I finished up what I wanted to accomplish before work this morning, leaving me with questions about why and where others shop.
Date-Nut Butter was on my to do list. Needing to pick up some dates for this yesterday, I decided to give Aldi’s a try. I keep hearing people talk about how much they love it. I’ve been in a few times and walked out, not really getting the big deal. The first thing as you walk in the door is an entire aisle of chips, candy and other bagged and processed items. I also don’t do well with warehouse shopping. It feels like a Rack Room for food. The out of date items, the brands that no one can sell, sitting on the shelves for who knows how long. I’m NOT saying that’s true…just feels that way to me. But, yesterday I was going to see what I could purchase! I found some trail mix selections. Different nut and seed varieties. I like to buy a couple of different ones and mix them together. Price wasn’t bad. Ok…first purchase. Next, I found spicy mustard. I needed some, and it looked as good as any. The produce didn’t look too bad. I found my dates. They were Medjool, although the price wasn’t any better than Trader Joe’s. But freshness is the most important element. Let’s try them. That was about all I needed, so that would be my first buying experience with Aldi’s. As for other warehouse stores, I’ve tried Sam’s with no luck, but never been in Costco. I know they are loved by many, so call me crazy!
I opened the nuts when I got home. These were nuts I would use in my Date-Nut Butter as well as make my own trail mix. They weren’t as fresh tasting as I’ve had, but mixed in with other things, probably wouldn’t make much difference. This morning I used them for my nut butter. After processing them in the food processor, it was time to add the dates. Definitely not as fresh as Trader Joe’s. Some were hard to cut open in order to remove the pit. Some were fine. I added my warm water and turned on the processor. Gonna need a little more water to get these to break down. Fresh dates don’t need too much added water, but these were a little harder. Again, making me wonder how long they had been packaged. I added the water, got things mixed and processed. Date-Butter ready. The taste was good, I can’t complain about that. Not feeling like I’m eating fresh ingredients, I can question. It didn’t seem like the price savings was great enough to compromise quality.
Which brings us to the many other choices out there. I have mostly been a Harris Teeter shopper. I find their rotisserie chickens to be the best, and I usually feel pretty good about their produce. Like most places now, you can opt for organic or not. They have the best deal on kale…large bunch that seems to be fresher than anywhere I’ve shopped and a great price. I was never a Trader Joe’s shopper until my daughter started working there. It was nice, of course, for the discount, but I also found out what the fuss was about. Everything is good quality and usually at a very good price. I now only buy my meats and eggs there. And…as you well know…dates! I also find their nuts to be fresh and reasonably priced and I love their bags of already prepared produce. If you hate the preparation of vegetables, this is the way to go! I am such a fan of the cauliflower rice. It’s so versatile and adds a great texture to any dish. I use it as a side dish, or add other ingredients and make a meal of it. So simple and ready in no time. That’s a great one for a “too tired to cook” night. Throw in a few of the already 
prepared veggies and you have supper before even thinking about how going out might be a good idea.
I do occasionally try the higher end stores. Whole Foods has some good choices and sometimes you can find a good price or a sale that will make you glad you came in! Fresh Market is a beautiful store, but I only shop there when I’m feeling a bit extravagant! Where is your favorite? I think we all gravitate to one place as our go to, maybe venturing in another on occasion. I’ve tried most in my area – oh, I left out Ingles. Never knew of them until moving to this area. I do find them expensive and some things are very questionable. They are a last resort for me, but will go if needed.
I don’t think most people like to shop around, it can be very time consuming. But, after years of looking for the best deals, watching all of these stores evolve and wanting the freshest quality at a reasonable price, I feel like I know exactly where to go to get what I need. Funny, but it actually makes shopping easier. If I know what I’m after, I can go right to that store and I’m done. No shopping around, wandering through the aisles, or wondering if I got the best deal. So, although I may travel to different places, it has, for me, become a time saver! What are you looking for in a store? Do you shop around, or stick with what’s close?
How about a Cauliflower Rice vegetarian dinner tonight?
Easy Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice
1 Bag Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice
1 Bag Snow Peas
1 Pint Heirloom Grape Tomatoes
1 Red Pepper, chopped
1 Red Onion, diced
2 Garlic Cloves, peeled and chopped
1 Can Garbanzo Beans, drained and rinsed
Juice for 1/2 lemon
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet, heat olive oil and add onions and garlic. Sprinkle vegetables with a pinch of salt. Turn heat to medium/low. When onions are a bit translucent, add tomatoes and red pepper. Let cook 3-4 minutes and add snow peas, stirring into other vegetables. Cook 3-4 minutes and stir in garbanzo beans. Add cauliflower rice last, along with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Stir to incorporate all of ingredients. Let cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with sliced avocado. It is a meal in itself! Mix it with chicken or salmon the next night, and you have a completely new meal. Enjoy!
Until next time –
Embrace your age…it’s who you are!
Ann Moore -Health Coach for Women Over 50 