Grocery List, 121513

Honey Roasted Chicken and veg cakes out of Cooking Club this week. And beef sandwiches!

Costco:

• chocolate chips: $8.99
• whipping cream: $3.85
• maple syrup: $13.09
• organic chickens: $21.69
• brown sugar: $2.53
• TOTAL: $50.15

Grower's Direct:

• navel oranges (2): $1.22/1.54 lb
• russet potatoes (3): $1.09/2.23 lb
• carrots (2): $0.23/0.47 lb
• swiss chard: $1.39/bunch
• garlic: $0.61/0.16 lb
• basil: $1.71
• thyme: $1.29
• C'est Si Bon rolls: $2.25
• sharp cheddar: $4.19
• TOTAL: $13.98

Smart & Final:

• vanilla ice cream: $3.99
• Hershey's dark cocoa: $3.29
• baby arugula: $2.99
• TOTAL: $10.27

Grand Total: $74.40

Total for the year: $1922.22

Grocery List, 121113

Keepin' it simple this week with some simple meat and potatoes.

Spice-Crusted Sirloin Tip Roast
Red Pepper-Onion Roasted Potatoes

Ralph's:

• canola oil: $2.59
• garlic powder: $1
• gold potatoes: $4.99/5 lbs
• red bell pepper: $1.50
• sweet onion: $0.95/0.64 lb
• Hansen juice: $4.49
• cross rib roast: $9.30

Total: $24.82
Total for the year: $1847.82

Grocery List, 120113

Having eaten scrambled eggs for Thanksgiving, I thought I would throw down some serious grub over the weekend and indulge. Instead my computer gave me the blue screen of death and then wouldn't boot up and turned into a whole bunch of fuck you.

Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Cauliflower
Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
Baked Oatmeal Pudding

Ralph's

• yeast: $2.59
• old-fashioned oats: $3.49
• rigatoni: $2
• vegetable oil: $2.59
• Romano cheese: $4.49
• whole milk: $1.99/ half-gallon
• mozzarella: $3.99/lb
• cauliflower: $4.83/2.70 lb
• spinach: $1.69/bunch
• ginger root: $0.48/0.16 lb
• garlic: $0.50/bulb
• steel-cut oats: $2.99
• organic cage-free eggs: $3/dozen
• Johnsonville sausage: $3.99/lb

Total: $38.62

Grocery List, 111713

The Thanksgiving-themed meals are over. It was a good run while it lasted. While I tried to keep it perpetuating, it got to a point where I couldn't keep the cycle going. The last of the main coincided with the last of the sides; the project was done. Up next:

Pork Medallions Marsala
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Sweet Potatoes with Cranberry-Walnut Sauce
Roasted Beet Medley with Balsamic Glaze

Costco:

• green beans: $4.59/2 lb
• brussels sprouts: $3.59/2 lbs
• craisins: $6.84/3 lbs
• butter: $6.99/4 lbs
• TOTAL: $22.01

Mother's Market:

• Pamela's Artisan Flour: $3.99
• organic eggs: $5.69
• organic baby spinach: $4.99
• sliced mushrooms: $3.99
• chives: $1.99
• thyme: $1.99
• sweet potatoes: $4.95/2.77 lb
• beets: $4.66/1.56 lb
• garlic: $0.89/bulb
• TOTAL: $33.09 (including the 5 cent bag credit they give when you bring a bag)

Stater Bros.:

• Stove Top stuffing: $1.38
• Hansens cranberry juice: $2.99
• bacon: $1.20
• cranberries: $2.99
• golden raisins: $3.79
• TOTAL: $12.35

Arriving home I realized I didn't have a plan for the sprouts or the beans.

11/20/13 gotta get grub for a potluck
Grower's Direct:

• pie apples: $2.05/4.19 lb
• lemon: $0.43/0.48 lb
• green onions: $0.33
• green cabbage: $1.47/2.49 lb
• red onion: $0.42/0.61 lb
• mushrooms: $1.73/0.79 lb
• onions (2): $0.59/1.20 lb
• green beans: $0.95/0.96 lb
• Persian cucumbers (4): $1.06/0.82
• cilantro: $0.25
• half-and-half: $1.79/pint
• TOTAL: $11.07

The Meat House:

• applewood smoked bacon: $9.17/12 slices

HMart:

• Tiparos fish sauce: $1.99
• hot pepper powder: $6.49
• San J Tamari soy sauce: $2.99
• ice: $1.49
• TOTAL: $13.08

Grand Total: $100.77
Total for the year: $1784.38

Grocery List, 110213

I have a surplus of pumpkins, so the pumpkin recipes are going to start soon. This week though, continuing on my "eat dinner instead of chocolate chips" kick, I'm doing another Thanksgiving themed meal.

Dry-Brined Chicken with Cider Pan Drippings
Chicken and Apple Pot Pie
Herb-Roasted Squash and Leeks
Balsamic Green Beans
Tee's Corn Pudding
Gordon Ramsay's Pumpkin Cupcakes

Costco:

• sugar: $3.99/10 lbs
• chocolate chips: $6.99
• whipping cream: $3.85
• vanilla beans: $11.99
• vanilla extract: $6.99
• whole peppercorns: $6.19
• TOTAL: $40.00

Grower's Direct:

• onion: $0.31/0.64 lb
• green beans: $3.99/2.11 lb
• celery: $0.99
• corn: $8.69/11
• leeks: $2.99
• shallots (6): $1.75
• butternut squash: $2.39/2.72 lb
• rosemary: $1.29
• eggs: $3.89/dozen
• TOTAL: $26.29

The Meat House

• applewood smoked bacon: $3.84

Grand Total: $70.13
Total for the year: $1683.61

Grocery List, 102613

To round out my small-scale Thanksgiving meals, I'm going to crank out some sides to accompany the bird and a dessert or two to finish.

Cornbread-Sausage Dressing
Chicken Spoonbread Casserole
Apple-Sweet Potato Casserole
Sugar and Spice Cupcakes, Take 2
Brown Butter-Carrot Cake with Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting

Grower's Direct:

• Valencia orange: $0.28/0.147 lb
• carrots (3): $0.48/0.98 lb
• celery: $0.99/bunch
• parsnips (2): $1.38/0.99 lb
• Italian parsley: $0.49
• organic yams: $2.18/3.70 lb
• TOTAL: $5.80

Stater Bros.:

• whole milk: $1.99/half-gallon
• sour cream: $2.19
• cream cheese: $1.49
• cream cheese: $1.49
• Italian sausage: $3.20/1.07 lb
• TOTAL: $10.36

102913, Stater Bros.:

• cheddar cheese: $2.49/8oz
• bacon: $1.42/033 lb
• green beans: $3.06/1.23 lb
• TOTAL: $6.97

Grand Total: $23.13
Total for the year: $1613.48

Grocery List, 102013

This week I'm starting in on some recipes suitable for Thanksgiving. The latest Cooking Club mag has some turkey recipes good for at least eight people but I'll scale mine for a chicken worthy of four. For dessert I'll try a sweet potato loaf out of that magazine.

Honey-Roasted Chicken
Safeway Cornbread
Chocolate Chip-Sweet Potato Loaf

Target:

• mini chocolate chips: $2.09

Sprouts:

• dried cranberries: $7.30/2.44 lb
• semi-sweet chocolate chips: $9.82/2.46 lb
• steel cut oats: $1.47/2.99 lb
• eggs: $3.914/dozen
• yogurt: $4.29
• yams: $1.07/0.88 lb
• TOTAL: $27.86

Grand Total: $29.95

Total for the year: $1590.35

Grocery List, 101313

This week I'm going to do a couple of sides to accompany some pork tenderloin. Of course, there will be dessert.

Maple-Orange Glazed Pork Medallions
Charred Autumn Squash Mash with Bacon
Souffle-Style Mac and Cheese
Sugar and Spice Cupcakes
Apple Cider Caramel Cake

Grower's Direct

• pie apples: $3.43/7.01 lb
• Valencia oranges: $1.35/2.29 lb
• lemons: $1.28/1.29 lb
• broccoli: $1.55/0.78 lb
• shallots: $0.72/0.36 lb
• butternut squash: $2.76/3.14 lb
• sage: $1.29
• cage-free eggs: $3.79/dozen
• TOTAL: $16.17

The Meat House

• Boar's Head swiss: $4.41
• white cheddar: $4.99
• TOTAL: $9.40

Stater Bros.

• cream cheese: $2.98/16 oz
• cardamom: $1599
• bacon: $1.56
• thyme: $2.49
• TOTAL: $23.03

Grand Total: $48.60

Total for the year: $1560.40

Grocery List, 100613

Beer-Braised Short Ribs
Buttermilk-Parsley Mash with Bacon
Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Costco

• short ribs: $19.43
• brown sugar: $2.59
• chocolate chips: $6.99
• pork tenderloins: $13.32
• TOTAL: $42.33

Ralph's

• applesauce: $1.99
• mustard: $8.79
• whole milk: $1.99
• gala apples: $4.99
• potatoes: $3.99
• mushrooms: $1.99
• green onions: $0.89
• parsley: $1.88
• bacon: $1.88
• pancetta: $8.05
• TOTAL: $35.55

Grand Total: $77.88

Total for the year: $1511.80

Grocery List, 092913

Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew
Pasta with Smoky Angry Tomato Sauce
Sugar and Spice Cupcakes
Pork and Apple Braise

Stater Bros.

• sour cream: $1.49
• breyers vanilla: $2.99
• Bertolli olive oil: $10.99
• cannellini beans: $1.29
• cannellini beans: $1.29
• powdered sugar: $1.99
• rigatoni: $0.99
• sausage: $2.99
• red bell pepper: $1
• rosemary: $2.99
• carrots: $1.89
• onions: $2.49/3 lbs
• TOTAL: $32.39

100113

• apple cider: $2.50
• bacon: $1.16
• boneless pork butt: $8.52
• boneless pork butt: $7.24
• chives: $2.49
• gala apples (4): $1.50 
• TOTAL: $23.41

Grand Total: $55.80

Total for the year: $1434.00

Grocery List, 092113

I've been working so much that I haven't been eating dinner at all. Not even chocolate chips. After realizing Labor Day weekend that I'd only put 700 miles on the Harley I bought last year, I've been using it as a commuter daily and so haven't been eating breakfast either. I'm going to fix that this weekend.

Bacon, Pea and Goat's Cheese Fritatta
Eggplant Vegetable Lasagna

Ralph's

• frozen spinach: $1
• frozen peas: $2.49
• frozen vegetables: $1
• pizza sauce: $6.57
• ricotta cheese: $3.9
• mozzarella cheese: $4.99
• lasagna noodles: $1.79
• anchovies: $1.69
• eggplant: $1.49
• red bell pepper: $1.50
• celery: $1.79
• green onions: $0.89
• garlic: $0.50
• tomatoes (3): $2.54/1.02 lb
• cage-free eggs: $3.29
• steel-cut oats: $2.99
• bacon: $4.49/lb
• goat cheese: $5.99
• Total: $48.99

Total for the year: $1378.20

Grocery List, 091513

I started a recipe last week and this week I'm going to finish it.

Ralph's:

• La Brea ciabatta: $2.99
• La Brea ciabatta: $2.99
• Grand Total: $5.98

Total for the year: $1329.21

Grocery List, 090713

The line-up this week out of the latest fall copy of Cooking Club magazine:
Pulled Pork Banh Mi
Apple-Cranberry-Maple Syrup Crisp with Maple Crème Fraiche
Chocolate-Banana-Sour Cream Cake

Costco:

• butter: $6.55
• whipping cream: $3.89
• chocolate chips: $4.99
• TOTAL: $15.43

Ralph's

• sour cream: $1.99
• salsa: $3
• bittersweet morsels: $4.29
• jalapeno pepper: $0.09
• red onion: $0.72
• garlic: $0.50
• green onions: $0.89
• cucumber: $0.99
• cilantro: $0.59
• carrots: $1.99
• ginger: $1.99
• pork shoulder picnic: $4.14
• ciabatta: $2.99
• TOTAL: $24.17

Grand Total: $39.60

Total for the year: $1323.23

Grocery List, 090113

It has been so hot this week. I haven't gotten anything done and have just been eating what would be considered junk: ice cream, cookies, chocolate chips, followed by scads of water. It is just too hot.

I put the shrimp tacos in the queue last week because I had cucumbers. Over the week, the cucumbers and the shrimp went bad, the avocado is pretty soft, and the tomatoes uber ripe. I'm going in a different direction this week.

Roast Beef sandwiches
Taco Salad
Peach Baked Oatmeal
Candied Walnut Banana Bread

Grower's Direct:

• green grapes: $2.04/1.47 lb
• melon: $2.38/4.85 lb
• yellow peach: $0.52/0.53 lb
• iceburg lettuce: $0.89
• green bell pepper: $0.49/0.49 lb
• sweet onion: $0.62/0.90 lb
• corn (2) $0.78
• romaine: $0.89
• basil: $1.44
• spinach: $1.69/10 oz
• TOTAL: $11.74

Ralph's:

• Tostitos: $3.00
• tortilla chips: $2.99
• cheddar: $2.64
• cheddar: $3
• roast beef: $6.35
• focaccia: $1.99
• TOTAL: $19.97

Grand Total: $31.71

Total for the year: $1283.63

Grocery List, 082513

Work has been cranking up the last couple of weeks, last week being quite exhausting. I didn't get anything done with boxes sitting in the living area - or much of anything else for that matter! Having scheduled tomorrow off work, I hope to at least get those boxes conquered and maybe cook some food.

Regarding the Ramsay dessert recipes. The peaches, for the second time in a row, went from rock hard to mush. Depending on what they look like at the store, I may get some more and just make the recipe even if they are rocks. The cherries, slightly wrinkled, may finally make it into an adaptation of the original recipe, depending on whether I make it to the store to get mint.

Poring over the magazines looking for something I'd like to consume, all I can think about is the cream cheese and apples that have made long-term homes in the fridge and WILL be going into a recipe of some sort even if it kills me.
.............................................................

Ok, here it is:
Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Tacos
Gingersnaps
Apple Pie Cheesecake
Cherries with Almonds and Mint
Roasted Peaches with Vanilla, Spice and Honey

I shopped:
Grower's Direct:

• peaches (4): $2.51/2.54 lb
• limes (3): $0.36/0.52 lb
• lemon: $0.76/0.51 lb
• red onion: $0.68/0.99 lb
• Roma tomatoes: $1.75/1.77 lb
• spinach: $0.99/bunch
• avocado: $0.99
• jalapeno: $0.15/0.12 lb
• cilantro: $0.59
• TOTAL: $8.78

Ralph's:

• Turbinado sugar: $3.19
• Breyers ice cream: $4.99
• salt: $0.59
• whole milk: free with ice cream purchase!
• mint: $0.79
• shrimp: $9.69
• TOTAL: $19.25

Grand Total: $28.03
Total for the year: $1251.92

Grocery List, 081813

Whata week. I moved everything from the bedroom, all the closets, the living area and dinette out of the apartment last weekend, donating a bunch of stuff and throwing some junk away meanwhile. Over the week, the living area, dinette and bedrooms were painted, and the carpets cleaned. Yesterday and today I moved most of the stuff back into the apartment. The items that didn't make the apartment cut landed in the garage for sorting later.Never a proponent of having a ton of crap, it was time I did a serious purge. The apartment is much more spacious now and I am totally stoked about it.

Dealing with the possessions has been a little cathartic. I've been somewhat paralyzed when it came to Rodney's stuff (mostly in the garage) and this week I realized it's just been a chain around my neck. Over two years I've been dealing with a leaking roof and putting up with it just because his stuff was just overwhelming. The idea of trying to move and simultaneously handling his shit too seemed incredibly monumental and so I did neither. I'm going to list it all on Craigslist or eBay. Whatever of his remaining truly of sentiment I'll probably mail.

It's going to be awesome, all the space I rent will be MINE! And maybe now I'll actually have people over. Ok, so probably not because I'm a hermit, but I'll be more likely to.

And now back to regular scheduled programming:

I dug through the August/September Cooking Club magazines in my possession (4 or 5 total) and made a few selections from the 2004 edition. And since I picked up the liquor to do them a couple weeks ago, I'm going to make those Ramsay desserts while the fruit is still in season.

Zucchini Olive Bread
Gazpacho Shrimp Saute
Cornmeal Crusted Scallops with Corn Relish
Roasted Peaches with Vanilla, Spice and Honey
Cherries with Almonds and Mint

Costco:

• organic eggs: $7.25/2 dozen
• chocolate chips: $6.99
• TOTAL: $14.24

Grower's Direct:

• peaches (4): $2.20/2.22 lb
• cherries: $5.59/1.87 lb
• green bell pepper: $0.79/0.57 lb
• zucchini: $1.04/0.81 lb
• red bell peppers (2): $1.83/0.92 lb
• corn: $0.78/2
• English cucumber: $1.39
• garlic: $0.39
• tomatoes on the vine (2): $1.27/0.75 lb
• cilantro: $0.59
• organic bananas (5): $1.59/2.01 lb
• Kalamata olives: $4.99/19 oz
• TOTAL: $22.45

Ralph's:

• farfalle: $0.69
• farfalle: $0.69
• parmesan cheese: $4.29
• mustard seeds: $2.49
• Fage yogurt: $3.49
• shrimp: $9.59
• scallops: $18.16
• TOTAL: $39.40

Grand Total: $76.09
Total for the year: $1223.89

Oh yeah...Mom and Dad, congrats on 42 years! It's monumental!

Grocery List, 080313

This week I'm just gonna make a batch of chicken stock from all of those organic bird frames. My freezer - I can actually see what's in there!

I'd been notified by the PMs that work in my apartment is slated to start Wednesday. What that means exactly isn't completely clear to me.

Grower's Direct:

• peaches: $2.44/2.74 lb
• onions: $1.63/3.32 lb
• carrots: $0.90/1.84 lb
• celery: $0.89/bunch
• fresh thyme: $1.29
• TOTAL: $7.15

Smart & Final:

• flour sack towels: $5.39
• mason jars, 1 pint: $9.99
• TOTAL: $16.61

Smart & Final:

• cheesecloth: $3.49
• cheesecloth: $3.49
• TOTAL: $7.54

Grand Food Total: $7.15

Total for the year: $1147.80

Grocery List, 072813

Last week, Sunday, the PM's sent an email saying they were going to proceed with the eviction process if I didn't submit a rent check. So I did and I emailed them telling them it was in their box.

Monday the Code Enforcement guy showed up, took photos, listened to me ramble. He'll send a letter with an expected completion date to the owner/PM and will follow up to ensure the work is done. Finally! I'm getting somewhere!

Tuesday I received a 24-hour Notice to Enter so that contractors could see the apartment. I learned from a PM subsequently that ServPro was here and they are waiting on a bid from them. This is actually looking promising.

Meanwhile, the PM's have been trying to rent out a vacant unit for over a week and they are just spamming the shit out of Craigslist. They jacked the price up by about 10-15% over any other 1-bedroom in the complex and keep offering different "incentives" like the OC Register for a year, or they'll waive the credit check fee if you decide to move in that day, which just reeks of desperation. However, I did learn through their multiple postings that they've changed their No Pet stance to Cat Friendly. That's convenient for those of us that have had cats for years. *eye roll*

In the food world, I am not really in the mood for more chicken but I have to go to Costco to get my cigarette fix anyway and well, this next chicken recipe should be straight simple. Enough so that I can jam out a couple of desserts! Fruity ones!

Sticky Lemon Chicken and Champ
Cherries with Almonds and Mint
Roasted Peaches with Vanilla, Spice and Honey

Costco:

• organic chickens: $24.05
• chocolate chips: $6.99
• TOTAL: $31.04

Grower's Direct:

• nectarines (4): $1.72/1.93 lb
• cherries: $4.36/2.19 lb
• lemons (2): $1.05/0.88 lb
• green onions: $0.49/bunch
• russet potatoes: $1.63/2.36 lb
• Italian parsley: $0.59/bunch
• mint: $.29
• whole milk: $2.79/half-gallon
• TOTAL: $13.92

BevMo!:

• peach brandy: $12.99
• amaretto: $19.99 (on sale!)
• TOTAL: $32.98

Grand Total: $77.94
Total for the year: $1140.65

Grocery List, 072114

It seems it was a lot longer ago that I met the property managers for the first time. I sent them a letter after they came over last Sunday, confirming what we'd discussed and I suggested that since they were so floored by the condition of the apartment that I hoped it was safe to assume the 3-Day Notice was withdrawn.

Tuesday I got a visit from the new PM's. They gave me a form called a Promise to Pay or Vacate. There are three blank fields, one for the amount I owe, the date I plan to pay them, and my signature, which would authorize them to change the locks on my apartment and put my shit out "on the street" if I don't pay when I say I would. I asked when they wanted this form returned and found 24 hours was preferred. During the conversation Male PM said he has an email from the owner indicating Male PM should get the apartment fixed appropriately, not just a paint job. I told Male PM to forward that email and I'd be happy to sign away my rights. Of course, I never got the forward.

I was nervous about getting evicted and talked to a city inspector who recommended I call OC Housing Foundation who then told me I had to talk to Fair Housing Foundation out of Long Beach which serves the parts of Orange County that OC Housing Foundation does not. Odd but whatever.

I talked to Fair Housing Foundation briefly and learned that I was doing the rent withholding wrong so I had a great chance at losing an eviction case if the complex decided to pursue it. I called the city inspector and asked him to come and inspect, please! He'll be here Monday morning at 9:30.

So far, no screws have been turned further about my rent, no mention has been made about return of that crazy sign-my-rights-away-form. I plan to drop a letter off to the PM's including my July rent check after the city inspector visits. That will cover my ass so I don't get evicted if they decide to pursue it. Meanwhile I will cross my fingers that the predicted thunderstorm really does come through my city and pounds out some serious rain. I want the city inspector to see what I've been dealing with live!

For food I'm going Gordon Ramsay, that spaghetti dish IS happening TONIGHT and stuffed chicken legs tomorrow.

Grower's Direct:

• red Fresno pepper: $0.07/0.04 lb
• fava beans: $1.52/1.18 lb
• garlic: $0.36/0.13 lb
• parsley: $0.59/bunch
• organic baby arugula: $2.49/5 oz
• fresh chives: $1.29
• TOTAL: $6.32

The Meat House:

• sweet sausage: $5.28
• Stefano's applewood smoked bacon: $12.11
• TOTAL: $17.39

BevMo!:

• Florio dry marsala: $11.99 (on sale, normally $16.99)
• TOTAL: $12.95

Grand Total: $26.66
Total for the year: $1062.71

Grocery List, 071413

Wednesday I got a 3-day Notice to Pay or Quit. Thursday night I got a new notice, that we have yet a new manager, or rather, managers. A his-and-her matching set of tenants-turned-on-site managers. I wrote them a letter, attached it to a CD which held a copy of the tome I'd written the last manager, imploring them to read the letter on the CD which explains my reasons for withholding July rent, asked them to withdraw the 3-day notice to pay or quit and tell me what the plan is for repair. Today I received a notice from the last property manager who wants to look at my water heater. I don't know what's going on.

So where does this leave me with the food thing? This week:
Spaghetti with Chilli, Sardines, and Oregano (I will make it this time, I swear)
Grilled Tuna Tacos
Sautéed Margarita Shrimp
Cinnamon Peach Cobbler

Grower's Direct:
pie apples: $2.87/5.85 lb
vine-ripened tomatoes (2): $0.81/0.63 lb
peaches (3): $1.39/1.56 lb
cherries: $3.24/1.63 lb
limes (2): $0.21/0.27 lb
green onions: $0.39/bunch
avocado: $0.99
jalapeno: $0.09/0.07 lb
cilantro: $0.49
baby arugula: $2.49
fresh mint: $1.29
TOTAL: $14.26

Ralph's:
ancho chili powder: $1.99
Fage yogurt: $3.49
ahi tuna: $27.74
shrimp: $10.49
TOTAL: $43.71

Grand Total: $57.97
Total for the year: $1036.05

............................................................................
And while unpacking the groceries, the new managers, the couple, came by and took a look around. He took photos with his cell phone to send to the new owner. Asking what it would take to get a check from me, I let him know I'm not unreasonable. If they can let me know what the plan is for the apartment along with the timeline for getting it fixed, I'll give them a check. No sooner.