If you’ve ever even glanced at my blog before, you know I’m a sucker for a sale. I see a bright orange (or yellow, or red) clearance sticker, or a roll-back sign, or a BOGO advertisement and I just can’t help myself.
That being said, I do try to be smart–like my kitchen 
–and let the items I purchase guide my “eats” for the week, as you’ll see in today’s contribution to the What I Ate Wednesday Peas & Crayons potluck.
–and let the items I purchase guide my “eats” for the week, as you’ll see in today’s contribution to the What I Ate Wednesday Peas & Crayons potluck.
The turnip greensin the photo above were just one of two bags of greens I purchased for 50% off. So what if they were approaching their “best buy” date? I was going to cook them anyway!
The collards were boiled a good 30-40 minutes to ‘get the bitter out,’ with some thinly sliced onion, vinegar,* and a bunch of Cajun’s Choice Creole Seasoning. [For a longer diatribe of why this label cracks me up--and some serious discussion about the greatness of She's the Man--investigate this post.]
*Can’t eat greens without vinegar, y’all!
The turnip greens made friends with the same seasoning, as well as some diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and soaked cranberry beans…for a “Beans ‘n’ Greens” Stew of sorts.
Just when you thought I would have had enough green (me? never!), I stumbled upon the most beautiful rainbow chard at Whole Foods, and it–along with a $1 Mexican avocado–had to come home with me.
That chard was steamed/sauteed in veggie broth with onion, garlic, and fresh ginger, and plopped on top of some quinoa flakes mixed with roasted mashed sweet potato. This might have been the best thing I ate all week.
The rest of that sweet potato ended up in the same bowl as a Morningstar Spicy Black Bean Burger, which are highly addicting, are they not?
Good thing I scored a triple-play deal on the whole line of burgers. [And if I didn't have an innate rebellion against food pretending to be something it's not, I might even declare the Southwestern California 'Turkey'--with avocado!--my new favorite.]
Another triple-threat to come my way this week was a 3 for $5.00 deal on Athenos hummus.*
*Please be aware they are swindling us…you used to get 8 servings in a tub, and now I believe you only get 7!
After taking the roasted garlic to a Chi O Alumnae Chapter dinner, and scraping the very last morsels of the original out of it’s tub with my fingers–I’m not proud, but I’m not ashamed, either–at lunch today, I do still have a bunch of the Spicy Three-Pepper left to consume.
Although I doubt it will last long since I’ve discovered the oddly delicious pairing of said hummus with Newman’s Own Soy Ginger Vinaigrette…
…on top of salad made with this Artisan Blend of lettuce, with fancy names I don’t remember, that I bought on sale (twice!).
Between the greens I boiled and steamed, and the salads I consumed, I am one lean, mean, fiber-ific green machine!
Yes, I like to heat up Morningstar ‘burgers’ and crumble them on my salads. Spicy Black Bean tasted amazing with the “on sale” avocado and the BOGO Annie’s Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette.
One big salad mess of yumminess, I say!
Sometimes, a sale means you take a chance on something new (or at least new to you). As was the case with this new carton lurking on my fridge door.
An almond milk/coconut milk blend? I have to say I was hesitant, as the other coconut milk stand-ins for cow’s milk (not to be confused with canned coconut milk for cooking) have always been a bit watery and “blech!” in my opinion.
I must say, Almond Breeze knows what they are doing. It’s thick and creamy and VERY coconutty, meaning that although I am eating it in my bedtime bowl of cereal (it tastes surprisingly good with Multigrain Peanut Butter Cheerios)….
…and drinking it warm with cinnamon sprinkled in it as a soothing nightime ritual, I think I’ll switch back to my unsweetened vanilla….unless I want to make a coconut curry with less calories or something.
I feel like I need a big finish now.
Umm..cantaloupes were 2 for $5?
So I’ve been eating a lot of that, too?
JAZZ HANDS!*
*When in doubt, go with jazz hands for the close!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha ha! Love this. Yes, those black bean burgers are addictive! Haven't tried that milk yet either. Unsweetened vanilla is my normal one too. Nice sale items! Jazz hands!!!!!!
I get giddy at the sale stickers too and end up with some crazy stockpiling. I have yet to find that almond coconut milk… but I am keeping an eye out.
I love taking advantage of sales at the grocery store! I'm super jealous of that deal on cantaloupe – they're $4 each at my store right now!
Love the big finish with the jazz hands. That made me want to throw mine up in the air and do it with you! Yum to everything you ate. Not sure about the almond coconut milk thing – I will be on the lookout for this 'new to me' item. Have a lovely Wednesday.
sales are amazing! Haahah, happy wiaw
So true, when in doubt, bring out the jazz hands! Haha
I'm glad to hear the coconut almond milk is coconutty (it's a word). I've Bern tempted to try it, even though I'm not a big coconut fan. Now I know I'll probably stay away.
I do love me some sales! haha it is the best when you find your favorite products on sale and you can stock up.
I love when my favorite foods are on sale!
Your greens-a-palooza is speaking right to heart! Mmmmm makes my mouth water just looking at it. The beans and greens stew will be making an appearance in my kitchen soon, I am sure of it.
I adore the black bean burgers, in fact I had one just this past weekend.
And when something is on sale I too can't resist, which is why I love places like Big Lots and TJ Maxx…you never know what goodness you will find. I have come away with tons of organic and healthy treats.
Nice work, smart lady! Wait, did you say Multigrain Peanut Butter Cheerios?! Is that a real thing or did you add your own peanut butter? This is some crucially important information I must obtain as soon as possible.
I do love a good foodie bargain!
I'm happy to see you still saying/typing y'all. There is still some Texas in you!!
I'm all over clearance foods. Super Target near me puts their produce that's just about to expire/retire on often, thus we usually have stir-fries or Buddha bowls the same day I go to Target. HEB, unfortunately, doesn't do too many expiration date deals.
hahaha you crack me up. i do agree about those spicy black bean burgers, though! am intrigued to try the "turkey" patty now
hope ol' VA is treating you well!
I absolutely ADORE Turk'y patties. They have my heart, especially on top of salad. Also, look for the vanilla almond coconut unsweetened. It's much better/more drinkable.
I'm so amazed at how you find produce on sale! I'm jealous.
I love when I see those "managers special" stickers at Kroger! One time I got Siggi's yogurt for LESS than $1!!! It was insane. I was like jumping up and down… because I'm cool like that..
Are you coming to Richmond next Monday for the cooking class at Whole Foods with Stephanie and Brittany and Me???
true story: every time i see a "manager's special" sticker i think of you!
i'm a sucker for a sale and will figure out something (anything) to use sale priced items!
I love MorningStar burgers, and the Black Bean flavor is probably my favorite!
I love a good deal! My grocery list looks pretty much just like yours! I got a bag of Glory brand Kale Greens for $1 the other week! One dollar! I was so happy! haha!