I am a big believer of using recipes as a guideline- a suggestion of methods or ingredients to create a dish that suits my budget, family and dietary requirements. I always use recipes as inspiration to creating something fabulous from simple, fresh produce and store cupboard staples.
One thing I am guilty of is having an overstocked pantry bursting from its seams and a not one, but two fridge/ freezers groaning with ingredients. Despite the best intentions of planning ahead and freezing meals, the end result is plenty of mystery meals-chinese containers, unlabled and unidentifiable. So although the intention has been good, the execution has been sadly lacking.
One of my goals is to start meal planning and using this plan to create a shopping list to stick to. I hope this results in improving our grocery budget, ensuring even more balanced meals and most importantly- no more waste!
So from now until moving day (1 October) I intend on actually using everything up before buying more- this is a massive challenge for me!! So apart from buying fresh fruit and veg, I am going to do my best to use up the pastry staples and frozen meat I have stocked up.
Great Idea and Good Luck!
I had a peak in my cupboards once and I think there must have been around $500 worth of “store” cupboard supplies that barely get touched. Its a nice feeling when you clean it all out….then off to the shops and start again
Thanks Michelle! Its frightening how full my pantry was- no wonder it always looked cluttered! Its great seeing it empty, albeit slowly!