I have a pantry problem. I’ve been trying to clear out some of the food that’s been hanging around our house for a while, and I’ve done a fabulous job with the fridge and freezer. But the pantry? Uhm… Not so much. I buy a few canned/jar goods each week to supplement what we’re using from the fridge and freezer, but somehow I’m not using up as much pantry food as I put back in. So now my pantry has an overcrowding problem.
Solution: This week we’ll be focusing on two things. First, we have a crazy-nuts week ahead of us. We have some appointments that aren’t part of our normal weekly routine, and that usually throws dinner plans topsy-turvy. So our first focus is quick prep, easy meals. Second, we’ll be focusing on using up what’s in our pantry. The goal is to pare it down a bit and use the things that have been lurking there for a while.
So here’s the plan……..
:: Breakfasts ::
Homemade Bananas & Cream Oatmeal
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls & Fruit
Pumpkin Pancakes
Breakfast Cookies {I WILL get these made this week!!}
Cereal & Fruit
:: Lunches ::
Mac & Cheese (Annie’s from the pantry) & Veggies
Pita Pizzas (using leftover pitas from dinner)
Sandwiches & Veggies
Munchy Lunch (finger foods – crackers, cheese, veggies, fruit, nuts)
Leftovers
:: Dinners ::
Soup (canned, from the pantry – woot!) & Homemade Whole Wheat Pita Breads
Broiled Tilapia Parmesan, Crock Pot Potatoes, Green Beans (from the pantry!)
Eggs with Sausage & Peppers (super quick prep)
Chicken Tacos (with shells from the pantry)
Southwest Chicken Rollups (with wraps, salsa & refried beans from the pantry)
Homemade Pizza
If you’re looking for some general menu planning inspiration, stop by Menu Plan Monday hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie.
I like your “munchy lunch” idea. That would make my toddlers very happy.
I got the idea from a friend, and now Emma loves it. It’s especially good when we’ve had an extra-big breakfast and aren’t as hungry as usual by lunchtime. Have fun with it!
My Pantry has a Problem also. Maybe we need to set up an intervention, giggle. Menu Planning has to be our first line of attack in fixing this problem. So I think we’re on the right track 😉 Good Luck!
Ooooh a Pantry Intervention! Where do I sign up? 😀
I’m stopping by from Menu Plan Monday. I always seem to have more of certain items in my pantry than we need as well. I try to go a couple grocery trips without buying pantry items (unless we are actually out) when that happens. I’m going to have to check out the breakfast cookies!
I keep trying to not buy any more pantry food, but then I find that I need something to round out a meal from the freezer. I’m hoping that just paying attention and making an effort will help cure it.