Fresh veggie & fruit stock-up trip! Summertime means lighter, vegetable-based menus for my family. Produce is not sold by weight here, rather it’s sold by the piece or by the bag. Here’s what I bought today, each only $1, no coupons necessary:
1. Organic Grape Tomatoes, 1 pint
2. Pickling Cucumbers, 8 ct. bag
3. Jumbo Yam, huge family-size!
4. Cauliflower
5. Broccoli
6. White Onions & Red Onions, 2 lbs. each
7. Roma Tomatoes, 6 ct.
8. Whole Cantaloupe
9. Teddy Grahams Soft Paws, 8 pk.
10. Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup, 18.6 oz.
Not pictured: Fresh Green Seedless Grapes
When you finish eating all the pickles from a jar, what do you do with the remaining brine (pickle juice)? Instead of throwing away the brine, I use it for DIY Pickles! Simply refill the pickle jar with sliced fresh cucumbers, making sure each slice is immersed in brine. Place in the refrigerator, and in about three days, enjoy your DIY Pickles. I reuse the brine twice before tossing it out, as it gets a little diluted after awhile. From my $1 bag of pickling cucumbers, I made 2 full jars of pickles (24 oz. size).
I will devote time to roasting all my vegetables at once, in preparation for the week’s meals. This will save time and energy usage. I plan to cube the jumbo yam and roast it with butter, maple syrup, and herbs. The cauliflower and broccoli will be roasted with garlic and olive oil. The organic grape tomatoes, after roasting until they burst, makes a nice sauce for pasta. After all the roasting is done, I’ll store the cooked veggie dishes in the fridge, ready to be reheated during the week. Easy-peasy!
Marie July 17, 2012 at 6:29 pm
I’m so excited for these posts, now (instead of ignoring them). Reno opened a store last week! And they carry Soilove – the best stain remover EVER.
Danielle July 18, 2012 at 8:11 am
Thanks got the comment about Soilove- that stuff sounds amazing!
Sam July 17, 2012 at 10:37 pm
You’re yam recipe sounds delicious! I didn’t see those when I went. I must’ve gone too late:( what time do you usually shop? Or do you go at different times? Thanks! I love your posts.
Jolene July 19, 2012 at 7:06 am
Sam, thank you! After 8 years of shopping at my Clayton, CA store, I’ve learned the best time for produce is 11am-1pm. The stockers need time to unload the truck and stock & rotate the produce in displays — if you go too early, this process is incomplete. I also know that T, Th, Sat are delivery truck days for my store — I go on those days to obtain the freshest quality produce.
Learn your particular store’s days and times, too. Staff and cashiers will be able to answer any questions. I posted a link to the Roasted Yam recipe, below.
Ana July 18, 2012 at 8:43 am
I have to second Sam’s and Marie’s posts. I LOVE these post and look forward to them. It gives me an idea of what the store will have for the week so I know whether to go or not. The 99 cent store is amazing if one knows how to shop and I love the deals you get
Jolene July 19, 2012 at 7:10 am
Ana, thank you! I’m glad my photo gives you an idea of what’s new, especially since 99 Cents Only doesn’t send out a weekly ad circular like mainstream stores.
Linda Middendorf July 18, 2012 at 11:21 am
Could you share your recipes and techniques for roasting the veggies? Thanks!
Jolene July 19, 2012 at 6:51 am
Linda & Tabetha,
I love roasting veggies because it brings out the natural sweetness. Here are links to recipes:
Roasted Yams
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/roasted-yams-with-maple-syrup.html
Roasted Cauliflower & Broccoli
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/roasted-cauliflower-and-broccoli-recipe/index.html
Roasted Grape Tomatoes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/roasted-grape-tomatoes-recipe/index.html
Tabetha July 25, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Thank you so much!
Tabetha July 18, 2012 at 11:44 pm
I second the request for your recipes and how to for roasting the vegetables! I’d love some new ways to prepart veggies……Thanks!
Jolene July 19, 2012 at 6:54 am
Tabetha, I posted recipe links under Linda’s comments for you
Susanna Burke July 20, 2012 at 11:13 pm
I had heard you can re-use pickle brine to make your own pickles but I’ve been afraid to try it myself. Next time I get a deal on cucumbers I will give it a shot! Thanks for sharing your experience with that and great finds!!