WEEK 2 Pantry Challenge Update

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Week two came and went in a flash it seems. This week we leaned heavily on planned leftovers for lunches, and quick, partially prepped dinners to accommodate a busy schedule. I did a poor job of remembering to grab photos this week, so I have inserted some from past meals. What We Ate Breakfasts Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Walnuts, and Dried Cranberries w/ Yogurt Protein Granola Bars Coffee Cake Muffin from Dunkin' Lunches Pulled Pork Sandwich BBQ Pulled Pork w/ Mac & Cheese & Green Beans Steak, Mac & Cheese, & Green Beans Steak, Potato, Salad Misc Leftovers from a Volunteer Gig of Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli Sides: Grapes & Blackberries Sheet Pan Mac & Cheese! Dinners Dinner Out: Texas Roadhouse (lunch leftovers!) Steak & Shrimp w/ Mac & Cheese and Green Beans Lemon Chicken Cutlets w/ Rice & Green Beans  Lemon Chicken Cutlets w/ Pasta & Broccoli Shrimp & Steak Leftovers with Rice and Salad Grayson waiting to see the vet for his ann...
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Freezer Challenge Week 3 Update

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Week 3 for the Freezer Challenge has arrived! Week 1 & 2 were both very successful, with over half of the list used up! 

Here is how we are looking to start out Week 3. I have added a few things that didn't fit in the chest freezer, but overall an improvement, items are definitely less tightly stacked, even if there still doesn't look to be much open room.


Start of Week 3

Getting Organized

Coming into Week 3 the list is getting smaller and smaller! We've primarily got proteins, a few frozen vegetables, and pre-made meals.

Like the previous weeks, I have been trying to include a few fresh elements in the dishes I've been creating. We are in the depths of winter here, and including a fresh ingredients where affordable is a great way to keep meals from feeling heavy and dull. Two great, affordable ways to do this is using fresh lemons and parsley, both add fresh, bright flavor to a dish without driving up costs. I like to stir both in near the end or after cooking to ensure that their flavor stays and bright and highlights other flavors.

As seems to be the trend, I've managed to acquire a few items to fill in the gaps created, which was not the goal! I was given a package of hot dogs and two packages of puff pastry this week, so you will spot those as new additions.

The Contenders

Here's the updates list for week three. I've crossed off items used, and made a comment next to those that were partially used.

Frozen Fruits & Vegetables

  • 2 Small Bananas
  • 3 cups of Strawberries (this is one solid lump!) - I used the last of these up in a smoothie
  • 2 Bags Bell Pepper Strips - one bag remaining
  • 1 Bag Diced Bell Peppers
  • 1 Bag French Style Green Beans
  • 1 Bag Corn
  • 1/2 Bag Broccoli
  • 1/2 Bag Corn
Red Meat & Sausage

  • 1 Package of Chorizo
  • 1 Package Chile & Roasted Garlic Sausage
  • 6 Breakfast Sausages

Poultry

  • 1 lb. Ground Chicken
  • 1 lb. Ground Pork
  • 1 lb. Ground Turkey
  • 1 Package Italian Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
  • 1 Package Pesto Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
  • 1 Package Chile Lime Garlic Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
Cooked Meat
  • 3 Packages Cooked Cubed Chicken - 2 packages left
  • 1 Package Ground Turkey
  • 1 Package Ground Beef
  • 1 Package BBQ Pork
Cooked Meals & Miscellaneous
  • Turkey Pot Pie Filling (about 2 cups worth)
  • 2 Breakfast Burritos
  • Fiesta Rice Bowl (2 servings)
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 Ciabatta Rolls  - I made these into breadcrumbs for use in the meatball recipes
  • 2 cups of... Milk? It's dairy, but I don't recall what kind!
  • About 12 Lemons & Limes - One Lime and Three Lemons Down!
  • 1 Jar w/ tsp. of Fresh Ground Ginger
  • 1/3 Container Sherbet Ice Cream
Miscellaneous Basket (small items)
  • Pepperoni - I had planned to use this, then completely forgot to add them to the pizza rolls!
  • 1 Popsicle
  • 1 Biscuit - we had this with dinner one night
  • 2 Open Bags of Blueberries
  • Tortilla Scraps

The Plan for Week 3

This week I'm planning on the following recipes to continue knocking out some of these items:

  • Mac & Cheese w/ Baked "Fried" Chicken
  • Ground Turkey (raw & cooked) - taco filling for game night
  • Baked Pesto Chicken w/ Pasta and Fresh Green Beans
  • Chorizo & Egg Breakfast Quesadillas
I'm sure I'll add a few other things as I finalize my meal plan for the week, but for now, this is a good start.

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