Pantry Challenge Wrap Up

Each January, I eagerly await the opportunity to clean out my freezer and pantry as a way to expunge the excess of the holidays and begin the new year with a purged kitchen.  This year was not exception.  I participated in Jessica's pantry challenge last year at Life as Mom and was hoping she would host again.  I loved the accountabilty and reading about how everyone else got creative in their kitchen.  I was thrilled to see she was hosting the challenge again on her food blog, Good Cheap Eats.  I jumped on board, posting my goals for this year's challenge.

Goal #1 - Prepare meals from the pantry and freezer exculsively beginning January 1 and ending January 31st.

All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner originated in my freezer or pantry this month.  I purchased very few items.  We only ate once as a family, on the go where there was just no other option.  I also ate lunch out one time, but this was a celebratory occasion and well worth it!  We even discovered some new favorite recipes.

Spinach and Black Bean Pizza

Peanut Butter Granola

Roasted Pork Loin with Garlic and Rosemary

Seven Layered Salad

Honey Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry

Cocoa-Almond Biscotti

Goal #2 -  Only buy dairy, bread and fresh fruits and vegetables during the month of January. 

We were successful with this goal as well.  My trips to the grocery were $10 - $15 and all of it was fresh food.  I did not even stock up on one deal the entire month of January, eventhough I was very tempted.

Goal #3 - Utilize leftovers more effeciently.

Super Success on this one!  I made planned leftovers several nights for dinner and actually used them!  I also planned my lunches around our leftovers.  I threw out soooooo  much less food than in previous months.  I am hoping to continue this good habit.

Goal #4 - The only "out" I am giving myself this month is for my Bunco night.  I am hosting and may have to buy some items to fill in the menu.

I served a full dinner with appetizers and dessert for 12 ladies and only spent $50, which included 2 bottles of wine.  This is great!  I saved over $50 off my usual Bunco Budget.   I even hosted another dinner party for 8 for $14.oo, only buying a bag of potatoes and 3 bunches of asparagus. 

We are continuing with a modified pantry challenge for the next couple of weeks.  I have some items in the freezer that still need to be used and I want to save some money for some special events at the end of the month.

Thanks for hosting Jessica, it's been fun and so very useful.