Family Favorite - Chicken Alfredo Pasta

It's Friday.

Time for a post about
Family Food Favorites!

I know a basic chicken alfredo pasta isn't too hard to make from scratch. I have done that ... but pulling a bag from the freezer is SO quick and easy (and honestly, the boys said they liked it better than the homemade version). While not everyone in the family loves this meal (Hubs and #4 aren't interested) it really is a favorite for everyone else. In fact, the kids don't even know this by the "Skillet Sensations Chicken Alfredo" because we simply call it "Favorite Noodles".  Just dump the contents into a large skillet, stir every few minutes, and about 15minutes later. Dinner is ready. Sometimes the boys don't even bother to transfer it to plates, they just pick out the pieces straight from the pan (hey, less dishes that way!) I'm not normally a fan of broccoli, but in this dish, it's my favorite part (drenched with alfredo sauce true, but still, green veggies! It's something I really struggle with).

Many years ago, it started out as a Stouffer's Lean Cuisine meal. I don't know that it was really that different. I think the calorie count was simply divided into three servings, rather than the two in the regular Skillet Sensations package. 

Then, they discontinued the Lean Cuisine version.

It was fine, because we just moved to the regular Skillet Sensation. I really don't know that it was any different, other than orange packaging rather than the white "Lean Cuisine" and the stated two servings rather than three. This was a standby for several years. Then it disappeared, but was  replaced by a larger "family size" bag with servings for four. This actually worked out well, because as the boys were getting older, they were eating more. The smaller package didn't really work that well anyway (unless only two were eating).

I always grabbed the bags at Walmart. They were quite a bit less expensive there. $6.98 vs $7.99 at Smiths or $10.99 at Maceys. I'd always try to keep a few in the freezer. The other day, we were out. I stopped by a Walmart Neighborhood Grocery store (sometimes I prefer the smaller, less crazy experience) but they didn't have any. I just assumed it was because it was the smaller store. They don't have room for the same inventory.  My son made a trip into the Walmart Supercenter and I told him to grab a few bags ... but he couldn't find them. I first I figured it was just his inexperience, not knowing where to look, but then I started to have a sinking feeling. What if it was being discontinued altogether now?

The next time I was at the bigger Walmart myself, I looked ... I couldn't find any. Couldn't even find a spot on the shelf where they should be. There are similar products (Birdseye, etc) but we've tried them and the boys were not impressed. We've lost several favorite foods over the years as companies change and discontinue items. Why is it always OUR favorites? 

During my shopping trip at Smiths however, I was able to locate the bags in the frozen section. So it's just Walmart not carrying the product, not the company not making it. Phew ... even if it does mean I'll have to pay higher prices. It's a family favorite!The other day though, I DID find it on sale. I stocked up. How many bags can I fit in my freezer?

Have any of your family favorites been discontinued over the years?

Ice is Nice :)

Time for a Thankful Thursday post ... 

One small thing I'm thankful for, is ice. That's right, frozen water. 

I know everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to drinking water. Some people struggle with sensitivity to cold. But me? I like my water cold. Ice cold. I even invested in a new, BIG, pink, water bottle to take to my Zumba classes each day. Before my big bottle, I'd have issues (first world problems for sure! *Ü*) . I'd put in too much, and run out of water during class (yes, I could run to the drinking fountain for a refill, but then I'd miss some of a song!) or I wouldn't put in enough, and it would melt and my water wouldn't be cold. I love my big bottle! In addition to oodles of space for ice and water, the opening up top is big enough to add ice easily (which is not to say I don't drop a piece or two on the ground while filling. Every. Single. Time. Seriously. ) I also get a nice arm workout with my big bottle ;)

I'm grateful we have a working ice maker. Those little trays you have to fill up yourself? Been there, done that. I realize I'm totally spoiled with an ice maker. Especially this week, where two of the boys have a basketball camp starting at 9:00 each morning (that's when most of my Zumba classes start), it's enough ice for all of us (although it does need to get to work to crank out more after we attack it each morning!)

Now if you look in the picture above, you might notice a bag of ice as well. Pebbled Ice (ala Sonic). In December 2013, I was struck down with the Flu (The Flux2). For almost a week, I was unable to eat, or drink, anything (lost almost 10 pounds in a week, wish it would have stayed off!) Hubs grabbed some pebbled ice in an attempt to keep me somewhat hydrated, and I was able to keep a little down. And even though I was the only one sick, everyone enjoyed the ice! There is something magical about pebbled ice. We've looked into a pebbled ice maker, but they are pricey! Pebbled ice, while not a complete constant over the past few years, has been a pretty regular addition to our freezer.

What are YOUR thoughts on frozen water?