My spouse had the opportunity to take a week break during a shutdown vs volunteering to work,etc We are happily using up what we have for a moment. Lol
My wife is disabled so I have to do everything around the house. I learn so much from your videos I mean cooking pantry clean out all that stuff. Thank you so much frugal mom
I love the list of meals to choose from! When my boys were little they used to question why we couldn’t go out to eat more ‘like other people.’ We had an extremely tight budget. I had to shop sales and plan meals well in advance. I asked what their favorite part of going out to eat was and they both said they like that they can order from a menu. That started me putting a list together of several meals and let them take turns picking from the list. I would cross them off as we worked through what I was already planning without any more complaints about not going out to eat. A tiny change made such a big difference in perception for them❤ 32:19
Your children won the lottery with you guys as their parents. The yummy food you whip up, the healthy hiking, biking and sightseeing vacations, attention to budgets and education, etc.
You have been so inspiring to us. We are a family of 10 with 6 currently at home and I have cut our grocery budget to $500 a month to get our debt payed off. We also have been cleaning out our feezers and pantries. You have taught me so much about shopping the clearance. It is so fun 😀I just wanted to thank you again. I never miss a video and I never comment because I watch you on the TV.
Chicken legs have been cheaper than eggs. They are inflation proof. I sheet pan them with spices and potatoes and onion and canned vegetables on the stove.
I just found a Bosch at an estate sale. It looked brand new and I paid $25 for it. It still has all the manuals all the extra doodads I nearly came out of my skin when I saw it.
It literally doesn't matter. A liquid measure is essentially to make it less messy. There are no wet Measuring spoons and dry measuring spoons. When you measure out vanilla extract and it spills over the tablespoon, this is the same as *possibly* spilling over 1cup of water/ milk/ oil. The liquid measuring cup allows you to *possibly* overpour without spilling. That is the only difference. 250ml is 250ml.
I’ve been doing a pantry challenge for my family’s dinners to see how many meals I can make with what we have on hand. I’m filming it and I think I can make 12+ dinners without even having to go to the store for any ingredients. 😮
When baking your bacon, save cleanup by lining your sheet pan with foil. I like to sprinkle Italian seasoning on my French bread before baking. Gives a great flavour.
These pantry/extreme budgets are the BEST! You are amazing at it. I believe everyone who watches has the same problem with deals.😂 Please keep us going during this crazy inflation?!
These types of videos are my favorites. It's like playing Chopped at home. And I'm always shocked when I create new family favorites from stuff I had on hand.
I’m doing the same thing this month. I was laid off a few weeks ago, and my freezers are full, so I’ve decided now is a great time to clean those out so I’m not buying groceries as often. It’s been good so far 👍
My sister got laid off Amazon currently sry to hear that. It’s always best to stay stocked even if your a single person you never know what can happen.
I FINALLY meal planned around my pantry and freezer! Significantly reduced my grocery cost for the next two weeks! Added bonus: trying some new recipes!
Christine - as much as I like your recipes, pantry ideas, food prepping, preservation money saving tips - I really just enjoy you and your family!!! You are so funny naturally I love your family dynamics! Thank you for just being you!
I was at the grocery store today and they had amazing prices (and clearance) on meat. Small pack of pork stirfry...1.83 cents... It was perfect amount to add to a fried rice. 5 porkchops were on sale for 3.30. I got sausage for 2 dollars a package. All this makes meals extremely affordable if pared with something inexpensive like biscuits and gravy. I have also made those cashew coconut "balls" except I make a pan of it and cut it into squares.
We did a pantry and freezer clean out last month as well. The freezer went from being a wall of food to still being full just no longer comically full. The pantry has some open spaces again as well. We decided to continue eating through the pantry and freezer for this month as well. Although I did tell myself I’m allowed to buy one roast for a new recipe, and some shrimp because we are completely out and the family has been asking for a couple meals with it.
I need to do a no/ low spend February. I have a vacation planned for this summer and in order to take it I need to save approximately $2,000 so one way I’m doing it is cleaning out both of my freezers and pantry.
One of my favorite things to do with frozen fruit or fruit that’s getting a bit past its prime is chia seed jam. If you combine cut up fruit with lemon juice and sweetener if desired with a chia seeds and cook in a pot until it boils you can either refrigerate it to set into jam or store in the freezer for later or if you’re really feeling ambitious put it in sterile jam jars with canning lids and vacuum seal it in the instant pot to store at room temp for up to 2 years
About homemade broth taking up so much room, I feel the same way. My brain kicked out a good idea recently, when you make broth after you strain it, reduce it by 1/2 or more simply simmering it on the stove, it takes a while but then it goes into smaller containers. Just be sure to mark it double strength, add water. Or sometimes you just want it stronger. I've also seen where it has been cooked down until it makes jelled cubes for even less volume. I like your reverse meal plan idea. It lets you choose when to make what, but gives ideas so you can put food together quickly without having to brainstorm for what is available to make.
You have no idea how much I appreciate what you have taught me over the past months. I had a strike 7 days ago. I have enough food and meals ready so that my daughter can fix meals for us. Hubby doesn't have to worry about shopping for quite some time as I recover. Thank you a thousand times.
Oh, I hope you are doing well. It’s always better to be prepared. My 70+ mother thinks I’m nuts until she runs out of something, lol. It’s great to know that if someone needed to step in and help me, they wouldn’t have to do much or spend any money. I’m thankful for that. Blessings to you on a speedy recovery. 🙏
@@firequeen2194 thank you for your kind wishes This is very difficult. Im doing pretty good, considering the brain damage, so I'm ok with that. Still struggling every day. At least I don't have to worry about grocery lists and shopping.
I'm a singleton - but I have a pantry and a freezer. :) Your clean out videos always inspire me to use up what I have at home! FWIW: so far in January I tried out a new recipe - I made a chickpea pot pie (had all the ingredients at home) in my iron skillet (I will admit this was way better than I expected. It's a keeper). I also made lentil and spinach stew with a fresh loaf of homemade crusty bread (you inspired me to start baking no knead bread). I'm a Flexitarian so not all my meals are meatless - these two just sounded like good winter "comfort" food (and I had everything needed on hand - no trip to the store needed.) Thank you for the inspiration!
Thrifty tip since you have them... Did you know you can use 1 T chia seeds and 2.5 T water for an egg replacement? 😁 Eggs prices are outrageous right now!!
If you make beans (pinto, black, etc) and reserve the bean juice, it’s called agua faba and is also an egg replacement. Who knew? I save all my bean juice now. You’re absolutely correct about egg prices. I live in Iowa. There was a major avian flu outbreak again and they thought they had “culled” all the sick chickens (killed 😢). As soon as they went back in production, chickens are sick again. I don’t think it’s gonna get better anytime soon. If I had the money, I’d buy a homestead and raise my own. I think there’s something wrong with their environment. 🤷🏼♀️😔
A 30 min video from Christine? Yes please! I love your pantry/ freezer clean out videos! This year I implemented a food budget per month and have been keeping track of what I've spent in my phone. It's the 25th and I think we're going to come in a good amount under budget this month! So exciting!
I started a pantry/freezer clean-out after the holidays and find that I'm more committed to my food budget and we're eating better. I always menu planned but my goal was to stick to a budget. Starting with the goal of using up what we have is a complete mind-change. I'm looking through old recipes, searching for recipes/recipes by ingredient. It's becoming more challenging as the weeks go by but we're going to continue through February. I have too many seasoning packets, sauces, freezer meals and discount meat/poultry that need to be eaten. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's only a deal if we end up using it. Sale items that are used/fully consumed are a waste of money.
Thanks for the inspiration Our menu using the items In Fridge, freezer, and pantry Sunday- steak green beans roasted potatoes Monday - unstuffed cabbage rolls Tuesday- egg roll in a bowl Wednesday- enchilada meal (made 4 dinners) Thursday - sausage and cabbage Friday - stuffed acorn squash with protein Saturday- Italian soup Grocery list Enchilada sauce la victoria red 2- 28 Oz cans Carrots 4 cans cannellini beans low salt 4 cans black beans low salt Corn tortillas 2 packs or 1 big pack (enchilada preps) Vanilla ice cream
All thanks to you, I’ve scored a ton of clearance deals at our Kroger store over the last few months! I never imagined I could get so much at such a great price! My family of 4 thanks you 🙌 And now you’re inspiring me to do a freezer/pantry clean out. Made a delicious meal tonight for my family all without needing to go to the store. So so thankful I found you last summer! Saw your interview with Rachel Cruz! You’ve already saved us hundreds $$ on our food budget! Inflation is tough, but it just makes the clearance finds that much better!
The freezer/ broth issue is why I started canning. Definitely so much nicer to have it not frozen and taking up space in the freezer for valuable meat and other items.
But you also have to find space for the jars. I have non, so I have to freeze it when I make it. I put mine in zipper bags and lay them flat which helps a lot!
Love seeing one in a bowl, rather than packaging all in boxes "for the audience". It's so real and also shows being frugal with washing up and washing up liquid, not wasting a box and being able to eat in a nice ceramic at home. xxx
If your produce is going bad put it into large zip lock bags and keep filling it up and put it in the freezer, when you get 3-4full bags make some vegetable broth ! You can pressure can it! I save all my veggi scraps! Onion skins, ends of carrots, celery, green peeper scraps ect!
I think this might be how I want to basically live my food life. It seems better to me Bcuz I think it takes more brain power and energy to deal with overflowing excess than it does to get creative with recipes using what you already have. And it also makes me feel like more of a champ when I don’t let things go to waste.
This was a super helpful video - great ideas I had not thought of. Another awesome way to clean out the pantry/freezer/fridge is with a stir fry or a fried rice - we scramble some eggs (or cook your protein), remove from the pan. then cook up whatever veggies we have - frozen, fresh, whatever, then add the protein back to the pan and season.
Woo Christine! I’m proud of you! 👏🏼 We have been doing this since the beginning of the year and haven’t been shopping yet!! Over 3 weeks 😯 for milk we have been using shelf stable almond milk that I got from Costco last year. Thanks for the inspiration 😊
I also live your videos bc you show us the progress of your pantry and freezer. I love seeing the new space bc stuff is getting used up! Goals people! Lol. Love your channel.
I was doing amazing. My pantry was down to nothing! Then I restocked from my food storage room in my basement. So pantry is full again, but the food storage is low. Freezers are decently packed cause yay venison from hunting. But we are a family of 4 and going through it pretty quickly. My work is doing a soup/stew potluck on Friday and I'm super excited about all the canned beans, diced tomatoes, and home made stock I can get out of my house to make my soup.
Love these pantry clean out videos! 😁 I've been trying to do the same but when I go to the store to get milk or pet food or whatever, the reduced stickers still call to me so the freezer is probably more full than it was at the start of the month 😂
Love your freezer/pantry videos. You make it look easy and fun. I’m beginning to enjoy cooking again and can’t wait to see your next clean out video. Thanks Christine!
Christine I love love love the pantry/freezer clean out!! Do you take a formal inventory of your freezers and pantry , or do you just remember? I started last year to take a formal inventory to use up the older products first!!!
Love that you've been getting back into loving cooking, I'm in that boat too. I found out recently salt kills yeast - who knew?! So when I'm baking, I'll add the salt on top of the flour (yeast on bottom) and I feel like it helps the floof in my breads. Ha! Keep the budget clean outs coming - they're my favorite videos to watch!
I wish we had room in our budget to stockpile things, but have still been cooking from my pantry/freezer/fridge for several months now. Love the video!
I’ve been working on a modified pantry and fridge clean out this month and have definitely made some headway. I think we need to continue into February.
Another little benefit to chia seeds that isn't as often discussed is for keeping you regular. I've always got some in the pantry for times when my IBS is playing merry hell with my body.
I have always wanted to do the pantry clean out/freezer clean out, but really need to work on the having the items for the intended meal! I used to be pretty good at this.....not so much anymore! really enjoyed the video! I am getting inspiration from the meals that you are creating, so thanks so much for sharing! xoxo
I love all of your videos. I am a SAHM to 2 kids, one is autistic and diabetic, so I always have to make her a separate meal. I've saved a lot of money and I've gotten many meal ideas watching your videos. With inflation, there are more people using food stamps to purchase their groceries so I thought you could do a video about how to make the most of your food stamps. I don't know what the average allotment is but I'm sure you would look into that. Just an idea. 💡 Love you, love your videos!
She already did something similar 2 years ago and recreated a food pantry box. ruclips.net/video/TjEmo_exSOQ/видео.html (hope the link works, if not the video is called CHEAP & EASY MEALS FOR LARGE FAMILIES | BUDGET DINNERS | FRUGAL FIT MOM COOK WITH ME) And yes, I watch her videos too much and of course would also watch an updated one, even though it has 0% relevance to me 😁
That’s a great idea. I’m fortunate enough to not need them but that would be super helpful for others and I would find it interesting as well. In Iowa, they’re looking at major changes to SNAP which makes no sense (no meat or fresh fruits/veggies 🤯). I think there’s going to more and more need for creative ideas.
Whip cream ( cool whip type that doesn't melt🫠) and then Oreo crumbs on top of a choc cake is bomb. We used to have some kind of can of stuff you would whip up when I was a cook and that was a go to desert that was super simple when we needed another desert . It is so yummy.
I keep smaller containers of my staples in my kitchen but big enough I only have to fill once a month. Like rice, flour, sugar, macaroni, brown sugar, farro, crackers. My 5 gallon buckets hold the bulk. I am able to rinse and recycle all the plastic bags at my store. I recycle so well my trash bill is only 3$ a month!
Love Christine! And For anyone that needs more pantry challenges, quick easy meals, etc. also check out RUclips channels on Julia Pacheco, she’s in her apron, acre homestead, and Mandy in the making. All great relatable women
I did not realize it was a thing and have been doing it for years. Life happens and sometimes you don’t have electricity so that breakfast casserole doesn’t get cooked that morning just happened Saturday morning! Thank goodness for our gas stove and a ham steak! We had our campfire pot coffee and ham sandwich by candlelight!
Have you looked at any recipes for homemade Aussie Bites (which I know that you love)? I made a batch a couple of months ago. Exact same taste except I maybe ground my ingredients too finely. They lasted in a container on the counter for weeks without getting dried out or moldy. I was super impressed with how well they turned out from all the ingredients I already had on hand.
When I decided to watch this video, I was beginning to paint my pantry. Wow! That's a job! It is also a great way to purge what is no longer good, and reorganize what's left. We will be moving to another state in the late spring or early summer. I will meal plan from what is left in my pantry and freezer. Thanks for the great ideas!
Can’t wait to try your bread. Have you ever made turkey noodles? Get frozen Grandma egg noodles ( or make your own). Cook them in your turkey stock, half way thru, add chopped carrots and celery and cook till noodles are soft. Add shredded Turkey or chicken meat and Let sit 30 min and feast! Great to keep warm for hours in the crock pot.
I love your channel I’ve been here from the very beginning before all the subcribers! I love how family oriented you and your family are which is what i pray for everyday
Just a little tip when icing a cake, layout pieces of wax paper on your tray, then put your cake on it, then after you are done icing it, just pull the pieces of wax paper away and you have a clean professional looking iced cake because your platter is clean.
I have been using up the older stuff in my fridge/pantry, so I don't let anything go to waste and replacing and organizing at the same time because I don't want to deplete my stash.
I foil my pan when I make bacon in the oven. Then i can let the grease solidify and wobble up the whole thing and dispose of it. I save my bacon grease in a mason jar in the fridge, but i have 2 jars right now. If i need the grease then i can funnel it thru a filtered sive using the foil kinda folded. I just use a coffee filter in the sive. Keeps the bits out so it doesn't go rancid.
Just like with flax seeds, chia must be ground if you want the benefits they provide. I wish more people knew this. I never see people grind them. Thanks for doing another pantry cleanout. I love these and we're doing one too.
I cleaned out my pantry and put all of the cans I needed to use use in 2 boxes.(too many to fit in one) It forced me to look at different recipes. I made my own sloppy Joes from scratch (no Manwich sauce. It was so easy!) I only had to get hamburger buns. I had half a can of tomato sauce left so next I made soft tacos. It also used up half a jar of salsa. ( I wanted to make freezer burritos, but I only had snack size burritos). Next recipe was lasagna, I did have to get cottage cheese (instead of ricotta) parmesan and mozzarella. I used up lasagna noodles (I still have 4 noodles left) I substituted green onions for cilantro, because it is what I have. I used up the half can of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and 2 cans of tomato paste. I had frozen onions and peppers in the freezer. I still had soft tacos left so I made quesadilla for breakfast. I did buy a loaf of bread, to make grilled cheese and I am using the salsa on my eggs (I'd rather have ketchup but I still have half a jar of salsa left). I want a break from the tomato based meals. So, I cooked 5 cups of rice. I made musubi for the freezer for future meals. I will make fried rice tomorrow and that should last a few days and use up bacon, Chinese sausage, cold cuts, frozen vegetables, and eggs I already have. That should be good for 3-4 days. I found some more flour tortillas in the refrigerator and I am looking at maybe doing enchilada's after that. I had lettuce I got from the garden, so I put them in the sloppy joes and I made egg salad sandwiches and put the rest of the lettuce in that. The other thing I made was apples and peanut butter because I have had the apples for a while. I still have more apples left. I chopped up more onions and peppers for the freezer. I also made potato mac salad. I did have to get some groceries to finish these meals ( cheeses, beef chub, hamburger buns, bread, green peppers, eggs). The hardest part of shopping was to stick to the list and not get more stock ups. Actually, I did cave and got 4 clearance muffins, but I have already eaten them all.
We've been doing a pantry/freezer clean out to. I have still bought things we needed but nothing extra well ice cream but sometimes you need ice cream. But can and jars and freezer items no unless we needed them. I came in $150 under budget cause that includes Sam's club shopping. I feel great about that.
I enjoy these pantry challenge videos! I was inspired to do a freezer cleanout this weekend and cook with stuff only from the freezer..it went well Thank you!
I have been trying to get through my freezer the last couple of weeks 👍. I have also realized that after Christmas we have lots of chocolate in the house, will not be buying any until it's ALL gone!
This has become a top video for me! Love, love the meals you put together! Oh my, the breads you baked looked mouth watering. I really love when you do cooking videos. Thank you Christine for taking the time to put this together!💗
My freezer goal is to always at least have room in the freezer for 1 Costco sized frozen item. Only have the fridge freezer, but the fridge is a good size. I made some space by baking a dozen cookies from frozen dough the other day. I also pulled out leftover rotisserie chicken to make Alfredo lasagna roll ups so that Tupperware tub is out. I need to make some impossible pie to use up leftover thanksgiving ham (and return container to its owner lol), but I cut it into chunks & freeze for lazy/busy nights so I won’t actually gain space. And I need to decide what I want to cook with my head of broccoli. I also really need to make a batch of cookies to use up pantry ingredients… Thanksgiving/Xmas sales weren’t as good this year so I didn’t overfill the pantry as I usually do in the fall. Although I did pick up a lot of pumpkin on clearance…
You should consider making sourdough bread. It is so much more healthy than yeast bread and their are plenty of sandwich bread recipes. Plus they freeze amazingly and you never need to buy yeast!!😃
Greetings from British Columbia! I love the pantry challenge idea! I have about 30 pounds of flour I'm working through in our cold storage room. The bread you made looks great and the birthday cake looks good too :)
Can we get a video understanding all the different types of rice and why you chose which one for which type of dishes? My parents never made rice and I’m trying to make it a staple in my house due to it being a frugal ingredient.
My husband is battling cancer 😔 so this past year I had to get creative with my shopping 😅 your videos have helped me sooo much thank you 😊 I recently got a raise at work so we are a lot better financially but I am still going to utilize these tips and skills so I can still be smart and budget and save
Thank you for sharing the protein bars! Found a similar recipe online that we had all of the ingredients for. My husband loves them. He struggles to keep weight on (I have the opposite problem lol) so they’ll be a great pre/post workout snack for him!
![KAYTRANADA - Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jGK3YVmGZ3Y/mqdefault.jpg)
My bank balance says there's food at home. I've been using up everything in the fridge and freezer. I've had to be quite creative🤣
Me too!
Sameeeeeeee
That's what my bank account says too.
My spouse had the opportunity to take a week break during a shutdown vs volunteering to work,etc
We are happily using up what we have for a moment. Lol
I did 2 months using pantry. Shopped first time since then. Mostly meats and produce.
My wife is disabled so I have to do everything around the house. I learn so much from your videos I mean cooking pantry clean out all that stuff. Thank you so much frugal mom
I love the list of meals to choose from! When my boys were little they used to question why we couldn’t go out to eat more ‘like other people.’ We had an extremely tight budget. I had to shop sales and plan meals well in advance. I asked what their favorite part of going out to eat was and they both said they like that they can order from a menu. That started me putting a list together of several meals and let them take turns picking from the list. I would cross them off as we worked through what I was already planning without any more complaints about not going out to eat. A tiny change made such a big difference in perception for them❤ 32:19
Your children won the lottery with you guys as their parents. The yummy food you whip up, the healthy hiking, biking and sightseeing vacations, attention to budgets and education, etc.
You have been so inspiring to us. We are a family of 10 with 6 currently at home and I have cut our grocery budget to $500 a month to get our debt payed off. We also have been cleaning out our feezers and pantries. You have taught me so much about shopping the clearance. It is so fun 😀I just wanted to thank you again. I never miss a video and I never comment because I watch you on the TV.
I watch all your videos Noel and all of Christine’s videos. You’re both such an inspiration to me. Your meals always look so delicious.
I love both your channels xx
Chicken legs have been cheaper than eggs. They are inflation proof. I sheet pan them with spices and potatoes and onion and canned vegetables on the stove.
I just found a Bosch at an estate sale. It looked brand new and I paid $25 for it. It still has all the manuals all the extra doodads I nearly came out of my skin when I saw it.
Score!!!
Christine using dry measuring cups for liquid is peak "Whatever, I do what I want" vibes
I do that too, mostly because i don't want to make space for liquid measuring cups
It literally doesn't matter. A liquid measure is essentially to make it less messy.
There are no wet Measuring spoons and dry measuring spoons. When you measure out vanilla extract and it spills over the tablespoon, this is the same as *possibly* spilling over 1cup of water/ milk/ oil.
The liquid measuring cup allows you to *possibly* overpour without spilling. That is the only difference. 250ml is 250ml.
@@jenniferspeers2453 damn no need to take it so serious!
I’ve been doing a pantry challenge for my family’s dinners to see how many meals I can make with what we have on hand. I’m filming it and I think I can make 12+ dinners without even having to go to the store for any ingredients. 😮
When baking your bacon, save cleanup by lining your sheet pan with foil.
I like to sprinkle Italian seasoning on my French bread before baking. Gives a great flavour.
The foil helps when pouring the hot fat into your bacon grease container too
These pantry/extreme budgets are the BEST! You are amazing at it. I believe everyone who watches has the same problem with deals.😂 Please keep us going during this crazy inflation?!
These types of videos are my favorites. It's like playing Chopped at home. And I'm always shocked when I create new family favorites from stuff I had on hand.
I love just making stuff up with whatever I have. It's like a game.
@@kimbarbeaureads it is fun!
I’m doing the same thing this month. I was laid off a few weeks ago, and my freezers are full, so I’ve decided now is a great time to clean those out so I’m not buying groceries as often. It’s been good so far 👍
Hopefully a new position is on your horizon soon. This is one of the reasons we need to have things stored.
My sister got laid off Amazon currently sry to hear that. It’s always best to stay stocked even if your a single person you never know what can happen.
@@nadiadenning2035 exactly!
I FINALLY meal planned around my pantry and freezer! Significantly reduced my grocery cost for the next two weeks! Added bonus: trying some new recipes!
Christine - as much as I like your recipes, pantry ideas, food prepping, preservation money saving tips - I really just enjoy you and your family!!! You are so funny naturally I love your family dynamics! Thank you for just being you!
Thank you!
@@FrugalFitMom You are welcome, I think you're awesome in everything you do!
I love the idea of waffle Wednesdays for your kids and their friends!! I am going to do this! LOVE!
I was at the grocery store today and they had amazing prices (and clearance) on meat. Small pack of pork stirfry...1.83 cents... It was perfect amount to add to a fried rice. 5 porkchops were on sale for 3.30. I got sausage for 2 dollars a package. All this makes meals extremely affordable if pared with something inexpensive like biscuits and gravy. I have also made those cashew coconut "balls" except I make a pan of it and cut it into squares.
I’m not big on protein powder so I use vanilla Greek yogurt in my chia pudding instead. Add some cinnamon and it’s so good 😍
We did a pantry and freezer clean out last month as well. The freezer went from being a wall of food to still being full just no longer comically full. The pantry has some open spaces again as well. We decided to continue eating through the pantry and freezer for this month as well. Although I did tell myself I’m allowed to buy one roast for a new recipe, and some shrimp because we are completely out and the family has been asking for a couple meals with it.
I need to do a no/ low spend February. I have a vacation planned for this summer and in order to take it I need to save approximately $2,000 so one way I’m doing it is cleaning out both of my freezers and pantry.
One of my favorite things to do with frozen fruit or fruit that’s getting a bit past its prime is chia seed jam. If you combine cut up fruit with lemon juice and sweetener if desired with a chia seeds and cook in a pot until it boils you can either refrigerate it to set into jam or store in the freezer for later or if you’re really feeling ambitious put it in sterile jam jars with canning lids and vacuum seal it in the instant pot to store at room temp for up to 2 years
We've been sick and staying home lately. I'm so glad we had a fully stocked pantry!
Will you continue this into February ? I love your pantry freezer clean out videos the most (although also LOVE the monthly grocery hauls
About homemade broth taking up so much room, I feel the same way. My brain kicked out a good idea recently, when you make broth after you strain it, reduce it by 1/2 or more simply simmering it on the stove, it takes a while but then it goes into smaller containers. Just be sure to mark it double strength, add water. Or sometimes you just want it stronger. I've also seen where it has been cooked down until it makes jelled cubes for even less volume.
I like your reverse meal plan idea. It lets you choose when to make what, but gives ideas so you can put food together quickly without having to brainstorm for what is available to make.
You have no idea how much I appreciate what you have taught me over the past months. I had a strike 7 days ago. I have enough food and meals ready so that my daughter can fix meals for us. Hubby doesn't have to worry about shopping for quite some time as I recover. Thank you a thousand times.
Stroke
Stroke not strike. Lol
Oh, I hope you are doing well. It’s always better to be prepared. My 70+ mother thinks I’m nuts until she runs out of something, lol. It’s great to know that if someone needed to step in and help me, they wouldn’t have to do much or spend any money. I’m thankful for that. Blessings to you on a speedy recovery. 🙏
@@firequeen2194 thank you for your kind wishes
This is very difficult. Im doing pretty good, considering the brain damage, so I'm ok with that. Still struggling every day. At least I don't have to worry about grocery lists and shopping.
I'm a singleton - but I have a pantry and a freezer. :) Your clean out videos always inspire me to use up what I have at home! FWIW: so far in January I tried out a new recipe - I made a chickpea pot pie (had all the ingredients at home) in my iron skillet (I will admit this was way better than I expected. It's a keeper). I also made lentil and spinach stew with a fresh loaf of homemade crusty bread (you inspired me to start baking no knead bread). I'm a Flexitarian so not all my meals are meatless - these two just sounded like good winter "comfort" food (and I had everything needed on hand - no trip to the store needed.) Thank you for the inspiration!
Thrifty tip since you have them... Did you know you can use 1 T chia seeds and 2.5 T water for an egg replacement? 😁 Eggs prices are outrageous right now!!
If you make beans (pinto, black, etc) and reserve the bean juice, it’s called agua faba and is also an egg replacement. Who knew? I save all my bean juice now. You’re absolutely correct about egg prices. I live in Iowa. There was a major avian flu outbreak again and they thought they had “culled” all the sick chickens (killed 😢). As soon as they went back in production, chickens are sick again. I don’t think it’s gonna get better anytime soon. If I had the money, I’d buy a homestead and raise my own. I think there’s something wrong with their environment. 🤷🏼♀️😔
A 30 min video from Christine? Yes please! I love your pantry/ freezer clean out videos! This year I implemented a food budget per month and have been keeping track of what I've spent in my phone. It's the 25th and I think we're going to come in a good amount under budget this month! So exciting!
I started a pantry/freezer clean-out after the holidays and find that I'm more committed to my food budget and we're eating better. I always menu planned but my goal was to stick to a budget. Starting with the goal of using up what we have is a complete mind-change. I'm looking through old recipes, searching for recipes/recipes by ingredient. It's becoming more challenging as the weeks go by but we're going to continue through February. I have too many seasoning packets, sauces, freezer meals and discount meat/poultry that need to be eaten. I just have to keep reminding myself that it's only a deal if we end up using it. Sale items that are used/fully consumed are a waste of money.
Thanks for the inspiration
Our menu using the items In Fridge, freezer, and pantry
Sunday- steak green beans roasted potatoes
Monday - unstuffed cabbage rolls
Tuesday- egg roll in a bowl
Wednesday- enchilada meal (made 4 dinners)
Thursday - sausage and cabbage
Friday - stuffed acorn squash with protein
Saturday- Italian soup
Grocery list
Enchilada sauce la victoria red 2- 28 Oz cans
Carrots
4 cans cannellini beans low salt
4 cans black beans low salt
Corn tortillas 2 packs or 1 big pack (enchilada preps)
Vanilla ice cream
Haileys laughter and input in the background is everything!
All thanks to you, I’ve scored a ton of clearance deals at our Kroger store over the last few months! I never imagined I could get so much at such a great price! My family of 4 thanks you 🙌 And now you’re inspiring me to do a freezer/pantry clean out. Made a delicious meal tonight for my family all without needing to go to the store. So so thankful I found you last summer! Saw your interview with Rachel Cruz! You’ve already saved us hundreds $$ on our food budget! Inflation is tough, but it just makes the clearance finds that much better!
The freezer/ broth issue is why I started canning. Definitely so much nicer to have it not frozen and taking up space in the freezer for valuable meat and other items.
But you also have to find space for the jars. I have non, so I have to freeze it when I make it. I put mine in zipper bags and lay them flat which helps a lot!
@@roxannebudd1978 most of mine are stored under my bed, lol. Freezer and pantry is FULL. 😮😉
I love these videos!! I wish we could see how long/low you can eat down your normal groceries without digging into your long term storage
Love seeing one in a bowl, rather than packaging all in boxes "for the audience". It's so real and also shows being frugal with washing up and washing up liquid, not wasting a box and being able to eat in a nice ceramic at home. xxx
PS what brand is your gorgeous freezer?
If your produce is going bad put it into large zip lock bags and keep filling it up and put it in the freezer, when you get 3-4full bags make some vegetable broth ! You can pressure can it! I save all my veggi scraps! Onion skins, ends of carrots, celery, green peeper scraps ect!
I think this might be how I want to basically live my food life. It seems better to me Bcuz I think it takes more brain power and energy to deal with overflowing excess than it does to get creative with recipes using what you already have. And it also makes me feel like more of a champ when I don’t let things go to waste.
Yes! I always make sure I spill it on the counter. 😂😂😂
The chia pudding is great with a little cocoa powder.
This was a super helpful video - great ideas I had not thought of. Another awesome way to clean out the pantry/freezer/fridge is with a stir fry or a fried rice - we scramble some eggs (or cook your protein), remove from the pan. then cook up whatever veggies we have - frozen, fresh, whatever, then add the protein back to the pan and season.
Woo Christine! I’m proud of you! 👏🏼 We have been doing this since the beginning of the year and haven’t been shopping yet!! Over 3 weeks 😯 for milk we have been using shelf stable almond milk that I got from Costco last year. Thanks for the inspiration 😊
Your remodeled kitchen still looks so bright and cheerful! New sideboard finally? Did I miss the video where you tell us the story?
I also live your videos bc you show us the progress of your pantry and freezer. I love seeing the new space bc stuff is getting used up! Goals people! Lol. Love your channel.
Yumo when I make zuppa I use cauliflower instead of potatoes and spinach instead of kale and my whole family loves it.
Ps we love a 35 min video from Christine !!!
I was doing amazing. My pantry was down to nothing! Then I restocked from my food storage room in my basement. So pantry is full again, but the food storage is low. Freezers are decently packed cause yay venison from hunting. But we are a family of 4 and going through it pretty quickly.
My work is doing a soup/stew potluck on Friday and I'm super excited about all the canned beans, diced tomatoes, and home made stock I can get out of my house to make my soup.
I’m 100% with Hailey! I LOVE that zuppa tuscana soup
Love these pantry clean out videos! 😁 I've been trying to do the same but when I go to the store to get milk or pet food or whatever, the reduced stickers still call to me so the freezer is probably more full than it was at the start of the month 😂
Love your freezer/pantry videos. You make it look easy and fun. I’m beginning to enjoy cooking again and can’t wait to see your next clean out video. Thanks Christine!
Christine I love love love the pantry/freezer clean out!! Do you take a formal inventory of your freezers and pantry , or do you just remember? I started last year to take a formal inventory to use up the older products first!!!
Love that you've been getting back into loving cooking, I'm in that boat too. I found out recently salt kills yeast - who knew?! So when I'm baking, I'll add the salt on top of the flour (yeast on bottom) and I feel like it helps the floof in my breads. Ha! Keep the budget clean outs coming - they're my favorite videos to watch!
Use souper cubes for your freezer turkey stocks they work great and take up some much less room!
I wish we had room in our budget to stockpile things, but have still been cooking from my pantry/freezer/fridge for several months now. Love the video!
Chia is a super food. 2tbs have the protein of an egg, 1tbs has the omega of 4oz of salmon. Great egg sub in baking if you like crunch!🥚🌱🧁
I’ve been working on a modified pantry and fridge clean out this month and have definitely made some headway. I think we need to continue into February.
I think I could go to March easily 🤯. 😀
Another little benefit to chia seeds that isn't as often discussed is for keeping you regular. I've always got some in the pantry for times when my IBS is playing merry hell with my body.
I have always wanted to do the pantry clean out/freezer clean out, but really need to work on the having the items for the intended meal! I used to be pretty good at this.....not so much anymore! really enjoyed the video! I am getting inspiration from the meals that you are creating, so thanks so much for sharing! xoxo
I love all of your videos. I am a SAHM to 2 kids, one is autistic and diabetic, so I always have to make her a separate meal. I've saved a lot of money and I've gotten many meal ideas watching your videos. With inflation, there are more people using food stamps to purchase their groceries so I thought you could do a video about how to make the most of your food stamps. I don't know what the average allotment is but I'm sure you would look into that. Just an idea. 💡
Love you, love your videos!
She already did something similar 2 years ago and recreated a food pantry box.
ruclips.net/video/TjEmo_exSOQ/видео.html
(hope the link works, if not the video is called CHEAP & EASY MEALS FOR LARGE FAMILIES | BUDGET DINNERS | FRUGAL FIT MOM COOK WITH ME)
And yes, I watch her videos too much and of course would also watch an updated one, even though it has 0% relevance to me 😁
That’s a great idea. I’m fortunate enough to not need them but that would be super helpful for others and I would find it interesting as well. In Iowa, they’re looking at major changes to SNAP which makes no sense (no meat or fresh fruits/veggies 🤯). I think there’s going to more and more need for creative ideas.
I’m far from perfect but have slashed $100 a week from my grocery bill by watching your videos. Thank You My Sister 🇺🇸 🇳🇿
Whip cream ( cool whip type that doesn't melt🫠) and then Oreo crumbs on top of a choc cake is bomb. We used to have some kind of can of stuff you would whip up when I was a cook and that was a go to desert that was super simple when we needed another desert . It is so yummy.
A crockpot has been my saviour most of my married life. Now that my kids are grown and gone, it's an easy way to fill my freezer with prepped meals.
I keep smaller containers of my staples in my kitchen but big enough I only have to fill once a month. Like rice, flour, sugar, macaroni, brown sugar, farro, crackers. My 5 gallon buckets hold the bulk. I am able to rinse and recycle all the plastic bags at my store. I recycle so well my trash bill is only 3$ a month!
This was a fun video! I loved seeing how you’re using what you have and what creative ideas you’re cooking up. Thank you for the inspiration!
Love Christine! And For anyone that needs more pantry challenges, quick easy meals, etc. also check out RUclips channels on Julia Pacheco, she’s in her apron, acre homestead, and Mandy in the making. All great relatable women
Love becky
I do the same with the reverse meal planning. I had no idea just how smart I was. 😅
I did not realize it was a thing and have been doing it for years. Life happens and sometimes you don’t have electricity so that breakfast casserole doesn’t get cooked that morning just happened Saturday morning! Thank goodness for our gas stove and a ham steak! We had our campfire pot coffee and ham sandwich by candlelight!
It looks great! Love those jobs that make you feel accomplished!
Have you looked at any recipes for homemade Aussie Bites (which I know that you love)? I made a batch a couple of months ago. Exact same taste except I maybe ground my ingredients too finely. They lasted in a container on the counter for weeks without getting dried out or moldy. I was super impressed with how well they turned out from all the ingredients I already had on hand.
When I decided to watch this video, I was beginning to paint my pantry. Wow! That's a job! It is also a great way to purge what is no longer good, and reorganize what's left.
We will be moving to another state in the late spring or early summer. I will meal plan from what is left in my pantry and freezer. Thanks for the great ideas!
Can’t wait to try your bread. Have you ever made turkey noodles? Get frozen Grandma egg noodles ( or make your own). Cook them in your turkey stock, half way thru, add chopped carrots and celery and cook till noodles are soft. Add shredded Turkey or chicken meat and Let sit 30 min and feast! Great to keep warm for hours in the crock pot.
It is truly astonishing how many movie lines are in Christine’s head 🤣
I love your videos especially these frugal clean out cooking ideas. Thank you so much and God bless you!
I love your channel I’ve been here from the very beginning before all the subcribers! I love how family oriented you and your family are which is what i pray for everyday
Just a little tip when icing a cake, layout pieces of wax paper on your tray, then put your cake on it, then after you are done icing it, just pull the pieces of wax paper away and you have a clean professional looking iced cake because your platter is clean.
We are a rural farm family of 6, an hour from the store so we can and free everything and do lots of pantry clean outs😊
I have been using up the older stuff in my fridge/pantry, so I don't let anything go to waste and replacing and organizing at the same time because I don't want to deplete my stash.
If eggs get too expensive, you can use your chia seeds in your waffles. 1 Tbsp chia seeds + 2.5 Tbsp water set aside until gooey.
You're transitions to your sponsors have been getting smoother and smoother. Great job! BTW, I love your cooking videos!
I foil my pan when I make bacon in the oven. Then i can let the grease solidify and wobble up the whole thing and dispose of it. I save my bacon grease in a mason jar in the fridge, but i have 2 jars right now. If i need the grease then i can funnel it thru a filtered sive using the foil kinda folded. I just use a coffee filter in the sive. Keeps the bits out so it doesn't go rancid.
Hey, you found a cabinet for your kitchen! It looks great! Thank you for your videos! All topics are helpful and I look forward to watching them.
Just like with flax seeds, chia must be ground if you want the benefits they provide. I wish more people knew this. I never see people grind them.
Thanks for doing another pantry cleanout. I love these and we're doing one too.
Chia does not have to be ground...just soaked
I cleaned out my pantry and put all of the cans I needed to use use in 2 boxes.(too many to fit in one) It forced me to look at different recipes. I made my own sloppy Joes from scratch (no Manwich sauce. It was so easy!) I only had to get hamburger buns. I had half a can of tomato sauce left so next I made soft tacos. It also used up half a jar of salsa. ( I wanted to make freezer burritos, but I only had snack size burritos). Next recipe was lasagna, I did have to get cottage cheese (instead of ricotta) parmesan and mozzarella. I used up lasagna noodles (I still have 4 noodles left) I substituted green onions for cilantro, because it is what I have. I used up the half can of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and 2 cans of tomato paste. I had frozen onions and peppers in the freezer. I still had soft tacos left so I made quesadilla for breakfast. I did buy a loaf of bread, to make grilled cheese and I am using the salsa on my eggs (I'd rather have ketchup but I still have half a jar of salsa left). I want a break from the tomato based meals. So, I cooked 5 cups of rice. I made musubi for the freezer for future meals. I will make fried rice tomorrow and that should last a few days and use up bacon, Chinese sausage, cold cuts, frozen vegetables, and eggs I already have. That should be good for 3-4 days. I found some more flour tortillas in the refrigerator and I am looking at maybe doing enchilada's after that. I had lettuce I got from the garden, so I put them in the sloppy joes and I made egg salad sandwiches and put the rest of the lettuce in that. The other thing I made was apples and peanut butter because I have had the apples for a while. I still have more apples left. I chopped up more onions and peppers for the freezer. I also made potato mac salad. I did have to get some groceries to finish these meals ( cheeses, beef chub, hamburger buns, bread, green peppers, eggs). The hardest part of shopping was to stick to the list and not get more stock ups. Actually, I did cave and got 4 clearance muffins, but I have already eaten them all.
We've been doing a pantry/freezer clean out to. I have still bought things we needed but nothing extra well ice cream but sometimes you need ice cream. But can and jars and freezer items no unless we needed them. I came in $150 under budget cause that includes Sam's club shopping. I feel great about that.
Love this challenge. I too have been eating my down the freezer and pantry. Love the inspiration!
I can't get over the texture of the chia seed. They make me thing of frog egg in my pond lol
I ran out of cheese a week ago and since then I haven't wanted to eat anything else. Cheese is life.
I call it inventory reduction meals at my house. I find it necessary to reset every now and then.
It makes me so sad when I throw out things I bought. You give us so many meal ideas! Thank you Christine and love your channel. Hello from Canada. 💟💟
I enjoy these pantry challenge videos! I was inspired to do a freezer cleanout this weekend and cook with stuff only from the freezer..it went well Thank you!
I have been trying to get through my freezer the last couple of weeks 👍. I have also realized that after Christmas we have lots of chocolate in the house, will not be buying any until it's ALL gone!
This has become a top video for me! Love, love the meals you put together! Oh my, the breads you baked looked mouth watering. I really love when you do cooking videos. Thank you Christine for taking the time to put this together!💗
I'm making bone broth so I'll have room for freezer groceries on Friday.
I like your new buffet cabinet. Thanks for all the great recipes! 😊
My freezer goal is to always at least have room in the freezer for 1 Costco sized frozen item. Only have the fridge freezer, but the fridge is a good size. I made some space by baking a dozen cookies from frozen dough the other day. I also pulled out leftover rotisserie chicken to make Alfredo lasagna roll ups so that Tupperware tub is out.
I need to make some impossible pie to use up leftover thanksgiving ham (and return container to its owner lol), but I cut it into chunks & freeze for lazy/busy nights so I won’t actually gain space. And I need to decide what I want to cook with my head of broccoli. I also really need to make a batch of cookies to use up pantry ingredients…
Thanksgiving/Xmas sales weren’t as good this year so I didn’t overfill the pantry as I usually do in the fall. Although I did pick up a lot of pumpkin on clearance…
You should consider making sourdough bread. It is so much more healthy than yeast bread and their are plenty of sandwich bread recipes. Plus they freeze amazingly and you never need to buy yeast!!😃
The Aztec were the ones to eat the chia seeds. They ate them before battle, and just regularly, but before battle makes it sound cool, and it’s true.
Greetings from British Columbia! I love the pantry challenge idea! I have about 30 pounds of flour I'm working through in our cold storage room. The bread you made looks great and the birthday cake looks good too :)
Your hair looks gorgeous lately.
Can we get a video understanding all the different types of rice and why you chose which one for which type of dishes? My parents never made rice and I’m trying to make it a staple in my house due to it being a frugal ingredient.
My husband is battling cancer 😔 so this past year I had to get creative with my shopping 😅 your videos have helped me sooo much thank you 😊 I recently got a raise at work so we are a lot better financially but I am still going to utilize these tips and skills so I can still be smart and budget and save
praying for a smooth recovery!
Thank you for sharing the protein bars! Found a similar recipe online that we had all of the ingredients for. My husband loves them. He struggles to keep weight on (I have the opposite problem lol) so they’ll be a great pre/post workout snack for him!
This video feels so real! I love it!