I lucked out a little today. My schedule changed this morning, so I had a chance to run to the store. Of course, I wasn't expecting to go today, so I spent half the morning trying to get my recipes and ingredients all lined out for next week (does it take anyone else as long to make a grocery list??).
Finally, I and my two boys were down the aisles of Walmart. Some of you reading this may have better places to shop. Sprouts, Whole Foods, ...sigh...Whole Foods.... I don't have those places. I've got a Walmart and a Brookshires. I've been trying to start shopping at Brookshires for months now, but let's face it, it's not easy switching stores! I usually go under a time crunch, and no time to learn a whole new layout.
Today was no exception. My son James (my compadre in the video, who apparently LOVES to see himself onscreen) had a therapy appointment back home, so I had one hour to get my groceries done.
Yeah, insane on a normal grocery day! I apologize now for the people I cut off or whizzed around with my giant two-seater grocery cart.
This video gives you a few thoughts I had about the grocery day in general:
Let's talk about nutritional yeast for a second. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition says this:
Although the name might be less than enticing, nutritional yeast is a magnificent staple that will "cheese" up your dishes while providing your daily recommended dose of B vitamins. An excellent source of vitamin B12 and protein, nutritional yeast is a primary cultured yeast grown on sugarcane and beet molasses. Unlike other yeasts, it doesn't have leavening power.
The versatility of nutritional yeast is boundless. On its own, it tastes nutty and cheesy and is delicious sprinkles on popcorn. When combined into recipes like hummus, un-cheese spreads, pasta sauce, casseroles, stews , and pizza, nutritional yeast lends a lovely flavor and huge nutrient boost.
I don't know about you, but the thought of sprinkling yeast on my popcorn is grossie. But that doesn't mean I won't try it! If I ever decide to go crazy and spend the money on it, I'll let you know what happens! Speaking of cost, our local health food offers a 22oz tub of "flakes" for $16.99. The package says that it is 31 servings (3tsps per serving). It's about $.77 per ounce, which is more than real cheese, but real cheese isn't cheap, either.
Another cheese alternative I mention is chopped up cashews. A recipe I have (from Forks Over Knives) that adds a little lemon juice, some salt, herbs, and a little water to make a pesto of sorts to add to pizza. I stared at cashews a long time today, and found none that were raw and salt-free. I had to settle for roasted, low salt. By the way, nuts can be found in three different places in Walmart: the snack aisle (by the chips), the baking aisle (by the chocolate chips), and the produce section. There are different options and brands in different places, so check the price of each one. Frustrating, I know!
A note on milks: I chose unsweetened almond milk, vanilla-flavored. I just tried it, and it tastes like...almonds! I think it might be good as a chocolate milk, or plain in cereal...but not by itself. Which is fine. I don't often drink a glass of milk by itself anyway.
I'm glad we have a full fridge again, and I'll update you later on what we're eating!
Are trips to the grocery store as frustrating for you as it for me?
Glad to know about the Almond Milk. I looked at it today but we didn't need milk so I didn't buy any. Maybe next time. I used the soy burger crumbles in our taco salad tonight and it was yummy!