Grocery staples, winter 2024
I’ve been doing a lot of grocery delivery lately because my schedule has been a bit too packed for multiple shopping trips per week (New Yorkers can only carry so much at once!). I know it’s nothing new or groundbreaking, but this is my new favorite time-saving, “self care” hack. Today I thought I’d share a few of the frequent flyers on my grocery list for the winter, and why they keep making their way into my virtual shopping cart.
Usually on Thursdays I’ll think about what types of meals I want to make for the following week depending on schedules for my husband and I, do a quick inventory of what we’ve got, and put together a list for Friday evening delivery. Whenever possible I try to make recipes that last for two meals so I don’t have to cook every night - soups are the absolutely best for this in the winter.
Frozen blueberries
For the most part, fresh blueberries taste terrible this time of year, and are super expensive. I’ve been getting big bags of frozen blueberries for oatmeal in the morning and it’s definitely both a budget and food waste hack. I thaw them in smaller portions in Tupperware and keep them in the fridge.
Japanese sweet potatoes
Roasted Japanese sweet potatoes are to die for, and I like to have some available to pair with fish or omelets.
Dried dates
I get up realllly early to run and/or strength train these days, and I’m rarely hungry when I wake up. I have a couple of these with some peanut butter and I’m good to go energy-wise (I recommend these to clients/patients in similar situations all the time!).
Frozen fish
One of my favorite hacks for more affordable wild salmon is getting the frozen packages of five individually wrapped filets at Whole Foods. They’re awesome in a pinch if I can’t figure out what to make for dinner, or if it’s just me for a night I can quickly grab one to thaw out in the fridge.
Oats
I don’t know what I would do without my oatmeal in the morning. I make this recipe the night before so I can get out the door quickly (and well-fueled!).
Hu Kitchen dark chocolate bars
I am obsessed with Hu Kitchen’s cashew butter filled dark chocolate bars. These are pricey but on sale pretty regularly at Whole Foods, and so good.
Broccoli crowns
To me, broccoli is the most helpful versatile vegetable to have on-hand. I always have it in the veggie drawer to add veggies to things like stir fries, roasting and omelets.
Chicken and vegetable broth
I usually order a bunch of broth to have at the ready when I want to make some soup. This is definitely one item that makes grocery delivery worth it, because it can be a heavy carry back to the apartment.
Pre-washed salad greens
Having easy access greens on hand makes adding a veggie serving to lunch or dinner a lot easier, and zhuzh-ing them up with a good dressing (I like this one, or homemade is great) and sliced radishes is simple and delicious.
Eggs
Eggs are definitely a staple protein source in our house. I have hard boiled eggs on my lunch salads (usually this one that I prep on Saturdays) and make omelets at least a couple times per week.
Yogurt
Our refrigerator is always filled with yogurts for snacks, which I usually pair with some berries and/or granola. Icelandic Skyr flavored yogurts like Siggi’s or Icelandic Provisions (this flavor is THR BEST) are usually my go-tos. I always have a big container of plain Greek yogurt as well, and sometimes I had it to flavored yogurts for a bit more protein/satisfaction, as well as my overnight oats.
Jasmine rice
Rice is another good staple to have around for stir fries or to pair with a roasted protein and veg (like my salmon above). White jasmine rice is by far my favorite flavor and texture wise, but we usually have some brown rice around as well.
Ginger and garlic
Ginger and garlic are two of my favorites that can add flavor to marinades, soups, and stir fries, so I always try to have some available. I make this recipe with tofu pretty much every week.