What's up for this week...maybe

Well here we are, another week. Time is going by so fast and it's almost Christmas. I wanted to write today about grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping; we are a one income family now, so I have had to really pay attention to what I buy, how much and if we really eat it. I have done a lot of trimming in that department and now that I am vegetarian our meat purchases are significantly down. I do serve vegetarian dishes to the family about 3 times a week, and then the husband complains that he needs his meat.

I try to comparison shop, but sometimes going to one grocery store is more convenient then going to three to get a deal on bananas, but it must be done. A couple of things I have noticed is that Superstore, which everyone thinks is quite cheap, is not always the case. I add vital wheat gluten to my bread, at Superstore, Bob's Red Mill Vital Wheat Gluten is $10.99, Safeway $9.99. Yes a $1.00, but when on a budget that makes a difference. I also don't mind spending more on my produce if I know it's going to last. I have found that Superstore produce does not last. Safeway and Sobey's produce lasts longer and is better quality. Numerous times I have bought produce at Superstore (the last thing grapes) only to have them go bad in a couple of days, maybe, maybe last a week. I also find their dairy even with an expiry date, doesn't always last as long.

One thing Superstore does have is a great natural food section and vegetarian choices. I have found numerous great vegetarian foods with their Blue Label product. They carry great tofu choices and I always buy their Blue Label Teriyaki Marinated Tofu, as well as it's the only place I can find deep fried tofu.


On the menu so far this week is, in no particular order as some nights when I plan on having one thing, if it's been a busy day I'll make something else that is quick and easy.

Mushroom Risotto with roasted vegetables

Pizza, this will probably be on Wednesday night as it's just the kids and I


Vegetable Lasagna, my new favourite dish, there are so many varieties.


I am also experimenting with some different home made breads. Will keep you updated on how they turn out. And waiting impatiently for my juicer.


Have a great day, any comments, suggestions or questions, fire away.

Too little sleep

Good morning everyone, well I didn't do very well on dinner again last night.  After having a very sleepless night, thanks to our 18 month old, I was not in the mood to fiddle with polenta lasagna.  Instead we had pizza, I love my breadmaker as I can make pizza dough in it.  Last week I made about 4 batches and froze them, very convinient, espically last night.  The daughter and I had Meatless Chicken strips, sundried tomatoes and cheese, the boys had their usual meat laddened pizza.  Fast, good and home made, what more could you ask for. 


Today I am going to attempt to make seitan!  A bit nervous, I have found a few different recipes on the internet, I have picked one and am going to give it a try.  Although it's going to be a busy day, I hope to fit that in somewhere.  Does anyone know, can I freeze seitan?  And how about some good recipes?  Pass them along.


I also have a home based business, so for the next couple of days I am going to be getting ready for a fund raiser and a craft show.  So the posted might be a bit scattered.


Also, very excited about the juicer I have ordered.  I am hoping to get some extra vitamins into the kids, our son espically, we love smoothies and hope this will be another avenue for good nutrition.  I ordered the Jack La Lanne's Power Juicer Pro, did some reading up on it and it seems to be pretty good.  Comes with a recipe book and has recipes on what to do with the pulp, so no waste.  How great is that.  Will keep you posted on juicer and our juicing experience.

Well I have to run, hope everyone has a great day!