I want to do another pantry challenge this month. The fridge and freezer are still quite full with almsgiving leftovers, Christmas leftovers, etc. My pantry cabinets are somewhat full, too,
5 boxes pasta
2 boxes mac & cheese
1/2 container vermicelli
1 can spaghetti sauce
1 jar of fried dried & salted seer fish
1 can mackerel
6 cans tuna
1 can corned beef
6 cans chicken broth
4 cans cream of chicken (condensed soup)
2 cans cream of mushroom (condensed soup)
1 opened can of vegetable soup powder
1 opened jar of chicken bouillon powder
6 cans condensed milk
1 can table cream
2 cans breadfruit
1 can green beans
1 can green peas
1 cans corn
1 can mixed vegetables
1 can whole potatoes
2 cans red kidney beans
2 cans pumpkin puree
1 can pear halves
1 can coconut water
4 cans coconut milk
1 can coconut cream
1 opened box dried coconut milk powder
1 jar peanut butter
2 cake mixes (1 chocolate, 1 yellow)
1 cookie mix
2 flan mixes
1 watalappan (coconut/jaggery) pudding mix
1 lb. jaggery (palm sugar)
40 lb. sugar!
1 onion dip mix (Christmas gift)
6 jars homemade tomato chutney
2 jars homemade lemon marmalade
1 box opened pancake mix
1 5lb. bag flour (in the freezer)
10 lb. bag rice (basmati) (opened)
2 lb. bag rice (jasmine) (opened)
2 lb. bag rice (red) (opened)
1 lb. bag quinoa
2 envelopes yeast
2 boxes pectin
I didn't go through the other cabinets where I store cereals, tea, etc., or through the drawers where I keep lentils, dried garbanzo beans, bulk bought spices, etc. And I didn't do a freezer inventory, yet. But, I know I have turkey pot pies, fish, sausage meat, some chicken, some ground beef, etc., in the freezer and there are eggs, cheese, and various other items in the fridge.
I do need to buy some butter, if there is a good sale ($2.50/lb., preferably; if not, $2.99), as I am down to my last 1 lb. box, but I have enough for the time being.
Once I inventory the freezer and the drawers, etc., I will do a tentative meal plan. The idea is to eat mostly from the pantry and freezer and buy only milk, bread, fresh produce, and perhaps some eggs (I have 3 eggs left; the other dozen that is in the fridge is for daughter's love cake, which she hasn't made yet). However, if there are any good sales at stock up prices, I will take advantage of them. My grocery budget will continue to be $75 for the month, in order to be able to stock up as needed.
Anyone else doing a pantry challenge, this month?
I'd like to do a pantry challenge soon, but I don't know if I can get to it this month. My pantry definitely needs straightening up, so I can do an inventory when I do that.
ReplyDeleteMaybe in February or March? I am trying to use up some items that need to be used, so thought it was a good time to do it. :)
DeleteI spent today going through my kitchen cupboards & pantry and I've already gone through my fridge & freezer (just the top of the fridge) so I know what I have on hand. My usual budget for the month is between $150 and $200 Canadian - this includes cleaning & hygiene items. I'm restricting myself to $60 this month as all I need is dairy, a small bit of bread, and then fruit & veg. It is time to start using up what I have on hand! In fact, I'm hoping that February's budget will only be around $120 - still lower than normal. Money is very tight right now (I'm still adjusting to being retired earlier than planned) - I'm hoping to have some part-time work by March but funds will be much more limited from now on so I need to get used to it and make sure that nothing is wasted!
ReplyDeleteHi, Margie. An earlier than planned retirement is an excellent reason for wanting to limit spending! Good of you to have done your pantry/freezer inventory, already! I know that grocery prices in Canada tend to be a bit higher than down here, but I am sure you'll be able to keep to your budget, this month and next. I find it helpful to keep a spending log to keep track of what I spend and on what, when I am monitoring my budget closely. Hope you will be able to reach your goal of keeping the grocery spending low.
DeleteI'm still trying to work on the freezer stuff! I admit I went a little crazy before Christmas. There was a great deal on fish - two portions that are usually 6.99 were marked down to 2.29 and 1.99 (one lot cod, one lot tilapia). It helps that the weather is bad as I don't like to drive in the snow so don't go out as much. I wrote a list last week and pretty much stuck to it except for a couple of things hubby picked up after work. I'm working on my menu for next week. I find things work a lot better if I plan first - but admittedly it is not one of my strengths!
ReplyDeleteSharon, that was an excellent deal on the fish! Well done on sticking to your list! I want to try menu planning, based on what I have on hand. To that extent, today, I made a beef and vegetable soup. I had some of it for my lunch and will have the rest for lunches or dinners, over the next few days.
DeleteI moved a lot of stuff from the lake place back home so I am going to have to do a pantry challenge at the latest by February.
ReplyDeleteFebruary would be a good time to do a grocery challenge, too, I'm sure. :)
DeleteAs long as my diet is restricted to just whole foods, I will not be doing a pantry challenge. I have tried shopping every two weeks and it seems to be working for me. I have given away most of the processed foods from my pantry already.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing really well with your diet, Susan, and it will be hard for you to do a pantry challenge.
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