From Cindy's Porch: Treasures in the Kitchen
 Planning your meals is going to save you money! Dig out your toques, mitts, and parkas. We are heading into the bitter cold depths of your deep freeze (included the one above the refrigerator!), then we head for warmer climates and tackle the refrigerator, and then we go tropical - the pantry! We are going to find out how much food is actually hiding in your home. Get your kids involved, they like pulling stuff out of the fridge LOL. When you know what food you have in your home, use the calendar to mix and match the food to create meals for your family. You will be amazed by how much money you will be able to save when you SHOP at home FIRST. No more wasted food! How does this work? Simple...
Note from Cindy: These printouts are PDF files, you will need ADOBE(TM) Acrobat Reader (version 5 or 6) to View. Also, some of the files may take a few minutes to load. Be patient. To download your copy go to ADOBE's Website.
- What's Lurking in the Refrigerator (PDF)? Always start by using up the food in your refrigerator first. Print out the inventory list and go through your fridge one shelf at a time. I usually fill a sink with hot soapy water so I can quickly wipe off the shelves as I go through.
- Put your mitts on, we are going into the freezer (PDF)! How long has it been since you have eaten your way down to the bottom of the freezer? How many years have you been moving that package of mystery meat from one corner to the other? Do you still have frozen vegetables from two years ago? You are not alone. You would be amazed by what people keep in their freezers (don't ask me how I know this LOL). It's time to take an inventory! If you have kids get them involved. Print out the inventory list and start writing. It is not going to take as long as you think (and it is going to save you $$'s in the grocery store). By the way, it's OK to toss anything you know no one is going to eat! No more guilt. As you began to plan your meals, the days of tossed food are going to disappear!
- Oh NO! The Pantry (PDF)! This is the last of our food stashes. Our pantries are famous for hiding cans of tomatoes, boxes of cereal, packages of pasta, and other interesting items we have collected over the years. Yes, I said "years." Some of us have had this food in our cupboards for YEARS! Again, it is time to figure out just what is in there. Print out the pantry inventory list and start writing!
- The menu plan for the current month (PDF)!. This is the most important part! Print out the calendar for the current month and plan out your meals. Mix and match all those foods you found in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Dig out a couple of your favorite cookbooks for ideas. See how many days you can put together your meal plans by SHOPPING at home FIRST. Calendar updated for May 2008!
- Last, but not least, the Shopping List (PDF)! Keep your shopping list by your side as you plan your meals. Organize your shopping in food groups. Not only does this keep similar foods together, it reduces the amount of time you spend in the store.
Back to Breakfast! SHOP at HOME FIRST
If you find yourself staring at the junk food machine at 10 in the morning, or heading to the local deli for a midmorning donut and coffee, then you may want to consider starting your day with a new plan for breakfast at home first!
Twas the night before breakfast
when all thru the house
not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse.
All the dishes were set
on the table with care
In hopes that a real breakfast
soon would be there.
- Back to Breakfast Ideas: A good morning starts with a good breakfast. And a good breakfast starts with a little planning the night before. Twas the night before breakfast....
If you need a little "kick start" to help you go Back to Breakfast, then check this out. We have a pile of tips from our members, plus a great planning sheet that you can print out and start using tomorrow morning!
 Lunch Time Ideas! SHOP at HOME FIRST
Bagged Lunch Ideas: Paying too much for school, deli, or fast food lunches? Check out our ideas (including a bunch of great tips from our members) to help get rid of those lunch time blues (and save a few dollars at the same time). We also added a Lunch Time Guide that you can print out and post on the fridge for those mornings when you just have no idea what to make for lunch. Enjoy!
Cleaning Out the Refrigerator - YIKES!
Are you having trouble with the PDF files?
First check that you have version 5 or 6 of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Earlier versions do not seem to work with the files I made. If they still do not work, I have posted converted the PDF files to JPG or GIF images which you can view and print out. They are not as clear, but they will work too. Use your BACK KEY on your browser to return to this page. - Cindy
- The Refrigerator Inventory (JPG)
- The Freezer Inventory (JPG)
- The Pantry Inventory (JPG)
- The Calendar for May, 2008 (GIF)
- The Shopping List (GIF)
You have already paid for this food, you may as well use it up! - Cindy
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