Header photo: One of the things Sam likes to do with soup bones and shanks taking up room in the freezer is to make beef bone broth and pressure can it for the pantry.
By Sam Vangsness
I am the first one to screenshot a recipe on the internet and add it to our weekly meal plan, but about a year ago I did something that made grocery shopping for those recipes a bit easier. I quit buying those single-use ingredients for the recipes I found online. Instead, I use what I have, it works out perfectly, and the recipes taste good. So, I am here today to remind you to take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer before your next grocery haul.
I only recently started taking inventory of what we have on hand. It makes running to the grocery store much simpler (and saves money too!). Fortunately, most weeks I find myself leaving the grocery store with dairy products and some fresh produce since I know we have meat in the freezer and pantry staples.
Organizing one of the freezers.
Pantry staples can help change the whole trajectory of a meal. You can turn canned tomatoes and a few spices into enchilada sauce or broth, flour and a few spices into gravy. I know making these additions from scratch takes a few extra minutes, but they will be well worth it when you can save a few dollars.
An easy way to remember to take stock of your pantry and freezer is to do it as the seasons change. Grab a piece of paper (or phone notes) and write everything you have on it. When you’re done, hang it on your fridge for easy reference. This is additionally helpful if you know you will be butchering soon and need to use up what’s in the freezer first.
Taking meat out of the freezer for a week for meals.
Knowing what you have on hand can make meal planning a bit easier. This is a great way to start. For me, I always see what kind of meat I have in the freezer. Then, I see what kind of veggies we have and decide what can be made from those ingredients. I may have a half jar of salsa in the fridge, which would make an easy taco night.
Meals don’t have to be fancy. They should be simple and delicious; it just might take some creativity! Have fun with it, get your family involved, and enjoy time together in the kitchen.
Sam lives in rural Morton County with her husband. She enjoys being outside working alongside her husband, but equally enjoys being in the kitchen cooking nutritious, delicious, simple meals, and sharing tips, tricks, and recipes along the way.