Month: March 2020

Lunch

At lunch we supported our local Mexican restaurant by getting take-out Heuvos Rancheros for $10.00 per serve with tax and tip.

Dinner

Tonight we experimented with some prepared Salt & Pepper Calamari, which we served with a “clean out the refrigerator” stir-fry with Cabbage, Noodles and Snow Peas.

• The Salt & Pepper Calamari was $13.98 for two boxes or $4.66 per serve
• The Udon Noodles were $3.29, but we used ⅓ or 55c per serve
• The cabbage was 38c, or 13c per serve
• Add 40c for other ingredients.

The Salt & Pepper Calamari (Whole Foods) was tasty and very tender. Overall it was very successful, although we had more than a generous serve. The stir-fry gave some balance to the meal for $5.74 per serve.

Lunch

The Foodies and Niece went to In and Out Burger for $4.87 per serve with tax.

Dinner

The American eating experience has to include a meatloaf, so Foodie Greg made our favorite Red Wine and Mushroom Meatloaf, and served with another favorite: Blue Cheese Gnocchi, with Cauliflower Gnocchi.

• The dry aged ground beef was $20.16 or $5.04 per serve
• Sliced portobello mushrooms were $2.49 or 63 per serve
• Onions and garlic add 20c per serve
• Two large eggs are $1.02 or 25c per serve
• The butter is $3.99 per block, and we used about 3/8 for four serves, or 38c per serve
• Red wine adds $1.00 or 25c per serve
• Add 20c for Worcestershire sauce and other spices per serve
• The English Peas were $3.49 and we served half, or 88c per serve
• The gnocchi was $2.69 or 67c per serve
• Blue cheese crumbles were $3.49 and we used half or 44c per serve
• Heavy cream is $3.29 per pint, but we used only ¼ or 21c per serve.

As always a great Meatloaf and side for $9.15 per serve.

Lunch

After shopping both home renovation stores we headed a little further and picked up a Lamb Yeros from New York Chicken and Gyro for $8.17 with tax and tip.

Dinner

Now that we have our Duck technique down – sous vidé to medium rare, then sear the fat side – we were able to prepare a near perfect Duck breast for our niece.

• The Duck was $13.11 or $4.37 per serve
• The Potato Medley was $3.49 and we used half, or 88c per serve
• The Green Chard was $1.99 or 67c per serve.

The verdict was “best duck ever” so we did well for $5.92 per serve.

Lunch

Just because we’re “social distancing” it doesn’t mean we have to eat badly. Today we had Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese & Kumato on an Everything Bagel.

• Six Bagels were $5.49 or 92c per serve
• Smoked Salmon was $7.99 or $2.67 per serve
• Five Kumato were $3.49 and we had one each, or 70c per serve
• Whipped Cream Cheese is $1.99 or 33c per serve.

A little luxury at home for $4.62 per serve.

Dinner

Tonight we cooked a very Shrimp heavy Jambalaya.

• Real pork andouille sausage from our local Ralph’s supermarket is $6.99 or $1.40 per serve
• 1 lb of shrimp is $10.99,  or $3.67 per serve
• Canned fire roasted tomatoes cost $1.69 or 34c per serve
• Bell pepper was 69c or 15c per serve
• Scallions, onion, garlic  and herbs adds 30c per serve
• Tomato paste adds 12c per serve
• Rice adds 33c per serve.

As always a very tasty meal for $6.31 per serve.

Lunch

We had planned to take our niece to The Country Deli for lunch, but Coronavirus restrictions meant we got take-out instead. Foodie Philip went for the sandwich version of the Marinated Skirt Steak, while Foodie Greg and niece shared a Turkey Ruben. Lunch at the Deli averaged $22.16 with tax and tip.

Dinner

Since Côte d’Azur (Cure-All Soup) is basically stock, eggs and cheese, it definitely qualifies as a Meatless Monday meal.

• Six pastured brown eggs are $3.06 or $1.53 per serve
• A whole head of garlic went into the soup: 50c  or 25c per serve
• Organic chicken stock was $1.99 or $1.00 per serve
• Parmesan cost $5.49 and we used it all, or $1.80 per serve.
• Add 40c for herbs, oil  and seasonings.

Whether you’re sick or not this is a great soup for $4.98 per serve.

Lunch

For lunch we enjoyed a Bahn Mi for $9.27 per serve with tax and tip.

Dinner

Since we received another Pork Shoulder we revisited the Cuban-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce.

• The Pork Butt was around $18.50 or $6.17 per serve
• Navel Oranges were $3.83 or $1.28 per serve
• Limes were $2.45 or 82c per serve
• Add 50c for the canned Cuban Beans.

This is now officially our favorite way to use our Pork Butt. A great meal for $8.77 per serve.

Lunch

At lunch the Foodies had an Everything Bagel with Whipped Cream Cheese.

• Six Bagels were $5.49 or 92c per serve
• Whipped Cream Cheese is $1.99 or 33c per serve.

It was a very rich bagel and we enjoyed the change for $1.25 per serve.

Dinner

Traditionally we have Corned Beef and Cabbage for Foodie Greg’s Birthday, which we did a day late this year.

• The Corned Beef was $18.98 after all discounts, or $4.75 per serve
• The cabbage was 38c, or 13c per serve
• Carrots add 82c per serve
• Half and Half is $1.99 and we used half or 50c per serve
  
• Add 20c for flour and onion.

A really good meal for $6.40 per serve.

Lunch

Foodie Greg had picked up some Irish Bacon, so we decided to a Bacon and Sprouts sandwich.

• Dave’s Killer Bread is 77c per serve
• The Bacon was $5.99 and we shared about 1/3 or $1.00 per serve
• Add 30c for Sprouts
  
• Add 30c for Garlic Spread.

We’re not sure what Irish Bacon is, but it does not taste like Bacon as we know it. A little disappointing for $2.37 per serve.

Dinner

Tonight’s Steak Night features a NY Strip souse vidé and seared then served with a Farro, Feta and Beet Salad.

An excellent meal for $11.39 per serve.

• The NY Strip Steak was $20.18 or $10.09 per serve
• The feta was $6.49 but we used ¼ or 82c per serve
  
• Pickled beets in vinaigrette are $1.69, of which we used about ⅓ or 28c per serve
  
• The farro was $1.79 for the pack, but we shared ⅓ or 10c per serve
  
• Add 10c for Apple Cider Vinegar on the salad.