Grocery Prices Spike Again in 2026
The USDA forecasts a 3.4% rise in overall food prices in 2026, driven by extreme weather and drought. Beef and veal prices are expected to soar 12.1%, while fresh vegetables could climb 7.8%, impacting Pacific Northwest shoppers.
Source: Newsweek — May 29, 2026
⚡ QUICK ALERT
Iran Conflict Spurs Grocery Price Hikes Ahead
Rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Iran war are set to push grocery prices higher in the coming weeks. The Pacific Northwest could see notable impacts on imported seafood, fruits, and vegetables as supply chains tighten.
Source: KATU Portland — March 25, 2026
This Week’s Recipes
Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup
Peel and dice the potatoes and onion. Rinse the lentils thoroughly. In a pot, sauté the chopped onion with a little oil (optional) until translucent. Add the lentils and potatoes, cover with water (about 4 cups), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why now? With rising prices for beef and fresh vegetables due to drought and conflict-related supply issues, dried lentils, potatoes, and onions remain affordable, shelf-stable pantry staples that provide good nutrition at low cost.
Peacock Pie
A flamboyant feast featuring the exotic bird in its full plumage
Era: Victorian Era, 19th Century
- 1 whole peacock, plucked but with feathers reserved for decoration
- 1 lb veal or lamb (optional, for filling)
- 1 cup almonds, blanched and chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Assorted herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- 1 bottle Madeira wine
- Pie crust pastry
Clean and prepare the peacock, keeping the feathers intact for later decoration. Cook veal or lamb with onions, almonds, herbs, salt, and pepper until tender. Fill the peacock with the cooked meat mixture. Place it carefully inside the pie crust and cover with another layer of pastry. Bake the pie until golden and the filling is cooked through. Once out of the oven, reattach the reserved peacock feathers to the pie for a dramatic presentation.
Weird Factor: Using a whole, feathered bird as pie decoration and combining it with rich meat fillings is visually striking and culturally bizarre to modern diners unaccustomed to flamboyant food presentations.
Would You Really Eat This?
Victorian Peacock Pie — would you try it?
Share Your Ugly Recipe!
Got a budget recipe that looks rough but tastes amazing? We want it! Send us your best “ugly recipe” and we might feature it in a future edition.