I’M BAAAAAACK.

So it’s been a while since I have graced these fine pages, or as you see it now, on your fine computer (but only if you have a Mac). Either way, I am so happy to be here and contributing to the Weekly Volcano — the coolest newspaper online or in print, this side of the Cascades.

As you can see, my column is called Grocery Stories, a little play on words in an attempt to give you a theme for my little scribblins’ and thoughts. In a nutshell, I like to grocery shop. I like to cook. And best of all, I like to eat, then regurgitate it into something you, the consumer might like to read.

Sometimes it’s about saving time. Other times it’s about finding something friggin’ weird and trying to make something edible. Good deals and sales will always find a place in this homage to your home kitchen. Nothing is off limits as far as I am concerned.

This week for me was all about easy and fast. Pre-marinated meat items can be the best thing since sliced bread, or so awful you wish that’s all you were eating just plain sliced bread. Here are my recommendations:

For a great pre-marinated fish, checkout Tacoma Boys and their soy-sesame marinated ahi skewers. Unfortunately, they are not always available but if enough of us ask for them, it could be a regular item.  Price is anywhere from $6.99 to $8.99 a pound and I recommend that they be served medium rare with a simple side of wasabi. I’ve just got to say, damn baby, that’s good.

My next newly discovered favorite is the 98 percent Fat Free Foster Farms Island Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloins at Fred Meyer (the alliteration just about killed me there). This generous slab-o-turkey is delicately marinated and the two loins will feed a family of four for about $10. I bake it in the oven with sliced sweet onions, pineapple rings and serve with a nice side of brown rice and broccoli. It’s almost too healthy.

Saving the consumer time is all the rage in the grocery world. I plan to help you find the deals and more. From Costco to Cash-n-Carry and Dave’s Meat and Produce to Trader Joe’s, I hope you will look to me for a little insight and lot of attitude.

SALE ALERT: Stadium Thriftway still has Chanterelle mushrooms on sale for $7.99 a pound. Jump on this deal people. Pull out that Seal-a-meal that is gathering dust in you pantry and freeze some for the winter. Prepare them as their recipe suggests and then seal away!