bistro Blend Rice $2.48
Brown, short $0.79
Brown, organic $1.76
Converted Rice $0.61
Jasmine $0.98
Jasmine, brown $1.12
Jubilee Rice Mix $2.07
Long grain, White $0.51
Long grain, brown $0.55
Pearl rice $0.82
Pearl barley $0.40
Wild Rice $8.18
Wild Rice, lemon Herb $3.90
Wild Rice pilaf $3.53

Spices

Allspice, ground $5.24
Allspice, whole $5.06
Basil $2.20
Bay Leaves, whole $4.00
BBQ seasoning $2.33
Beef Soup Base $3.92
Bacon Salt $8.90
Brown Gravy Mix $2.30
Cardamom $14.18
Cayenne $2.41
Celery Seed, whole $2.22
Cheese Sauce Mix $5.31
Country Gravy Mix $2.38
Chicken Gravy Mix $2.76
Chicken Soup Base $3.32
Chili Powder $2.84
Chili Powder, extra hot $2.99
Chives $11.10
Cilantro $8.80
Cinnamon $1.64
Cinnamon Sticks $2.40
Cloves $6.13
Cloves, whole $6.18
Cracked Peppercorn Herb Blend $3.71
Cream of Tartar $5.67
Croutons, cheese/garlic $2.69
Croutons, small seasoned $2.27
Croutons, large seasoned $2.51
Croutons, Multi-grain Cheese/Garlic $3.18
Crushed chili peppers $2.38
Cumin $3.38
Curry $2.67
Dill Seed, whole $2.32
Dill Weed $6.13
Falafel Mix $3.15
Garlic, minced $2.58
Garlic, granulated $3.58
Garlic salt $1.36
Garlic powder $2.66
Ginger, ground $3.20
Ginger, crystallized $2.31
Ground pepper $3.53
Hummus Mix $4.50
Imitation Bacon bits $1.49
Instant Refried Beans $4.46
Instant Potatoes ( flakes )$1.08
Italian seasoning $4.35
Lemon Pepper $3.52
Mustard, ground $2.49
Nature’s Burger Mix $3.01
Nutmeg $8.08
Onion Salt $1.46
Onion, chopped $3.39
Onion, minced $3.29
Onion, granulated $3.38
Onion Powder $2.76
Onion Soup Mix $2.76
Oregano $3.11
Paprika $3.82
Parsley $4.97
Peppercorns $4.18
Peppersteak Seasoning $4.49
Pickling Spice $2.58
Poppy Seeds $4.17
Poultry Seasoning $4.37
Pizza Seasoning $3.98
Pumpkin Pie Spice $3. 11
Roasted Garlic Pepper Blend $3.71
Rosemary $2.58
Sage, rubbed $5.27
Salt, Iodized $0.23
Sea Salt $0.21
Seasoning Salt $2.18
Sesame Seeds $4.17
Stuffing Mix $2.69
Tabouli $3.69
Taco seasoning $2.39
Thyme $5.07
TVP $1.88
Vegetable Blend Soup Mix $6.06
Yeast, instant $3.09

Spice Bottle, small $0.84
Spice Bottle, medium $1.16
Spice Bottle, large $1.32

Honey & PB station

Clover Honey $3.03
Blackberry Honey $3.54
Orange Honey $3.45
Almond Butter $3.96
Peanut Butter $1.48

Baking

Baking Powder $1.01
Baking Soda $0.48
Bitter Sweet Chocolate $4.38
Brown Sugar $0.60
Buckwheat Flour $1.58
Buckwheat Grouts $?.??
Buttermilk Biscuit Mix $0.80
Bulgar Wheat $1.21
Brownie Mix $1.03
Butter Scotch Chips $2.13
Carob Chips $1.99
Chocolate melty $2.18
Chow Mein Noodles $1.53
Chicken Breading Mix $1.22
Cinnamon Imperials (red hots) $1.55
Cocoa $2.78
Coconut, Sweet flaked $1.47
Coconut, unsweetened $1.45
Corn Grits Polenta $0.78
Cornmeal $0.52
Cornstarch $0.76
Cracked Wheat $0.37
Dark Chocolate melty $2.14
Dark Chocolate chips $2.63
Dark Chocolate chunk $3.07
Dark Rye Flour $1.15
Demerara raw cane sugar $1.02
Farina Cereal $1.19
Flax Seeds $0.56
Flax Seeds, golden $0.84
Flax Seeds, meal $1.57
Fructose $1.43
Gluten Flour $2.56
Granola $1.58
Groats Whole Oats $0.85
Hulled Millet $0.43
Instant Nonfat Milk $2.52
Italian bread crumbs $0.74
M&M,Minis $4.26
Milk Chocolate chips$2.92
Milk Chocolate chunk $3.21
Muffin mix, corn muffin $1.76
Muffin mix, blueberry $1.01
Muffin mix, spiced apple $1.26
Nutritional Yeast $6.94
Oats, Steel Cut $0.85
Oats, 5 grain $1.06
Oats, 7 grain $1.03
Oats, 10 grain $1.10
Oats, organic $0.92
Oatmeal, Scottish $0.54
Oat Bran $0.87
Old Fashioned Oats $0.53
Organic Cane Sugar $1.18
Pancake Mix, 10 Grain $1.56
Pancake Mix, buttermilk $0.69
Panko Bread Crumbs $1.51
Piloncillo Wrapped $0.70
Pie Crust Mix $1.42
Pizza Crust Mix $0.77
Potatoes, Shredded $1.54
Potatoes, Sliced $1.54
Powdered Sugar $0.63
Quick Oats $0.53
Quina Grain $3.52
Rainbow toppings $2.42
Rolled Red Wheat Flakes $0.66
Reese’s PB Chips $2.88
Semi Sweet chocolate chips $2.52
Semi Sweet mini chocolate chips $2.52
Semolina Flour $1.71
Soy Flour $1.22
Spelt Flour $1.38
Sugar $0.45
Tapioca Pearls $1.55
Tapioca Flour $1.28
Triticale Berries $0.61
Vanilla Chips $2.13
Vanilla melty $2.08
Wheat Bran $0.39
Wheat Berry Kernels $0.35
Wheat germ $0.90
White Flour $0.29
White Flour, unbleached $0.29
White Rice Flour $1.04
White Cake Flour $0.40
White Bread Flour $0.42
Whole Wheat Flour $0.42
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour $0.68
Whole Wheat Bread Flour $0.55

Breakfast Cereal

40% Bran flakes $1.47
Breakfast Orange Drink Mix $1.25
Bunch ‘O Crunch Cereal $1.62
Cherry Vanilla Cereal $2.41* Sale
Cocoa Mix, Hot/Cold $1.06
Cocoa Munchie Cereal $1.75
Coffee Creamer $1.57
Corn Flakes $1.57
Crisp Rice Cereal $1.67
French Vanilla Cereal $2.41*Sale
Frosted Shredded Wheat Cereal $1.50
Fruit & Nut Granola $2.21*Sale
Fruit Whirls Cereal $1.74
Granola, Almond Cluster $1.48*Sale
Granola, Almond Raisin $1.48*Sale
Granola, Apple Pecan $1.58
Granola, Blueberry Flax $2.41*Sale
Granola, Cinnamon Raisin $1.48*Sale
Granola,Cranberry Almond$1.48
Granola, French Vanilla $1.48* Sale
Granola, Honey Almond $1.45
Granola, Honey Raisin Cashew $1.58*Sale
Granola, Lowfat Apple Cinnamon $1.58
Granola, Lowfat Strawberry Raspberry $2.28*Sale
Granola, Peanut Butter $2.88
Granola, Maple Nut $1.58
Happy Shapes Cereal $1.88
Honey Nut Toasted Oats $1.79
Granola $2.28
Muesli Cereal $1.78
Punch Drink Mix $1.21
Raisin Bran $1.91
Soy Protein Powder $4.97
Sugar Frosted Flakes $1.59
Toasted oats Cereal $1.68
Cereal Bowls $0.48Each
Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bar $0.26 Each
Strawberry Cereal Bar $0.26Each

Tea Bags $0.09 Each
Camomile Tea
Chai Spice Tea
English Breakfast Tea
Eral Grey Tea
Green Tea
Peppermint Tea
Orange Spice Tea
Raspberry Tea

Snacks

Animal Crackers $1.43
Apricot Almond Bars $0.75 Each
Back Country Bar $2.18
Blazing Trail Mix $2.36
Caramel Popcorn $2.85
Cashew Mango Bars $0.75 Each
Cheese Curls $2.18
Cheese Curls, HOT $2.38
Chex Mix $2.93
Chocolate Delight Mix $2.38
Cranberry Almond Mix $3.48*Sale
Cranberry Mix $2.74
Crunch Sweet/Spicy $2.48
Deluxe Trail Mix $2.39
Flax Seed Corn Chip $2.41
Fortune Cookies $0.06 each
Fruit Salad $3.02
Garelettos Snack Mix$2.69
Goldfish $2.94
Honey Roasted Mini-Chip $2.74
Iced Animal Cookies $2.48
Island Delight Mix $2.12
Kebbler Cheese/PB Sandwich $0.38 Each
Kebbler PB/Jelly Sandwich $0.38 Each
Knott Heath English toffee $0.38 Each
Kebbler Cheese/Cheese Sandwich $0.38 Each
Kraft Cheese Crackers$.41 Each
Macaroons $3.40
Marshmallow Munchie Treat$0.33
Mallow Crisp Bars $3.57
Moon Pie Vanilla and Strawberry $0.48 Each
Mt. Hood Mix $2.59
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie $0.28 Each
Oriental Rice Crackers $2.08
Organic Mt Rainer Mix $7.47
Pacific Crest Trail Mix $1.88
Papa Giki Cookies $1.15
Paradise Mix $2.16
Party Mix $2.29
Pilot Bread $2.79
Popcorn Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn Extra Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn Light Butter $0.32 Each
Popcorn, yellow $0.62
Popcorn, white $0.69
Porkrinds $4.97
Pretzels Mini Twist $1.89
Pretzel Sticks $1.89
Pretzel Balls $0.94
Pretzels, Peanut Butter $2.88
Samurai Peanut Mix $2.08
Sesame Snaps $0.52 Each
Sesame Stix $2.36
Snack Mix $2.55
Snack Mix Berry $0.38 Each
Super Deluxe Trail Mix $2.23
Sweet&Salty mix $2.66
Szechuan Sesame Mix $2.87
Tamari Almonds $4.28
Taste of the Orient Mix $2.38
Toasted Corn $1.82
Toasted Corn, Ranch $1.83
Toasted Corn, Cajan $1.87
Vanilla and Chocolate Wafer Cookies $1.82
Wasabi Peas $2.05
Whole Wheat Fig Bars $3.63

Candy

Almonds, Butter Toffee $4.18
Almonds, Chocolate $3.40
Almonds,Chocolate Organic $8.01
Almonds, Yogurt $3.11
Andes $3.92
Assorted Wrapped Candy $1.68
Atomic Fireballs $1.58
Banana Chips, Chocolate Covered $2.61
Bit ‘O Honey $2.55
Boston Baked Beans $1.88
Bubble Gum Balls $2.19
Candy Corn $1.38
Candy Necklaces $0.15 each
Caramel Apple Pops $2.47
Charm Blow Pops $1.99
Chocolate Bridge Mix $3.18
Chocolate Gold Coins $6.20
Chocolate Gummy Bears $2.92
Chocolate Malt Balls $2.84
Chocolate Orange Sticks $3.63
Chocolate Peanut Clusters $3.68
Chocolate Rocks $3.72
Cinnamon Bears with chocolate$2.66
Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate $4.18
Coffee Beans, Milk Chocolate $3.98
Dark Chocolate Cranberries $3.92
Fruit Snacks $1.80
Fruit Sours $1.65
Good n Plenty $2.13
Gum Drops $1.08
Gummy Apple Os $1.68
Gummy Bears $1.48
Gummy Grapefruit $2.89
Gummy Peaches $1.68
Gummy Sharks $1.68
Gummy Sour Worms $1.68
Gummy Worms $1.48
Hershey Minis $4.41
Hersheys Kisses $4.56
Hersheys Nuggets $4.56
Hersheys, Assorted $4.56
Hot Tamales $2.16
Jaw Breakers $1.58
Jelly Beans, $0.98*Sale
Jelly Beans, black $1.35
Jelly Beans, gourmet $3.77
Jelly Bellies, any $7.48
Jordan Almonds $3.76
Jumbo Jaw Breakers $2.63
Laffy Taffy $2.53
Lemon Drops $1.48
Lemon Heads $1.58
Licorice Mix $1.90
Licorice, assorted $3.08
Licorice, black bites $2.10
Licorice, black stick $3.39
Licorice, red bites $2.10
M&M's, original $3.59
M&Ms,peanut $3.59
Mike&Ikes $2.16
Mints, Alpine $4.86
Mints, Butter $2.33
Mints, Dainty $2.39
Mints, Pastel Large $2.78
Mints, Pastel Petite $2.88
Mint Patties $2.53
Orange Slices $1.08
Peanuts, Butter Toffee $1.64
Peanuts, Butter Toffee Coconut $1.57
Peanuts, Chocolate $2.52
Peanuts, French Burnt $1.92
Pretzels, Chocolate $2.29
Pretzels, Yogurt $2.38
Pumpkin Kernels, Raw $3.41
Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Salt $2.36
Raisins, Chocolate Covered $2.58
Raisins, Dark Chocolate $3.25
Raisins, Yogurt Covered $2.33
Reeses Pieces $3.48
Reeses Mini Peanut Butter Cups $4.56
Reeses Peanut Peanut Butter Cup $3.85
Runts $2.13
Salt Water Taffy $1.86
Skittles $2.89
Snickers $4.83
Sour Patch kids $2.40
Spice Drops $1.08
Starburst, original $3.53
Strawberries, Dark Chocolate $4.82
Strawberry Sour Belts $4.95
Sunbursts $3.72
Sunflower Kernel, no salt $1.34
Sunflower Kernel, salted $1.37
Sunflower Kernels, Honey Roast $1.61
Sunflower Kernels, Raw $1.00
Sunflower seeds, raw $0.83
Sunflower seeds, salted $1.03
Swedish Fish, mini $2.40
Swedish Fish, red $2.40
Tootsie Pops $2.55
Tootsie Rolls, assorted $2.35
Truffles, Dark Chocolate $4.24
Yogurt Peanut Cluster $3.14
Yogurt Peanut $2.38

Low-Sugar

SF= Sugar Free

NSA= No Sugar Added

Equal Packets $0.03 Each
Splenda Packets $ 0.03 Each

Candy

Almond Clusters SF $5.98
Almond Crunch SF $5.98
Almonds, Chocolate SF $5.98
Almonds, Dark Chocolate SF $5.98
Almonds, Jordan NSA $6.59
Bridge Mix NSA $4.69
Butterscotch SF $3.58
Caramels, SF $5.98
Cashew Cluster NSA $5.71
Cashews, Chocolate SF $5.98
Chk O Stick SF $4.55
Chocolate Malt NSA $4.52
Chocolate Pretzel NSA $4.71
Cinnamon Bear $4.00
Coconut Clusters NSA $4.48
Dark Chocolate SF $5.09
Fruit Button SF $3.38
Gela Mix SF $3.38
Gum Drops $4.04
Gummy Bears SF $2.68
Gummy Worms SF $2.58
Macadamia, NSA $5.98
Milk Chocolate SF $ 3.95
Mint, Meltaway SF $5.98
Peanut Butter Cups NSA $6.54
Peanut Butter Meltaway NSA $5.61
Peanut Cluster NSA $5.78
Peanuts, Chocolate Low Carb $6.35
Peanuts, Chocolate NSA $4.48
Peanuts, Dark Chocolate NSA $4.31
Pecan Cluster NSA $6.23
Peppermint, SF $5.98
Raisins, Chocolate NSA $4.48
Raisins, Dark Chocolate NSA $4.31
Raisins, Yogurt NSA $4.43
Root Beer Barrels SF $3.38
Sorbet Chy SF $3.94
Sorbet Crystal Light SF $3.94
Sour Worms SF $2.58
Starlight Mint SF $3.38
Taffy, assorted SF $3.99
Wafers, Dark Chocolate SF$5.13
Wafers, Milk Chocolate SF $5.23
Wafers, Vanilla SF $2.46

I just want to let you know the reasons I love buying from the bulk bins. I hope that I can convince you to give it a try even if you don't go to Winco. Both Sunflower Market and Whole Foods have bulk bins too. They are more expensive but they might be closer to you.

I love being able to buy just enough of something to try a new recipe or substitution instead of buying a big package. Here are two examples of that: I wanted a way to stretch out my ground beef. I was told that I could use TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) like ground beef in any recipe. So I bought about 1/4 lb Dry TVP from the bulk bin and tried using it 1/2 and 1/2 with ground beef in tacos. It has turned out really well so far, I couldn't taste the difference but I did notice a texture difference. Tacos are heavily seasoned so that might be why I couldn't taste a difference. I will be trying TVP in Spaghetti and other flavorful recipes next. If I like it, I will be buying more.

Another Time I was reading a website that said I could Use Soy Flour in place of eggs in baking recipes, I really wanted to give that a try because my BFF's son is allergic to eggs, so I bought a small amount to try and see how well it works. (I haven't tried it yet) If I don't like the way it turns out, I just wont buy anymore, if I do like it I just need to keep a small amount on hand for when I am making things for his family. Instead of having to buy 1lb of soy flour and use it before it goes bad, I can have about 1/2 cup on hand for when I need it.

I will never buy spices in a jar again!!!(unless its for food storage and they are a great deal) I never knew how much money I was wasting on spices until I started buying them from the bulk bins. My favorite example is when my friend bought ground ginger, she bought just enough to refill a .8oz jar and paid $0.06!! That .8oz Jar of ground ginger was $4.19 on the shelf. Another time I bought 20 cinnamon sticks for about $0.50. I just can't bring myself to overpay for spices anymore. I keep my spices in matching jars instead of the original packaging anyway so why would I pay for the jar?

Not Paying for a name brand or the packaging is a great money saver . I really love made from scratch angel food cake and to make it I need cake flour. I looked everywhere for cake flour and finally found some made by Pilsberry in a 2lb box for$3.39 I was so proud I took it home and made that cake. That was six years ago I have been making that cake every now and then since paying over $3.00 every time I needed more flour. The first time I shopped at Winco I saw they had cake flour in the bulk bin for $0.33a pound!! I just about cried right there, I was so mad I had been paying so much more for the SAME THING!!! Now the cake four is $.040 and I am happily making angel food cake with flour from Winco.

Buying from the bulk bins is green too because you aren't throwing away the packaging. You buy a container once and refill it. It makes your pantry look more organized too.

Challenge Confessions

2010-03-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ok so last week I cheated a lot. On Thursday I noticed that one gas station hadn't gone up like the others around town so I pulled out my debit card and filled up, then it was in my hand and I went to whole foods to look for some frozen wild blueberries which I found and bought along with some candy out of the bulk bins.(The candy wasn't even that good) then I went to Target to get a few things. I can't even remember everything I got there I know I bought frozen chicken breasts and some fun sized snickers bars for a church thing, But I think there was one other thing I can't remember. Oh well, anyways on Saturday I went to Costco with my Mom and bought some Cream of mushroom soup and 2 gallons of vinegar and a bag of chicken nuggets for a friend. that night I even went to dinner with my roommate and spent $7 but that was for both of us, we shared a BLT from Jason's Deli.

So with all that cheating last week I am starting today with $16 that I shouldn't have and a very vague menu plan. I am getting lazy and really need to get back into doing this right. I might make a few changes though. Gas prices have gone up to $2.84 a gallon and with as much as I need to drive that's over half of the $35 for the week. I was lucky to get $2.66 on Thursday and not all gas stations are very cash friendly. My new Idea is to put $20 a week into my second checking account and carry that debit card with me for gas or car related stuff. I am still going to stay with the five dollars a day plan for food and fun but this makes my goal a little more attainable. I am recommitting myself to the goal of being debt free in one year from now. I will never turn down free food even if I don't like it and I will make sure I plan my meals out useing what I have and whats on sale.

Wish me luck.

Day Eight

2010-03-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well I have made it through week one and I only cheated once, I needed some cake mixes for a class I was taking so I used $5 out of my change jar to buy them. I didn't cave to temptation I caved to necessity. I would call my first week a success with a bit of a bump in the road. I made a detailed meal plan before I started and fallowed it pretty well. I did make a few changes in lunches and breakfasts but fallowed the dinner plans really well.
On Monday I bought a pre-cooked chicken from Smiths for $5 and had it for dinner with my roommate served with potatoes and steamed asparagus. I turned the left over chicken into two servings of chicken noodle soup and four small pot pies. From one chicken I got 7 meals. I froze two of the pies, refrigerated one and ate one that night. On Friday I made chicken thighs with milk gravy, potatoes and the other half pound of asparagus for me and my two roommates. Wow I just realized the I had a lot of chicken last week I even ate the other chicken pot pie tonight.

Day One

2010-02-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

Day one of my $5 a day challenge.

I was going to have instant oatmeal and orange juice for breakfast, but last night I found a recipe for blueberry scones that looked good and I had all the ingredients. So I drank a weight-loss shake to tide me over while I baked. They were really good, I ended up eating 5 of them for lunch and as a snack.. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, chilled
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 egg

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cut butter into mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add blueberries and toss to mix.
In separate bowl beat together cream and egg, and slowly pour into dry ingredients, stirring with rubber scraper until dough forms. Knead just until it comes together, 3 or 4 times. Don't over handle.
Divide dough in half. On lightly floured board, shape each half into a 6-inch round. Cut into 6 wedges.
Bake on ungreased sheet about 20 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Serve warm!!

After I had lunch I picked up some pictures from Walmart and pulled my scrapbooking stuff out to work on until my roommate came home and we were ready to go grocery shopping.

I studied the grocery store ads and made a careful plan of everything I want eat this week including: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, and Dinner. I have also made a list of everything I need to buy for those meals, what day I should buy them, and from which store. Today my roommate and I went to Harmon's like every Saturday. I bought 2 pears, 3 grapefruit, 4 celery stalks, and 2 cans of Cambles tomato soup for a grand total of $4.04. The most expensive thing I bought was the celery and I probably only needed 2 stalks for the chicken soup I am making this week. Oh well, lesson learned and I will just have come up with a recipe that needs it next week. One of my goals with this challenge is to not have food going bad before I can eat it. I read that the most expensive food you buy is the food you throw away.

For dinner I made BBQ cups, which are made by putting a biscuit into a muffin tin with ground beef cooked with BBQ sauce and topped with cheese then baked per the directions on the tube of biscuits. I got the idea from my best friend Zipper. I have always really liked it and like everything else I ate today I already had everything I needed to make it. I paired them with some canned green beans and had a wonderful dinner.

After I had dinner I drove to my parents house for a family party where I had some Ice cream and punch.

At the end of the day I have driven 25 miles and spent $4.04

My $5 a day plan/challenge

2010-02-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

Ok so last year I watched a segment on Rachel Ray about a women who for one month spent only $1 a day on food. She started with nothing in her pantry or fridge. She wanted to prove that someone could live off a dollar a day and eat healthy foods not just junk. She said that the first few days were very hard to get through but once she had a few things in her pantry she was able to eat better. I am also reading a book called Not Buying It Where a couple goes for one year without buying anything that isn't a nissesity they still buy food and gas and some cleaning supplies but they keep it simple, No fancy soaps instead a bar of Ivory, no pre-made food and no going out to eat. I am over half way though and liking some of it and taking other parts with a grain of salt( the author is a liberal and I am a conservative ).

I thought if they can do that why can't I try something similar. My plan is simple: Every morning I will put a $5 bill in my wallet and leave my debt card at home in a lock box, that $5 will cover everything that isn't a set monthly bill like rent or my car payment. It will be for food, fun and gas. If I don't spend all of that $5 then the extra rolls over to the next day.

I'm not going to the extreams that others have gone to because this challenge isn't to prove a point, its to help me get control of the money I spend. So I will be using what I have in my pantry and fridge and I am not limiting myself to an amount that is so low, I will feel like I am depriving myself of the things that I like in order to save money. I am also not setting a time period to make it through, instead I am seeing how long I can go before I cave and go on a spending spree.

There will be exeptoins to the rules. I have a CPR class I need to take for work, and I will be hosting a party at the house in a few weeks so those purcheses won't count.

Starting this Saturday.

Winco Bulk Price List Updated 1/19/10

2010-01-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

I love the bulk bins at Winco. They are really great for a young single adult because you can buy just as much as you need. You don't have to deal with having way too much of something because you had to buy a big box. I also love it because when I am trying a new recipe (which I do alot ) I can buy just enough to make the recipe once. If I like the recipe I will buy more, if I don't like it I don't have to find some new way to use what is left in the package. You can save a lot of money buying things from the bulk bins, especially with spices, I can get 20 sticks of cinnamon for under a dollar and that is just one example.

I have an incomplete list for now I have to go back and finish the rest another time.
The prices are all per pound. Any of these prices may change at anytime I will update this list for time to time.

Nuts
Almonds, whole $4.09
Almonds, chopped $3.67
Almonds, slivered $3.52
Almonds, salted $3.48
Almonds, smoked $3.48
Almonds, sliced $3.44
Brazils $5.18
Cashew pieces, salted $4.06
Cashew pieces, raw $2.87
Cashew Whole $4.77
Hazel Nuts $4.58
Macadamia $6.86
Mixed Nuts, unsalted $3.73
Mixed Nuts, with peanuts $3.88
Mixed Nuts, deluxe mix $5.28
Mixed Nuts, honey roasted $4.27
Pecans halves $4.98
Pecan pieces $5.00
Peanuts, unsalted $1.58
Peanuts, dry $1.48
Peanuts, roasted $1.58
Peanuts, salted Spanish $1.61
Peanuts, raw Spanish $1.42
Peanuts, in shell $1.14
Pine nuts $19.98
Pistachio Kernels $9.22
Pistachios, in shells $4.69
Soy nuts, salted $1.29
Walnuts, medium pieces $3.30
Walnuts, halves & pieces $3.32
Walnuts, glazed $3.48

Dried Fruit
Adriatic Figs $3.19
Apple rings $2.75
Apricots $3.06
Apricot Coconut Logs $4.00
Bananas $1.51
Blueberries $7.46
Cranberries $3.67
Cran-cherries $3.65
Cran-strawberries $3.68
Cherries $6.39
Dates, whole $2.33
Dates, chopped $1.73
Mangos $2.44
Mango Pineapple $1.37
Mangos with Chile $3.51
Papaya Spears $1.82
Pineapple $1.77
Pineapple with Chile $2.59
Prunes $1.79
Raisins $1.56
Raisins, golden $2.08 Strawberries $4.04
Tomatoes $3.90
Pasta
Angel hair $0.85
Bowties $0.93 Cous-cous $1.68
Cous-cous, tricolor $1.78 Duros $1.44
Eggnoodles, extra wide $1.18
Eggnoodles, whole wheat $1.35
Fettuccine $0.79
Fusilli $0.78
Lasagna $1.37
Linguine $0.79
Macaroni $0.79
Macaroni, whole wheat $0.92
Macaroni, salad $0.85 Orzo $0.74
Penne Rigate $0.85
Penne Mostacelli $0.84
Penne, whole wheat $0.99
Rainbow Radiatore $1.08
Rainbow Rotelle $1.08
Rigatoni $0.85
Rotelle $0.76
Rotelle, whole wheat $0.93
Shells, small $0.85
Shells, medium whole wheat $1.69
Shells, large $0.85
Spaghetti $0.79
Spaghetti, whole wheat $0.98
Spaghetti, organic $1.08
Wagon Wheel $0.89
Tricolor Tortellini $4.43
Cheese Ravioli $4.43
Parmesan cheese $3.76
Parmesan Romano cheese $3.98
Beans
Adzuki $1.58
Black $0.85
Black Eyed Peas $1.00
Garbanzo $0.77
Great Northern $0.85
Hominy $0.49
Kidney $1.04
Lentils $0.77
Lentils, red $1.29
Lentil blend rice $2.65
Lima, baby $1.01
Lima, large $1.37
Maya Coba $1.48
Navy $0.81
Pink $0.91
Pinto $0.73
Red, small $0.88
Soy $0.72
Soup Mix, beanland $0.91
Soup Mix, 13 bean $1.11
Split Peas, green $0.55
Split Peas, yellow $0.52
Rice
Arborio $1.69
Basmati $1.42
Basmati, Brown $1.56
Brown, short $0.88
Brown, organic $1.76
Converted Rice $0.60
Jasmine $0.86
Jasmine, brown $0.93
Jubilee Rice Mix $2.07
Long grain $0.42
Long grain, brown $0.55
Pearl rice $0.91
Pearl barley $0.40
Wild Rice $8.18
Wild Rice, lemon herb $3.90
Wild Rice pilaf $3.53
Spices
Allspice, ground $5.24
Allspice, whole $5.06
Basil $2.22
Bay Leaves, whole $4.00
BBQ seasoning $2.33
Bacon Salt $8.90
Brown Gravy Mix $2.30
Cayenne $1.87
Celery Seed, whole $2.22
Cheese Sauce Mix $5.31
Country Gravy Mix $2.30
Chicken Gravy Mix $2.76
Chili Powder $2.84
Chili Powder, extra hot $2.99
Chives $10.16
Cilantro $8.61
Cinnamon $1.64
Cinnamon Sticks $2.40
Cloves $6.13
Cloves, whole $6.18 Cracked Peppercorn Herb Blend $3.71
Cream of Tartar $5.67
Croutons, cheese/garlic $2.69
Croutons, small seasoned $2.27
Croutons, large seasoned $2.51
Crushed chili peppers $2.43
Cumin $3.38
Curry $2.67
Dill Seed, whole $2.32
Dill Weed $6.13
Falafel Mix $3.15
Garlic, minced $2.88
Garlic, granulated $3.38
Garlic salt $1.44
Garlic powder $2.66
Ginger, ground $5.59
Ginger, crystallized $2.31
Ground pepper $3.53
Hummus Mix $4.50 Imitation Bacon bits $1.49
Instant Refried Beans $4.17
Instant Potatoes ( flakes )$1.08
Italian seasoning $4.35
Lemon Pepper $3.52
Mustard, ground $2.49
Nature’s Burger Mix $2.79
Nutmeg $5.98
Onion Salt $1.46
Onion, chopped $3.29
Onion, minced $3.38
Onion, granulated $3.38
Onion Powder $2.76
Onion Soup Mix $2.76
Oregano $3.11
Paprika $3.82
Parsley $4.97
Peppercorns $4.62
Peppersteak Seasoning $4.49
Poppy Seeds $4.17
Poultry Seasoning $4.37
Pizza Seasoning $3.98
Pumpkin Pie Spice $3. 11 Roasted Garlic Pepper Blend $3.71
Rosemary $2.58
Sage, rubbed $4.45
Salt, Iodized $0.20
Sea Salt $0.23
Seasoning Salt $2.22
Sesame Seeds $4.17
Stuffing Mix $2.40
Tabouli $3.14
Taco seasoning $2.39
Thyme $4.00
TVP $1.88
Vegetable Blend Soup Mix $6.06
Yeast, instant $3.09
Spice Bottle, small $0.84
Spice Bottle, medium $1.16
Spice Bottle, large $1.32
Honey & PB station
Clover Honey $3.03
Blackberry Honey $3.54
Orange Honey $3.45
Almond Butter $3.96
Peanut Butter $1.48
Baking
Baking Powder $1.10
Baking Soda $0.48
Brown Sugar $0.48 Buttermilk Biscuit Mix $0.75
Bulgar Wheat $1.21
Brownie Mix $0.56
Butter Scotch Chips $2.13
Carob Chips $1.92
Chocolate melty $2.28
Chicken Breading Mix $1.22
Cinnamon Imperials (red hots) $1.55
Cocoa $2.82
Coconut, Sweet flaked $1.53
Coconut, unsweetened $1.45
Corn Grits Polenta $0.78
Cornmeal $0.52
Cornstarch $0.76
Cracked Wheat $0.29
Dark Chocolate melty $2.22
Dark Chocolate chips $2.24
Dark Chocolate chunk $3.24
Dark Rye Flour $1.15
Demerara raw cane sugar $1.02
Farina Cereal $1.19
Flax Seeds $0.58
Flax Seeds, golden $0.84
Flax Seeds, meal $1.57
Fructose $1.43
Gluten Flour $2.56
Granola $1.58
Groats Whole Oats $0.85
Hulled Millet $0.43
Italian bread crumbs $0.74
M&M, Minis $4.18
Milk Chocolate chips $2.84
Milk Chocolate chunk $3.44
Muffin mix, corn muffin $1.70
Muffin mix, blueberry $1.01
Muffin mix, spiced apple $1.26
Nutritional Yeast $6.94
Oats, Steel Cut $0.85
Oats, 5 grain $1.06
Oats, 7 grain $1.03
Oats, 10 grain $1.13
Oats, organic $0.92
Oatmeal, Scottish $0.47
Oat Bran $0.87
Old Fashioned Oats $0.53
Organic Cane Sugar $1.18
Pancake Mix, 10 grain $1.56
Pancake Mix, buttermilk $0.73
Pie Crust Mix $1.42
Pizza Crust Mix $0.84
Powdered Sugar $0.49
Quick Oats $0.52
Quina Grain $3.52
Rainbow toppings $2.42 Rolled Red Oats $0.74
Reese’s PB Chips $2.88
Semi Sweet chocolate chips $2.73
Semi Sweet mini chocolate chips $2.73
Semolina Flour $1.71
Soy Flour $1.22
Spelt Flour $1.38
Sugar $0.41
Tapioca Pearls $1.55
Tapioca Flour $1.28
Triticale Berries $0.73
Vanilla Chips $2.13
Vanilla melty $2.18
Wheat Bran $0.39
Wheat Berry Kernels $0.35
Wheat germ $0.90
White Flour $0.29
White Flour, unbleached $0.29
White Rice Flour $1.04 White Cake Flour $0.33 White Bread Flour $0.34
Whole Wheat Flour $0.33
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour $0.56
Whole Wheat Bread Flour $0.55

Breakfast Cereal
Ann Bakers PB Granola $2.88
40% Bran flakes $1.47
Breakfast Orange Drink Mix $1.37
Bunch ‘O Crunch Cereal $1.62
Cherry Vanilla Cereal $2.78
Cocoa Munchie Cereal $1.75
Corn Flakes $1.57
Crisp Rice Cereal $1.67
French Vanilla Cereal $2.78
Frosted Shredded Wheat Cereal $1.50
Fruit & Nut Granola $2.58
Fruit Whirls Cereal $1.88
Granola $1.58
Honey Nut Toasted Oats $1.79
Low Fat Strawberry Raspberry Granola $2.58
Muesli Cereal $1.78
Punch Drink Mix $1.65
Raisin Bran $1.91
Sugar Frosted Flakes $1.59
Toasted oats Cereal $1.68

Pepperoni Pizza Soup.

2010-01-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to a soup party hosted a girl in my ward. It was a lot of fun, so many people came and several of us brought a soup. There was a creamy tomato basil, roasted tomato, pumpkin curry, potato bacon chowder, black bean, minestrone soup and pizza soup. There might have been more but I didn't see them because they were brought in after I was full. For my contribution I made Pizza Soup.

Years ago I had been watching a show on the food network called Ham On The Street and this episode was all about pizza, one of the things he made was Pepperoni Pizza Soup. I looked up the recipe online the next day and showed it to my best friend and cooking companion Zipper. (I met Zipper five and a half years ago wanting to be a babysitter for her then 18 month old boy and 2 week old baby boy. It didn't take long for us to become best friends. She now has four boys running around her feet in the kitchen and keeping the washing machine running at all times. We have tried many new recipes together some very good and some really bad but we always have fun.) We decided we would to try this and went to buy the ingredients.

There are two items in this recipe that you might have trouble finding. The first is the Tomato Basil Soup, pictured to the right. I have been buying it from Target mostly, not all grocery stores carry it. The next item you might have a hard time finding is pepperoni links. You just have to see if the store you usually shop at has them I know that Walmart does not but I have been able to buy them at Reams and Harmon's. They will be next to the sliced pepperoni. I like Hormel best.

Pizza Soup

Ingredients

1 box prepared tomato-basil-garlic soup
1 1/3 cups water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup short pasta (I use salad macaroni)
2 green onions, sliced
2 teaspoons dried oregano, plus more for broiling
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/3 cup diced pepperoni
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated Cheddar

Directions

Preheat the broiler.

Put the tomato soup, water, and garlic into a large pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. When it is boiling, add the macaroni, green onions, oregano, basil, and pepperoni and stir well. When the macaroni is cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes, pour the soup into oven safe bowls. Top each with 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Cheddar. Sprinkle on some oregano and put under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Alternately, you can serve the soup in a small round, crusty loaf of bread. Cut the top off the bread and scoop out the insides. Fill with soup, top with the cheeses, and broil per the directions above.

Welcome to my young single adult life!!

2010-01-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
You can call me Jane. I am a 23 year old nanny living in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Today I decided to start a blog about living life as a young single adult, the challenges and advantages to this life and how I deal with them all. You will learn more about me as time goes by but for now all you need to know is that I love to cook.

Challenge: Cooking for one person.
Cooking for one or two people can be very hard, there are very few recipes for only one serving. More often than I would like to admit I end up at a Burger King drive-thru because I just don't feel like cooking for only me. Even though I love to cook if I don't have anyone to cook for it isn't as fun.

Today I made Spaghetti, something that my Mom made for us growing up. When we had spaghetti everyone help to make the Garlic bread. Someone mixed the butter with granulated garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese, while another would cut the loaf of french bread and yet another would spread the butter mix on the slices before they were toasted in the oven.
However doing this for myself would mean I would have a lot of extra bread and it would take quite a while to make the bread with no one to help me. I saw this on Rachel Ray one day and loved the idea. I take a small tube of crescent rolls ( found at walmart they only have four rolls in each tube.) and spread the butter mix on them before rolling them up then I bake them in my toaster oven.(No need to heat up a whole oven for so little.) Now I have just the right amount of garlic bread two to go with dinner and two to munch on later in the evening.