Bang for your Buck

We've established that I like to cook and bake and I'm sure you do too. Before we can tackle any recipe, though, we have to make that trip to hunt and gather for ingredients.

Everyone is talking about value and stretching dollar power these days. I related to that even before the R-word had the world buzzing. I mean, who doesn't want to get more for less?! I'd love to tell you about some places to do just that!

There's this euphoric inspiration that goes through me while cruising the aisles of Costco. All of that food and all of those possibilities get the creative wheels doing double-time in my brain. There is definitely a lot one can do with a 20-pound bag of oatmeal not to mention the pallets of Campbell soup and the industrial-sized condiments. It's hard to tell what's more delicious: the sense accomplishment that can only accompany polishing off the last of the giant jar of pickles or actually buying the jar in the first place. Try that one in the field for yourself!

I did a little price comparison and there are a few items I feel are an absolute steal at Costco. And, after today's trip, I can tell you spices aren't one of them (!). The vanilla extract, however, is. A half pint of the real deal for $5.99. Unbelievable! Especially if you're a prolific baker.

I would also recommend buying Philly® Cream Cheese in those 48 ounce tubs if you're planning on making a cheesecake any time soon. At $7.49 a tub, that translates to 15.5 cents an ounce. Even on sale, you can find an 8-ounce bar for $2.99 at the grocery which comes out to 37 cents an ounce. When I buy those big tubs, I usually plan around it so I can actually use the whole thing up in this century. Above all else, it's important to remember it's only a bargain if you use it!

For spices, I know I might surprise you but I have two new favorite places. Believe it or not, the 99 Cents Only stores are a fabulous place as well as Big Lots! (that exclamation point is part of their name, I swear). Most of the spices you'll find are going to be pretty standard: cinnamon, dill, onion, seasoning salt, and all the usual suspects, but grocery store spices are, easily, 3 times the amount. My one word of advice is to check and be sure you're buying locally and/or from somewhere in the country. Standards of quality and safety vary and I haven't been let down yet by sticking to this rule.

Happy shopping!