Light and Hearty Meals To Start Thanksgiving Week

On Sundays at the larger grocery chains,  shoppers should  pay attention to sales and really "hunt" through the store. 

I say Sundays are best because it's the end of the shopping weekend and stores are trying to get rid of produce and meats for the new week of shipments on Monday and restocking.  Don't be afraid of buying the discounted "must sell by" date items.  Stock up.

Shoppers can save a ton of money by buying meats with the sell by date.  Put the meat not ready to be cooked that day or night in  freezer bags and freeze until ready to eat.

Other ways to save can be found in the bakery. Bakery items are heavily discounted on Sunday.  Also don't forget to check out the areas where they'll have dented items...these are great ways to save, just make sure to inspect the cans/ boxes for dents or openings.

And of course, last but certainly not least for my shopping tips of the day, don't be too proud or stingy to clip and use those coupons.  Some stores even let you double up and really save on those discounted items when using coupons.

Okay...so, now on to today's recipe.

 Please note, aside from when I bake, I don't follow measurements.  A cook cooks a chef creates...so, create!  Enjoy!  If you really need measurements just let me know and I can give you a better idea but honestly it's all about taste and what you like. 

Jules' Smokey Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup

And my goodness, I have to say it was so yummy and a perfect lunch before stuffing yourself later this week. 

What you'll need:
-1 can of Progresso Tomato Basil Soup (or your preferred non-condensed Tomato Soup)
-chopped fresh cilantro or basil
-thinly sliced pepperoni, cut in quarters
-Tabasco Chipotle
-dash of garlic powder
-dash of onion powder
-dash of pepper
-1 piece of sour dough bread - toasted
-4 slices of American cheese; Mozzerella would be perfect too (would've used it if I had it)
-1/4 cup of milk or cream

How you'll do it:

• In an oven-safe bowl, add all of your ingredients EXCEPT for the cheese, bread and cilantro
• Turn your broiler on high so it can heat up while you're microwaving the soup
• Microwave the soup on high for 4 minutes
• Toast your slice of bread in the toaster until crunchy...you don't want it to be soggy
• When the soup is microwaved, remove and put your toasted bread in the soup and then top with your cheese
• Place in the oven to broil until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown 
• When finished, remove from the oven and sprinkle your chopped cilantro or basil
• Grab a spoon, a glass of ice cold milk and enjoy!

Now, for the restaurant recommendation and wine pairing of the week. 

If you haven't already, head to in Marblehead for their amazing daily pizza specials. 

Here's my recommendation:

Try the Vegetarian and Goat Cheese Pizza, it is the perfect marriage of savory goodness and heaven.  Made with an insanely good blend of sauce, fresh vegetables, goat cheese, grilled red onion and grilled portabello mushrooms, this pizza is just absolutely perfection on a plate.  The perfect wine paring are either the Organic Candori Merlot or the Staccali Chiante. 

Could it get any better?  Oh yes...Visit Jack Tar any day of the week between 5 and 7 p.m. and you get the choice of this pizza and four others for only $5.