Common Cuisine |

When you think in terms of the Essential Pantry and Build A Meal, shopping should be simple. Then build your menu around what you have in stock.

You will find that your Essential Pantry items are a little different than the suggested list. Try to replace your essential items as you run out of them. Check the sales flyers each week to see what is on sale, and choose to replenish those items.

In the produce section, pick out a few veggies and a few fruits to be your basics for the week. I tend to buy what’s on sale.

In the meat section, choose two or three kinds of meat, planning to use each one twice. I buy a lot of boneless skinless chicken breasts when they are on sale, and freeze them in 1 meal portions for later. Then another time I buy a couple of roasts on sale, or sirloin steaks, or pork loin, and freeze them. That way I’ve always got a good price, but also have variety.

Round out your trip with cereal, milk, bread, and whatever you like for lunch and snacks, and you should be set.