I also have Target in the same shopping area. Target does have good prices on the foods that I like.

For food I have several markets within a two mile radius, so I don't really have a favorite.

For groceries, it's Aldi.

and garage sales.

I like Target, too.

And I don't have to walk - that's important these days.

but i like grocery outlet for food. i live in a test area, so lots of new stuff is out.

don't mind grocery store when the bank balance is up, hate shopping on a tight budget as the constant reminders that if you are poor you get to pay more for EVERYTHING really piss me off (having to buy the more expensive smaller versions of stuff like paper products or cleaning supplies or even rice, beans or meat!)

but, living on a ranch, do you have to cook for ranch hands in addition to your family? I could see how expensive that might be.

this is a small family place (it sounds big because the amount of ground needed per animal in the arid west) that barely supports us. Most places our size have the adults all working other jobs.

I (or my Mom when she was alive) will cook a big breakfast and noon meal for a big round up and cattle working (when all the neighbors and family come to work the entire herd or something) but we just don't work that way much anymore.

So not really any hired hands - Dusty comes one or two days a month and he usually brings his own lunch.

There are, however two grown male offspring still living here. So the amount of food consumes IS in the realm of a whole crew of hands!

constantly aware of the pantry inventory! I like to cook hearty meals that will last a couple of days, like chicken stew or gumbo, red beans & rice, or spaghetti.

Tonight I'm going to try a quick & easy recipe for chili that I saw on tv. Saute onions then ground beef; blend a can (remember, "easy" & "quick" ) of red beans & one chili pepper in the food processor; add that, with water, to the sauteed onions & ground beef; add green onions & another can of beans; add about a tbsp. of cumin; add cayene pepper to taste. Put some shredded cheddar cheese & a heaping tbsp. of sour cream on top of each serving.

Can't seem to think of the name at the moment.

I even have the t-shirt.

Always an adventure!