{ fishbowl flowers & a salad }

Thanks to those of you who played along with my silly little guessing game.  Forgive me for being so 

excited by a supermarket, but this was only my second time going.  I filled my super huge Ikea bag full of 

groceries, and went up to the register fully expecting a completely different total than what I got.   I was 

expecting at least seventy dollars,  as this is what I would have spent at my usual supermarket.  I was 

completely shocked when the cashier said my total was $42.73....huh....seriously.  I guess I should have 

had an idea since my last visit, but their low prices surprise me every time.  Granted, they don't have many

brand names,  and the selection is somewhat limited,  but for going and picking up the basics it's perfect.

My best friend turned me on to Aldi a couple of weeks ago when she took me on my first trip.  I have 

to admit I was quite skeptical about the quality of the foods.  So far though, I have been nothing but 

pleased with everything I have purchased, and their selection and pricing of fruit and produce is stunning.

So, who was the master guesser that came closest to my total?

That would be the lovely Tara at Blondie.n.sc who guessed $42.83

hop on over and check out this lovely lady and her very lovely blog, just click and go.

Now, what did I do with all those super affordable groceries?

 I made an awesome salad that I've been drooling over in an old issue of Southern Living.

INGREDIENTS

SPINACH-GRAPE CHOPPED SALAD

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 5 min.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons pine nuts

1 (6-oz.) package fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed

1 cup seedless red grapes, sliced

1/4 cup crumbled reduce-fat feta cheese

1/4 cup light raspberry-walnut vinaigrette

PREPARATION

1. Heat pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until toasted and fragrant.

2. Coarsely chop spinach.  Toss together spinach, grapes, feta cheese, and vinaigrette in a serving bowl. 

Sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve immediately

Kerri Ray, Alpharetta, Georgia, Southern Living, March 2009

Here is my finished product....very delicious and oh so easy, just how I like it.

This one will definitely be making it into the meal rotation.

*peace & love*

Carrie