Shopping Results--Giant Eagle & Kuhn's Plus My November, December & Yearly Savings Report

I'm officially back!  I had a pretty hectic life since mid November.  With family in the hospital, colds in our house and the recent passing of my beloved Grandma, blogging sort of took a back seat.  I'm hoping life returns to normal now.

Today I went to Giant Eagle & Kuhn's.  My savings at each store was over 72%!  We really needed cereal.  We were down to Rice Crispies & Rice Chex in my house.  Needless to  say, the kids were not happy.  I did forget to grab BOGO free roasts & pork chops at Giant Eagle, but I'll get them tomorrow when I go back for more cereal.  I'll also be making a quick stop at Bottom Dollar to stock up on Purex laundry detergent, veggies & fruit.  I'm going to start posting my Bottom Dollar trip as well.  Even though it's hard to gauge true savings, I think it will help keep you informed on the great prices they have, especially on produce.

At Kuhn's, I paid $4.83 for $20.20 worth of groceries and household goods for a savings of over 76%!

(4) Post Pebbles Cereal $2 each (Reg. $4.19)
-(4) 55¢/1 12/02 RP
Final Price: 90¢ each!

(1) Scott Select -a-Size Mega Roll Paper Towels $3.99 (Reg. $4.96 ??)
-(1) 50¢/1 IP(NLA)
Final Price: $2.99 (49¢ per Mega Roll)

Total After all Coupons: $4.83
Total Savings: $15.37
Savings Rate: 76.09%

At Giant Eagle, I paid $39.31 for $142.11 worth of groceries & household good for a savings of over 72%!

Special Promo--General Mills Cereal:  Save $2 Instantly WYB 4
(2) Multi-Grain Cheerios $2 each (Reg. $4.19)
(2) Fiber One 80 Chocolate $2 each (Reg. $4.19)
(2) Peanut Butter Toast Crunch $2 each (Reg. $4.19
(2) Honey Nut Cheerios Meldey $2 each (Reg. $4.19) 
  -(2) 75¢/1 Multigrain Cheerios
-(2) 75¢/1  Fiber One 80
-(2) 75¢/1 Peanut Butter Toast Crunch 
-(2) 75¢/1 Honey Nut Cheerios Meldey
Final Price:  $4.00 for ALL or 50¢ per Box!

Special Promo--General Mills Fruit Snacks: Save $4 Instantly WYB 4
(16) Ocean Spray/Mott's Fruit Snacks $1 each (Reg. $2.89)
-(8) 75¢/2 1/6 SS
Final Price: $4.00 for ALL or 25¢ per Box! 

(2) Who-Nu Cookies $2.50 (Reg. $3.39)
-(2) 55¢/1 12/2 SS or 1/13 SS  
Final Price: $1.40 each! 

(2) Lay's Classic Chips--BOGO FREE-- $2.14 each (Reg. $4.28)

(2) Edy's Slow Churned Ice Cream $3.33 each (Reg. $5.99)
-(1) $1/2  Edy's Ice Cream
Final Price: $2.83 each 

(2) Duracell AA Batteries-4pk $3.49 each (Reg. $4.59)
-(2) $2/1 12/9 RP
Final Price: $1.49 each!

(2) Duracell AAA Batteries-4pk $3.49 each (Reg. $4.59)
-(2) $2/1 12/9 RP
Final Price: $1.49 each!

(1) Marie Callender's Comfort Bakes-Single Serve $2 (Reg. $3.39)
-(1) 75¢/1 Coupon was inside another MC product
Final Price: 50¢! 

Giant Eagle Hamburger Buns 99¢

Giant Eagle Bread 99¢

Giant Eagle Bologna $2.03 ($2.99/lb)

Schwebels Whole Wheat Flatbread $3.19

(2) Ronzoni Extra Wide Egg Noodle $1 each (Reg. $1.59)

Eggs $1.49

Birthday Card 99¢

Total after all Coupons: $39.31
Total Savings: $102.80
Savings Rate: 72.34%
FuelPerks! Earned: 10¢
Catalinas Earned: 0
   

  
 Monthy Savings Report: Novemeber

Total November Budget for all food, household & H&B: $350.00

Total Shelf Cost:			$ 418.92
Total Coupon Savings:			$    92.00
Total Discounts:			$ 129.37
Total Savings:			$ 221.37
Amount Paid (after rebates):			$ 197.55
Savings Rate:			52.84%

I came in $152.45 under budget for November!


Monthy Savings Report:December

 Total December Budget for all food, household & H&B: $350.00

Total Shelf Cost:			$ 601.63
Total Coupon Savings:			$ 121.30
Total Discounts:			$ 194.25
Total Savings:			$ 315.55
Amount Paid (after rebates):			$286.08
Savings Rate:			52.45%

I came in $63.92 under budget for December!  Not bad at all considering I bought many things that I normally don't for Christmas dinner.

2012 Yearly Savings Report

Here's the big one!

Shelf Cost Coupons Sales Rebates Savings Total My Price Savings Rate Goal Variance $8207.73 $2133.15 $2464.22 $57.30 $4654.67 $3554.46 56.71% $4400.00 $885.84
This chart represents my totals from January 2012 through December 2012.  Thinking back over the year, I'm very pleased.  I began couponing in September 2011.  During the first quarter of 2012, I was still working on establishing my stockpile.  Looking back,  I notice several numbers that excite me.  One is my monthly budget(goal).  In January 2012, my budget was $640.00!  This January, my budget is $350.00 and I'm seriously considering challenging myself and making $300.00.  But can I really buy all our food, household, H&B, etc for $300.00?  I think I can!  Another thing that stands out to me is my Savings Rate.  While some may scoff at my 56.71%, I'm very proud of it!  I remember back when I started I figured out my savings rate.  This was when I would buy things on sale and perhaps redeem a few coupons, but I didn't match coupons with the sales.  I didn't maximize my savings.  Back then, my savings rate was roughly 20%.  So, more than doubling, nearly tripling my savings is wonderful!  My goal for this year is to have that number at or over 60%!
My goal is to help others.  If just one person looks at these numbers and decides to start couponing, then I feel I've done my job.  Throughout this year, I will continue to post matchups for the Pittsburgh area stores.  I'm going to attempt doing the Kuhn's matchups myself each week.  I plan to contact a few bloggers to insure a reliable source for CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens & Target matchups.
Please feel free to leave your suggestions in a comment!

 

 Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Giant Eagle Matchups 1/10/13-1/16/13

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this week's matchups!

Key: *** Good Deals, **** Great Deals, ***** Stock Up Deals

$2 Off Instantly wyb 4  General Mills Cereal (select Varieites 9-17.25oz) 4 for $10 (-$2) = 4 for $8
Fiber One Cereal – Original 16.2oz Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters 17.25oz Fiber One Carmel Delight 15.6oz Fiber One Lowfat Bran  16oz 75¢/1 Fiber One cereal 75¢/1 Fiber One (90210 here if needed) 85¢/1 Fiber One
75¢/1 Fiber One Cellfire or Giant Eagle eOffer
75¢/1 Fiber One Cereal SavingStar Deposit Final Price: As low as 40¢ each wyb 4 (using (2) 75¢/1 coupons and (2) 85¢/1 coupons or As low as 30¢ each wyb 4 (2 Fiber One and 2 Multi-Grain Cheerios using (4) 85¢/1 coupons)

Cheerios – Multigrain 9oz 75¢/1 Multi Grain Cheerios cereal 75¢/1 Multigrain Cheerios (90210 here if needed) 85¢/1 Multigrain Cheerios
75¢/1 Multi-Grain Cheerios Cellfire or Giant Eagle eOffer
75¢/1 Multi-Grain Cheerios SavingStar Deposit Final Price: As low as 40¢ each wyb 4 (using (2) 75¢/1 coupons and (2) 85¢/1 coupons or As low as 30¢ each wyb 4 (2 Fiber One and 2 Multi-Grain Cheerios using (4) 85¢/1 coupons)

Other Cereals included: 
Cinnamon Toast Crunch 12.8oz or 12.2oz Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crispy 14oz Golden Grahams 12oz or 13oz Kix Cereal 12oz Trix 10.7oz  Cheerios – Honey Nut 12.25oz
$1/2 from 12/9 SS
$1/3 from 1/6 SS $1/2 General Mills Cereals (90210 here if needed)
Final Price: $1.50 each wyb 4

$2 Off Instantly wyb 3 Coke or Sprite 12pk or 8pk 3 for $13 (-$2) = 3 for $11
*75¢/1  ibotta deposit for 12pk Coca Cola Zero (check your ibotta account to verify you have this deal)
75¢/1  ibotta deposit for 12pk Sprite (check your ibotta account to verify you have this deal)

$2 Off Instantly wyb 3 Pepsi 6pks or 8pks 3 for $13 (-$2) = 3 for $11
$1/2 from 1/13 SS
Final Price:  3 for $10 ($3.33 each)

$1 Off Instantly wyb 2 Nabisco Chips Ahoy!, Grahams, 100 Calorie or Snackwells 2 for $5 (-$1) = 2 for $4
75¢/2 from 1/6 SS
$1/1 Snackwells Printable (Facebook) Final Price: As low as $1 for Snackwells!

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of matchups! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Shopping Results--Giant Eagle

Today's shopping trip was so so.  They were out of products for 2 different deals I wanted to take advantage of.  Both gave back catalinas.  I'll be going back to the store tomorrow or Monday to grab those deals!  Other then that it was a very smooth shopping trip.

My little girl couldn't help but getting in the picture today.  She spotted the spinach and that was it!  Her & I love to eat raw plain spinach!  Needless to say, she's VERY happy!

I paid $27.84 for $62.55 worth of groceries and household goods for a savings over 55%!

Here's the breakdown:

Giant Eagle 1% Milk $3.74

Giant Eagle Whole Milk $4.10 (Milk went up again...Blah!)

Schwebels Whole Wheat Flatbread $3.19

(1)Fresh Express Triple Hearts Lettuce $3 (Reg. $3.69)

-(1) $3/1

Final Price: FREE!!

(1) Fresh Express Baby Spinach $3 (Reg. $3.69)

-(1) $3/1

Final Price: FREE!!

1.09 lb. Eckrich Bologna $3.26 ($2.99/lb)

(2) Halloween Cups 24¢ each (found on clearance.  My kids love these little cups!)

(2) Morton Sea Salt $2.19 each (Not on Sale)

-(2) 75¢/1

Final Price: 69¢ each!

Giant Eagle Hamburger Buns 99¢

Giant Eagle Bread 99¢

(4) Large Eggs--1 Dozen-- 99¢ each

-(2) 55¢/2 Incredible Egg Coupon--These coupons WILL beep at the register.  Don't worry, they are legit!)

Final Price: 44¢ per dozen!!

(4) Luden's Cough Drops $1 each (Reg. $1.75)

-(2) $1/2

Final Price: 50¢ each

(3) Reynold's Wrap $3 (Reg. $4.39)

-(3) 75¢/1

Final Price: $1.50 each!

(4) Hefty Bathroom Cups--BOGO FREE-- $1.19 each (Reg. $2.38)

-(2) 55¢/2

Final Price:  64¢ each!

Total after all coupons & $3/$15 Family Dollar coupon: $27.84

Total Savings: $34.71

Savings Rate: 55.49%

FuelPerks! Earned: 10¢

Catalinas Earned: 0

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Giant Eagle Matchups 11/15-11/21

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this week's matchups!

Key: *** Good Deals, **** Great Deals, ***** Stock Up Deals
$1 Off Instantly wyb 2
Pepsi cubes 24 pack $6.38 each (-$1 wyb 2) = $5.88 each
*Part of Steelers

1 FREE Instantly wyb 3
Pepsi 6 or 8 packs 3 for $11 (+1 FREE) = 4 for $11
*Part of Steelers

1 FREE Instantly wyb 4
Coke 2L 4 for $5 (+ 1 FREE) = 5 or $5

$1 Off Instantly wyb 3
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 3 for $6 (-$1) = 3 for $5 ($1.67)
50¢/2 Printable Coupon
40¢/3 Printable
40¢/2 from 9/9 SS, 10/21 SS, 10/7 GM or from 11/18 SS
40¢/3 from 11/4 SS or 11/11 SS
50¢/2 SavingStar Deposit or Giant Eagle eOffer
Final Price: As low as 92¢ each after SavingStar Deposit (these aren’t the little packages)
**there is also a  $3 Off a Butterball Turkey  wyb 4 packages of select products including Crescent rolls from 11/4 SS or Printable (Butterball Frozen Turkeys are $1.59/lb)

$2 Off Instantly wyb 2
Lipton Iced Tea 2 for $10 (-$2) = 2 for $8

Starbucks Frappuccino 4pks  2 for $10 (-$2) = 2 for $8

$3 OYNO wyb $10 worth of Participating Products Below:

Marie Callender’s Fruit or Cream Pies $5.99
75¢/1 from 11/11 SS
$1.50 off both Marie Callender’s Pie and Reddi-wip Target Printable Coupon
Final Price: $2.99 each wyb 2 after catalina

Reddi Wip $2
25¢/1 from 11/11 SS
$1.50/1 Marie Callender’s Pie and Reddi-Wip Target Printable Coupon
Final Price: 90¢ each wyb 5 after catlina (using (5) 25¢/1 coupons)

Fleischmann’s Quarters or Spread  or Parkay Quarters $1.50
Final Price: $1.07 each wyb 7 after catalina

Marie Callender’s Deep Dish Pie Shells 3 for $10
Final Price: $2.33 each wyb 3 after catalina

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn B1G1 FREE (Save up to $3.78) = $1.89 each
Final Price:  $1.39 each wyb 6 after catalina

Pam Cooking Spray $2.99
30¢/1 from 10/21 SS
75¢/1 Target Printable Coupon
Final Price: As low as $1.57

Swiss Miss Cocoa $1.25
50¢/2 Target Printable Coupon
Final Price: 75¢ each (Cheaper when you  mix & match to reach $1o and get catalina!)

Peter Pan Peanut Butter $3.50
Final Price: $2.50 each wyb 3 after catalina

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of matchups! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Shopping Results--Giant Eagle Plus My Monthly Savings Report

I made a quick trip to Giant Eagle last night to grab a few things before this week's sale was over.  Our 16 year old nephew was with me and he was pretty impressed with the results!

I paid $14.57 for $50.74 worth of groceries and household items for a savings of over 71%!

Transaction #1

(2) Almond Breeze--Refrigerated $2.99 each (Reg. $3.39)

-(1) 75¢/2

Final Price: $2.24 each!

(2) Almond Milk-Shelf Stable $2 each (Reg. $2.69)

-(1) 75¢/2

Final Price: $1.25 each!

Catalina thru 11/11
Buy 2 & get 75¢ OYNO
Buy 3 & get $1.25 OYNO
Buy 4 & get $2 OYNO

Total after all Coupons: $6.98

Total Savings: $5.18

Savings Rate: 42.60%

Catalina Earned: $2 OYNO

FuelPerks! Earned: 10¢

Transaction #2

(3) General Mills Cereal $3 each (Reg. $3.99)

-(2) 60¢/1 Honey Nut Cheerios

-(1) 50¢/1 Cocoa Puffs 

Final Price:  80¢ each for Cheerios;  $1 for Cocoa Puffs

(3) Scott Flushable Wipes $1.79 each (Reg. $2.79)

-(3) 50¢/1

Final Price: 79¢ each!

(3) Tombstone Pizzas--BOGO FREE--$3.04 each (Reg. $6.08)

-(3) 75¢/1

Final Price:  $1.54

Total after all Coupons & Catalina from Transaction #1: $7.59

Total Savings: $30.99

Savings Rate: 80.33%

Catalina Earned: 0

FuelPerks! Earned: 0

My Monthly Savings Report--October

October ended up being a great month!  I came in under budget again and this is my 2nd highest saving percentage for the year!

October Monthly Budget: $350.00

Total Shelf Cost:			$ 744.02
Total Coupon Savings:			$ 244.06
Total Discounts:			$ 205.01
Total Savings:			$ 449.07
Amount Paid (after rebates):			$ 294.95
Savings Rate:			60.36%

I came in $55.05 UNDER budget!  I'm consistently buying all food, H&B and household goods for a family of 4 for less than $300 per month!  This is a HUGE deal.  Many families are struggling right now.  The economy isn't great, food & gas costs are up and many people are struggling to find work.  With times like these, we have to be smart!  Learning to shop in a sensible way is a great way to save on everyday needs!

Live Frugal.  Live Happy. 

Shopping Results--Giant Eagle

I ran out to store early this morning to miss the mad rush of customers stocking up as "Frankenstorm" nears and threatens power outages, flooding and snow & ice on the east coast.  I'm not too concerned if we would get stuck as we have plenty of food to get us by for quite awhile.  However, I am going to get a few bags of ice just in case we do lose power.

I paid $51.34 for $117.56 worth of groceries & household goods for a savings of over 56%!

Transaction #1

(1) Scott Paper Towels-6 pack Mega Rolls-$4.99 (Reg. $6.29)

-(1) 75¢/1

Final Price:  $3.49

(2) Scott Flushable Wipes $1.79 each (Reg. $2.79)

-(2) 50¢/1

Final Price: 79¢ each

Total after all Coupons:  $5.28

Total Savings: $6.80

Savings Rate: 56.29%

Catalina Earned: $2 OYNO (I was expecting $3 OYNO.  I'm not entirely sure how to get the $3 catalina to trigger.  However, this is still an great deal!)

Transaction #2 

(1) Scott Paper Towels-6 pack Mega Rolls-$4.99 (Reg. $6.29)

-(1) 75¢/1

Final Price:  $3.49

(2) Scott Flushable Wipes $1.79 each (Reg. $2.79)

-(2) 50¢/1

Final Price: 79¢ each

Total after all Coupons and Catalina from Transaction #1:  $3.28

Total Savings:  $8.80

Savings Rate: 72.85%

Catalina Earned:  $2 OYNO

Transaction #3

(2) Club Crackers $2.50 each (Reg. $3.29)

-(1) $1/2

Final Price:  $2 each (not a great deal but we were pretty much out of all things cracker)

(2) Coffee Mate 16oz.  $1.67 each (Reg. $2.50)

-(2) 55¢/1

Final Price:  57¢ each (The hubster was very excited that I got him Pumpkin Spice creamer.  Apparently, the taste mimics Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee and for ALOT less money!)

 (2) Bailey's Creamer 16oz.  $1.67 each (Reg. $2.50)

-(2) 75¢/1

Final Price:  17¢ each!

Giant Eagle Whole Milk $3.93

Giant Eagle Milk 1% $3.59

(1) Scotts Flushable Wipes $1.79 (Reg $2.79)

1/2 lb Honey Ham $2.59

1/2 lb American Cheese $2.69

1/4 lb Salami $1.56

Giant Eagle Hamburger Buns  99¢ (You are probably wondering why I buy hamburger buns every week.  Well my kids will only each sandwiches with a bun unless it's peanut butter...weird I know...)

Schwebel's Whole Wheat Flatbread $3.09

(1) 35¢/1 DND

Final Price: $2.74

Giant Eagle Bread 99¢

(4) Marie Callender's Comfort Bakes $2 each (Reg. $3.39)

-(4) 75¢/1

Final Price:  50¢ each! (I don't know if these are good or not.  The hubster is going to try them for his lunches.  I figured they worth a try at 50¢ each)

(3) Kraft Mac & Cheese $1 each (Reg. $1.49)

(2) Juicy Juice Fruitfuls 8pk. $2.50 (Reg. $2.99)

-(2) $1/1

Final Price:  $1.50 each!

(4) Tombstone Pizza--BOGO FREE--$3.04 each (Reg. $6.08)

-(4) 75¢/1

Final Price: $1.58 each! (Look for tear pads in the freeze isle for these coupons!)

(6) Heinz Gravy $1 each

-(2) $1/3

Final Price: 67¢ each! (I was so happy for this deal since I'm awful at making gravy...)

Total after all Coupons and $2 Catalina from Transaction #2: $42.78

Total Savings: $50.62

Savings Rate: 54.20%

Catalinas Earned: 0

FuelPerks! Earned: 0

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Sweet Potato Bake

Sweet Potato Bake is a tried & true recipe in our house.  Everyone seems to love it and it's requested often in the fall...which is perfect since sweet potatoes & yams are in season during the fall and winter!  It's very easy to prepare and freezer friendly!  

Keep in mind these photos are of a double batch I made for a large family dinner.  One recipe makes an 8x8 pan.

Sweet Potato Mixture

Ingredients:

• 3lbs. of sweet potatoes or yams
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Step #1

• Clean and peel the potatoes.  Cut into 1 inch chunks.  Boil until tender.  Drain.

Step #2

• Using a hand mixer, beat sweet potatoes, OJ, butter, eggs, cinnamon & nutmeg together until smooth.  
• Lightly coat an 8x8(or 9x9) pan with cooking spray.
• Put sweet potato mixture in the pan and spread to even. 
• Sprinkle with Cinnamon Crumb Topping (recipe below).  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• pastry blender

 

Combine all ingredients.  Mix using pastry blender until coarse crumbs form.

To Freeze:

Prepare as directed.  Do not bake.  Cover with plastic wrap and foil.  Place crumb topping in a Ziploc bag.  Freeze.

To prepare:  Defrost overnight in the fridge.  Sprinkle with crumb topping and bake as directed.

Live Frugal. Live Happy.

Giant Eagle Matchups 10/25-11/1

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this week's matchups!

Key: *** Good Deals, **** Great Deals, ***** Stock Up Deals

Grocery Deals with Catalinas/Fuelperks/Instant Savings

1 FREE Instantly wyb 3
Coke or Sprite 12pks or 8pks 3 for $12 (+1 FREE) = 4 for $12

1 FREE Instantly wyb 3
Pepsi 2L 3 for $4(+1 FREE) = 4 for $4
*Part of Steelers

$4 Off Instantly wyb 4
Klondike 4-6ct. 4 for $14 (-$4) = 4 for $10
*Part of Steelers
*Part of Spend $20, Get $5 SavingStar Deposit (exp 10/31)

$2 Off Instantly wyb 3
Pepsi 6pks or 8pks 3 for $12 (-$2) = 3 for $10
*Part of Steelers

$1 Off Instantly wyb 3
Lay’s Regular or Baked Potato Chips or Tostitos 3 for $9 (-$1) = 3 for $8
50¢/1  Giant Eagle eOffer (exp 10/31)
Final Price:  3 for $7.50 ($2.50 each)

Rold Gold Pretzels 3 for $9 (-$1) = 3 for $8

1 FREE Frosting Creations Flavor Mix Instantly wyb 1 Frosting Creations Starter
Duncan Hines Frosting Creations 16oz $1.25

$3 Off Instantly wyb 3
General Mills Cereal 3 for $9 (-$3) = 3 for $6
*Cheerios and Lucky Charms listed
$1/2 General Mills Adult cereals including Chex and Fiber One
50¢/1 Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
60¢/1 Printable Coupon
50¢/1 Honey Nut Cheerios SavingStar Deposit (exp 10/31)
50¢/1 Honey Nut Cheerios Cellfire (exp 10/31) or Giant Eagle eOffer (exp 10/31)
50¢/1  Cocoa Puffs cereal
50¢/1 Cocoa Puffs SavingStar Deposit (exp 10/31)
50¢/1 Cocoa Puffs Cellfire (exp 10/31) or Giant Eagle eOffer (exp 10/31)
60¢/1 Printable Coupon
75¢/1 Golden Grahams cereal
75¢/1  Multi Grain Cheerios
50¢/1 Cheerios from 9/23 SS
$1/3 GM Cereals from 10/7 GM
Final Price: As low as 50¢ each if Golden Grahams or Multi Grain Cheerios is included

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of matchups! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Crockpot Refried Beans...Without the Refry

Crockpot Refried Beans...Without the Refry

There are many foods worth making from scratch.  Out of all of them, refried beans is on the top of my list!

Homemade Refried Beans are:

  

 Healthier--Store bought, canned refried beans are loaded with hydrogenated oils, preservatives, salt and fat! 

Frugal--Dry beans are cheap!  I buy a 2lb bag at Aldi for $1.99.  This means I'm only paying about $1 for the beans used in this recipe that yields roughly 3 cans of beans.  At the local grocery store, one can of refried beans costs approximately $1.79! 

Better Tasting--I think homemade refried beans taste much better then canned.  The texture is better and they are full of flavor! 

Easy to Prepare--My hands on time for this recipe is minimal.  For start to finish, there's only about 30 minutes of hands on time and it's broken up into 10 minute intervals.  It doesn't get much easier!

 So, give these beans a try!  I think you'll be happy that you did!

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups of dry pinto beans, picked over and soaked
• 1/4 to 1/2 of an onion, peeled & quartered
• 1 jalapeno pepper, cut in half & seeded (Wear Gloves!)
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 3/4 teaspoons of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 8-9 cups of water (Can also substitute half or all of the fluid with chicken broth.  Just be aware of the salt content in the broth.)

Step 1:

• Pick over 3 cups of dry pinto beans, removing any broken beans & stones.  Place beans in a pot or bowl and cover them with water.  Allow the beans to soak overnight.

Step 2:

• In the morning, drain the beans in a colander and rinse.
• Add beans and all other ingredients, including water, to the crockpot.  Stir  to combine.
• Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8 hours.  Beans are done when they are tender.

Step 3:

• Once the beans have cooked, strain them removing the chucks of onion & pepper.  Reserve the liquid!  Mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer adding liquid as needed to attain desired consistency.  Note:  The beans will thicken as they cool!  The first time you make them, it may be a good idea to cool them completely before tossing away the liquid.  

To Freeze: 

• Allow refried beans to cool completely.  
• Place 1 1/2 cups of beans into a container or Ziploc sandwich sized bag.  Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.  Lay the bag flat and gently push the beans into an even layer.  This will save space in the the freezer!  Label packages and freeze.
• To use:  Remove beans from the container or bag.  If they get stuck, run the container under warm water for a minute until they pop loose.  Heat in a pot on low heat until warm.  Add them to your favorite Mexican recipe or eat them as a side dish! 

Total Cost: 

1 lb of pinto beans:                                     $1

1/4 of the giant sweet onion:                        28¢

1 Jalapeno Pepper:                                       20¢

Garlic:                                                          20¢

Seasonings:                                                  25¢(Probably much less)

Total:                                                       $1.93 for 3 cans worth of beans!

  

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.