Friday has always been my shopping day for groceries, and I was particularly pleased with today’s trip—thanks to some smart shopping and coupon clipping, I managed to get a few items completely (or nearly) free. So today I present a mini-coupon post.

Here’s how the bargains came about:

• Salmon: Harris Teeter has 2.6 oz pouches of  Chicken of the Sea salmon and tuna on sale for $1 each + $0.50 coupon (x2) = FREE
• Oats: Target has a temporary price cut for Better Oats products making them $1 each + $1 coupon = FREE
• Strawberries: Harris Teeter is currently offering a BOGO sale on strawberries, making them $2 each + $0.50 Driscoll’s coupon (x2) = $1 (i.e., nearly free)

What have been your latest grocery bargains? Coupon links are welcome:)

After seeing Lauren’s recipe for PB & J Pancakes yesterday, I knew I had to make a stack of them for myself—ASAP. I used my standard protein pancake recipe but substituted peanut flour for the protein powder and omitted the almond milk. The result was a legendary breakfast. Why is that I am just now discovering the versatility of peanut flour, months after it was discontinued? I shudder to think what I will do once this bag runs out…

Once home from grocery shopping, I made a simple salad featuring obscene amounts of Goddess dressing.

Tonight’s meal was a rather involved Ellie recipe, the Vegetable and Cheese Strata.

My tweaks:

-I used almond milk instead of non-fat milk.

-I used Alexia Whole Grain Rolls with Flax instead of a whole wheat baguette.

-I omitted the Parmesan because, well this cash-strapped chica can’t afford to drop several dollars on cheese every week.

-I halved the recipe because, as we all know, I have a limited tolerance for leftovers.

Simply put, this was one fantastic dish. As I was eating it, I literally uttered aloud, “This is SO good!” It could have used just a touch more salt, but overall the flavor was spot-on. There was just enough cheese to add creaminess but not too much to overwhelm the freshness of the vegetables. This was my first time making and eating a strata, but after this experience I think it will become a regular meal around here.

Be forewarned, however, that this recipe requires extensive prep-time in that it has to soak for at least 8 hours prior to baking. Just a heads up!

Alright, off to hang out with Marge and Seth. Enjoy your weekend!

Filed under: Meals