Yesterday I went to pick up a few items at Aldi. There was a worker in the meat section who was checking dates and marking items down. I asked what was the best bargains were so he showed me. Organic whole chickens normally 7.67 were 1/2 off. Best by date 7/2/26. Boneless skinless chicken thighs 1/2 off so I ended up paying around 3.00 a package of 6 thighs. Best by date 7/2/26. I put it all in the freezer. The date is the key. He explained that the night before the best by date they mark it down. I will start shopping first thing in the morning at 9:00 am when they open.

Several have never heard of Western dressing. A family favorite available at Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/55500600?sid=A48A143F-EB3B-48ED-ADE5-B16E669AD699

Ever made a salad in a jar? Very portable and makes a great make ahead meal. I made my wife and I a salad last night for our lunch today. Here’s how I did it. You start with what you want on top so when you put it onto a plate or in a bowl it comes out correctly. Tomatoes Diced Feta cheese cheese crumbles Bacon bits Diced ham Carrots Yellow pepper Celery Cucumber Chopped green leaf lettuce on top Put a lid on it and refrigerate. I put mine in a bowl and served with Western dressing. So good!!

We have shared a lot of recipes and ideas. I want to know what you would like to know about. What is your request?? How to make bread? How to cut up a whole chicken? How to steam vegetables? Please tell me.

I’m new here, and I really appreciate the focus on making the most of what you have. There’s something powerful about cooking with creativity and intention — turning simple, affordable ingredients into something genuinely satisfying. It also makes me think about how much skill and story sit behind everyday meals like these. I write about food, so going to have a careful look around the classroom! 😎