Food Shopping: Off to the Races

It took me four years to kinda "recover" from sticker shock at buying food. It's been ridiculously high.

I know, because keeping tabs on prices is a weird, but lifelong habit of mine. I no longer cringe when I see a box of canned cat food that used to sell for $15, going for $31, or the lowly green onion, which I used to buy 4 bunches for $1, now selling for $1 a bunch.

Criminal!

But it's never going back down. That's the problem with inflation. Once sellers get you used to a price, they keep you there, even if producing that product has gone down for them.

There is one brief respite, and that's the holidays. Although prices are higher, grocers generally advertise loss leaders to get you into their stores.

This is when I stock up on staples like butter, flour, oil, and big ticket items like turkeys.

We're actually having Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house this year, but I still buy a couple of turkeys every year because Greg loves his drumsticks.

Shopping sales is all about choosing that golden moment. That's generally one to two weeks before the holiday.

Before that happens:

• Check your pantry and freezer.
  
  
• Assess your needs.
  
  
• Estimate how many tubs of butter, pounds of flour or sugar you go through a year.
  
  
• Don't forget to check your spice inventory. This is the time of year when you're most likely to use sage, allspice, and cinnamon.
  
  
• When you think an item has gone to its lowest price, stock up like a squirrel and his nuts.

Always, always, check for clearances after the holidays. Last year, my grocer put their chocolate chip cookie mix pouches on clearance. I always make cookies for dessert whenever I bring food to people. Since I put a lot of effort into the main meal, adding cookies is an easy out for me.

About fresh vegetables

Celery has been relatively cheap in the past two weeks. It keeps a long time (especially if you wrap it in foil). I often make a plate of crudités whenever we don't feel like eating a big meal. Celery, radishes, carrots, cucumber, and snow peas are favorites here.

But most veg won't keep, so grab them while they're on sale and enjoy.

The best advice for saving on fresh produce is to eat what's in season. Ironically, frozen fruits and vegetables are generally cheaper and at top quality, so don't shy away from frozen produce. It's a hidden gem for saving money on food.

What kind of dinner plans are you making for the holidays? Are there any favorite dishes you like to make?

If you happen to be shopping Amazon, start from this link. Thanks! I appreciate it.