I am so glad we decided to do a pantry challenge! It gave me a chance to really concentrate on using up those dinners in the freezer. I have spent only a minimal amount at the grocery store, buying fresh fruit and a few fresh vegetables. I also purchased milk from the local farm. Having a small household makes this very easy, our boys are both away at college so it is only my husband and I. There were a few minor challenges including a potluck dinner that I had to bring something to, and company coming over for lunch where I was able to create a hot lunch with food on hand in our freezer (sloppy joes).
The meal plan I mentioned last week was pretty much followed. This is what we’ve eaten this week.
Sunday: Pot Luck (ended up making a cabbage salad with Ramen Noodles both on hand)
Monday: Quiche (leftover)
Tuesday: Meatloaf (leftover)
Wednesday: Homemade Pancakes (breakfast for dinner!)
Thursday: Shepherd’s Pie (freezer)
Friday: Chili Mac and Cheese (freezer)
Saturday: Chicken Soup
Believe it or not we have used up a majority of freezer meals but not all!
I am going to continue to challenge myself and work at using up those meals. By the time summer arrives and I’m busy trying to preserve the summer harvest I want the freezers to be empty.
I’ve also been doing some research on using the pressure cooker to preserve “dinners in jars”. I have used my pressure canner to preserve certain things like beans and beef broth but not meals. It would be nice to not have to use my freezer space for all our frozen meals. I will continue to challenge myself!
We’re considering adding to this challenge and continuing it for another two weeks. May be crazy but imagine spending less than $100 on food for the month! How did you do with your pantry challenge? Any words of wisdom or lessons learned? Please share!
Nancy on the Home Front 