Black Friday at The Avenue

No early morning shopping for me. But, I did go to The Avenue after 12pm today to see what goodies I could find. I bought three more thermal shirts on Clearance for $6.96 each in a pretty green, light blue, and gray. What a great buy! I love getting nice clothes at discount prices. There were jeans, sweaters, and other items on sale, too. But, I was satisfied with my thermal shirts. I can't seem to stay out of this store lately. And with all the great sales they've been having, I'll keep going back!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, my sweet potatoes and peach cobbler are done. I'm off to Vallejo to be with my family for Thanksgiving. It'll be a nice family gathering with delicious food. I hope the freeways aren't too crowded. Enjoy your food and family today. Thanksgiving's only once a year, so don't skip dessert!

Great buys at Luckys

Head over to Luckys to take advantage of great buys for your Thanksgiving meals. A stalk of celery is only $0.37 cents (a must have for stuffing), and sweet potatoes are $0.37 cents a pound! I bought a stalk of celery and three more sweet potatoes to add to the ones I already have. I also bought one 10 ounce jar of PacificSeafood oysters for $1.99 I'll use in a gumbo soon. With deals like these, it makes Thanksgiving shopping more affordable. Hurry, the sale prices end tomorrow!

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

I planned to bake some chicken enchiladas but remembered I had some leftover turkey in the freezer. So, I used that instead, and they were delicious. I used my usual recipe, except I didn't fill or roll the tortillas. I made two layers instead, so it was more of a casserole dish. I cooked some Pinto Beans and rice, too, to serve with the enchiladas. Here's the recipe for both dishes.

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
1 can 10 3/4 oz. Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup La Victoria Salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 4 oz can of chopped green chiles
1/2 cup fresh chicken stock
12 corn tortillas or 6 to 8 large flour tortillas (warmed)
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Sharp, Monterey Jack, or Pepperjack)
16 to 24 oz can of enchilada sauce

Fry corn tortillas a few seconds on each side in hot vegetable oil. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Combine all ingredients except cheese. Pour enough enchilada sauce to cover a large, glass baking dish. Layer six tortillas on top, then spread chicken/turkey mixture on top. Place remaining tortillas on top and enough sauce to cover dish. Top with shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted.

Pinto Beans

Soak about 16 ounces of Pinto Beans in water for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. Drain.
Place beans back in pot.
Brown a pound of ground beef in skillet until no longer pink. Drain grease.
Add 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1/2 cup chopped celery, one bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp. cumin, and thyme. Salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of cayeene pepper (red pepper) and red pepper flakes (if desired). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and top with lid. Cook about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add ground beef to beans half-way through cooking time. Serve over hot cooked rice.

The Zip It Tunic at The Avenue

I visited The Avenue clothing store today to use my "40% off One Single Item" coupon. I planned to use it on a sweater, which I desperately needed with the fall weather in tow. There were several sweaters, jeans, and other fall clothing on sale, but my eyes immediately went to a table at the front entrance filled with solid colored Zip It Tunic's." They're warm and comfortable like wearing a soft blanket. At $24.90 each, I only paid $14.94 with my 40% discount. I chose the gray because it will go with everything. And, I grabbed the last "The Thermal" shirt in my size on clearance for only $6.96 in a pretty aqua blue color! I could have easily bought more, but for now, this was do.

Free Tacos today at Jack in the Box!

Go to Jack in the Box today and receive Two Free Tacos while supplies last! There's no coupon, or purchase required. The give-away started at 2:00pm. I'm going after work to get mine. Enjoy!

Sweet Potatoes

My mother informed me yesterday about the great buy for sweet potatoes at Grocery Outlet. Two three-pound bags are $3.00. I bought one bag today to make candied yams for Thanksgiving. I'll use any leftover sweet potatoes to make a sweet potato pie. As of this afternoon, there were plenty of sweet potatoes left. But, with Thanksgiving fast approaching, they won't last long. It's the lowest price I've seen for sweet potatoes, so hurry to a Grocery Outlet near you!

Ankle Skinny Chino at The Avenue

While visiting my family over the weekend in Vallejo, CA, I stopped by The Avenue and went to my favorite section in the store - the Clearance! My eyes lid up when I saw the red and white price tags at $9.96 and $14.96. I did a quick once-over look and spotted a nice, tan colored pair of pants for $9.96. I thought to myself, "I could use these at this price." I tried them on and loved the way they looked on me. They're sleek and slenderizing from waist to ankle. No wonder they're called ANKLE SKINNY CHINO. I didn't plan on buying anything and just wanted to look, but at that price, I had to buy. There's plenty of Clearance items left if you're interested. But don't wait to long!

Buxton Cell Phone Wallet

I've been using my Buxton Cell Phone Wallet for a few months now, and I love it! No more searching for my cell phone in my purse. Now, I just open the flap on my Buxton Cell Phone Wallet where it stays in place. There's plenty of slots for credit cards and money, too. You can even fit a lipstick, or two, and a compact mirror inside! It's a great accessory all by itself. This was another great buy I found on clearance for $6.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond in San Jose.

Lady Lee Milk

Where can you find good prices for milk? Look no further than Grocery Outlet on Monterey Road in San Jose. A gallon of two percent Lady Lee Milk varies from $2.59 to $2.69, but I've purchased it as low as $2.49. And, it tastes good, too. I'm pleased to say it's never spoiled before the "Use By" date either. You can't beat great-tasting milk at a bargain price.

Baking Turkeys

I finally baked my first turkey today, and it turned out good, juicy and tender, just the way I like it. It weighed just under 10 pounds. I rinsed it thoroughly, removed the parts inside, and rubbed margarine all around it. Then, I sprinkled it with salt and pepper. I baked it at 325 degrees for about two and a half hours. I let it rest about 20 minutes before cutting it. Now, I've got plenty of turkey for sandwiches, soup, and anything else I chose to make with it. I'll use the neck and other pieces for stock later on. All in all, it was a good first effort.

China Rose Is Excellent!

My family and I went to China Rose Restaurant in Milpitas for the first time last Sunday and loved it! Everything was hot, fresh, and delicious. And the service was wonderful. Our appetizers came shortly after we ordered. The pot-stickers and spring rolls were delicious, as well as all the entrees and soup. We ordered two family meals with two appetizers and two soups for just under $50.00 and enjoyed each dish with hot tea and water. The Sweet and Sour Pork, Mongolian Beef, and BBQ Pork Fried Rice were especially delicious. I'll definitely be back again!