Walmart vs Kroger - The Price War, Not Really a War!

I had went to Walmart the other day and purchased 26 items. I had saved the receipt because I wanted to

compare prices on a few of the items and see who had the best prices. I had thought it would be Walmart, I just didn't think it would be as big as difference as it was! I usually buy my so called inside aisle items at Walmart and Seafood, Fruits, and Vegetables at Kroger along with a few other items. I always look for coupons and in store sales at both stores. I also go to Meijer and a local market here around the West Chester area Jungle Jim's. I compared 11 items between Walmart and Kroger and here's what I found!



Campbell's Slow Kettle Portobello Mushroom and Madeira Bisque - Walmart $3.48, Kroger $3.89 - Save .41 at Walmart

Chopped Walnuts (Huge Saving!) - Walmart  $4.18, Kroger $5.59 Save $2.41  at Walmart

Bigelow Decaf Green Tea Bags (20 count) - Walmart $2.18, Kroger $2.89  Save .71 at Walmart

Dannon Plain Greek Yogurt - Walmart  $1.00, Kroger $1.29  Save .29 at Walmart

Daisy Reduced Sour Cream - Walmart $1.98, Kroger $2.49  Save .51 at Walmart

Kraft Grated Parm Cheese - Walmart $3.50, Kroger $3.89, Save .39 at Walmart

Daisy Low Fat Cottage Cheese - Walmart $2.18, Kroger $2.49, Save .31 at Walmart

Pillsbury Baby Grands Biscuits (5) - Walmart $.88, Kroger $1.02, Save .14 at Walmart

Morton's Lite Salt - Walmart $1.58, Kroger $1.94, Save .36 at Walmart

Sea Pak Pop Corn Shrimp - Walmart $3.96, Kroger $4.62, Save .66 at walmart

Ruffles Light Chips - Walmart $3.48, Kroger $3.79, Save.31 at Walmart  


Just from these 11 random items that I purchase from time to time I saved $5.57. I checked other items at Kroger like Tide, Bounce, Glade Candles and I didn't have the Walmart price but I know from purchasing quite often a huge savings at Walmart. Overall, stay out of the middle aisles at Kroger. in fact if you can find fresh produce ans Seafood at your Walmart I say purchase them there also. Look before you shop and buy!

Baked Ham & Swiss Potato Rolls w/ Baked Crinkle Fries

Dinner Tonight: Baked Ham & Swiss Potato Rolls w/ Baked Crinkle Fries

A while back I made some Aunt Millie's Baked Ham & Swiss Rolls, using Aunt Millie's Hawaiian Rolls. This time I made them using Walmart Bakery Split Top Potato Rolls. These are only 90 calories and 16 carbs. I also used Kroger  Hickory Smoker Ham and it's 70 calories and 1 carb per serving.


This is makes one tasty sandwich! As I said the first time I made these,This is another one of those keeper recipes T o prepare it preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then I used a package of   of Potato Split Top Rolls, that I had cut in half., 1 – 12 oz. Package of Kroger Private Selection Hickory Smokehouse Ham, and 1 package of Sargento Ultra Thin Swiss Cheese. I Cut the rolls in half and Place the bottom in a deep baking pan large enough to hold 6 sandwiches, about 11″ x 14″ pan. Then I topped the rolls in the pan with Ham slices, and top with the Swiss Cheese slices. and placed the top of the rolls on the sandwiches.


I then poured a topping mixture evenly over the sandwiches. To make the mixture I combined the following ingredients: 4 Tbsp. butter (1/2 stick) melted, 2 tsp. dried onion, 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp. Poppy Seed dressing, and 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard. Mix well with a whisk or fork till its well combined. Pour mixture evenly over the sandwiches. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to allow the rolls to crisp. Remove from oven to cool and serve. And as I said earlier they are delicious. The topping mixture is what gives it it’s fantastic flavor. I can’t wait to try this on some Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches! The recipe is for 12 sandwiches, I only made 6 Sandwiches so I cut back on the amount of Butter I used. I used Blue Bonnet Light Stick Butter, another calorie and carb saver! Just by doing the little things like going to an Ultra Thin cut of Meat or Cheese or by going with low fat, reduced fat, low carb you can end up reducing the fat, calorie and carb count on any recipe. It all adds up. Once again the Sandwiches came out absolutely delicious! It's just the whole combination of everything that just bursts these Sandwiches with flavor. I love these Sandwiches!! I've left the original recipe and web site link to Aunt Millie's below.


To accompany my Baked Ham and Swiss Sandwiches I prepared some Baked Ore Ida Crinkle Fries. For dessert later a Healthy Choice Chocolate Swirl Frozen Yogurt.




Aunt Millie’s Baked Ham & Swiss Rolls

Ingredients:
1 package Aunt Millie’s Hawaiian dinner rolls. 12 ct.
1 – 12 oz. Package of ham slices
1 – 8 oz. package of swiss cheese, slices
8 Tbsp. butter (one stick) melted
2 tsp. dried onion
1 1/2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. Poppyseed dressing
1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
Yield: 12 servings



Directions:
Cut rolls in half.
Place the bottom in a deep baking pan large enough to hold 12 sandwiches, about 11″ x 14″ pan.
Top the rolls in the pan with ham slices, and top with the swiss cheese slices.
Place the top of the rolls on the sandwiches.
Mix together butter, onion, Worchestershire, dressing, and mustard.
Pour mixture evenly over the sandwiches.
Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to allow the rolls to crisp.
Remove from oven to cool and serve.


Nutrition Information:

Serving Size 1 Roll (112g)
Number of Servings 12
Calories 15
Calories from Fat 130
Total Fat 15g 23% DV
Saturated Fat 8g 41% DV
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 50mg 17% DV
Sodium 750mg 31% DV
Potassium 160mg 4% DV
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10% DV
Dietary Fiber 1g 5% DV
Sugar 7g
Protein 16g
*Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

http://www.auntmillies.com/Recipes/Sandwiches-Hot/Baked-Ham-and-Cheese-Rolls.asp

Progresso Kitchen Favorites Classic Lasagna w/ Baked French Bread

Today’s Menu: Progresso Kitchen Favorites Classic Lasagna w/ Baked French Bread

We are celebrating my Dad's Birthday today, he's 91! We were going to grill some steaks but he wanted some Lasagna so that's what we had. This is our favorite Lasagna, Progresso Kitchen Favorites Classic Lasagna. It was very easy to make as the dinner kit contained the Lasagna Pasta, Tomato Herb sauce, Ricotta Sauce Mix, and Grated Parmesan Cheese. I added 1 LB. Lean Ground Turkey, 1 Cup water, 2/3 Cup 2% Milk, 1 (8 oz.) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 Cups), and I also added a bit more seasoning (McCormick Grinder Italian Herb). Basically you just layer your ingredients in a 8″ square baking dish and cover and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes and bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered. The product description along with full instructions are at the bottom of the post.

Prepared by the instructions it was 390 calories but I cut that and the carb count down by using Honeysuckle White Extra Lean Ground Turkey instead of Beef and Sargento Reduced Fat 2% Mozzarella Cheese. The Lasagna came out delicious! Everyone really loves this. I’ve got a quick and easy way to have Lasagna now. The flavor was excellent. The Sauce was thick and well seasoned and the same for the pasta, perfect. We had a side of Walmart Marketside French Bread. Just bake at 400 for 12 minutes and it's ready. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding topped with Cool Whip Free.

Progresso Kitchen Favorites Classic Lasagna

Directions
Ready to bake in about 20 minutes. You Will Need: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup water; 2/3 cup milk; 1 bag (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups); nonstick cooking spray and foil. Sauce: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Brown beef in 10-inch skillet, breaking up beef into small pieces; drain. Stir Tomato Herb Sauce and water into beef; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, mix Ricotta Sauce Mix and milk in liquid measuring cup or small bowl, using whisk or fork. Layer: Spray 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. Layer lasagna: Spread about 2/3 cup beef sauce in dish. Layer with 2 uncooked Pasta sheets (side by side), 2/3 cup beef sauce (cover Pasta with sauce), 1/4 cup ricotta sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers twice, starting with Pasta. Add remaining Pasta, beef sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Kitchen Tip: Substitute 1/4 cup dry red wine for 1/4 cup of the water.

Product Details
Add beef & cheese! Quality Foods. Quality ingredients included. Lasagna pasta; tomato herb sauce; ricotta sauce mix; grated parmesan cheese. Exchanges: 2 starch, 3-1/2 medium fat meat. Carbohydrate Choices: 2. Made with quality ingredients. Progresso Kitchen Favorites dinners combine high quality ingredients to create delicious meals that become family favorites!

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 0.167 pkg
Servings per container: 6
Before Preparation

Nutrient Qty %DV

Calories 390 – Prepared
Calories from Fat 10
Total Fat 1 g 2%
Cholesterol -5 mg 1%
Sodium 510 mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 23 g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 8%
Sugars 6 g
Protein 4 g
Vitamin A 6%
Vitamin C 20%
Calcium 6%
Iron 4%

Pan Fried Pork Chop w/ Shellie Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and 9 Grain Baked Bread

Today's Menu: Pan Fried Pork Chop w/ Shellie Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and 9 Grain Baked Bread

For dinner this evening I pan fried a Center Cut Pork Loin Chop that I lightly rolled in flour and seasoned with McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn. I fried it on medium heat in Canola Oil about 4 1/2 minutes per side. The Chop came out perfect! Nice brown crust, moist and delicious. I topped it with Bronco Bob's Tangy Apricot Chipotle Sauce, what a great combination of flavors! I still love my JB's Fat Boy Sauces but Bronco Bob's are giving them a run for their money. This sauce is perfect for Pork. You get the fresh and cool taste of the Apricot and then a hint of heat from the Chipotle. Perfect combo! If you get a chance try Bronco Bob's Sauces. I'll leave the product info at the end of the post.

For sides I heated up a can of Libby's Shellie Beans, Bob Evan's Mashed Potatoes, and I baked the other half of the loaf of Walmart Bakery 9 Grain Bread. I really like this bread! For dessert later a bowl of the mixed No Sugar Added Sliced Fruits; Peaches, Pears, and Pineapples.

Bronco Bob’s Tangy Apricot Chipotle Sauce
Bronco Bob’s Award-Winning Gourmet Chipotle Sauces.

The authentic Southwest flavor of chipotle (smoked jalapenos) weaves its magic through each of these seven delicious sauces: Roasted Raspberry, Tangy Apricot, Roasted Mango, Smoked Bacon, Orange Bourbon Peppercorn,Orange Ginger, and Chipotle Steak and Grilling Sauce. Each sauce is deliciously versatile in the kitchen for grilling, dipping, or for use in easy-to-make hors d’oeuvres. Plus, they are the perfect “secret ingredient” for your own recipes.

Bronco Bob’s Chipotle Sauces have won awards in virtually every competition they’ve entered, including the “Scovie” Awards. Judge them for yourself. They are available individually, in a special 3-bottle gift kit, or rounded up in the Bronco Bob Gift Collection ­with great Southwestern-themed goodies, perfect for giving.

Be sure to see Bronco Bob’s Gift Collection for year-round ensembles for giving and enjoying!

http://www.lwcbrandsinc.com/broncobobs.html

Chicken ‘n’ Noodles w/ Boiled Mini Carrots and Baked 9 Grain Bread

Today’s Menu: Chicken ‘n’ Noodles w/  Boiled Mini Carrots and Baked 9 Grain Bread

Busy running errands most of the day. It was another perfect day out, about 81 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze. Anyway for dinner tonight I went with the Margaret Holmes Simple Suppers Chicken ‘n’Noodles Fixins’. It comes in a 5 serving can and contains the Noodles and Seasoning, I added the Chicken. I cut up 2 Chicken Breasts seasoning them with Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Ground Smoked Cumin, and Parsley. I then fried them in a large skillet until done and added the can of Fixins’. Cooked until it the Sauce was bubbling and heated throughout. The broth that’s with Noodles is incredible! Rich and thick and seasoned just right. I left the info and web site link to Margaret Holmes at the end of the post. I had sides of sliced Carrots and Baked 9 Grain Bread.  First time I tried the 9 Grain Loaf. It's from the Walgreen Bakery and it's a keeper! It's a real moist and delicious tasting bread. The combination of all the different grains come together to give it a unique and delicious fresh taste. Just baked at 400 degrees for 12 minutes and it's done. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Cherry Jello, only 10 calories!


Margaret Holmes Simple Suppers Chicken n Noodles Fixins’

Chicken n’ Noodles will become a comfort-food favorite in any household. Add boneless, skinless chicken breast to a can of Simple Suppers Chicken n’ Noodles, which is filled with plump noodle dumplings and special seasonings.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size Serving size 2/3 cup as packaged (174g)

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 45
Calories 230

% Daily Values*
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 860mg 36%
Potassium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 0g
Protein 8g

http://www.margaretholmes.com/

Cast-Iron Skillet Roasted Chicken w/ Roasted Red Potatoes, Honey Dijon Carrots,...

Today's Menu: Cast-Iron Skillet Roasted Chicken w/ Roasted Red Potatoes, Honey Dijon Carrots, and Baked French Bread & Garlic Spread

I cut this recipe out of the paper back in the first week of June and just getting around to prepare it. Now I'm mad I took so long to try it, it turned out incredible! It's another one of those winner, winner Chicken Dinners! The Chicken was moist & tender and bursting with great flavor. Did I mention how moist it was? I actually served it right from cast iron skillet. The skillet kept it warm and the Chicken just kept soaking up those great juices. It was the first time I butterflied a Chicken like that. I butchered it a bit removing the spine but it wasn't a bad for a first attempt. Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. You just place the chicken breast side down on a cutting board. Use sturdy kitchen shears to cut down the length of the spine on both sides. Discard the spine. Turn the bird breast side up. Gripping the 2 cut sides where the spine used to be, open up the bird, pressing down firmly at the center to flatten it.

 In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, thyme and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire chicken. Set a large cast-iron skillet on a burner over medium-high heat. When the skillet it hot, add the chicken, breast side down. Let the chicken brown for 5 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip the bird so the breast side is up.  Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.  Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate. The leftovers are going to make some killer Chicken sandwiches for lunch tomorrow! They'll be plenty of leftovers as I'm the only one enjoying the dinner tonight, parents had plans elsewhere.

For side dishes I had Roasted red Potatoes, Honey Dijon Carrots, and Baked French Bread topped with Garlic Spread Butter. i purchased the Chicken and all the sides from walmart early this morning. I normally purchase Whole Grain or Harvest Grain Bread to go with my meals but this loaf of French Bread looked to good to pass up! My Roasted Red Potatoes recipe along with Skillet Chicken recipe are at the end of the post. The Carrots were frozen Green Giant Seasoned Steamers, microwave and done! For dessert later a bowl of Breyer's Carb Smart Vanilla Ice Cream topped with some fresh Blue Berries.

Cast-Iron Skillet Roasted Chicken

1 (4-pound) whole chicken
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the chicken breast side down on a cutting board. Use sturdy kitchen shears to cut down the length of the spine on both sides. Discard the spine. Turn the bird breast side up. Gripping the 2 cut sides where the spine used to be, open up the bird, pressing down firmly at the center to flatten it.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, thyme and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire chicken.
3. Set a large cast-iron skillet on a burner over medium-high heat. When the skillet it hot, add the chicken, breast side down. Let the chicken brown for 5 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip the bird so the breast side is up.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.
5. Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate.



Roasted Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

Small Gourmet Red Potatoes, quartered
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
McCormick Grinder Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn, Parsley and Dried Dill, to taste

Directions:

*HEAT oven to 400ºF. Cook Turkey Bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels.

*ADD quartered potatoes to reserved drippings; cook 5 min., season while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Crumble bacon. Add to potatoes; mix lightly. Spoon into 13×9-inch baking dish.

*BAKE 20-30 min. or until potatoes are tender and done. Top with cheese and parsley, optional.

Rainbow Trout w/ Green Beans and...

Today's Menu: Rainbow Trout w/ Green Beans and Hearth Grain Bread

Had some more of that Meijer Seafood Rainbow Trout! Fries up beautiful and delicious. Coated in a mix of Whole Wheat Flour and Bread Crumbs and seasoned with Sea Salt, Ground Pepper, and Parsley. Lightly fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Had sides of Green Giant Green Beans and Kroger Bakery Harvest Grain Bread. Dessert later of Walmart Bakery Sugar Free Angel Food Cake and Sugarless Sliced Peaches.

Walmart launches healthy foods initiative to reduce salt, sugar and fats

Ran across this article earlier in the week and thought I would pass it along.

Walmart is getting on Michelle Obama's bandwagon, announcing Thursday that it will start selling healthier foods.

The four-year plan, which company officials announced in Washington with the First Lady, includes reducing salt and sugar as well as eliminating trans fats in packaged foods. Officials for the world's largest retail chain also plan to cut the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables — and will build stores in low-income neighborhoods where consumers have few choices to buy food beyond gas stations and convenience stores.

"No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford," said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. "We are committed to working with suppliers, government and non-governmental organizations to provide solutions that help Americans eat healthier and live a better life."

Walmart has more than 140 million customer visits each week. In outlining the changes, officials said they plan to reformulate thousands of packaged foods by 2015. Their goals include reducing sodium by 25 percent and added sugars by 10 percent, and removing all remaining industrially produced trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils.

Company officials said they will work with suppliers to improve the nutritional quality of both their Great Value brand and national food brands.

Walmart officials also said they will reduce prices on some healthy foods, such as products with reduced sodium, sugar or fat. The company plans to design a logo to help consumers identify healthier food options, such as whole grain cereal, whole wheat pasta and unsweetened canned fruit.

"Our customers often ask us why whole wheat pasta sometimes costs more than regular pasta made by the same manufacturer," said Andrea Thomas, senior vice president of sustainability at Walmart. "We will use our size and scale to reduce the price premium on these types of products whenever possible, because customers shouldn't have to pay more to eat healthier."

In addition, Walmart announced that it will increase charitable support for nutrition programs that educate consumers about healthier food solutions and choices.

The changes could be significant in Florida, where Walmart is the second-largest grocer in terms of market share. Publix leads the state, and Winn-Dixie is third, according to 2009 data from the Shelby Report.

The Arkansas-based chain is rapidly expanding in South Florida, where it has eight new stores in the works.

In Washington, consumer advocates praised the news. "I applaud Walmart for using its marketplace muscle to move the food industry in a healthier direction," said Michael Jacobsen, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

"This announcement will virtually eliminate artificial trans fat in packaged foods and help spur food manufacturers to cut the sodium in their products over the next several years," he added. "Those two moves by Walmart ultimately should save thousands of lives each year that might otherwise be lost to heart disease or stroke."

Walmart already has begun a push into urban markets. In October, the retail giant announced it would open 30 to 40 smaller- format stores by January 2012, including outlets in urban areas. And in November, the retailer said it will open four locations in Washington, D.C., in 2012. The company has also started an advertising campaign to gain support for putting a store in New York City, where it likely will face opposition from politicians and labor unions