I got so much feedback last month about my grocery shopping post so I thought, at least for the time-being, I would stick with this style of menu. Last month, we spent a total of $279 on groceries (not including Thanksgiving) which also included $35 Organic baby formula for Gigi. Which is pretty great! My goal is $50 a week but, honestly, I'm pretty happy with $70 a week. I did two big grocery shopping trips with dinners in mind and we picked up little things inbetween.
We are really struggling to make ends meet... actually, I think it's safe to say we are not making ends meet. As challenging as that is, I am finding that grocery shopping on an extreme budget is helping me feel somewhat in control of our financial situation. It feels great to spend so little and still be able to cook so many wonderful, healthy and delicious dinners for my family. I did have to buy mostly non-Organic produce this month but at least all of Gigi's food is Organic!
Here's a look at this months first trip to the store. This should last us a couple of weeks. I spent $86 on...
Onions: I bought eleven onions for the month. I use onions in lots of soups and scrambles. They are an easy way to add a lot of flavor.
Eggs: Our farm egg connection is hit and miss these days so I bought one dozen eggs (they weren't on sale).
Chicken Thighs: I bought two packages of chicken thighs because they were on sale. (Last month I bought bone in skin on breasts so I still have lots of breasts in the freezer). I plan on using some to make paella and I will freeze the rest. I spent $13 on 26 thighs.
Yogurt: Lowfat plain yogurt for me and whole maple yogurt for Gigi. Both on sale.
Mozzarella cheese: for Vegetarian French Onion Soup. I'm not using it until next week but it was on sale this week so I bought it. You can buy cheese pretty far in advance and leave don't open it until you need it.
Cream cheese and heavy cream: for making cheesecake when we had guests.
Lemons: I always buy tons of lemons. I use them when roasting chicken, making hot toddy's and cozy evening drinks.
Feta, cheddar and parmesan cheese: for topping lots of dishes. The Parmesan and cheddar were on sale.
Beets, parsnips, turnip, carrots, shallots: for roasting.
Crimini mushrooms: I love making risotto. Mushroom risotto is really easy and inexpensive and the leftovers are great.
Eggplant and zucchini: For roasting, serving with pasta.
Green Apples: I love green apples. Ever since I was pregnant I make toast with peanut butter and have green apple. They don't have them Organic. Lord knows what's on them if they don't even grow them Organic. But, I love them.
Potatoes: a big bag of Organic potatoes. Great for baking, mashing, adding to soups, making baked fries, etc.
13 Bean Soup Mix: I bought this in the bulk section for making soup.
Pasta: it was on sale so I stocked up.
Milk
With all these things I bought I will be able to make the following: Hot Toddy's, Vegetarian 13 Bean Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Vegetarian French Onion Soup, Mushroom Risotto with Peas, Roasted Root Vegetables with Goat Cheese and Honey (I adapted this recipe from Tyler Florence's cookbook Tyler's Ultimate), roasted eggplant and zucchini over pasta with red sauce, Baked Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Salted Caramel Cheesecake, egg scrambles.
Again, I'd love your thoughts! I also have to apologize for not posting ANY recipes last month. To be honest, things have been a bit overwhelming around here. Gigi's nap schedule is changing, she's been waking up around 5a.m., she may or may not be getting a cold and/or teething, and I've been struggling to get everything done. I love this blog and it provides me with a creative outlet so I'm doing my best to find time to blog but, if I'm a bit MIA over the next couple of weeks, forgive me!
To see tips from last month, click here.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Me with Lauren.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 
I LOVE YOU.