Report cards and other thoughts of turkeys

This weekend will be devoted to the completion of 24 report cards that inform parents of strengths and areas of need. However, turkey day does approach and my desire to prepare for this holiday is rising. I have not yet found my recipes but want to make a cranberry chutney (or something like that - thick and fruity), and a traditional cranberry jelly (for my husband as he likes the jellied type). I will post again when I find that magic recipe. Chutney can be okay or it can be fabulous, but it depends on the right recipe.

My shopping list this week was uninspired and down right boring. I guess I am not in the mood for food this week. However, my granddaughter relies on me to keep her happy in the meal department and I can't let her down. No one else in my family cares, but my little dumpling greets me at the door daily with the demand, "What's for dinner?" She expects an immediate answer and quick meal service as well. What can I say, she is a chip off the old block - direct and commanding. :)

Shopping List

Lucky spent $73.41 saved $44.64 total percentage saved 38%

Meat:
2 packs of Johnsonville Bratwurtz (2 for $7)
2 packs of Johnsonville Italian sausage (2 for $7)

Dairy:
2 sunnyside farms natural sliced cheese (swiss 2 for $5)

Cans/boxes:
2 Sun Maid golden raisins (2 for $5)

Bakery:
1 package of rolls for the brats (at least an 8 count)

Vegetables:
2/ 12 oz of cranberries (2 for $5)
Watermelon (2.99)
5 lb fuji apples (3.99)
3 lbs of pears (.99 a lb)
10 lbs sweet potatoes (69 cents a lb)
2 Pacific Coast salads (2 for $4)
A piece of ginger

Safeway spent $81.78 saved $77.81 total percentage saved 49%

Meat:
2 turkeys ($6.77 w/ $20 purchase)
Safeway SELECT bacon (free w/ $50 purchase)
4 lbs 7 bone pot roast ($2.49 a lb)

Dairy:
Lucerne cream cheese (.99)
Lucerne large eggs (free w/ $50 purchase)
Lucerne butter (1.49)

Cans/boxes:
4 Progesso high fiber soup (4 for $5)
2 Progresso 100% natural chicken broth (buy 1, get 1 free)
4 boxes Nutri-grain bars (4 for $6)

Bakery:
Safeway Raisin bread (free w/ $50 purchase)
4 Thomas Mix and match sale (1.99 each limit 10)

Vegetables/fruits:
Asparagus (1.47 a lb)

Beverages:
Safeway 100% orange juice (free w/ $50 purchase)

Other:
Special purchases of $5.99 each, if you buy 2
100 oz 2x Safeway liquid laundry detergent
12 double roll pack Cottonelle toilet paper
6 Big Roll Bounty papertowels
Hefty Cinch Sak (45 count)

Raleys spent $16.89 saved 10.26 total percentage saved 37%
unplanned purchase agave nectar

Dairy:
10 Yoplait yogurt (10 for $5)

Vegetables/fruits:
2 organic baby bella mushrooms (2 for $4)

Beverages:
2 Minute Maid orange juice (2 for $4)

Uninspired menu for November 9-15

Monday (9th)(family favorite!)
Breakfast for dinner – French toast, bacon, sausage, sliced watermelon

Tuesday (10th)
Brats on a roll, baked sweet potato fries, and pears

Wednesday(11th) Veteran’s Day
Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, salad, and rolls

Thursday (12th)
Roasted chicken breast, mixed vegetables, sliced watermelon

Friday (13th)
Baked potatoes w/ sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese sauce, and roasted apples

Saturday (14th)
Italian pot roast served on pasta, asparagus, orange slices

Sunday (15th)
Mother’s for dinner




Cranberry Orange Chutney (http://farmersmarketonline.com/recipefile/?p=29)

This recipe from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension canning guidebook So Easy To Preserve is a great side dish or condiment for turkey, chicken or pork. It makes 8 half-pint jars of jellied chutney.

• 24 ounces fresh whole cranberries
• 2 cups chopped white onion
• 2 cups golden raisins
• 1½ cups white sugar
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 2 cups white distilled vinegar (5 percent)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
• 4 teaspoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
• 3 sticks cinnamon


Start by washing the jars. Keep them hot until ready to use. Prepare lids according to manufacturer’s directions.

Rinse cranberries well.

Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until cranberries are tender.
Stir often to prevent scorching. Remove cinnamon sticks and discard.

Fill the hot chutney into the clean, hot half-pint jars, leaving a half-inch of headspace.

Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims with a damp paper towel.
Apply two-piece metal canning lids. Process them in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Time may need to be longer at high altitudes.

Let them cool undisturbed for 12 hours to 24 hours and check seals.