Hello and Happy Monday!
I don’t know what it was like at your place, but last week was leftover city at ours. SO MUCH BBQ! Gaaa. I think we finally finished it all and maybe, if I’m really lucky, we can eat salads this week instead. Of course I say that now… but then again I didn’t have to cook a single meal last week so who am I to complain. Right?
But still, I think I’ll still scribble out salad greens on the HH’s grocery list and see if I get lucky.
BBQ pork nachos. The chips were kind of duds. The HH is still on the hunt for the perfect tortilla chip. If you’ve got a favorite brand, let us know.
BBQ pork enchiladas. It was his first time making them. Well done husband, well done.
Oh hey, I did make something last week. A strawberry pudding cake for the HH’s birthday.
I’ve been making him the same birthday cake now for the last 18 {?} years or so ever since my old neighbor Sarah, the school teacher, made this cake for her daughter’s birthday. One bite and we were all hooked. If you haven’t made a cake like this before, you should give it a go. You can find the recipe HERE.
Market Basket $47.15
He bought everything on my list. The only extras were the three bags of Darrell Lea black licorice…. They were on sale for $0.99 a bag! Talk about a deal. If you are a lover of black licorice than you know those normally run about $3.00 a bag so at $0.99, that was an amazing find.
I think Oreo needs to just stick to the basics. Some of their new flavors…. Gag.
Did you know Panera is mass producing bread for grocery stores now? I can’t imagine it tastes like anything you’d get at their bakery/cafe.
He made manicotti. The man was on a roll last week I tell you. On. A. Roll.
A giant platter of fried seafood from The Clam Box. I had a few bites of the fish and ate the roll and then declared that I was done with seafood for the year. I don’t mind stopping at lobster shacks for lunch so the HH can get his fill…. but this girl has her limits. Let’s hope the rest of this summers seafood places serve hot dogs or ice cream.
And last but not least, let’s talk about oyster crackers for a second.
As we were taking our tour of the kitchen at the Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House last week, I spied an old box of oyster crackers on the shelf above the cook top.
At first glance, it just seemed like a regular old box of crackers…. You know, how cool is that, isn’t it neat the box has survived all these years, yada yada yada…
And then I looked at the side panel of the box.
“With Soups: Pan fry crackers in a small amount of butter and serve as croutons … or heat and serve as an accompaniment to any soup.”
Oh my word! Do you serve oyster crackers with soup? Did you know you were suppose to pan fry the crackers in butter before serving them? I had no idea. I’ve always just laid the bag on the table and tossed a few in my soup.
To know I’ve been doing it wrong all these years was kind of amusing. And so now, the next time I serve soup, I’m going to have to pan fry the crackers in butter first.
Who knew?
It was a good week. Filled with lot’s of food. I didn’t have to cook. 😉
Have a wonderful day Monday everyone.
Peace Out Girl Scouts.
~Mavis
Total Spent on Groceries This Week $47.15
- Total Spent on Groceries in June $47.15
- Total Spent on Groceries in May $262.39 {More meat!}
- Total Spent on Groceries in April $284.56 {My husband bought a smoker and a BUNCH of meat!}
- Total Spent on Groceries in March $321.69
- Total Spent on Groceries in February $220.92
- Total Spent in January on Groceries $41.19
- Total Spent So Far on Groceries in 2019 $1177.90 {Goal is to average $150 – $175 a month for the year}
You can go HERE to read more Shopping Trip Stories.
Mike says
Mavis,
Love The site! Been a reader for years!
I bought your chicken coop plans and our is currently under construction.
Does your husband have any drawings and/or measurements for the run?
I really want to build your exact set up. It’s perfect.
Thanks,
Mike
Mavis Butterfield says
He just sort of winged the run. It’s 16 feet long though if that’s helpful and below are a few links to posts that have pictures of the run at various stages. I hope that helps.
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/gardening-in-new-england-an-update-on-the-chicken-run-and-the-backyard-vegetable-garden-tally-for-8-22-2018/
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/gardening-in-new-england-pulling-weeds-repairing-the-rock-wall-poison-ivy-and-the-chicken-coop/
https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/gardening-in-new-england-starting-seeds-more-snow-happy-chickens-and-miss-puggle-love/
jeanie says
I would be so thankful if someone else in my life cooked a meal. One of my most hated tasks is making a list, purchasing food and then figuring out what to do with it. I’m a good cook so everyone in my family thinks I like to do it but in reality, I hate it. I would be happy just snacking for the rest of my life. Cheese and apples…that’s a meal. Fruit salad, meal. Your pickety bits, that is a feast. Done and done.
Ingrid says
Jeanie I feel the same way! I used to love to cook but am so burnt out after years and years of doing it allllllll. I’m trying to teach my sons to take over – in the short term it is a lot more work, but hopefully the future will mean less cooking for me.
Kristen says
Hey, Mav.
Please don’t bite that hand that is feeding you! Meat is amazing, especially bbq! And seafood, too! I find that the more protein I eat, the less carb-hungry I am
(Muffy, I am talking to you!) Come on, girl! He can be meat man, you be vegetable-side-salad girl. What a team and what meals you could make together! Unstoppable!
On The Border tortilla chips are the best. I don’t care what anyone else says. Mic drop!
Linda says
Agree on the chips!!! My husband gets upset if I get any other kind just “because they’re on sale.” He’s says it’s so not worth it to get any other! Ha!! The man is serious about his tortilla chips & salsa!
Ashley says
I toss oyster crackers in melted butter, sugar and cinnamon and bake them at low heat for awhile. We also make them chex mix style.
My dad said when he was young they’d soak them in coffee and sugar…..
I think carrot cake Oreos sound awesome (they’ve made much stranger)! I’m not a fan of regular Oreos though.
Libby says
Did you know that National Biscuit Company is known today as Nabisco? I’m loving your explorations of NE heritag houses!
Nicole says
For my birthday in a couple weeks, we are going to have an Oreo sampling dessert. Each guest is going to bring a different variety and then we’ll have a chance to try out the various flavors and determine our favorites.
Mavis Butterfield says
This sounds fun!!!
Stacie says
You have to try On the Border brand of tortilla chips; they are THE BEST!
Melissa says
Agree. My husband loves the On the Board Tortilla chips.
Jennifer Meyer says
I agree with On the Border! 🙂
Teri says
That cake looks so yummy! Happy birthday to your HH!
Laura says
Well, clearly Juanita’s tortilla chips are the very best, but you probably can’t get those in Maine!
Helen in Meridian says
I love Juanita’s tortilla chips too. They are so greasy and good…Made in Oregon.
Teri says
Me too — Juanita’s are my favorite!
Lunch Lady says
I also love Juanita’s (restaurant style) so far the best I’ve ever tasted!
Sandy says
Going with the Juanita crowd here…but I think that’s just an Oregon thing.
Laura says
But gluten free! Lol. We always crack up when we see that on the package.
J O says
Juanita’ss are the best – and one of the cheapest. Look for the bright red bag.
Maria says
Juanitas!!!! Best tortilla chips ever!
kathy says
Mmmm, yes! Juanita’s!
Bren says
Whenever I use tortilla chips mine turn out soggy. But I’ve always left them in the oven for a very long time. My partner has had great results using Ole Mexican Ole Corn Tostadas…they are local here, not sure about national availibility. He loads everything up on a pizza pan and only goes 15 or 20 at 350. He loads it up like it is a huge pizza…they are amazing and retain their crunch
Tamara says
It might just be an LA brand, but Homeboy Industries tortilla chips are the best!
Marcia says
Best chips are Taco Works, but I think they are California only
Mimi says
It’s Juanita’s chips or nothing. Maybe someone could mail you a few bags?
bobbi says
I like Santitas, but they could be a florida thing. White and corn and they are $2 per bag! 🙂 Not sure if they are the best, but they are pretty darn good. 🙂 Good luck!
Laura says
They are Frito Lay’s answer to local tortilla chips, but available nationwide. The premium brand is Tostito’s and the value brand is Santita’s. Made in the same factory on the same line, but just a little different. Santitas are pretty darn good, but Juanita’s for the win, made in Oregon so definitely local to the PNW.
PS. Used to be brand manager for Ruffles potato chips, back in the day, so have more chip knowledge than is probably wise.
Laure says
For grocery store-obtainable chips, Donkey Chips are the best. They are the most expensive (not crazy expensive, but $2.99 per bag here for a smaller bag than some other brands) but after having them we have never purchased any others.
Deb says
We use the Food Should Taste Good brand of multigrain tortilla chips. We buy ginormous bags at COSTCO. They are hearty and delicious and retain their crisp when cooked. Mmmmm
Gwenn says
For tortilla chips there are two kinds I like best. For nacho’s or chunky salsa I like Tostito’s Multi-Grain Scoops whereas for snacking or less chunky dips I like Tostito’s Cantina Thin & Crispy chips. They are by no mean authentic but we like them. Eating the multi-grain scoops let me kid myself that I’m being healthy but they are pretty sturdy chips and great for nacho’s.
KC says
On the oyster crackers, I’d note that in cardboard (no plastic, no airtight seal) packaging, they’d likely go soft/stale pretty fast, so re-crisping them before use would be more dramatic of a change than in the Days of Plastic Sealed Packaging.
That said: frying things in butter is rarely a bad idea. 🙂
Jude DeWitt says
As you are “cleaning up recipes” take a look at the Strawberry Pudding Cake, Step 2. layer/not prayer
I think I might make that one for my hubby’s 75th next month! Perfect for the picnic we’ll have. Thanks for the recipe!
As for Oyster crackers, we here in Cincinnati eat them with our 3, 4 or 5 way chili spaghetti, or just add a drop of tobacco sauce and toss them one at a time in our mouth.
Gigi says
Chicago is #2 for most Mexican immigrants and we’ve got lots of good brands. My favorite is El Milagro. They do not get soft at all in the oven. They’re on the thicker side, but really good if you can find them. In a brown paper bag.
Cathy says
Regarding Oreos – I tried the Carrot Cake ones. Disappointing – won’t buy them again. However, the chocolate/peanut butter pie version with graham cracker crust is awesome. The thin Oreos that are mint or caramel or pistachio are also very good. I can’t help myself I have to try them all. Funny thing…I don’t like plain oreos.