Just a little suggestion... Did you know if you take your potato peels, coat them with oil and seasonings, put them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until crispy you have chips and don't waist any of the potato 😁 They are delicious

Brooke, you are so right! "Meal Planning" is what you find on sale at the store and work around that. I've done this for years. Trying to "plan meals" isn't realistic when you're on a budget. What is important, being good at knowing what your family likes and applying that to those sale items. "Easy peasey", per Brooke. Great video!

I don’t understand why people would doubt you. Just because they don’t get those prices doesn’t mean you don’t. I don’t usually find them but I don’t go hunting and our store is ancient and crazy. But just because I don’t see those prices doesn’t mean you don’t! You do you Boo! Love your videos!!!

@walkingthepath4964

Жыл бұрын

I watch a lot of these types of videos, prices really do vary sooo much state to state. Midwest generally seems to be much lower overall. Some people always find meat, vegetables, bakery, etc. on clearance, some never have that in their stores. Most other video creators also end up showing their receipts too. I think folks are just frustrated with the varying price/availability right now because times are extra tough. Even if there is a cost difference for me, I appreciate all the dinner ideas and hard work that goes into these videos.

@christinainmichigan6726

Жыл бұрын

I am in Michigan and our Kroger’s have horrible prices. We don’t have as many markdowns either. Here in my area we have Aldi which is higher then Walmart, Walmart, a store called Meijer it was the first store here in the 70s to sell food and clothes it was like a warehouse now it is a regular everything store and Kroger’s. All our little mom and pop like IGA closed years ago. It cost 160.00 at Walmart last week to get groceries for 2 weeks. It is just the husband and me. I wasn’t feeling good so I did grocery delivery. First time I ever tried it. I don’t care for it I am weird and like to grocery shop. Doing grocery delivery at Walmart was cheaper then Aldi which last month it wasn’t that way, plus I get free delivery. It is a shame we have to eat these days. If we could not buy groceries and make the stores take a hit like we do shopping, they might lower their prices. I also always try to make sure we have leftovers. I am trying to get more for my money.

@leannahicks412

Жыл бұрын

Great video.Those onion rings look delicious!

@shelzp7272

Жыл бұрын

@carolyn I smiled, well lol’d, about your ancient and crazy comment…

@countycalling

Жыл бұрын

So people will complain over made up things even, it’s time they grow up! If they took the time and put forth the effort I’m sure they can find discount foods. It’s as simple as downloading an app

I have a really hard time looking at a pile of food and knowing what to make and how many meals I can get. Anyone else? This is why I LOVE watching all the meals you make with whatever you have on the shelf!

@viviannichols3582

Жыл бұрын

It is kind of like a puzzle. I always try to spot the items that will spoil the fastest and try to incorporate them first. I also like to prepare a few things to have on hand like cooked rice. I’m more of a one dish meal type: stir-fry, salad, chili, soup, curry, etc. I find it easier than doing a main dish with sides.

@LaurenJayx0

Жыл бұрын

I do too. I have to have a concise plan otherwise I'm lost 😅

@beckyleheny8636

5 ай бұрын

I totally agree! I'm a hot mess when it comes to meal planning! 😅

Another idea if you have corn tortillas, eggs, onion you can make Migas . All you do is cube corn tortillas sauté to make soft in pan add onion together till translucent then add eggs and garlic powder salt and pepper. Scrambled all together. Serve and you can add salsa on top if you want.

@athia37

5 ай бұрын

Yes Mam ! ❤❤❤ " Migas" !

With those hotdog buns and bread, a couple of eggs some milk and cinnamon, you can make a French toast casserole. With the apples you could cook them up for a nice topping on the French toast casserole. Just a thought.

@athia37

5 ай бұрын

Awesome idea ! ❤❤❤

When you asked at the beginning of the video, how many days of meals you could get out of those groceries, I guessed 5. Because you are amazing at stretching your budget and stretching your food. No way I could have done it. But I'm learning. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Thank you for all the great ideas and inspiration.

Grating the bread for fresh crumb is GENIUS!!!!! I consider myself a very experienced cook and relatively inventive, but that bread crumb move was so IMPRESSIVE!!!! thanks lady!!

I think it’s wonderful that you are teaching your children what a true serving size is.

I love that you peel potatoes with a paring knife. That's how my grandma did it and how I do it. Everyone thinks I'm nuts for not using a vegetable peeler haha.

@FlorenceFF13

Жыл бұрын

I use a knife as well. Cannot and will not use a peeler. Lol

Bravo- you did Fabulous! Love that you do not have meal plan or push one…I think going into a store and seeing the discounted food is a better way..and I’m sick of influencers that push their cute meal plan sheets and/or meal planner spiral notebooks etc…for heavens sake..we are trying to stay on budget..why would one pay for a planner ?

@viviannichols3582

Жыл бұрын

Everyone’s process is a little different, but I think the most important things are to know your prices and use what you have!

@jillgross6232

Жыл бұрын

Lol, true!

I absolutely love your videos and have learned so much from you!!! You are an amazing mama who is raising 3 AMAZING young men! Please keep sharing your videos and your family with us!!

Brooke, you look fabulous and your personality is uplifting and inspiring. I can't believe that anybody would actually even waste their time questioning whether you're being truthful. I guess I've always been too busy taking notes to think about it. 🤣 Btw tysm because I have saved $400 this month compared to last mainly from watching your videos and using all your awesome tips!

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! And I’m so happy to hear that!!!

@LaurenJayx0

Жыл бұрын

That's fantastic savings!

Haters be hating. You have always been 100% honest

I love dicing up potatoes and frying them up with taco seasoning and adding it to taco meat. Really stretches the meat and they are super filling. Or make burritos with it.

Don't let folks bully you! You're doing a great job and it's your channel. Go, girl!

I love my Kroger!! I always check the deli section because I have found rotisserie chicken reduced to $4.95. I use them for chicken-n-dumplings, chicken chili, chicken noodle soup.

I love finding the .99 mesh bags of produce at my Kroger. Score!

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

I always get so excited when I see the clearance produce shelf full 😂

@stacyrector8515

Жыл бұрын

I’ve never noticed the mesh bags of markdowns! I need to look next time. 😉

@loriella6250

Жыл бұрын

@@stacyrector8515 I’m sure every store is different, but at mine, the bags are in the Produce Department, but on a small wooden shelf near the nuts. At another Kroger store that I frequent, they are in the very back of the store along with all clearance items…not just produce.

@jillgross6232

Жыл бұрын

I wish we had a Kroger!

Those onion rings looked awesome!!! You did all those for the entire family for less than one order at a drive through.

I like your comment that meat doesn't have to be the main thing, more like a side. American's meat portions are HUGE compared to what my parents & grandparents ate growing up. Jethro bowl! Lol! We always said that too. Or "Jethro-Sized bowl". Love your personality ❤

Great job! I enjoy seeing what you come up with to cook.

Although I'm turning vegetarian due to health reasons. I see some possibilities with your haul. 1. Loaded baked potatoes 2. Cheesy fried potato tacos (like at taco bell) 3. Potatoes O' Brian basically cubed fried potatoes with bell pepper. 4. Hot dogs or fried potatoes with sliced hot dogs 5. Chili Mac 6. Pot roast 7. Breakfast burritos

Oh and it's so funny when me and my wife got together she thought it was funny that I ate pineapple and cottage cheese because she had never heard of that before I'm from Indiana she's from Kentucky and in Kentucky she says they eat tomatoes with their cottage cheese which it's pretty damn good too because she had me try it but pineapple and cottage cheese never gets old I love it! You should try it with tomatoes too because it really is good for more savory taste!

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

My husband loves it with tomatoes! I’ve never tried it. Though I have put cottage cheese in my lasagna before. It’s pretty good, so I’m sure the tomatoes would be good now that I think about it.

Since you usually have eggs from your chickens, do you ever make quiche? You could make the "impossible" quiche that makes its own crust and use your shelf-stable milk in your pantry. Leftover chicken, ham, real bacon bits, cheese, etc. Great way to use a piece of an onion, bell pepper, or other various veggies. Leftovers heat up nicely in the microwave. Just an idea.

I love the Kroger reduced items. I often meal plan around what I find there. (In fact, dinner tonight featured a $1.20 bag of salad 😂.)

Lol! I never make a list or plan. I just do like you do, head for clearance first. There's been months where Ive feed our family of three on 200$. Was it awesomely always, nope, but we didn't go hungry. Potatoes, beans and rice go a long way. Is this how we eat on a regular basis, no. My typical grocery bill is 500$ a month. When there's an emergency, we can get by on 200-250$! And it works!

Daddy had a restaurant back in the 50's before the advent of frozen french fries and this is how he did his fries...frying them twice not only makes them crisp it makes them fast b/c all he had to do was drop them when he got an order and they'd be brown by the time the rest of the order was ready...no cold fries.

@astone3871

Жыл бұрын

DH and I spent time overseas and one night we watched a restaurant owner whose kitchen was basically in the middle of his restaurant do the same thing with his French fries. When he was slow he would partially cook several baskets of fries and when the waiter would tell him what was needed he would finish cooking the right amount quickly when the rest of that order was almost ready. He had no problem keeping up with orders that way. That was the most fascinating night watching how he ran his kitchen.

YOU are my new favorite thing on KZread. So much fun and great family savings recipes. Your awesome!

I have learned I cook way to much food when I cook dinner I've learned a lot watching your channel. We made those chicken wraps with the salad kit you had on another video we loved it!

I just discovered your videos this morning. I've been watching all day! I went through my chest freezer, fridge freezer, pantry and cabinets. I made a list of everything we have, then I made a list of meals (so far I'm up to 18) including the ingredients needed. I do like you though! I NEVER have a plan. I buy something on sale whether meat or vegetables then Google recipes. 9/10 times I still don't have all the ingredients, so I have to wing it. Usually works, but not always! LOL

I don’t know why, but meal planning gives me anxiety. I have always felt less than because everyone swears by meal planning, but I caaaaant!! Thank you for being Y❤️U!!!!!!

@christinainmichigan6726

Жыл бұрын

She Gathers I try and meal plan and it can be hard. This is how I meal plan. First I ask the husband does he want anything special and I always get I don’t know. Then I think what would I like and start from there, then I go they my recipe books from relives I get on KZread and my last source is Pinterest and by this time I have a meal plan. 3 weeks ago I was on a roll and meal planned till till March. It could change depending on how I feel or something comes up and we eat elsewhere. If you need any meal ideas I will be glad to share.

@shegathers6120

Жыл бұрын

@@christinainmichigan6726 PLEASE share!

yaaaas gurl! the "Jethro Bowl"! lmao that was the size of choice for after school cereal back in the day, roflmao! (im talkin like 40 years ago back, /shock - when thems guys was actually on TV after school)

Smiths in Arizona is owned by Krogers. When I was living in Arizona I would shop at Smiths. They always had got deals including marked down meat. Really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for you words of encouragement. God Bless and your family.

Have you ever made Mexican Migas? Corn tortillas with the eggs-good for lunch as well ☺️

@2Beldam

Жыл бұрын

This is my husbands favorite dish! Love migas ❤️ great suggestion 🙌

I know this was a year ago, but if you read this, you are right. When you are on a tight budget, you hit the sales and clearances first. Meat is the most expensive, so you focus on what deal you can get on it first and then move to your produce deals. I have always done that especially at the starting of the month with your first paycheck.

Everything is looking good. I had never thought to grate the bread up like that for meatloaf! Thank you for it all, but that tip is genius. Good way to use up leftover bread.

I trust you ❤️🥰 no need for me to see your receipt. Thank you for these videos. They really brighten my day and help (I’m on a disability pension living below the poverty line). Appreciate you dear

I am a numbers geek. A pound of meat is the equivalent of 16 ounces of protein. 3-3.5 is what is recommended for an adult per meal. If, you all have Cottage Cheese, Egg for breakfast, Cheese for snack, Beans for lunch then using 2/3 pound of hamburger should still be enough protein. Even for the kids especially if they drink milk . I think alot of times folks forget we should be getting nutrition throughout the day and not just in one meal. Also, we as Americans are used to eating large steaks, whole chicken breasts at one meal

Yay, I'm so happy for u for your finds! We have a Jaycee store in our town, it is a Kroger store...for the doubters, they do have these sales...my daughter went last week, she called me so excited, they had beef briskets for $1.99/lb! She bought 3 of them for $70, her receipt said she saved $137.00...now yall can gang up on me and leave our beautiful Miss Brooke alone ☺️...my daughter cut them up in 9 packs for the freezer...

so when your vid was at the 19 min mark, you were askin what we woulda made - i would have done a frittata with the eggs, some of the shredded cheeze and onion for breakfast. Lunch? I woulda cut up the dogs, put them with the chili, heated it thru, and topped some of the fritos with that, and then used some of the shredded cheeze on top, and made grilled chz sammies or used the tortillas with some of the cheeze for quesadillas as a companion side for the chilli dog salad, lol.

I can't plan ahead. I live in a very small town and there is always something not available. Last winter there were no onions for 3 months. If you don't get chicken the first day it gets stocked, you probably won't. Walmart doesn't mark down produce but they do donate it to our county food bank. So I get what I can on my budget and make it work. I actually was able to feed 3 adults for $100 recently. It was tough but we ate well because I forage and have a garden.

Can I suggest you use a bit of instant pancake mix to do your onion rings next time? It works great. They are crispy and a bit fluffier

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

Sadly I was out 😂 I was planning on pancake baking mix, but I ended up using the flour. Definitely adding it to the next batch!

I know you post grocery hauls, but could you post a haul for household & hygiene products? I'd love to see what good deals you get for those type items. Love your channel, Brooke!!

If youre ever stuck with buns, chilli and cheese again you can cut the buns in half, slather with chilli and pop some cheese on top and pop them in the grill/oven til it melts and make pizza subs. My kids love them!

Hopefully you took the leftovers from the roast and vegetables and expanded it with more vegetables like maybe more potatoes and onions, and liquid, and made a really good soup out of it. Never did see where those leftovers went.??? 😋

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

Nope, the kids finished it off right after I recorded that 😂

@lolareh8756

Жыл бұрын

@@SouthernFrugalMomma why am I not surprised. Lol. Had three boys myself, so I completely understand. Haha they were like a never ending eating machine. Never could keep them filled up. I sympathize:-)

Looking at the haul, the first thing that stuck out to me were the hamburger and squash. My mind instantly went to a squash casserole and meatloaf

I absolutely love your budget videos! Girl you make it WORK 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Kudos to you, thank you for sharing, you really show how you can make it work on a budget to feed your family, and for all of us struggling to pay bills and put food on the table, this is truly amazing content. 😍🥰

A Jethro bowl!!!! I love it!! I wonder how many people didn’t get that reference 😂

Its called creativity and experience. Chefs kiss! You rock these challenges.

Outstanding job Brooke! You have always seemed honest to me...ppl need to quit that😊

If you find evaporated milk mark down that would be a good thing to have on hand or even powdered milk that can substitute for the milk that you need in certain recipes

Brooke I love when you do these challenges I am amazed with what you can come up with I don't meal plan either I have full pantries and freezers I shop those first then see what I need to pick up to add to my meals and then I use what's left out of my weekly budget to go in and replenish and fill in the holes with sale items the next week I repeat. It helps to be well stocked for me.

You are amazingly talented, Brooke. Don't discount or apologize for your process. Everyone has their own way. I absolutely relate to your shopping process and see it as bringing chaos into form. It really is an artist process because you're not stuck in some plan. As a teacher, I often find I cannot plan a lesson until I am in the classroom with my students. They are 'the stuff' that inspires my process. Anyways, I feel you.

This is one of the best budget grocery haul meal plans Ive seen in a while. You really scored some great deals!

I miss Kroger's. Meal plans are really helpful when you live where there are very few stores. I always stock up when I visit family with stores and sales and markdowns. And I'm always flexible with meal plans, if there is a markdowns or a sale I don't hesitate to change things.

I'm always jealous of the kroger reduced foods prices, they're insane!

Great job this week on zero waste!!!

Easy, breezy, lemon squeezy .... Love it! You are so down to earth and real, love watching your shopping trips and meal planning 😊

Way to go, Brooke! I'd eat at ya"lls house for sure!

I like to inventory what I have at home and then list what I need to complete those meals and see how many days that would cover! I buy those few things and then I go from there to shop the sales and clearance to get the rest of the week! I often go two weeks and usually only go back in 2 Nd week to do the cost cutter items and milk or other items I am running low on! This keeps me out of the store for most of the month with two good sized shops and only necessities and cost cutters in between! If I can make it the 2 Nd week without going back I do!

If anyone needs a super filling breakfast/lunch/dinner. Chili cheese omelette with some sour cream on top. It can be a 1 egg omelette. But it’s super filling and super yummy!!

I do not plan meals either go to the store and see what is on sale and go from there

We have paid at the most for the same roast kit 23.50 in northern Indiana. We have a lot of serious illness in our family. I am so happy for you and your family that you can find reduced meat. You always give us the best money saving and time saving ideas. And you always make me smile. You deserve❤❤❤❤❤because you probably do more to help women and men feed their families on a reasonable budget. Helping others see the good in shopping within a basic budget is awesome. No one does it better. You are so funny naturally. No matter what goes wrong in my day you always make my day better. Thank you.

I recently discovered your videos. You shop and cook exactly like I did when raising a family. My husband used to say we never had the exact same meal twice. Kept things interesting. Thank you so much for sharing!

Kroger stores have some of the best mark downs. I think sometimes people don’t understand that you have to shop around and you have to shop sales. Love your ideas!

When I see potato peels like that, I want to toss them with some oil and seasonings and bake them until crispy. The best “scrap” chips snack ever and it’s basically free!

Quick tip. Bake home cut fries. Let them sit & cool or freeze them. Then fry or air fry them for crispy on the outside light & fluffy on the inside.

Brooke, that is how my mom always made French fries. The second fry goes really fast and doing it that way tends to make the outside crispy, not hard and the center stays tender.

You are fabulous don’t doubt yourself ever. Just remember your inspirational to us all🌹❤️❤️👍👏⭐️

I love those Kroger marked down produce bags. I used to reuse the mesh bags to filter lint on my portable washer.

When working within a tight budget, planning meals based on what's on sale and "surprise sale" is the way to go! I do most of my shopping at Fry's, the Keoger of AZ. Their sales prices are typically really good and it makes it easier to stay within budget.

You are good girl. You deserve a standing ovation. I thought I was thrifty, but you have me beet. ( I can't spell) keep up the good work. God's blessings to your household.

I shop the same as you do. I do better that way then meal planning. I shop the sales and discounts and plan around them. I buy generic if cheaper and off brands. I also buy in bulk to help things stretch.

I would take the two hotdogs and the buns and cut them up in a small piece then add the chili to the top of it add the cheese bake it in the oven for like 1520 minutes just to heat it through and then top it with the onions chili cheese dog casserole

Sometimes people question how I get good deals too. I work at it.... I'm sure you do as well. I am always looking for good clearance and sale items to add to my stock as well as swapping out home grown produce with other people. That's how we get by these days. I think that we could get 5 or 6 meals out of that for a family of 7.

ONCE again sis I’m telling you are a blessing with these meals! Stay you as always, stay positive and kind that part🤙🏿

@SouthernFrugalMomma

Жыл бұрын

Thank you darlin’!! 💜

Girl you killed it.

You found some really good mark downs Not sure why people doubt your buying skills but that's on them. You did great!!

"Dobby the Elf" 😂 How cute is your youngest... 🥰 they are all cute though. Congrats on 11K. Watch your channel take off!

You did awesome!!! Love the idea of making a plan around what you get on clearance and on sale. That’s perfect.

I am so thankful for your channel, thanks to you we tried one of your recipes and it was absolutely amazing and so filling! 😋 I love your channel and your adorable fam, I have 3 kiddos as well and our oldest doesn’t live with us (he’s grownish) anyways just wanted to say thanks and please keep creating amazing content. 🙂

You go girl! Outstanding way to stretch your money and feed your family.

WOW I love those Tyson pot roasts. I cook them in the crockpot. I always add an extra onion, 2 additional celery stalks and Worcestershire sauce. I'm jealous 😅😅😅😅. Great haul.

@kellyharris4639

Жыл бұрын

I thicken up the sauce with a bit of flour and butter or margarine for gravy.

Honestly .. most people over eat ANYWAY.. I do also...but the way the world is going there is going to be PLENTY of MEATLESS meals for real.. thank you for sharing , i love your videos

😊 I think most people forget what a serving size portion is supposed to be because most servings are oversized and advertised as if it doesn’t get all over your face it doesn’t belong in ur face lol 😅Great job 👏🏼 Brooke. 🎉

Grated bread = mind blown! I use bread crumbs, oatmeal, crushed crackers, but never thought to do this with sliced bread. Crushed pork rinds are also good in meatloaf, and you can use flavored ones to spruce it up (BBQ, Hot n Spicy, etc).

I was very impressed with that last day. You used basically every thing.

I'm glad I found your channel I think it is so great and real! Please keep it up I think so many people including this mama can relate and enjoy!

Thanks for doing kroger. I shop at kroger most of the time. Kroger does have great sales sometimes.

Tysm for not just showing a meal plan because my brain works like yours and so your way has literally helped me and my family immensely.

My Mother-in-law made her Specialty Chili with Pork’n Beans & Ground Beef & Tomato Paste every Sat for her Kids & Grand Kids & we all loved it.

I'm like you I don't really plan but i still work with a budget in mind find deals. :)

I think If you look at what's on sale, then you can pre-plan meals, but I agree if you see what's going on at the store you can meal plan that way too...there is no wrong way it's highly individual!!

I have to admit Brooke, that sometimes I frown at what you do, but that does not mean it’s wrong or bad. I learn from every video of yours that I watch, and I thoroughly enjoy them. Your family is so awesome, as are you. You come up with some pretty great ideas! I love your system of checking the sales, and then planning the meals. I think a lot of people do it, the other way around, including myself. I rarely see good food on sale in the markets in my area. I don’t know what they do with it. Maybe I’m shopping on the wrong days. Anyway, keep up the great work!

You got a great kroger grocery haul. And you fed your family great meals with that $50.00. I think people just want to hate on others, but prices are different from area to area. Be nice! Love the grated bread trick. I never eat the heels of the bread..perfect for that. Keep up the meal ideas.

Ugh I shouldn't have watched this lol I'm starving now! 🤤🤣

I am awful, I never meal plan. I have a budget for each week and I spend that on pantry items that are on sale, frozen veg and fruit on sale, reduced meat which I put in my freezer and reduced produce. Then I make my meals based on what is in the house. Mind you this has resulted in a huge surplus and we could go 6 months without shopping.

You can make some "sour cream" by blending up cottage cheese til smooth, and adding a few drops of lemon juice. When tomatoes are out of season I have drained canned tomatoes for tacos and saved the juice in the freezer for spaghetti or chili.

You are so lucky. Your family are not picky eaters.