Installment # 5
LET’S GO SHOPPING
By Rufus v. Rhoades
My modest research indicates that many of you don’t do the shopping for food and are a bit intimidated by those huge stores. Well, they are called “super markets” for a reason. Each of them contains just about anything that you will need to make your dinners (not to mention breakfasts and lunches) for the foreseeable future.
To make shopping work, you need a shopping list. Sure, you can shop without one, but that is like starting a trip without identifying where you want to go because you don’t know when you arrive. To shop successfully every time, select one market and really get to know it. Look at its layout and then reproduce that layout on your shopping list. I have attached one that I use to give you an idea of what I’m talking about. When you walk into the market I use, the bakery, delicatessen, pasta and cheeses are all right in front of you.
How important is a list? How about this mishap. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, my wife and I decided to have some family members over for that great holiday dinner. So, not having planned on that, we needed things at the store. I didn’t need a list because I knew what Thanksgiving dinner consists of, so off I went. I returned home and, as the lady of the house was unpacking the food I picked up, she said, “Where’s the turkey?” I had forgotten the turkey! I have never shopped without a list since.
I print my blank shopping list 10 copies at a time and reprint as I run out. Keep the list handy so that you can jot down items you know you will need next time you go. Running short on butter? Jot it down. “Dear, don’t for get we need olive oil.” Jot it down.
Virtually every cook I know uses recipes extensively. Certainly, I do. If you fall into that category, then take the recipes you are going to work with and carefully add the ingredients to your grocery list.
If your list is laid out to reflect the layout of your store, your shopping will be efficient and smooth. In a brief time, you will learn where the various items you need are. Many stores, for example, combine ethnic food by country or area, so, for example, if you need salsa, you may find it in the Mexican food section, not with regular condiments.
As you shop, you may find that checking each item off as you toss it into your cart is useful. Not all shoppers do that, but it does reduce the likelihood of overlooking something that is right there on your sheet. I, unfortunately, have done that too many times.
Some foods don’t belong in your house. Peanuts, for example, if one of you has a peanut allergy. My wife is allergic to honey, so I substitute dark Karo (could be light) for honey in any recipe that calls for honey. If you have that issue in your household, go to your local AI bot and simply ask what substitutes for the offending ingredient. Suppose, for example, someone in the family has a wheat allergy. I just asked my AI what substitutes for wheat in pancakes and received this list.
- Almond Flour
- Sorghum Flour
- Buckwheat Flour
- Arrowroot Flour
- Amaranth Flour
- Tapioca Flour
- Coconut Flour
- Brown Rice Flour
- Chickpea Flour
- Oat Flour
- Corn Flour
I’ve never tried any of those substitutes, but I include them to give you an idea of what AI can do.
To leave you with a little humor:
fruit farmers eat what they can and can what they can’t.
Use your shopping list.
GROCERY LIST
Deli, cheeses, Pasta, soups & tomato items
Beer, Soft Dr
Meats
General canned goods
Frozen, dairy & spices
Produce