Grocery Shopping…. in TEXAS

There have been many significant changes in my life and I am learning how to navigate in a completely new city in a new state. This latest trip I walked down to HEB. I used a basket my boyfriend saved from an alleyway trash can ♥️.

I did my best to locate a grocery store that is found all over Texas. I cannot say for sure if all HEB stores have a small bulk section, but the one nearest me does and I am thankful for that, but I also wrote them a nice comment about please including more grains and legumes and fewer sugary snacks. It never hurts to express one’s opinion in a kind manner.

This load cost me just under $36, which is quite good.

A closer look into the bulk bags reveals granola, chile almonds, and walnuts. The green Tupperware contains fresh ground peanut butter. They do not tare jars there, but I know it’s a better price with the weight of the container than the Whole Foods as well as the Central Market (which is owned by HEB).

I could not find loose carrots anywhere in the store, but overall most of their produce is package free and well priced.

I have been shifting away from being extremely hardcore about not making trash only because it has not been sustainable for myself. I am not about to make a second trip just for carrots. Could I do without carrots? Most likely, but I was hoping to use them in meals and I like having them on hand.

It has also been silly to think that the stickers and ties could deter people away from buying fresh, healthy produce. My main concern has been feeding myself in a healthy, practical, sustainable way for myself.

Living in a bigger city and having only a bike to use during the day has given me insights as to how many people live and how we do not all have the privilege of shopping at the big bulk bins stores. In Idaho, the best bulk bins also happened to be the best priced, but that is not the case here. The weather is tricky, as I have to be back inside before 11 in order to not melt into a puddle and avoid heat stroke.

I am open to any thoughts or insights you may have about what is truly important on a sustainable, creative journey.

Peace and love,

Kristan

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Fresh Tomato, Cucumber, Basil, & Orzo Salad

This salad couldn’t be simpler to make. Every time I make it, I am surprised at how much I love the flavor.

First, slice up some tomatoes and cucumbers.

I used about 1 1/2 cups of each. I sliced, as well as cubed the cucumbers to have a variation in texture.

Toss in a couple tablespoons of fresh basil leaves.

Add in about 2 cups of cooked orzo.

Top with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

That’s it! And it’s absolutely easy and fresh. I grew up eating cucumbers and love them fresh, but apparently not everyone does. Hopefully you do, and you maybe try this salad and tell me how good it was!

Peace and love,

Kristan

Garden Pasta

This is an on-the-fly post and a quick snapshot before devoured as I was at my sister’s house visiting her and her newborn and had brought lunch ingredients.

The night before I quickly made a garlic scape pesto which was highly improvised with just garlic scapes, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and some salt. I had it with some sourdough bread and it was super spicy!

This dish has:

Spaghetti noodles: found in bulk at WinCo

Peas: picked from my garden

Garlic scape pesto: from the garden + bulk ingredients

Mint: garden

To make pasta:

Boil water and salt and cook spaghetti, adding in peas (shelled peas or snap peas with shell) in the last minute.

Reserve a couple cups of pasta water.

Drain.

Add in 3/4 cup of pesto into pasta water and stir to combine.

Put pasta back into pot, pan, or bowl then top with the pesto sauce.

Top this off with about 1/4 cup or fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy!

Peace and love,

Kristan