Greetings and What-Not Fine Readers,
As we head into the official Fall (or winter here in Minnesota), I am reminded from some deep recess in my brain that it’s time to begin looking for certain seasonal deals.
I don’t know about you, but if you know me, then you’re aware that I have a great dry and canned goods pantry that I am pretty darned proud of. I rely on that storage to keep me from taking the easy route and just going out to eat. I rely on it to feed surprise dinner guests (between hubby and I, we have 6 brothers and 2 sisters). And I rely on it to have on-hand all the makings of a simple meal whose ingredients I can control.
And that brings me to the “reminder” alarm that sounded in my brain the other night: seasonal sales. Around Halloween-Christmas, many grocery stores offer Loss Leaders that are pantry or freezer-friendly. The time for fresh veggies from the garden is dwindling or long-gone since the frosts have come, and folks are again gearing up to turn their ovens on, and have family over for Holiday gatherings. I also personally believe that this stuff remains good past the “use by” date, but that’s another blog!
Here are some items I generally watch for; stock up on great deals where you can:
- canned beans
- canned pie filling (pumpkin, etc)
- turkey (freeze it)
- ham (freeze it)
- cheese (freeze it)
- canned veggies
- potatoes (harvest time!)
- apples (see above)
- coffee (freeze it)
- baking stuff (flour, choc chips, etc)
What about you? What stuff are you finding great deals on now a days? Please feel free to post your questions and comments below.
Happy Savings!
~Penny
27/10/2009 at 2:47 pm Permalink
How do you store potatoes long term? I am loving all of these 10lbs/$1 sales, but we don’t eat THAT many potatoes and I end up throwing some out!
28/10/2009 at 1:41 pm Permalink
Hey Nicole,
I know what you mean! I have had potatoes go bad on me twice now
If you cook and freeze them, their consistency changes, as does their color—but they’re edible.
From what I’ve seen, your best bet is to store them in a cool/dark place that’s dry, and don’t seal them in a bag. Also; if you store them next to pungent or acidic things, that could affect the shelf life and/or flavor (ie; onions).
For most households, your taters will last maybe 3 weeks or so. If they sprout an eye or two, feel free to cut it out and eat the rest–so long as the veggie is still mostly good and firm.
Anyone else have input?? Please share! I’m all ears (or eyes??—pun intended)