THE PANTRY CHALLENGE

We go through several periods of cleaning as homemaders.  There's the typical Spring and Fall Cleaning that everyone knows about but often can get to.  This week I'm challenging you to do some cleaning of your freezer and pantry shelves.

We all have things hidden in our freezers or that we purchased for a special meal and then didn't get to that meal for whatever reason and now that special ingredient is setting on our pantry shelves. 

WELL LET'S GET TO IT.

First of all I hope that you have taken a marker and put the date on EVERYTHING you put in the freezer or on your pantry shelf. 

If not

• You have a bigger task than I thought
• Start doing it today!

By marking things with a date you'll know better how to rotate the things that are in your refrigerator, freezer and on your pantry shelves.

Now this is a photo I found at http://www.reynoldsnet.org/preparedness/Pantry_shelf.html of a beautiful pantry, well organized with items in plain view.  I wish my pantry was so organized.  An organized pantry and freezer can save you money but if you don't know where things are and you purchase more, then the first spoils you've defeated your purpose.

I believe in being frugel and buying in bulk if you use enough of the product to warrant it.  I also believe in being prepared for emergencies.  Emergencies can include loss of income for short or long periods of time such has happened to us on occasion.

THE CHALLENGE IS

to eat from the pantry, your cellar and/or your freezer for the entire month of August.  If you have a garden or frequent the farmers market you'll have fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement.

We have a beef that is going to be ready for the freezer in the next couple of months so we need to eat up what is in the freezer before more is added.

JOIN ME IN THE CHALLENGE AND SHARE WITH ME WHAT YOU'VE FOUND IN YOUR PANTRY/FREEZER AND WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO COOK WITH IT!

Please also share with us your storage and organizational tips.