Shop Cheap

Labor Day is just around the  corner and despite the temperature, you know it means so long to summer. To savor the last, lazy weekend before we start going all fall, Shop Cheap and the local supermarkets are focusing on our favorite summer foods.

But first, if you want to stock up on soda, this is the week to do it. At both Raley's and Safeway, Pepsi/Dr. Pepper/7.UP products are buy 2-12 packs, get 3 free. When Shop Cheap does the math, that's $12 (plus CRV) for 60 cans. But stop the presses, at Save Mart, 5-12-packs of Pepsi or Dew are just $10! Another good deal in the liquid dept.: a case of Crystal Geyser spring water at Henry's for $2.88.

Now for the other good stuff.

At Raley's - where "It's a Mom's World" - tri tip is $2.77lb; boneless skinless chicken breasts are $1.97lb; gourmet burgers are $3.99lb and pork spareribs are $1.99lb. Corn on the cob is 5/$1; cantaloupe is 77-cents each; berries are 2/$5 and fresh limes are 10/$1.

If you are having a backyard BBQ or picnic, Stagg chili is 99-cents a can; Ball Park franks are 2/$3; Tostitos chips are $1.89; Arrowhead drinking water is $3.33 a case and 9-inch apple pie is $3.97. If you'd rather do the already-cooked picnic, 16-piece chicken is $9.99. Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and 7-UP 2-liter jugs are 89 cents when you buy 4 and Raley's sparkling/flavored water is 78-cents.

In the deli, chicken strips are $5.99 and Nob Hill dip is 2/$7. In the bakery, chocolate or strawberry shortcakes are $9.99 each.

Swinging over to Elk Grove and the new Henry's, whole Foster Farms chickens are 69-cents a pound; corn on the cob is 8/$1; watermelon is $1.98 each and apple pies are $2.99 each. Other great produce deals include gold pineapples for $1.50 each; O'Henry peaches for 88-cents a pound; raspberries 2/$3 and seedless grapes $1.50 a pound.

Super lean ground sirloin is $2.77lb in the family pack; deli salads are 99-cents a pound and lemonade is $1.88. In the Henry's kitchen, sliced roast beef is $4.99lb; focaccia bread is $1.69 a loaf and mild cheddar is $2.99lb.

Save Mart is advertising Foster Farms chickens for 79-cents a pound. Pork spareribs are $1.57lb and Ball Park or Oscar Mayer franks are BOGO. Always great with the produce prices are watermelon for $1.47; seedless grapes for 59-cents a pound; avocado for $1 and BOGO salad blends. A 5lb. bag of Sierra Rose or Gold potatoes is $2.49. Be sure to check out the recipe for Red Potato Salad.

If you're doing the BBQ, Kingsford briquets are $6.99; buns are $1.99 and olives are $1 a can.In the bakery, Fresh strawberry Boston cakes are $6.99 with coupon. In the deli, Butterball turkey breast is $6.99lb.

Flip to the back page of the ad for the best deals. Coupons for Coke products (buy 2, get 1 free); Doritos or Tostitos for $1.49 a bag and Ball Park meat franks for 99 cents. Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce is $1 a bottle and Sunnyside buns are 99-cents a package.

Safeway will get you clipping this week with buns for 99-cents; Lay's chips for $1.79; Bar S jumbo franks for 88-cents and whole seedless watermelon for $2.88. Eggo waffles are $1.77 and Kraft cheese is $1.69.

In produce, berries are BOGO, red or green bell peppers are 99-cents each and nectarines are 99-cents a pound. Nabisco snack crackers are BOGO and fresh baked cookies in the bakery are 2/$5. Oroweat, Thomas' or Francisco buns are BOGO, fresh baked rolls are 3/$1 and whole Dungeness crab is $5.99lb.

Large Lucerne eggs are BOGO; and 89oz jug of Florida's natural OJ is $3.99. Safeway's special All-American pie - half cherry/half apple - is $2.50 and the Friday only $5 special is 8-piece chicken.

Come back on Thursday for some end-of-summer recipes from the Shop Cheap kitchen.