Some of you may remember that I participated in the Pantry Challenge last year. I am sure that somewhere (blog) is probably hosting such an event now. But, I am finding myself attempting this challenge again on my own here at Lil Daisies - for several reasons:
1. Financially - We have been struggling financially over the past several years and even more so this last year. It has been a very hard learned lesson of life for me - but, God is really refining me in this area and teaching me to trust in Him through this season in our lives. He is Jehovah Jirah! (God who provides). More so recently, we have run out of funds - even for grocery shopping over these next few weeks. So, I am challenged with the fact that we just don't have the money right now to by any groceries.
2. Frugality - My desire is to provide delicious, healthy meals for my family without breaking my budget and without having to buy a lot of the cheaper processed foods. I love my freezer - but, I don't want a pantry that is filled with processed foods either. I support organic and fresh foods. However, sometimes it can be economically hard to purchase organic foods all the time - however, I do confess that it is getting to the point that organic is becoming more and more affordable!
3. Another CHALLENGE to my pantry challenge? I started up Weight Watchers. I am eager to lose weight and be healthy. I need to clear out some of the "not-so-healthy-and-worth-lots-of-points-so-I-shouldn't-have-it-tempt-me-anymore!" from the pantry and freezer.
Okay--- so, what I have planned out for the month of January? Well, this is the "scratch" list of meals. Of course, things change and plans alter, so it may not go as according to plan. But, you can get the idea.
I started last week January 3rd with my planning.
Jan. 3rd
Jan. 4th - Tortellini & Soy Chorizo Soup w/ crescent rolls
Jan. 5th - Taco Salad
Jan. 6th -
Jan. 7th - Soy Bean Succotash with Shrimp over brown rice
Jan. 8th -
Jan. 9th - Trader Joes Orange Chicken over Cilantro, Lime & Coconut Rice, Broccoli
Jan. 10th - Lemon Tilapia (freezer) with Roasted Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Tomatoes)
Jan. 11th - Penne Pasta w/ marinara & meatballs
Jan. 12th - Black Bean Soup with Cornbread
Jan. 13th - Burritos
Jan. 14th - Costco Tilapia Fish Sticks (baked), Broccoli, Green Salad
Jan. 15th - Leftovers
Jan. 16th - Leftovers
Jan. 17th - Bowtie Pasta with Tuna & Peas
Jan. 18th - Singapore Shrimp Stir-Fry
Jan. 19th - Tacos
Jan. 20th - Stuffed Cabbage with Brown Rice & Lentils
Jan. 21st - White Bean & Vegetable Soup
Jan. 22nd - Penne w/ roasted cauliflower & onions, Green Salad
Jan. 23rd - Split Pea Soup (crockpot) w/ Papa Bread & Hummus
Jan. 24th - Mac-N-Cheese & Hot Dogs
Jan. 25th - Southwestern Bean & Corn Salad over lettuce
Jan. 26th - Wild Rice & White Bean Salad, Potato Leek Soup, Papa Bread
Jan. 27th - Leftovers
Jan. 28th - Leftovers 0r Pizza
Jan. 29th - Campfire Stew with bisquits
Jan. 30th - Spaghetti with Goat Cheese & Toasted Almonds
Jan. 31st - Crockpot - Pasta Fagioli
Great list! I eat a lot out of the pantry. I find when something like pasta, rice or canned veggies are on sale, I buy more than I need for that week, so it can carry over to the next. Also, I try to cook in bulk when it comes to casseroles, soups, stews and chillis - they all freeze really well, and you can cut your shopping bill in half by doing that some times.
ReplyDeleteWe have a once a week leftovers/sammie night. If the kids don't like the leftovers available, they can have a sandwich.
Also, I only buy meat in bulk once a month. There are a lot of nights that we have a meat free dinner because of that! But things like spaghetti and quiche don't need meat anyway.
Good luck - I've been in your situation more than once so I know exactly what you're going through! God bless!