Your Food Stash Inventory - Start Here!
"You've paid for this food, you may as well use it up!" - Cindy
How much food do you already have in your home? You are going to be amazed! We have a saying at Cindy's Porch, "You have paid for this food, you may as well use it up." This simple statement has the power to save you $100's per month. Having said this, all of us are guilty of wading into the backs of our refridgerators and discovering an old science experiment doing the jig with a bottle of expired salad dressing. At the bottom of our pantries we find cans of strange fixings purchased years ago with the best of intentions. Been there, done that (and still occasionally do it sheesk!) So.....
Dig out your toques, mitts, and parkas. We are heading into the bitter cold depths of your deep freeze (including 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. (GIF File)
- 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! (GIF File)
- 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! (GIF File)
The Calendar! Now That You Know What's In Your Food Stash, Plan Your Menus for the Month
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. (You can find the links to our blank calendars on the "Kitchen Cash" page).
"With a little bit of planning, your "EAT at home FIRST" meal is fast, easy, and not as bad as you thought it would be (and it'll save you a pile of cash!)" - Cindy
