Deals for the week 11/18-11/25-THANKSGIVING!!!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and I can't wait to start cooking!  Here is a comparison of prices for popular Thanksgiving dinner items.  I've included the sale prices listed in this week's grocery store sale flyer from Sunset Foods, Dominick's, and Jewel.  Later in the week I will post my family's traditional Thanksgiving Meal.   

TURKEY

Sunset: Norbest Frozen Young Turkey, no added fats, oils, sugars or MSG

$.49/lb available in 12 -22 lbs with $50 purchase

Dominick's: Jennie-O Frozen Turkey Grade A

$.99/lb  available in 8-24 lbs Limit 1 with $20 min purchase

      Butterball Frozen Turkey Grade A

$.99/lb available in 8-24 lbs  Limit 1 with $20 min purchase

Jewel: Jennie-O Frozen Turkey Grade A 16 lbs

$.37/lb with store coupon and separate $20 purchase

$.99/lb without coupon

    Butterball Frozen Turkey Grade A 16 lbs

$.97/lb with store coupon and separate $20 purchase

$1.59/lb without coupon

GREEN BEANS

Sunset Foods: Fresh $.99/lb

  Frozen Pictsweet 13-16 oz bag 2/$3.00

Dominick's: N/A

Jewel: Fresh $.99/lb

    Jewel Brand Frozen 16 oz bags 10/$10

CRANBERRIES

Sunset Foods: $1.99 12 oz bag

Dominick's: 2/$5.00 12 oz bag

Jewel: $1.99 12 oz bag Oceanspray

SWEET POTATOES

Sunset Foods: 3 lbs for $.99

Dominick's: $.77/lb

Jewel: $.28/lb

STUFFING

Sunset Foods: Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix 2/$5.00 12-16 oz bag

Dominick's: Brownberry Stuffing Mix 2/$6.00 12-16 oz bag

Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix $2.79 14-16 oz bag

Jewel: Brownberry or Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix 2/$5.oo 12-16 oz bag

PIE CRUSTS

Sunset Foods: Pillsbury Rolled Pie Crust $2.69 15 oz package

Dominick's: Pillsbury Rolled Pie Crust 2/$5.00 15 oz package

Jewel: Jewel Brand Rolled Pie Crust $2.29 15 oz package

DINNER ROLLS

Sunset Foods: Rhodes White Dinner Rolls 2/$7.00 36 count bag

Dominick's: Butternut Brown 'n Serve Rolls $1.99 12 count package

Jewel: Rhodes White Dinner Rolls $3.29 36 count bag

It seems as though there really isn't a winner here and you will find competitive prices at all

three grocery stores. Based on quality and low prices, I would choose Sunset as my shopping

destination.

Turkey Lasagna

I'm not a big pasta eater, but I do love a good lasagna.  It's comfort food at it's best with heaping servings of meat, cheese and rich tomato sauce.  Most lasagna recipes are not what I would call simple, with too many pots going on the stove and waiting for it to bake in the oven while you clean up the mess.  And don't get me started on the calories-the cheese alone will eat up your Weight Watcher's points for the entire day!

Since my kids love pasta and because it seems to be on sale every week at either Sunset or Dominick's, I am trying to build my pasta recipe library.  A friend from work, the same who passed on the pork chili, suggested I try Ina Garten's Turkey Lasagna.  www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/turkey-lasagna-recipe/index.html.  

It is made with turkey sausage, goat cheese, ricotta and only a few more ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.  Of course, cheese is still a major component in the dish, but turkey sausage is lower in calories than other meats and you can substitute whole wheat pasta.  Knowing that I was going to indulge in this delicious treat, I watched my calorie intake at breakfast and lunch and kept my lasagna portion small and steamed broccoli portion big!  

This is some of the best lasagna I've eaten!  The combination of goat cheese and ricotta provide a creamy texture and great flavor between the layers of sausage and sauce.  Definitely give this a try and maybe store some in the freezer for a last minute week night meal.  Pasta, canned tomatoes, and ricotta cheese are currently on sale at Sunset Foods.

**Picture was copied from the Food Network website**

Poached Scallops with Leeks and Carrots

Earlier in the week I posted a dinner menu for seared scallops and brown rice pilaf.  After seeing this recipe from Real Simple's Best Recipes, Easy Delicious Meals, I ditched the original plan.   Easy Delicious Meals is a smaller version of the Real Simple book Best Recipes and a great buy for only $12.99.  I found it on the magazine racks at Target, and I'm sure it is available at most grocery stores.  This recipe was really simple, delicious and healthy!  I wouldn't recommend it for the kids, but it is a great date night dinner.  I put the kids to bed while brown rice cooked in the rice cooker and 30 minutes later my husband and I were sitting at the table enjoying adult time!  Sea Scallops, Bay Scallops and brown rice are on sale at Sunset Foods this week. 

Poached Scallops with Leeks and Carrots

www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/poached-scallops-leeks-carrots-00000000007686/index.html

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 carrots, cut into 4-inch sticks

2 leeks (white and green parts), thinly sliced lengthwise

1/2 cup dry white wine

12 large sea scallops (about 1 1/2 pounds)

kosher salt and black pepper

1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons pine nuts, finely chopped

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the carrots and leeks and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.  Add the wine and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil.  Season the scallops with salt and pepper and place on top of the vegetables.  Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, until the scallops are opaque throughout, about 8 minutes.  Transfer the scallops to a plate.

In a small bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, pine nuts, and the remaining teaspoon of oil.  Stir into the vegetables and broth and serve with the scallops.

Serve with brown rice.  

**Picture posted is from our dinner last night.  I didn't have carrots so I added a little spinach and red pepper.  If you are not worried about calories, I would recommend adding 1-2 tablespoons of butter before adding the scallops.  Lemon zest and juice will also add wonderful flavor to this dish.  **

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Chili

A friend from work gave me this slow cooker recipe to try.  It is beyond simple with very few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.  Pork tenderloin is on sale at Sunset and pork loin chops are on sale at Dominick's.  The recipe calls for 1 lb of Pork tenderloin cut into 1 inch pieces.  Of course tenderloin is more tender than a loin chop, but since this is cooked in a slow cooker I think either cut of meat will work.  Serve with corn bread muffins and a salad and you have a perfect, easy weeknight dinner!

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Chili

1 pound pork tenderloin cut into 1 inch pieces

1 red pepper chopped

1 onion chopped

1 jar salsa (12-15 ounces)

3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2-1 cup light beer

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and mix well.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork is tender.  

**If you like heat, definitely try a medium or hot salsa.  Garlic Chipotle Salsa from Trader Joe's would take this over the top!!**

 

Deals for the week 11/11-11/18

This week the sales flyers are loaded with great deals!!  I can only list so many, so definitely check out the grocery store websites, especially Sunset and Dominick's.  

www.sunsetfoods.com  

www.dominicks.com

SUNSET FOODS

Mexican Bay Scallops $5.98/lb (save $2.00/lb)

Boneless Pork Tenderloin $3.99 (save $2.00/lb)

*Current Costco price $2.99/lb(4-6 lbs per package)

Boar's Head Turkey Breast $6.99/lb (save $3.00/lb)

Granny Smith Apples $1.29/lb

Fresh Express 9-12 oz. bags Garden Blends salads $1.79 each

Dole Premium Red or Yukon Gold potatoes 5 lb bag $2.49

Kraft Salad Dressings 2/$5.00 (save $2.58)

McCormick Seasoning Grinder 3/$5 (save $3.36)

Kraft Mayo $2.99 (save $3.00)

Lundberg Brown Rice 32 oz. bag $2.49 (save $1.00)

Land O Lakes butter $1.99 (save $2.00)

*Jewel Sale price with customer card $2.49

Dannon Yogurt 6 oz. cup 10/$5.00 (save $3.90)

Look for sales on all of your Thanksgiving dinner needs, including frozen young turkey, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, Pepperidge Farm stuffing, Swanson broth, Pam cooking spray and an enormous spread of prepared dinner ideas from the deli.  I have my eye on the pumpkin bars on sale for $2.50/2 pack!

DOMINICK'S

Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Round Steak $1.49/lb (save $3.30/lb)

Assorted Pork Loin Chops $1.99/lb

10 lb bag Russet Potatoes $1.99 each (save $3.00 each)

Grapefruit 2/$1.00 (save $1.50 on 2)

Blueberries 2/$6.00 5-6 oz container

*Jewel sale price 2/$7.00 4 oz. container

Bartlett, D'Anjou,  Bosc or Comice Pears $.99/lb 

Eating Right Salad Blends 2/$5.00

Breyers Ice Cream $2.99 each

Haagen Daz Ice Cream 2/$6.00

Jack's Original Pizza 2/$5.00

Lucerne Butter $1.99 

Also worth noting are great deals on various brands of Mexican food products, including Mission tortilla chips, Pace salsa, taco shells, lucerne shredded cheese, and many more!

Dinner Menu Ideas

(Here is my attempt to stay away from any Thankgiving-ish or high calorie so that I can savor every bite next week and not feel as guilty!  Recipes for scallops, brown rice pilaf and Pork Chili will be posted later in the week.)

Grilled Beef Round Steak with Roasted Potatoes and Salad

(season steak with a McCormicks steak seasoning grinder on sale at Sunset)

Seared Sea Scallops with Brown Rice Pilaf and Steamed Frozen Vegetables

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Chili with Salad and Corn Bread

Frozen Pizza

Pasta with favorite Sauce and Steamed Broccolli

(Sunset and Dominick's feature sale price on Barilla Pasta's and various brands of pasta sauce)

Apple Maple Turkey Burgers with Maple Dijon Sauce

I love, love, love hamburgers!  My favorite is a traditional beef burger with blue cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato-and a side of pommes frites to finish off my high calorie fantasy.  Another fantasy is living a long life as a thin woman so I am always looking for lower calorie recipes. Earlier in the week I tried this turkey burger recipe from Sandra Lee of the Food Network.  www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/apple-maple-turkey-burgers-with-maple-dijon-sauce-recipe/index.html.

Bacon bits, maple syrup and applesauce are mixed with ground turkey adding smokey and sweet flavors, producing wonderful textures and a moist burger.  The original recipe uses mayo in the sauce, which I substituted half with nonfat Greek yogurt.  I served the burgers on my favorite low calorie, high fiber Arnold Select Multigrain Sandwich Thins with roasted brussels sprouts and Trader Joe's box macaroni and cheese.  The macaroni got my children to the table and the maple syrup I drizzled on their burgers enticed them to try something new.  

Perdue Ground Turkey is currently on sale, buy one get one free, at Dominick's.  Stock up your freezer for this burger recipe and many more that I will be posting!

**The picture attached to this post was copied from the Food Network website**

  

Slow Roasted Pork with Citrus and Garlic

Today I cooked this Food Network Magazine recipe in my slow cooker.  www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-roasted-pork-with-citrus-and-garlic-recipe/index.html

It was an experiment to see if I could convert their recipe, pork shoulder marinated overnight and roasted in the oven, into an even easier version for my slow cooker.  I was successful and once again I was able to enjoy a nice dinner without spending all afternoon in my kitchen.  I'm sure the original recipe is delicious and worth a try.  Either recipe will produce tender pork, full of wonderful flavor from orange, lemon and lime juices, garlic, thyme, oregano, coriander and Worcestershire sauce.  

Here is my converted slow cooker recipe.  I served it with sweet potato fries (frozen from Costco) and steamed veggies.  Actually, my husband cooked the sides while I was at yoga.  I was centered, dinner was ready and it was all good!!

SLOW COOKER PORK WITH CITRUS AND GARLIC

10 cloves garlic

1 tablespoons oregano

1 teaspoon thyme

1 tablespoon coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

4 bay leaves

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 4-6-pound pork shoulder

Juice of 5 oranges, peels reserved

Juice of 4 lemons, peels reserved

Juice of 4 limes

6 oz light beer

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

3 white onions, sliced 

Combine garlic, oregano, thyme, coriander, cumin, bay leaves, orange, lemon and lime juices, beer and Worcestershire sauce in a slow cooker.  Add orange and lemon peels and onions.  Trim all but a thin layer of fat from the pork and season well with salt and pepper.  Heat olive oil in a large pan to medium high heat and brown pork on all sides, 3 minutes per side.  Add pork to slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for six hours.  Remove pork and shred or slice for serving.    

**Picture featured in this post is copied from the Food Network website recipe page.  I will try to add a picture of my dish to show the comparison.  I think it was pretty close!!

Deals for the week 11/5-11/11

This week there are great deals to be found at both Sunset and Dominick's.  I've listed the highlights below and a menu for the week, including a recipe for Spicy Sesame Pasta Salad that I cooked tonight.  

SUNSET FOODS 

Black Angus Flank Steak $5.99/lb (save $4.00/lb)

Tilapia $6.98/lb (save $2.00)

Boar's Head Sweet Slice Boneless Ham $5.99/lb (save $1.50)

Butterball Turkey Bacon 2/$5.00 (save $1/98)

Post Cereal Bran Flakes and Shredded Wheat 4/$9.00 (save $8.96)

Ortega Taco Products 25 % off

Also look for sales on pasta, Skinny Cow icecCream p

roducts, Wonder whole grain breads, 

Progresso soups and much more!

DOMINICK'S

Rancher's Reserve Beef Porterhouse Steak $4.99/lb (save $3.00)

Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.99/lb (save up to $4.

20/lb)

Perdue Ground Turkey   Buy 1 get 1 free (save $3.99)

Pomegranates 2/$3.00 (save up to $2.98)

Asparagus $1.47/lb (save up to $2.52/lb)

Eating Right Baby Cut carrots  Buy 1 get 1 free

Ruffles Potato Chips Buy 1 get 1 free

**This afternoon I shopped at the Dominick's on Patriot Blvd. in Glenview where I also found great deals on all Barilla Pasta's, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Butternut breads, Progresso Soups, and much more!

DINNER MENUS

Marinated Flank Steak and Spicy Sesame Pasta Salad with Edamame

(see recipe below)

Apple Maple Turkey Burgers with Macaroni and Cheese and Roasted Brussels

 Sprouts 

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/apple-maple-turkey-burgers-with-maple-dijon-sauce-recipe/

index.html

Tacos with Ground Turkey or Beef and Salad

(Ortega Taco Dinner Package)

Grandma Ginger's Fish Casserole with Green Beans

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eatingwell/grandma-gingers-fish-casserole-recipe/index.html

Slow Roasted Pork with Citrus and Garlic

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-roasted-pork-with-citrus-and-garlic-recipe/index.html

FEATURED RECIPE

Spicy Sesame Pasta Salad

It's a Shore Thing...Culinary Favorites From Chicago's North Shore

Junior League of Evanston North Shore 

www.jle-ns.org

1 1/4 pounds rotelle pasta

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup teriyaki sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup sesame oil

1/4 cup sesame toasted sesame seeds

1/4 cup chopped green onions

 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 3 to 4 dashes crushed red pepper

1/4 cup soy sauce

Bring water to boil, add pasta and cook 5 minutes or until al dente.  Drain and rinse in cold water.  Drain again.  Transfer to a bowl.  Add cilantro, teriyaki sauce, olive and sesame oils, sesame seeds, onions, garlic powder, cayenne, red pepper and soy sauce.  Toss gently.  Let stand 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.  Serve hot or cold. 

I am not a big fan of pasta salads, but this is one of our regular dinners.  One of my kids will eat it and I can set aside plain pasta for the especially finicky eaters.  It is great with chicken and tonight it was the perfect side to grilled flank steak marinated in soy sauce, oil, garlic and ginger.  I try to only cook whole wheat pastas.  The Spicy Sesame Pasta salad pictured is a brown rice penne with added edamame for a little something extra.