Slow Cooker Sunday Blog Hop, week of 10/30.

I’m doing this one early, because I’m actually using my slow cooker today. It was just a rainy, chilly day here and the days are getting shorter. I was in the mood for some comfort food. So my recipe this week is chili!

Photo courtesy of McCormick.

 

Here’s how I make it. I almost always have all the stuff on hand.

Brown 2 lbs or so of ground beef & drain.

Two cans of red kidney beans, drained.

Two cans (not the giant ones) of tomatoes–either diced or crushed, in liquid. Do not drain.

Two packets of McCormick Chili seasoning. Yes, I almost always do a double recipe. I like leftovers and this freezes well.

I put it all in my slow cooker and put on low for 5-6 hours. When we eat, we use nacho corn chips, corn muffins, regular biscuits, sour cream, cheddar, fresh diced jalapenos and other items as toppings. Not all at once, of course.

I like this chili and I don’t make it that often because hubby doesn’t care for it that much. He’ll eat it without complaining, but won’t eat seconds and won’t eat leftovers. That’s how I know he doesn’t care for it much. This is how my grandmother always made it, and she has a weird tradition that I still often use. I make a batch of mashed potatoes when I make chili, and you make a bowl/mountain out of the mashed potatoes and put the chili in it. I know, it’s weird. I’ve never met any other family that makes mashed potatoes with chili, but we do. And it’s good! Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!


Peanut Butter prices could double in 2012

My husband came home yesterday & said “Stock up on peanut butter, prices are about to double.” I reminded him that we already have a half-dozen jars in our stockpile, but that I would look into more. I love when my husband appreciates my efforts!

What I don’t love is rising peanut butter prices. Supply & demand……….weather conditions have caused decreased supply, economic conditions (more people eating PB&J because it’s what they can afford) have caused increased demand, and you have sharply rising PB prices.

Edited, 10/25: Chicago Tribune Article. Prices are set to soar on 10/31.

If you were lucky enough to get the $0.75/1s for Skippy, it’s $1.50 through tomorrow at Superfresh. Check your other A&P/Pathmark chain store for the same deal. That coupon and offer expired.

My coupon group was just lamenting that we can no longer find free peanut butter deals. I think those days are over for a while. I think I am adjusting my stockpile price to $1-$1.50 a jar. It previously was $1 or less and I would stock up. And of course my 2-year-old has chosen this moment in time to request PB&Js for every meal, every day. He’s refusing to eat anything else. I’m down to just a few jars and getting anxious about it!

I think that I am going to have to start thinking about peanut butter in terms of how much per ounce, like how I do the math and figure out how much I’m paying per diaper or wipe or papertowel. Comparing Amazon prices, it looks like this is the best deal right now, per ounce. Of course if you do “subscribe & save” you will save more money.

News article from NPR.

In the meantime, if you find a peanut butter deal, let me know and I’ll post it.