I am always looking for a way to save money on my groceries. I honestly don’t know anyone who isn’t! Years ago, I was gifted a bread machine and I used it every other day or so to make bread for toast, sandwiches and for a side dish for some meals. I went about 2 years without buying a loaf of bread. When we were selling our house, I made sure to time my bread machine to be at the time of each showing so the smell of fresh baked bread wafted through the house. Many of the showing remarks commented on the delicious aroma while they walked through our house. I would use it to mix rolls and make loaves of different varieties on occasion too.
When we packed up our house and moved to my parents my bread machine went into storage. My parents and I are making an effort to eat a bit less bread and fresh baked bread is hard to resist. Counterspace was also a consideration so I thought it was one less thing to haul into their house. I started buying bread at the grocery store and was sticker shocked at how much it cost per loaf. I was traveling through a neighboring town and remembered the Bakery Outlet. I wish I hadn’t waited so long, this is the best kept secret for groceries!
I zip in for literally 6-7 minutes and fill my basket up. Loaves of whole wheat for 99 cents, bulky rolls and sub rolls for 99 cents. The best deal is on the organic bread for $2.50 a loaf. This specific outlet has a brand that goes for $5 each at Wal Mart. Oh and the bagels! Plain, Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin and Everything varieties for $2.50 a bag. My family’s favorite bread is Canadian White and I buy that for $1.50. Yes, it’s plain white sandwich bread Yes, I know it’s not the best option. I have tried for a long time and they still prefer it. It’s not something I buy all the time. End rant.
If I’m heading into a super busy time I’ll take an entire loaf of bread and make it all into peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I’ll put them straight into zip top bags and put them all right back in the bread bag and pop it into the freezer. On busy days before we go out for the day or have CC I just take the frozen sandwiches and pop them in our lunch bag and they thaw by lunch time. You could use the same method for deli meat and cheese sandwiches.
I go in and buy about 5-6 loaves of bread and 2-3 bags of bagels I usually grab a little treat for the boys too. When I get home, I pop all the goods in the freezer. The next time you need bread I highly suggest you check out one of the Maine Bakery Outlets (Bangor, Waterville, Fairfield, Portland, Gorham, Windham) If you know of another one please let me know! You’ll save some money and have a nice stock pile in your freezer.
