The Story of Three

So tonight I’m making my mom’s old fashioned sausage and potato soup for our off-site Franciscan dinner (For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, a few of us who are neighbors and fellow Crossings go-ers plus a few more who don’t live in the Franciscan apartments get together 1-2 times a month for a potluck style dinner.) This was my favorite soup growing up. Besides being incredibly tasty, it brought about a sense of the changing of seasons in the midst of our not so cold southern Californian winters. I love this time of year! I always have, and they are slightly cooler now that I live in northern California. All the stories aside, enjoy this recipe!

-1/4 butter
-onion, celery and garlic (as much as you like)
-3 to 4 potatoes, diced
-3 to 4 cups of water
-1 or 2 cans of chicken broth (The water to chicken broth ratio is up to you, but I do recommend skipping the low sodium chicken broth this time as it just doesn’t taste nearly as good)
-1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
-salt & pepper
-polish kielbasa

1. Melt the butter in a large pot and throw in onion, celery and garlic. Saute until slightly browned. You can saute the kielbasa as well and then take it out and set it aside before going any further.

2. Add potatoes, water and chicken broth. As the potatoes begin to soften, mash them to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper, to taste, as well as the parsley.

3. Add fully cooked kielbasa and let simmer for about 1 and 1/2 hours.

About 9 months ago, the Trader Joe’s nearby us posted two posters comparing costs between their store and Safeway (although they didn’t say which store–I could tell). They did they exact same brands on many items and as close as possible on the rest. It was a full list of groceries that covered all kinds of food and household items. The amazing thing was that, by shopping at Trader Joe’s, you could get the exact same foods for 52% less! I was astonished, so I began to try this on my own. I wouldn’t actually buy two of everything, but I did start buying at Trader Joe’s and comparing prices. It was true!!! I couldn’t believe it.

Well, needless to say, I have started shopping there for most of my groceries. I hit up either Target or Nob Hill about once every month and a half for items that aren’t sold at Trader Joe’s, and I also shop at Whole Foods for my dairy (it’s the cheapest organic dairy I’ve found anywhere!), bulk grains (like rice, oats, beans, etc), peanut butter (old fashioned, fresh style–mmmmm!), some canned goods and some produce. That sounds like a lot, but I really do most of my shopping at Trader Joe’s.

Anyhow, if you are anywhere near a Trader Joe’s, you should give it a try! I can almost guarantee that it will save you money!