I got an e-mail a few weeks ago from a reader who asked about how I ‘whip up’ meals from items I already have on hand. To be completely honest, I’m not always so sure myself. However, it usually comes down to good grocery shopping and a little creativity. Of course, having a good block of cheese on hand makes things easier, too.
For me, grocery shopping is the most successful when I take time to shop at more than one store. Namely, Costco and Trader Joe’s. It not only saves money but provides variety. Of course, since I live on my own (and even when Joey and I get married) it’s important to think about how much you can realistically eat, as well as the shelf life of your purchases. Items like cereal, crackers and bread are sensible, since they store well and bread can be frozen. Same goes for fresh berries. Any that I don’t eat during the week I toss in a freezer bag for smoothies.
Here are the items that make sense for me to purchase at Costco…
-Suzie’s Whole Grain Thin Cakes (similar to a rice cake, great for light snacking)
-Kashi GoLean Crunch! (my go-to cereal of choice)
-Broccoli
-Green Beans
At Costco, I also got:
-Thomas Light English Muffins (one package went in the freezer for later)
-Blackberries
-Two packages fresh raspberries (the prices for berries are unbeatable at Costco)
Can you believe I got out of Costco and only spent $36.00?!
