Planned discount meal

[missdiane]

The bargain bins themselves were a bust. I couldn't find any "Final Sale" "Managers Special" or other similar last-ditch effort stuff in the Stop and Shop when I rolled by early Saturday morning before it started to snow. It's as if they hid it all so I couldn't do the challenge. I did slip and slide (literally) out this morning to get some bits and bobs at the H-Mart (Korean grocery). Alas, the only thing in the bin of iffy stuff were carrots which I already have those at home. However I did see this rather good sale


It made me think of this yummy breakfast ratatouille recipe I spotted yesterday on Extra Crispy. 

So I will most definitely be making it this week since I have a little over a dozen eggs that I need to start using up already. It'll probably be a dinner rather than a breakfast since I have more time to savor things in the evening.

Two skinny but long eggplants cost me $.68. Their zucchini was also a rather good regular price of $1.29/pound and there was a pound bag of mini yellow and orange peppers for $2.39 which this won't use but a few of them. I knew I already had a shallot, a can of diced tomatoes, some balsamic to use for the red wine vinegar, some mini flatbread for the crusty bread, and some fresh parsley at home which another part of the Fabulous Broke Life (FBL) is to use up items you already have on hand. I didn't go hunting for fresh thyme since I have dried and same with garlic. I also didn't go looking for capers since I don't like those anyway. I shall try to remember to report back on how it turned out.

Oh and if you're ever wondering about getting one of those instant pots - go for it. I freaking love mine. I got a smaller one since it's only me and I've used it SO much. One thing I want to make soon in it is congee since a friend told me it would only take 20 minutes.

Comments

[miss_s_b]

This totally counts as a price reduction and is fine :)

[missdiane]

Excellent! I'm trying to reduce the amount of stuff I have in the cabinets and in the freezer. I don't have tons but another one of the goals for 2018 is to waste less food.

[gatheringrivers]

I've heard of people having multiple Instant Pots, either for multiple family members, OR for entertaining (put in chili in one pot, soup in another pot, etc.) to be able to do the prep ahead of time and not "that morning". :)

[missdiane]

When it's on the pressure cooker setting rather than the crock pot setting, the benefit is that it takes a fraction of the time. I do also have a crock pot but I'm digging the fast cook method better.

Though with this it's less about the prep as the time to sit and enjoy and eat it. Since I go to the gym in the morning (along with tending to my kitties) and pack my lunch and all that, I don't usually have but about 5 or 10 minutes to sit and eat breakfast.

[gatheringrivers]

It does make the most amazeballs sweet potato mash, and soft-boiled eggs using the pressure settings... :)

[missdiane]

Reeeeeally? I'll have to give those a go! I've made pork roasts, chicken, beef stew and corn chowder. I'd like to see how it does on beans