However... I went shopping today (as I always do on Saturday) and wanted to comment about that.
There is a new store about 15 miles from here in Milford,, CT called Aldi. It's different. They are owned by the same group that owns Trader Joes. They have VERY low prices but the selection is also very limited. However, a gallon of 1% milk was $1.79! They only have fat free milk in half gallons, which is fine with me-- that cost $1.19. Fine with me! LOL I also was able to find ground beef, 93% lean, for $2.99 a pound. I bought 2 packages of that. Chicken stock in a box, fat free, for $1.29 (got 2). Peppers, 1 red and 1 yellow, for 99 cents. Green peppers, 2 of them, 79 cents. Some multigrain oatmeal with pecans,, forget the price, but it was good. Center cut bacon (I'm hosting 2 friends for brunch next week) for $2.79. Cream cheese, 99 cents a bar.Iceberg salad in a bag, 49 cents! Spring greens, $2. Overall, very low prices. But not worth the trip every week. It might be a place I can go once a month or so, but once I factor in the gas, it's not really that great of a savings. There are closer discount markets where I can go. But if you have Aldi nearby, it's certainly worth the extra stop. This would be the store where you'd go first--pick up your essentials for low prices and then finish at the supermarket.
Anyway, after my experience at Aldi, I stopped at Stop and Shop for the rest of my groceries. My last item was an impulse item: a 6 lb roasting chicken!
It's brining as I type this. For the brine, I used salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, fresh basil, grated lemon peel, dried garlic and dehydrated onions. I'll let it sit for 3 hours or so, then pat it dry and roast it with an onion, some garlic cloves and a lemon inside, and herbs under the skin.
It's going to be SO good! I just love a roasted chicken! Of course, I have no lemons... I'll run down the street to the produce store to get some lemons and fresh herbs. I have no strength to tackle another supermarket! Can't believe I went to 2 stores today and didn't buy lemons!
I also bought a butternut squash, which I will roast and then mash. For greens, probably green beans. And I'll have a salad with it. I'll pick off the breast meat tonight and then tomorrow, make chicken noodle soup from the legs, back and carcass. Going to be wonderful for lunches this week.
So overall, I'll have some wonderful meals for very little effort and money from this chicken, which always makes me happy.
Stay tuned for the meal-journal from the cruise. I just need to feel better from this bronchitis to have the energy to review everything in my mind.
glad to hear this about Aldi - they are building one right near me!
ReplyDeleteFollowing up on the chicken: it was awesome! I got it just as the pop up thingy popped. It was perfectly done, juicy, flavorful. What is it about a roasted chicken that is so much better than parts? It took all of my self-control not to have seconds on the chicken! Very yummy, if I do say so myself.
ReplyDeleteIf you have company for dinner, a roasted chicken is one of the best things you can make. It's SIMPLE to do, most people eat chicken, and it looks impressive when you bring it to the table. It's very comforting.