Using What's On Hand

by Jane H.
(Bemidji, MN USA)

I used to plan meals, and then go shopping. Now, as much as possible, I look at what is in my refrigerator, freezer, and cupboard, and I try to use up what I have available.

This doesn't always work, of course. One must still shop for perishables, and there are always a couple of missing ingredients. But with a little thinking ahead, it's easy to soak dried beans that I already have rather than buy canned beans.

I enhance cake mixes on hand with extra ingredients like dehydrated fruit and ground nuts and seeds.

With a little imagination, a box of mac and cheese can become a gourmet meal (make it in the oven and top with sesame seeds).

Sometimes it takes extra work but the meals taste better and it's a money saver.