Informational | Dinner With Joy

Apr 26

Super Market Amenities

The Courtesy Counter isn’t the only place in a supermarket to offer amenities. In fact, every department in the store is there to help you, just for the asking, if you want to use it, and you should. It’s for you. Getting to know “vendors”, in this case the supermarket personnel should not be limited to farm markets and neighborhood grocery stores. In my book, Dinners With Joy, and in The Plan section of this blog, I suggest focusing on one supermarket, not just for economic reasons, but for the opportunity to get to know people in the different departments. Their advice can be invaluable, and if they get to know your preferences, they will let you phone in an order and have it ready for a later pick-up. A big time saver for the busy person. Read more

Apr 12

Let’s Get Seasonal

Probably the greatest amount of food knowledge we absorb growing up is when regionally or locally grown products become available, and when to anticipate produce from other places. I really believe that recognition of these seasonal changes is part of our survival instincts. We seem born with the understanding that there is a time of re-growth, a time to enjoy the bounty and a time to store provisions for a difficult season to come. Now, thanks to modern technology, preservation and transportation methods, the time lines have blurred. Foods from all over the world are readily available. Moreover, many produce items have been introduced in climates similar to their indigenous ones, making them obtainable throughout the year. Read more

Mar 22

Some Tips and Tricks for Those Who Say They Can’t Cook

The other day, a friend told me; “It’s easy for you. You can cook. I can’t.” What she really said was; “You cook a lot and want to, I don’t.” Because anyone can cook. I firmly believe ten minutes after Man learned to make fire to keep warm, he was holding something over it on a stick, hoping he never had to eat another cold dinner. Read more

Mar 8

Shoppers Beware of Experts on Food Cooking and Food Shopping TV Shows

Surprise! I like to watch food shows. I always have. Julia Child is part of my earliest T.V. memories. At the time, I couldn’t begin to comprehend the tremendous amount of effort and dedication that went into her translations, not only of the ingredients, measurements, and directions, but also of the spirit of the recipes themselves. Read more

Mar 1

Tips and Information on Buying Meats at the Grocery Store

I want to thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate the feedback and am happy if I can help save on food bills and keep meals interesting. Read more

Feb 23

Budget Food Shoppers Do the Math – Calculate Food Cost Per Item

The supermarket flier lingo, it is a-changin’! There were hints last fall, but since the first of the year it’s more evident each week. Oh, there are still plenty of the 2 for X-amount offers there, but the X-amount is rising in all categories. Read more

Feb 9

Things you Should Know When Planning a Superbowl Party – Before and After

As I was preparing for this party, I realized that charting my steps, both before and after the event, would be a good way to illustrate what I call “Amortizing “ an occasion, as well as the ways leftovers can be used. At the very least, the method will spare you the “register shock” usually experienced when buying everything at once.

Freezing More Than Just Entrees Like Deserts, Sauces, Soups

There’s a reason entrees are usually thought of first. They are the most expensive and time consuming item on the menu. Other dishes are called “first courses” “sides” “desserts” or , collectively, “accompaniments” because they are chosen to compliment the entree. Read more

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