Smart Grocery Shopping at the Commissary: Maximizing Fresh Fall Ingredients

Fall is the perfect time to maximize savings at the commissary while also reaping the health benefits of fresh, seasonal produce. You can create nutritious dishes without breaking the bank by stacking seasonal deals with coupons and incorporating these in-season ingredients into your meals. Here’s how to shop smart at the commissary and make the most of autumn’s harvest.

Stacking Seasonal Deals and Coupons for Maximum Savings

Check out the commissary during fall for great prices on seasonal ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. Stacking these seasonal price drops with coupons or weekly deals can result in significant savings.

Here are a few tips to maximize your savings:

1. Check the Commissary Sales Flyers: Each week, the commissary releases a sales flyer that highlights discounted items. Pairing these deals with manufacturer or commissary-specific coupons can lead to substantial discounts. Many commissary locations also allow the use of double coupons, which means you can stack a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon for even deeper savings.
2. Look for Seasonal Coupons: In the fall, companies often release coupons for ingredients that are in season. Keep an eye out for coupons for canned pumpkin, apple cider, and cranberry sauce, which can be paired with fresh produce to create versatile meals.
3. Buy in Bulk: When you find a great deal, stock up on non-perishable fall staples like canned vegetables or frozen fruits. These can be used in recipes throughout the season and beyond. For example, freeze extra pumpkin puree or cranberries to use in holiday dishes or during the winter months.
4. Use Commissary Apps or Websites: Many commissaries offer apps or online resources where you can find extra savings, digital coupons, or even plan your meals around what’s on sale that week. Take advantage of these tools to ensure you never miss a deal.
5. No Sales Tax: Like any time of year, there is no sales tax on purchases made at the commissary.

Health and Financial Benefits of Seasonal Ingredients

Shopping for seasonal ingredients not only helps you save money but also provides health benefits. Fall produce is rich in nutrients that are particularly important as the weather cools down. For example, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which supports your immune system—essential during cold and flu season. Apples, packed with fiber and antioxidants, promote heart health, while dark, leafy greens like kale are high in vitamin C and calcium.

Eating seasonally also allows you to enjoy produce when it’s at its peak flavor and nutrition. Fresh fall ingredients are typically harvested at their ripest, making them more nutrient-dense compared to out-of-season items that may be stored for long periods or shipped from far away. In addition, the lower costs of seasonal items help you stretch your food budget without sacrificing quality or taste.

3 Recipes Using Seasonal Fall Ingredients

To get the most out of your commissary trips this fall, here are three easy, budget-friendly recipes that use seasonal produce.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

This comforting soup combines the sweetness of fall apples with the creamy richness of butternut squash, creating a delicious and nourishing dish perfect for cooler days.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed squash and apples in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and roast for 25-30 minutes until soft.
2. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the roasted squash and apples.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches using a regular blender. Serve warm.
5.  

2. Sweet Potato and Kale Skillet

This simple and nutritious one-pan meal combines sweet potatoes and kale, both of which are in season during fall, making it an affordable and healthy option.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the kale and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Serve as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.
5.  

3. Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts

This easy dessert takes advantage of fall apples and makes for a sweet, comforting treat that’s light on the budget.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, cored
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the cored apples in a baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the walnuts, raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Stuff each apple with the walnut mixture and drizzle with melted butter.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are soft and tender. Serve warm.

By using these fall recipes and taking advantage of seasonal produce at the commissary, you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious meals while keeping your grocery budget in check. Happy fall shopping!