Food Packing

So much of what I do revolves around re-packaging.  I consolidate, I mix, I save space, I recycle, and more!  Our coffee is stored in an old mason jar because we mix both regular roast and decaffeinated coffee.  My fella has cardiac concerns, and full octane versions gives him either a racing or irregular heartbeat.  It's easier just to mix both and scoop out what we need all at once. If I have a guest with a specific preference, that's the time to purchase specifically. Otherwise, it's economy.

We don't drink fancy or pricey java -- except if it's on sale or I find a deal. I rarely buy coffee when I'm out and around, but Tommy likes to buy a cup on the way to work.  As for grounds, the regular roast comes in a big can, but the decaff does not.  I had a partial tin of regular roast left, but we were completely out of "un-leaded" after breakfast, so i picked up two tins of decaff and one regular at Aldi.  We use ten scoops each weekend, so this will last a while. I think it came to $12, so it's really the only frugal way to go.  Prices will go up because the stuff is from Colombia. If tariffs kick in, I am heading right to TJ Maxx and other discount retailers that carry coffee. I'll buy what I can, as those stores don't raise prices -- they only mark down.  My kind of pricing system!

Of course I had to package my Flash Food haul.  This wasn't stuff that I really needed but I won't waste it. The purpose of the box was to get five cheap tubes of tomato base.  The load yielded three Food Saver bags of chopped plantains, which will be fed to the dog.  Plantains and baking bananas are so good for them because they are nutritious, high in fiber, grain-free, and low in sugar.  I also vacuum sealed a package of butternut squash with a use-by/best-buy of yesterday.  We won't need it until Sunday, as tomorrow is a chili night.

I had never made fresh chestnuts before.  Most of these were in good condition, but a few needed to be tossed out.  Chances are I will boil them in some milk and honey, drain, then make chestnut paste. Does that sound reasonable? Have you ever made them? If so, please share what you made and how you made it. I need to learn!

One benefit of finding cheap foods on deal, is you haven't invested a lot so it's less risky to experiment.  At least that's the story I am sticking to!