When the cupboards are bare

Sometimes the budget gets tight, either because an unexpected expense comes up or we underestimated how hungry kids get over the summer (or both!).

We were two days from payday with very few dinner options. Rather than be completely discouraged, I tried to use what we had on hand.

We had:
2 potatoes
3 carrots
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup mixed beans
1 can corn
1/4 a red onion
Garlic
Tomatoes and peppers from the garden
Chicken bouillon

I also had flour, yeast, oil, water, and sugar.

I turned all that into this:


And had leftovers to freeze. I would eat that even if it wasn't close to grocery day :)

What have you thrown together from an "empty" pantry?

Pantry Challenge

Today is Payday and usually that means that I am busy making a list, printing off coupons, and braving the store with 2 boys in tow.

Not today. I don't know if it is the weather or the lack of good sales, but I do not want to shop today. Usually, this backfires and the sales the next week are even worse, but this week I think I am going to take that chance. Our Kroger changes sales on Thursday. So I can either go today and risk better sales tomorrow or wait and see that the ads can get worse.

Looking through my pantry I have discovered that I could easily make meals that last until the next sale cycle. I have meals through Sunday planned already, and could easily make due for 3-4 more days just in case the sales are better next Thursday.

So that is my challenge. If the sales are lackluster tomorrow- I'm on strike ;) I will post a "Pantry Challenge" menu tomorrow if that is the case.

Have you ever lived off your pantry? What creative meals did you come up with? Do you keep a stocked pantry?