Clean out the Pantry Cooking

Well, although it is Friday (TGIF!), payday is another week away for us, so I'm at the point where I look in the fridge and stare blankly at the empty shelves trying to decide what to make for dinner. Although I DO need to go the the store for a few things (DIAPERS!), a huge shopping trip is not in the budget, so this is when I try to creatively use up all the pantry items.

I am always surprised at what can be created out of what appears to be "nothing to eat".

First, with a notebook and pencil in hand, I go through EVERYTHING in my fridge, freezers and cabinets (about once a month) and write it down by category (meats, dairy, canned items, dry goods...) I usually find a few things I forgot about hiding in the back of the freezer or cabinets.

Next, read over the list and see if any meal ideas or recipes come to mind. It's easier to plan something when you see it all on paper. Make a list of recipe ideas by category (snacks, breakfast, dinners/lunch), using up any items that may go bad soon, first--use up those eggs, yogurt, deli ham etc, before you have to throw them out.

Here are some things I usually end up making at the end of the month before payday:

-omelettes--eggs, potatoes, onion, cheese and anything else!

-breakfast for dinner (my kids love this!)--pancakes or french toast, and scrambled eggs

-smoothies--any flavor or plain yogurt; any combo of canned, fresh, or frozen fruit; juice; drizzle of honey, if desired; ice cubes--blend it all up and drink immediately or freeze in plastic containers.

-pizza--homemade crust requires only yeast, flour, salt, water and oil. You can top with anything from the usual cheese and pepperoni, to more gourmet combos like roasted garlic (easy to do!), chicken and onion. Use leftover taco meat on a pizza, or deli ham and swiss. Try a breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese--filling and cheap. Try a dessert pizza--any combo of bananas, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, peanut butter. Anything goes! .

-Instead of a flat pizza, use the same pizza dough and make personal "hot-pockets". Just make 6" dough rounds and have everyone top with their favorites among all your leftover food bits and pieces, then fold over, seal edges and bake. Stuff with sweet fillings (sweetened cream cheese, pie filling, or chocolate chips) for dessert or snacks.

-Potato soup--another cheap, easy and filling meal. Our favorite is potato corn chowder which is primarily cubed potatoes, corn (canned or frozen), sauteed onion in a little butter, chicken broth or bouillion, milk, and salt, pepper and basil.

-Italian Wedding Soup--cooked chicken (2 cut up breasts is enough for a pot of soup), a package of frozen spinach, some chicken broth/bouillion, small pasta noodles/pastina or rice, and miscellaneous other veggies like onions and carrots. Add a splash of white wine if you have any, and a 1/2 cup or so of parmesan cheese. Sometimes I throw in some crumbled ground beef (any leftover burgers?). Simmer for 30 minutes or the pasta/rice is cooked.

-French bread to go with the soups. SOOOO easy--only flour, water, yeast and salt. Use the leftovers for french toast.

-Baked pasta. Yum. Boil any shape of pasta (penne, rigatoni, ziti...) and drain when it is still a bit firm (ALMOST al dente, or it will be too soggy after it bakes). Pour into a casserole dish and cover with sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella or provolone and some parmesan and a sprinke of oregano or parsley. Bake until the cheese begins to golden and get bubbly.

-Homemade cheesy crackers. Like Cheez-its, but better. See a good recipe here.

-Baked Potato Buffet--bake or microwave a bunch of potatoes and set out bowls of toppings (cheeses, salsa, broccoli, black beans, sauteed onions, cubed ham, chicken, beef or pork, butter, sour cream, chopped fresh herbs).

Fried Rice--melt some butter in a skillet, add a chopped onion and saute. Add a cup or two of rice and saute until it is lightly golden. Add 2 cups of water for each cup of rice you used, cover and let steam on low heat for about 20 minutes. Add your favorite veggies (usuals are carrots, corn, green onions, peppers), any cooked and diced meat you have (chicken, pork, steak, shrimp) and a few splashes of soy sauce and a pinch each of ground ginger and garlic powder. Cook over low heat another 5 minutes or so.

Any other ideas to add? Leae a comment if you have any raid-the-pantry ideas.