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I don’t like lettuce.
Well, that may be a strong statement. It’s not that I don’t like lettuce persay, but it really irks me when I go somewhere for a salad and it ends up being a bowl full of lettuce with a cucumber and tomato flippantly tossed in for effect. UGH!
However, last year I discovered a new favorite – the Vegetable Chopped Salad at The Cheesecake Factory. I vowed that when I went back, I’d write everything down so I could recreate it at home, and in December I did just that. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to add it into my family’s menu, but tonight it happened! Essentially, it’s chopped (in cubes) cucumber, asparagus, edamame (not chopped), bell pepper, sharp white cheddar cheese, and tomato. Actually, I think the original omits the cucumber but adds apple, so really, I just made up what I wanted to! I added the Tyson’s Crunchy Chicken Tenders on the top for protein and to give the kids a little more sustenance. I also found a copycat recipe for the Cilantro Lime Viniagrette and it was wonderful.
The quick dinner also allowed me to get out in time to attend a grocery class last night. Yes, you heard me right. Kelly (www.faithfulprovisions.com) goes to our church and has turned this thing into a science. She went from spending over $1,000 a month on food to now spending $40 a week for a family of four! I’m definitely not there yet, but my past two trips I’ve spent $100 (mostly stockpiling deals on sale) and I’ve saved over $50 each time, so I’m well on my way. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how it’s working out.
