JL Johnson Nov 7, 2024

We've decided to give up on the #PantryChallenge. We made it almost a month but with travel and the resulting week extension... and now the doom and gloom, the added stress doesn't feel worth it.

I'm still going to be more cognizant about using our aging stuff. And need to be careful with saving money with this new regime anyway...

JL Johnson Nov 4, 2024

Feeling like we are overdue for a #PantryChallenge update. There were some quick trips and SOMEONE’s age updated to start with 4 😳 So we’re back at it as of yesterday and will continue though next Saturday.

Fridge, freezers and pantry are looking pretty sad these days.

JL Johnson Oct 23, 2024

Hello, internet! We recently bought an espresso machine. But as we are in the middle of a #PantryChallenge (no eating out, can’t buy food stuffs except produce and milk) we can’t buy the fun syrups.

So I’ve decided to make our own simple syrup. Anyone have some DIY suggestions beyond just the sugar and water recipe?

#coffee #espresso

Jillian J Oct 22, 2024
#PantryChallenge update: I remember trying a Blue Apron meal years ago with white beans and pasta, which was my inspiration for dinner. Boursin cheese mixed with Rao’s for the sauce, rotini, and cannellini beans that I seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. A total shot in the dark kind of meal, but it was delicious and our little babe was very excited about the beans.
JL Johnson Oct 21, 2024

#PantryChallenge update. I’ve been avoiding this jar of pasta sauce for… a long time. Bummer that I did, because it was quite good. Strong marinara with a splash of Alfredo vibes.

That’s what this challenge is all about. Getting rid of stuff and forcing creativity near the end. We’re nearly out of bread and cheese so it’s about to get interesting 😂

Jillian J Oct 20, 2024
#PantryChallenge: I found a bunch of berries in our freezer, along with a strawberry and banana coconut water that I’m not fond of. Blended the two with some Greek yogurt, a super ripe banana, and a spoonful of peanut butter for a delicious smoothie.
JL Johnson Oct 19, 2024

#PantryChallenge+#Espresso combo update. Yay!

We don't have any of the fun pre-made syrups for lattes and we recently ran out of sugar cubes. But we have quite a bit of flavored coffee creamer in the fridge. So I threw some in the bottom of my cup, brewed a double shot on top added steamed milk...

WOW. I did not expect it to be so good. This is so much fun.

JL Johnson Oct 18, 2024
#PantryChallenge update. I found some frozen blocks of French onion soup in the freezer that were AWESOME. Sure which I knew where we got them, would buy again.
JL Johnson Oct 11, 2024
If your bread goes rock hard, you can temporarily revive it. Give it a splash of water, put it in a semi-airtight container and put it in the microwave for a steam. Also a good tip when you’re doing a #pantrychallenge, can’t buy bread and don’t want to make any. 😁
JL Johnson Oct 10, 2024

I haven’t published a lot of follow-ups regarding our October #pantrychallenge. Part of that is because the first week or two are more or less easy as we draw down on supplies of stuff we normally keep on hand.

Things are starting to get interesting, though.

One anecdote: very expired pumpkin pancake mix is mostly OK. Though the leavening in it isn’t nearly as effective.

ALSO: I really wanted McDonald’s breakfast but resisted.