Well..........Nuts

 Nuts, nuts, nuts.  Tis the season!  I love nuts of all types and I am so very thankful that I am not allergic, nor is anyone in my family.  I love baking with nuts, I love mixing other items with nuts, I just love eating them.

One of my fondest memories from Christmas is my stocking!  There was always an orange in the toe and then lots of nuts in shells - then other goodies.  We always had a big bowl of nuts in shell on the table during the holidays and the nut cracker was at the ready!  Messy yes - but something I will never forget.  That was just part of Christmas!

Sometimes you know you get a deal - then you actually realize what a deal you got.  I got one for sure with some nuts last week.  I generally only buy nuts on markdown or clearance, as they are so expensive any more.

I found these on the clearance rack for 3.99 a bag for a pound bag.  The tag says regular price 7.99!  I knew it was a deal at half price.

This week I saw this ad for Meijer and the price was decent - but still 6.50 a bag.  I did really good with my purchase!!!!!!!

I make up lots of mixes.  I add all types of nuts, dried fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.), M & M's, dried bananas, etc.  Makes for great gifts and such a yummy and semi-healthy snack.

This has always been a favorite of mine - since I was a child.  Mom would take me downtown around the holidays and it was magical.  We would always stop and get a tiny little bag of these (I am sure it was an extravagant purchase for her).  I felt so special.  I have found these at Kroger in their bulk section for 2.99 for 14 oz.!!!!!!  Oh my goodness - what a deal.  There is a Nut House up the road and IF you can find them there, they run 9.99/lb.!  I have been buying these every time I go and they will be a special item added to gift bags.

The same with these at Kroger - only they are only 1.99 for 14 oz.  I was just dumbfounded at the price.  As you can maybe tell - these are being enjoyed at the current time!

I found these goodies on the clearance aisle as well.  The boxes of candy are the movie size boxes and usually run $1 each.  The raisins are over a pound.

All of these will be used in some way in one of my mixes.  It is fun to get the items needed for such a good price.

I also have salted peanuts - I always have those around.  I think Kroger brand runs around 1.79 a jar.  The M & M's were on clearance.  $5 for 2 lb. 10 oz. bag!!!!!!!  WOO-HOO for sure!!!!!  The candy will be used in mixes and in cookies.

I have a #10 size can of dried bananas on hand - so there will be some nice jars of mixed fruit and nuts given this year.

I have hazelnuts in the freezer that I got on clearance and will be used in brownies, candy and cookies.  My pecans (in freezer) were also purchased on clearance at 6.29/lb.  I have been using these items off and on for months and still have plenty for holiday baking.

Keep your eyes open and always check the clearance aisle and sale prices.  It sure can make holiday baking and eating a much more frugal adventure.

Look at places you may not always think of for baking needs.  Many of the large hardware box stores - Menards and Lowes for example - often sell items like this for really good prices.  Keep an eye open at Aldi, Big Lots, Ollies, etc.  You just never know where you may find a fantastic deal.

Think outside the box a bit with your gift giving.  There are no rules or recipes (in my book) when it comes to mixing up goodies.  A pretty jar or even a baggy holds your yummy snack.  You can buy or make granola and add nuts and fried fruit to jazz it up.  Package and gift for a fun and very useful gift.

Just remember - we all have to eat!!!!

Give something exciting to eat and enjoy!   

My FAVORITE type of gifts!