I lived on food from my pantry for 12.5 WEEKS... Involuntarily, due to adversity. By the time I was able to grocery shop again, I was down to approximately 2 weeks worth of food left & 1.5 rolls of TP... I ate well & even had some decent variety in my diet at that time. Still, I wouldn't want to repeat that experience, however valuable it was as a learning experience.
Thanks for sharing this! Longest we’ve had to go was six weeks due to surgery and unemployment. So grateful we had a variety of food to make healthy recipes. We didn’t have grocery delivery available in our area.
Which is a really interesting comment considering how many people pooh pooh having a lot of food inventory in your house! Glad you had so many weeks of food stored up! Great job! ❤
Christine, I love the fact that you have no problem cooking foods that have expired. I do the exact same thing. As long as it still looks good, smells fine and no issues, there should be no problem cooking them. Food is too expensive to just throw out.
My mother got her Kitchenaid mixer more than 70 years ago as a wedding gift. A 7 kids, 8 moves, and a failed marriage later, it still works as if it were brand new. It even survived the time my brother took it apart to see how it worked. When he put it back together, there were pieces left over, so he threw them away. He was 4 years old.
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrako I think that kitchenaid uses plastic parts these days, which, of course, they never did in the past. My mixer is from 1984, and it works as well as my mother's. I don't know when they cheaped out on them. Maybe you can find a vintage model in a thrift store or other resale site.
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrakoyeah, I really think so! And built to last too...notice hoe things seem to break just out of guarantee? Its because they are specifically made to do just that..then you buy more..more profit for them! The world seems to have completely mad imo!!!
Yakissoba - veg. This is the easiest thing for me. I always have some kind of vegetables frozen or not, and peanut butter and soy. Just add your vegetables on a skillet or wok, add two table spoons of peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce. Add sesame oil, hot sauce or mustard if you like. Just mix your vegetables with that sauce and add your cooked rice noodles (to cook, I just boil water in my kettle and dump in a tupperware with lid while I am prepping the veg. 3-5 min and they are done. All the meal takes me 20-25 min.
My Grandmother adds sliced carrots to red beans too. Traditionally, you eat these on Monday. You set the beans to soak Sunday night. Since Monday was laundry day, you could just leave the beans to cook and get the laundry done. Very hands - off. YUM.
My mom added shredded carrots and shredded potatoes to our taco meat to “bulk up” the amount of protein in the taco meat, it’s an amazing way to get more veggies in, and I love the texture. Just a good cheap way to stretch your meat.
A very British recipe for anyone who wants to try it is Welsh rarebit. It's like cheese on toast, but you beat an egg and mix that into the grated cheese and add some worstershire sauce. Pop it under the grill so the cheese is fully melted and nice and golden and bubble. Then top with a little black pepper. You're welcome 🙂
Instant pot Saturday: potatoes, beans, and rice for the week. Wash it out and make something for dinner: stew, soup, whatever. Then that night I set it to slow cooker mode for oat groats. Sunday I scrub it up and put it away until next time! So yup, I use mine for more than rice.
I’ve been doing this for a few years now. I try to do it twice a year so I can clear out pantry and freezer space. I do still buy fresh produce based on our needs. I mostly buy fresh fruit because my kiddos love it! But I stick to a strict $40 weekly budget.
Your children, dogs or husband video bombing you while filming are some of the cutest, most relatable parts of your videos. Love the month of clean out, gives me motivation to do the same🥰
I kinda overstock my freezer on purpose going into summer because as a teacher I don’t work during the summer and I legit don’t want to go to the store😂🤷🏻♀️ . It’s really nice and by mid August I’m back down to normal. I looooovvvve these videos💝💝💝
I only have one “complaint”. .:.You are not lazy! You say it all the time. You rock. Thank you , it’s been fun watching you grow and be informative and entertaining at the same time. Bless you, love your guts!
Empty nesters here, so we have a lot of cook once-eat twice dinners...the leftovers go in the freezer and when I have a week's worth saved up, I can take a week off from cooking. I'm a big fan of the Food Saver...no more freezer burn here.
That's such an amazing idea. I live alone and empty nester too so I hate cooking now so kind of grab quick stuff, mostly junk atm. What things do you cook and freeze thanks 😊
@@Nanatracie Chili, spaghetti sauce, tater tot casserole, chicken rice-a-roni casserole, white chicken chili, Arroz con Pollo. Also, individual ingredients like mashed potatoes or leftover rice.
It's just my mom and I and we do this constantly. I also do it with desserts! I have a good sized stack of small baking pans and if I make a cake (it's been strawberry rhubarb upside down lately with the garden) I make two instead of one. We'd never get through a whole one. Lemon cake, brownies, gooey butter...all freeze well for a lazy treat on another day. Those small pans with snap on lids are key. Cottage pie, pasta bake, enchiladas all do well. I think they're maybe 8 x 5" ?
My favorite kind of video you do right here. I get so many ideas. My husband and I took on raising our 4 godchildren last year, so your tips on feeding a family of four have helped us so much!
The gold in this video is making yourself a bowl of soup for lunch. People don't do that anymore! I made soup for my grandson (he's 3 and loves a good bowl of soup) and myself for lunch, added enough to it for my youngest son to take to work for his lunch. I spent less than the 5 dollars for a can of quality soup and I can make it 5 times!
I read Matthew Perry’s book and also felt immense sadness for him. Then, a week or so later, he was dead! My heart just broke! I so wanted him to beat the demons but they stole him away from us! Addiction is so maddening and I see people suffering everyday. May God help strengthen and give peace to those who suffer.
As the Body of Christ, God has given US Authority over these demonic forces of satan flooding the earth to take over. Demons must be cast OUT as Jesus and the Apostles did in the Bible. We have been given the Power and Authority and it is our duty to do this as God's Body in the earth. Time to be about OUR FATHER's "business", God Bless!!!
It has gotten very difficult. I keep sane by hosting sewing/mending groups, gardening, playing music and reading books, and finding ways to enjoy my life and see friends that don’t cost money!
Your enthusiasm for living and the creativity you encourage blesses many, Christine. You motivate me to do more and better. Thank you for being a RUclipsr!!💕
Hi Kristen, Just a thought, something I do , I'm someone who buys everything on sale too, and think I will go through it..... but I have found I wasn't, so I started a every 3 month thing......I go through my pantry, and find things thst have 3-5 months left on expiration dates and pack up some of them that I know I won't go through ( not that I won't eat expired pasta or sauces...ect but ya) I pack them up and take them to the food bank for someone else to enjoy, since I know I have enough. I love your channel, thank you for sharing all your recipes. ❤❤
Thanks again for another inspiring video, Christine. I'm about to do a 60-day pantry challenge. I need to clean out everything before harvest season. Love your channel. ❤
Me too! And we’ve decided to buy a different house next year. I have so much food preserved and the garden is in. I’m thinking I need a 90 day challenge at least, 😂. 🤦♀️.
I love eating out of the freezer and pantry. We try to keep a rolling inventory. With four kiddos, a farm, homeschooling, and a hubby with a demanding and dangerous job, it's imperative that we have food with high nutritional value available. Whether I get sick again (happened before 😐) or he's unable to bring home a check due to injury, we don't have to worry about our kids going hungry. We stick to a budget about 100 bucks a week including non food items and then once a month we hit up our local amish general store for a massive discount haul. That costs anywhere from 150-200 depending on how much meat we get. Very blessed to have that, we would not be able to afford the quality of ingredients we currently have. I continue to glean so many wonderful tips from you and absolutely love your content. Thank you!!
My family have always not cooperated with leftovers or find your own dinner night. I have learned so much from you, and they are doing better. I have mom guilt when I don't cook fresh. But like tonight my teen was ready for dinner. I dished up and reheated last night's dinner. And he didn't say a word. #progress
I find that getting family to eat leftovers . If you have. 2 or 3 different things it is not a problem. The other thing that helps if there is nothing else in the house. No cereal no muffins nothing to snack on when leftovers are offered well if it is a choice of nothing or left overs. It cuts down on the whining. My kid lives fridge clean out night. It's like a buffet with all kinds of stuff
When I make red beans, we have first meal as over rice with Mexican cornbread, second meal is bean burritos with chips and homemade salsa, third is made into refried beans for base of a Mexican pizza, fourth is tostadas and I always save enough to make a pot of chili with. They add so much flavor to the chili! Just another layer of seasoning! Then freeze any leftovers for later to make: chili dogs topped with some plain slaw or slaw( this adds texture and sneaking in a veg), chili cheese fries, Mexican hot tamale casserole or just a bowl of the chili topped with favorite toppings. We also make nachos with some of the chili. There is a restaurant here that makes a tamale pizza, that my son loves! It has the pizza crust, with pieces of tamales on it, with cheese and tamale sauce as the pizza sauce. If leftovers are not eaten they have to be reinvented or frozen go another time or they are wasted. I would have turned the mashed potatoes and salmon into croquettes and served a green salad with them and a veg they like. Taken the meatloaf and grilled it and made hoagies out of them or again crumbled it up on a homemade pizza. Kids will eat just about anything in pizza form. My family gets bored with the same thing in the same form over and over again.
I’m imagining your son who was so excited about red beans and rice now having nightmares about it after so many nights of the leftovers. 🤣 That’s how my kids would be at least.
Usually whenever I try a pantry/freezer cleanout, the veggies are the main place that I fall short. My group has gluten issues, so I often use a slightly moist paper towel in with my brown sugar.
I am moving in a month so currently about 3 weeks into my pantry and freezer challenge. My goal is to avoid moving more than 1 bag of freezer meat and items, and 2 boxes of pantry food and spices! It's very fun to come up with random meals, but I also have probably $500 of clearance meat to get through, so we definitely aren't lacking!
I do this about 3-4 times a year, the freezer is the worst culprit, it likes to hoard meat and other things! But I know where it gets its inspiration-ME! While in WalMart 2 days ago, I was looking at fresh to take pizzas(didn’t buy one) but found whole rotisserie chickens from the day before for $2.83. So yes, I got 2! I love being creative with what we have!
I think it would be nice and funny if you invited your mom to dinner when you take her expired food and serve it to her. I would love to see her reaction!
My instant pot is used for rice,eggs,potatoes,spaghetti, rice a roni, soup and so much more. I live in the desert so the instant pot and air fryer keep my house cooler.
I recently made red beans and rice by starting everything for the beans on the stove in my dutch over, then transferred it over to the oven to cook for a couple hours, uncovered (stirring occasionally). At the end, I stirred in some cooked rice into the bean gravy, and I swear, it made the *best* red beans and rice i've ever had! I think it's because the sauce reduced down more without me being afraid of burning, plus the top got a nice Millard reaction that added tons of flavor. I suggest trying it out at least once! (Also- I also totally pepper sprayed myself when adding Tony's to my pot, too...)
Thanks for some great ideas. As empty nesters we are constantly scratching our heads about what’s for supper. I like the idea of the bowls you came created. If you like series books a friend turned me onto Louise Penny’s Three Pines detective series. I have been listening through Libby (thanks to my library) I am half way through and love the characters. The newest book comes out soon.
As a newly wed who does not enjoy cooking, I struggle to think of ideas of what to cook every single day. I work full time and am in school part time so it’s hard coming home to this predicament. My husband works late so I’m in charge of the cooking. I do make enough for leftovers but I’d say we’re both to the pickier side haha. Anyway, this was so helpful so thank you for all the great ideas to a fellow wife with a ton of pantry and deep freezer foods!
The frozen chicken you used for wraps we’ve been using for quesadillas. We add bacon to. Uses up tortillas as well! I know you have tons of ideas but sharing something we do as well. It’s super quick and easy.
Fellow Louisiana girl here! 🙋♀️ Love watching your channel! Red beans is by far one of my favorite dishes! But confession... I never use celery.. 😅 Carry on friend! Thanks for all the amazing life tips you have shared over the years!
I really want to thank you for your inspiration and encouragement to go that little bit extra to find deals and save. I just got about a month worth of groceries for my fam for like $350! I have a lot of pantry staples I'm pulling from too. I used to do this more but got lazy. Now that we have kiddos and I'm the only one working we definitely need it! ❤️
I love that this popped op on my suggestions list since my pantry is packed and I been meaning to do something like this for the past 5 months. I'm looking forward to it!! I started doing this recently but have barely eaten the last week since I just recovered from tonsilitis. can't wait to start saving money and cook more at home!!!!
Honestly, I cook by the eyeball method myself. I just watched a young lady “eyeballing” a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and she barely sprinkled any in the bowl. Then here we are watching Christine “eyeballing “ 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. LOL. Not sure there is any left in the bottle. But hey! It’s a pantry clean out. I will say, my eyeball measuring apparatus leans closer to Christine’s. 😂
Thankyou so much for all of your frugal tips...especially the cooking ones! As a single mama of boys i too have done the "no buy cooking with what we have" and honestly they're my fave meals! Doing another challenge for this month to offset grad fees (eek!!). I read Mathew Perry's book and am too afraid to listen to his audio. He was such a beautifully talented human being ❤
Thanks for the book recommendations. I went from reading maybe 1-2 books a year to 136 in 2023. I’m on book # 65 for this year. My favorite author is Nora Roberts and I’ve read virtually all of her books that my library has.
Huge Friends fan here as well, I was in the middle of listening to Matthew Perry’s book when he passed. It was hard to finish and hard to know he was going through so much but showing up for us as Chandler ❤
OMG OMG Christine im obsessed with Freida McFadden books!!! My daughter gifted me 2 of her books for my birthday, i read them within 2 days, and I wanted morrreee, lol she's really really good, I bought a few more on Amazon, im a book lover,I don't like to hear books, i enjoy READING:) GOD BLESS YALL ALL , LOVE ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL VIDEOS ❤️
How to use up that pasta- meal prep. 🎉 Dill pickle pasta salad for summer, minestrone soup, pasta fagoli, or use mindys ( see mindy mom) 😊 hack pasta and a great pre made dip from Walmart or Costco. Add some rotisserie chicken - chefs kiss!!
I read Matthew Perry’s autobiography (listened to it on audio) and it was gut wrenching. I come from a family that struggles with addiction issues and it made me feel more compassionate overall. Great read.
This video was well times 😂 I have a goal of defrosting the deep freezer but have so much stuff stashed away. We are doing as much ‘pantry cooking’ as possible but I was starting to lose focus 😂 Made a grocery list but after watching this…I am back at milk, eggs, garlic bulb and that’s it. Thank You! 💗
Christine, it really made me laugh when you called your instantpot an oversized rice cooker! I've been cooking exclusively with my instant pot since April when my whole kitchen was ripped out due to mold contamination. Gotta say, it's not my favorite thing to be doing but I feel like I've been able to make us a decent variety.
I'm, as usual, late to the party. Not sure why I get things so late, but I'll take it. I really couldn't have enjoyed this when it came out anyway. Good timing for me. I hope you are loving your assignment with the kids. I'm thinking Young Women. I whooped "yaaay" when you told us. They are lucky to have you in their leadership. Enjoying how you are putting meals together. I practise what you are talking about daily. It's a good way to go.
From Mississippi, lived in NOLA suburbs as a kid for a while with ny dad’s job. Family in Southern MS and LA. Red beans and rice is a love language! I love that you can make it all vegetarian which is cheaper and also better for cholesterol but still tastes amazing with spices and seasonings. Great as leftovers!
I watched every second of this and I loved it. Thank you for this type of content, it’s interesting to see you be resourceful - and I guess that’s the main gosl of your channel. I just got married and am learning a few tips from you. Keep it up, good job!
Your creamy chicken taquitos are now a once a week meal. They are great grab and go when everyone is on different schedule. They are great reheated in the airfryer❤❤❤❤❤
Matthew Perry's book, Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing was one of the best books I ever listened to on Audible. It meant so much more hearing it from him! His words and his emotions.
I listened to Friends Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing in Sept 23, then he passed a month later…I literally felt as if I knew him personally after listening to him read his story…so very very sad and such a loss to us all. Thanks for your videos Cristine 😊
I loved this video! Great ideas for dinner and made me think to look for more clearance items to save for later! A great frugal hack! 😉 I also listened to Matthew Perry's book, it is incredibly eye opening to think someone who made that much money and was so unhappy. Really made me think to be grateful for the things I do have even though I'm living thru one of the hardest times of my life. 😊
I’m not a foodie and I never watch food shows on TV, but there is something so interesting about your videos. I like that you’re not too precious about things being exact - and you make it up as you go along. This is real life cooking.
I had no idea they make Bang Bang seasoning! 😍 I call it 'meal preps' now instead of left-overs, cuz perception is everything. Edited to ad that I LOVE Freida McFadden too - just found her during Christmas, downloaded and read her whole ouvre in less than two weeks. Can't wait for her new one out in six days!!
No Mama there is a big difference between Red beans and Kidney beans. Hands down Red Beans. And they are hard to find in the stores. Yum a lot of great ideas to meal prep. Thanks Christine.
I was just telling my husband I need to watch one of your videos for pantry cleanout meals...and I open youtube and here you are!🎉 pretty sure i have everything for the meatloaf !! You are amazing ❤
Your just HILARIOUS!!! ‘This is what it could have looked like!’ Next fridge clean out, do leftover roulette, cover each leftover, they blindly pick!! It would be fun to see your kids reactions!
Brown sugar tip. Something I heard of recently and have had great success in... add a few large marshmallows to your bown sugar container. It works amazingly!! :)
I no this was an older video but , I have missed a few . I truly enjoy u have been watching for about a yr now n u make me laugh all the time . Alot of times I have to catch up in videos but , thats fine with me . Ur one of my favs , keep up the good work...🌷
I bought Matthew's book and read the first half and finished the second part with the Libby app on audio. I struggled with the audio because hearing him broke my heart, and this was before he passed. I am a DIE HARD Friends fan (I previously had a Friends themed bathroom, now it's in my part of the shared office with the husband). It started when I was in 4th grade and I was instantly hooked - to the point that when I began working I did not have availability on Thursdays so I could watch it. I do remember reading about some of his problems with addictions when the show was on.
I have binged the two books written by James Patterson and Bill Clinton and they are OUTSTANDING. one is called "The President Is Missing" and the other is "The President's Daughter". Both international thrillers that I can’t stop listening to. 10/10 highly recommend!
Absolutely adore you and love your videos! So many great recipe ideas that I saved off from this one. And I raided my pantry to cook up some muffin mixes and cornbread mixes. I had to go with dinner tonight. And breakfast tomorrow.
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Tape a little scrap of paper to every lid of leftovers with what is in it and the date it was made.
💚
I lived on food from my pantry for 12.5 WEEKS... Involuntarily, due to adversity. By the time I was able to grocery shop again, I was down to approximately 2 weeks worth of food left & 1.5 rolls of TP... I ate well & even had some decent variety in my diet at that time. Still, I wouldn't want to repeat that experience, however valuable it was as a learning experience.
Next frugal fit mom collab video is with you! Way to go!
Effective way to clean out pantry, but I’m so glad things improved for you and just in the nick of time
Been there done that. My husband's work went on strike while was on workman's comp. very happy I had that pantry.
Thanks for sharing this! Longest we’ve had to go was six weeks due to surgery and unemployment. So grateful we had a variety of food to make healthy recipes. We didn’t have grocery delivery available in our area.
Which is a really interesting comment considering how many people pooh pooh having a lot of food inventory in your house! Glad you had so many weeks of food stored up! Great job! ❤
I lived off my pantry while unemployed for 4 months. I had some weird meals
I got a job just as it was running out.
For real- when the banana is scary looking- they make the best bread. I have a drawer in my freezer labeled "banana morgue". 😁
😂
😂
😂😂😂
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😂😂😂😂 I’ve always got black bananas in my freezer destined for banana bread my granddaughter even does it!! lol wonder where she learned that from
Christine, I love the fact that you have no problem cooking foods that have expired. I do the exact same thing. As long as it still looks good, smells fine and no issues, there should be no problem cooking them. Food is too expensive to just throw out.
My mother got her Kitchenaid mixer more than 70 years ago as a wedding gift. A 7 kids, 8 moves, and a failed marriage later, it still works as if it were brand new. It even survived the time my brother took it apart to see how it worked. When he put it back together, there were pieces left over, so he threw them away. He was 4 years old.
My original one was thaf good. The one I have now is terrible. Is everything older built better?
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrako I think that kitchenaid uses plastic parts these days, which, of course, they never did in the past. My mixer is from 1984, and it works as well as my mother's. I don't know when they cheaped out on them.
Maybe you can find a vintage model in a thrift store or other resale site.
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrako
Yes. Hobart the og owners sold KitchenAid to whirlpool in 86, quality has been going downhill since then.
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrakoYES
@@JaniceLadyJStyleKrakoyeah, I really think so! And built to last too...notice hoe things seem to break just out of guarantee? Its because they are specifically made to do just that..then you buy more..more profit for them! The world seems to have completely mad imo!!!
"Leftovers" management is super important in order to not waste food or money. Thank you for a video showing us how to be creative with those items.
I would like to request a video concept - meal ideas when you don’t feel like cooking, or haven’t prepared ahead of time (like thawing out meat). 🙏🏼
I would love this!
Yakissoba - veg. This is the easiest thing for me. I always have some kind of vegetables frozen or not, and peanut butter and soy. Just add your vegetables on a skillet or wok, add two table spoons of peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce. Add sesame oil, hot sauce or mustard if you like. Just mix your vegetables with that sauce and add your cooked rice noodles (to cook, I just boil water in my kettle and dump in a tupperware with lid while I am prepping the veg. 3-5 min and they are done. All the meal takes me 20-25 min.
That's a breakfast for dinner scenario!
"I just eyeball worcestershire sauce," as she adds the whole bottle....😂😂
I was waiting to see if anyone else noticed this... She said about a tablespoon or 2 'gulgs' and as she did, I gasped. She's so funny!
1 shot for the recipe (pours actual 1 shot), 1 shot for the chef (pours til they deem enough)
i loveee that stuff haha
My Grandmother adds sliced carrots to red beans too. Traditionally, you eat these on Monday. You set the beans to soak Sunday night. Since Monday was laundry day, you could just leave the beans to cook and get the laundry done. Very hands - off. YUM.
My mom added shredded carrots and shredded potatoes to our taco meat to “bulk up” the amount of protein in the taco meat, it’s an amazing way to get more veggies in, and I love the texture. Just a good cheap way to stretch your meat.
I add black beans to the hamburger and it’s delicious
A very British recipe for anyone who wants to try it is Welsh rarebit. It's like cheese on toast, but you beat an egg and mix that into the grated cheese and add some worstershire sauce. Pop it under the grill so the cheese is fully melted and nice and golden and bubble. Then top with a little black pepper. You're welcome 🙂
Instant pot Saturday: potatoes, beans, and rice for the week. Wash it out and make something for dinner: stew, soup, whatever. Then that night I set it to slow cooker mode for oat groats. Sunday I scrub it up and put it away until next time! So yup, I use mine for more than rice.
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing.
I’ve been doing this for a few years now. I try to do it twice a year so I can clear out pantry and freezer space. I do still buy fresh produce based on our needs. I mostly buy fresh fruit because my kiddos love it! But I stick to a strict $40 weekly budget.
Your children, dogs or husband video bombing you while filming are some of the cutest, most relatable parts of your videos. Love the month of clean out, gives me motivation to do the same🥰
So excited to see my comfort youtuber uploaded
Yay! I've missed Cooking with Christine type videos. Always fun to watch and gives great ideas on what to cook.
It’s Hurricane season here in SW Florida so we try and clear out the freezer stock pile in case of power outages 😊 🏝️
I kinda overstock my freezer on purpose going into summer because as a teacher I don’t work during the summer and I legit don’t want to go to the store😂🤷🏻♀️ . It’s really nice and by mid August I’m back down to normal. I looooovvvve these videos💝💝💝
I only have one “complaint”. .:.You are not lazy! You say it all the time. You rock. Thank you , it’s been fun watching you grow and be informative and entertaining at the same time. Bless you, love your guts!
I agree! She is def not lazy!! Prob does more in a day than most people.
Empty nesters here, so we have a lot of cook once-eat twice dinners...the leftovers go in the freezer and when I have a week's worth saved up, I can take a week off from cooking. I'm a big fan of the Food Saver...no more freezer burn here.
That's such an amazing idea. I live alone and empty nester too so I hate cooking now so kind of grab quick stuff, mostly junk atm. What things do you cook and freeze thanks 😊
@@Nanatracie Chili, spaghetti sauce, tater tot casserole, chicken rice-a-roni casserole, white chicken chili, Arroz con Pollo. Also, individual ingredients like mashed potatoes or leftover rice.
@@shellyturner2766 thank you 😊
It's just my mom and I and we do this constantly. I also do it with desserts! I have a good sized stack of small baking pans and if I make a cake (it's been strawberry rhubarb upside down lately with the garden) I make two instead of one. We'd never get through a whole one. Lemon cake, brownies, gooey butter...all freeze well for a lazy treat on another day. Those small pans with snap on lids are key. Cottage pie, pasta bake, enchiladas all do well. I think they're maybe 8 x 5" ?
My favorite kind of video you do right here. I get so many ideas. My husband and I took on raising our 4 godchildren last year, so your tips on feeding a family of four have helped us so much!
The gold in this video is making yourself a bowl of soup for lunch. People don't do that anymore! I made soup for my grandson (he's 3 and loves a good bowl of soup) and myself for lunch, added enough to it for my youngest son to take to work for his lunch. I spent less than the 5 dollars for a can of quality soup and I can make it 5 times!
I read Matthew Perry’s book and also felt immense sadness for him. Then, a week or so later, he was dead! My heart just broke! I so wanted him to beat the demons but they stole him away from us! Addiction is so maddening and I see people suffering everyday. May God help strengthen and give peace to those who suffer.
As the Body of Christ, God has given US Authority over these demonic forces of satan flooding the earth to take over. Demons must be cast OUT as Jesus and the Apostles did in the Bible. We have been given the Power and Authority and it is our duty to do this as God's Body in the earth. Time to be about OUR FATHER's "business", God Bless!!!
Librarian here sliding in with a book rec! Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is another great memoir and he narrates the audio book!!
Yes Loved this one.. Listened to some parts twice because I was like what.. than cant be! Highly recommend as well!
YES! I read Greenlights last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
With how the world is today… I feel like some of us are facing these times where we are stuck inside, forced to make with what we have.
It has gotten very difficult. I keep sane by hosting sewing/mending groups, gardening, playing music and reading books, and finding ways to enjoy my life and see friends that don’t cost money!
Your enthusiasm for living and the creativity you encourage blesses many, Christine. You motivate me to do more and better. Thank you for being a RUclipsr!!💕
I actually hate cooking and hate grocery shopping-but I love watching Christine! 😂🤣🤷🏻♀️❤
Hi Kristen,
Just a thought, something I do , I'm someone who buys everything on sale too, and think I will go through it..... but I have found I wasn't, so I started a every 3 month thing......I go through my pantry, and find things thst have 3-5 months left on expiration dates and pack up some of them that I know I won't go through ( not that I won't eat expired pasta or sauces...ect but ya) I pack them up and take them to the food bank for someone else to enjoy, since I know I have enough.
I love your channel, thank you for sharing all your recipes. ❤❤
Thanks again for another inspiring video, Christine. I'm about to do a 60-day pantry challenge. I need to clean out everything before harvest season. Love your channel. ❤
Me too! And we’ve decided to buy a different house next year. I have so much food preserved and the garden is in. I’m thinking I need a 90 day challenge at least, 😂. 🤦♀️.
I love eating out of the freezer and pantry. We try to keep a rolling inventory. With four kiddos, a farm, homeschooling, and a hubby with a demanding and dangerous job, it's imperative that we have food with high nutritional value available. Whether I get sick again (happened before 😐) or he's unable to bring home a check due to injury, we don't have to worry about our kids going hungry. We stick to a budget about 100 bucks a week including non food items and then once a month we hit up our local amish general store for a massive discount haul. That costs anywhere from 150-200 depending on how much meat we get. Very blessed to have that, we would not be able to afford the quality of ingredients we currently have. I continue to glean so many wonderful tips from you and absolutely love your content. Thank you!!
Delicious bread, not diet bread 😂😂😂 This is how we make friends with our neighbors!
😁
My family have always not cooperated with leftovers or find your own dinner night. I have learned so much from you, and they are doing better. I have mom guilt when I don't cook fresh. But like tonight my teen was ready for dinner. I dished up and reheated last night's dinner. And he didn't say a word. #progress
I find that getting family to eat leftovers . If you have. 2 or 3 different things it is not a problem. The other thing that helps if there is nothing else in the house. No cereal no muffins nothing to snack on when leftovers are offered well if it is a choice of nothing or left overs. It cuts down on the whining. My kid lives fridge clean out night. It's like a buffet with all kinds of stuff
When I make red beans, we have first meal as over rice with Mexican cornbread, second meal is bean burritos with chips and homemade salsa, third is made into refried beans for base of a Mexican pizza, fourth is tostadas and I always save enough to make a pot of chili with. They add so much flavor to the chili! Just another layer of seasoning! Then freeze any leftovers for later to make: chili dogs topped with some plain slaw or slaw( this adds texture and sneaking in a veg), chili cheese fries, Mexican hot tamale casserole or just a bowl of the chili topped with favorite toppings. We also make nachos with some of the chili. There is a restaurant here that makes a tamale pizza, that my son loves! It has the pizza crust, with pieces of tamales on it, with cheese and tamale sauce as the pizza sauce. If leftovers are not eaten they have to be reinvented or frozen go another time or they are wasted. I would have turned the mashed potatoes and salmon into croquettes and served a green salad with them and a veg they like. Taken the meatloaf and grilled it and made hoagies out of them or again crumbled it up on a homemade pizza. Kids will eat just about anything in pizza form. My family gets bored with the same thing in the same form over and over again.
I’m imagining your son who was so excited about red beans and rice now having nightmares about it after so many nights of the leftovers. 🤣
That’s how my kids would be at least.
Usually whenever I try a pantry/freezer cleanout, the veggies are the main place that I fall short. My group has gluten issues, so I often use a slightly moist paper towel in with my brown sugar.
I am moving in a month so currently about 3 weeks into my pantry and freezer challenge. My goal is to avoid moving more than 1 bag of freezer meat and items, and 2 boxes of pantry food and spices! It's very fun to come up with random meals, but I also have probably $500 of clearance meat to get through, so we definitely aren't lacking!
Inspa!!! Yea! I am using some chicken nuggets frozen with a Caesar salad kit. Tomorrow is my apple sausages with rice.! Awesome
Love it!!
I do this about 3-4 times a year, the freezer is the worst culprit, it likes to hoard meat and other things! But I know where it gets its inspiration-ME! While in WalMart 2 days ago, I was looking at fresh to take pizzas(didn’t buy one) but found whole rotisserie chickens from the day before for $2.83. So yes, I got 2! I love being creative with what we have!
You will LOVE A Grateful American!! SO Good! 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
It’s an instant pot summer for me, because it’s extremely hot in Texas and it doesn’t heat up the house!
I think it would be nice and funny if you invited your mom to dinner when you take her expired food and serve it to her. I would love to see her reaction!
Oh my gosh, that's a good one! Would love that video too if it's ever made
My instant pot is used for rice,eggs,potatoes,spaghetti, rice a roni, soup and so much more. I live in the desert so the instant pot and air fryer keep my house cooler.
Yes, rice, mashed potatoes, eggs, and some favorite one-pot meals!
Excellent reminder. It just got hot in the SoCal desert. I need to get better with the instant pot.
Two points I HAVE to bring up: The viewpoint of you opening the refrigerator door..... OMG!! And those shoes.....I WANT A PAIR IN EVERY COLOR!!!!
I recently made red beans and rice by starting everything for the beans on the stove in my dutch over, then transferred it over to the oven to cook for a couple hours, uncovered (stirring occasionally). At the end, I stirred in some cooked rice into the bean gravy, and I swear, it made the *best* red beans and rice i've ever had! I think it's because the sauce reduced down more without me being afraid of burning, plus the top got a nice Millard reaction that added tons of flavor. I suggest trying it out at least once!
(Also- I also totally pepper sprayed myself when adding Tony's to my pot, too...)
Love you, girl! Thank you for all your work!
Thanks for some great ideas. As empty nesters we are constantly scratching our heads about what’s for supper. I like the idea of the bowls you came created. If you like series books a friend turned me onto Louise Penny’s Three Pines detective series. I have been listening through Libby (thanks to my library) I am half way through and love the characters. The newest book comes out soon.
As a newly wed who does not enjoy cooking, I struggle to think of ideas of what to cook every single day. I work full time and am in school part time so it’s hard coming home to this predicament. My husband works late so I’m in charge of the cooking. I do make enough for leftovers but I’d say we’re both to the pickier side haha. Anyway, this was so helpful so thank you for all the great ideas to a fellow wife with a ton of pantry and deep freezer foods!
My favorite type of videos are your pantry challenges. Those red shoes are so much fun!
The frozen chicken you used for wraps we’ve been using for quesadillas. We add bacon to. Uses up tortillas as well! I know you have tons of ideas but sharing something we do as well. It’s super quick and easy.
Fellow Louisiana girl here! 🙋♀️ Love watching your channel!
Red beans is by far one of my favorite dishes! But confession... I never use celery.. 😅
Carry on friend! Thanks for all the amazing life tips you have shared over the years!
I really want to thank you for your inspiration and encouragement to go that little bit extra to find deals and save. I just got about a month worth of groceries for my fam for like $350! I have a lot of pantry staples I'm pulling from too. I used to do this more but got lazy. Now that we have kiddos and I'm the only one working we definitely need it! ❤️
I love that this popped op on my suggestions list since my pantry is packed and I been meaning to do something like this for the past 5 months. I'm looking forward to it!! I started doing this recently but have barely eaten the last week since I just recovered from tonsilitis. can't wait to start saving money and cook more at home!!!!
Honestly, I cook by the eyeball method myself. I just watched a young lady “eyeballing” a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and she barely sprinkled any in the bowl. Then here we are watching Christine “eyeballing “ 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. LOL. Not sure there is any left in the bottle. But hey! It’s a pantry clean out. I will say, my eyeball measuring apparatus leans closer to Christine’s. 😂
Thankyou so much for all of your frugal tips...especially the cooking ones! As a single mama of boys i too have done the "no buy cooking with what we have" and honestly they're my fave meals! Doing another challenge for this month to offset grad fees (eek!!).
I read Mathew Perry's book and am too afraid to listen to his audio. He was such a beautifully talented human being ❤
Thanks for the book recommendations. I went from reading maybe 1-2 books a year to 136 in 2023.
I’m on book # 65 for this year.
My favorite author is Nora Roberts and I’ve read virtually all of her books that my library has.
I want to read 136 books a year. ❤❤❤ Nora is my favorite author ever I’m starting mind games today!
Huge Friends fan here as well, I was in the middle of listening to Matthew Perry’s book when he passed. It was hard to finish and hard to know he was going through so much but showing up for us as Chandler ❤
OMG OMG Christine im obsessed with Freida McFadden books!!! My daughter gifted me 2 of her books for my birthday, i read them within 2 days, and I wanted morrreee, lol she's really really good, I bought a few more on Amazon, im a book lover,I don't like to hear books, i enjoy READING:) GOD BLESS YALL ALL , LOVE ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL VIDEOS ❤️
How to use up that pasta- meal prep. 🎉 Dill pickle pasta salad for summer, minestrone soup, pasta fagoli, or use mindys ( see mindy mom) 😊 hack pasta and a great pre made dip from Walmart or Costco. Add some rotisserie chicken - chefs kiss!!
I read Matthew Perry’s autobiography (listened to it on audio) and it was gut wrenching. I come from a family that struggles with addiction issues and it made me feel more compassionate overall. Great read.
This video was well times 😂 I have a goal of defrosting the deep freezer but have so much stuff stashed away. We are doing as much ‘pantry cooking’ as possible but I was starting to lose focus 😂 Made a grocery list but after watching this…I am back at milk, eggs, garlic bulb and that’s it. Thank You! 💗
We totally understand leftover weeks!!! Especially after hubby does a mixed grill on Sundays
Christine, it really made me laugh when you called your instantpot an oversized rice cooker! I've been cooking exclusively with my instant pot since April when my whole kitchen was ripped out due to mold contamination. Gotta say, it's not my favorite thing to be doing but I feel like I've been able to make us a decent variety.
I'm, as usual, late to the party. Not sure why I get things so late, but I'll take it. I really couldn't have enjoyed this when it came out anyway. Good timing for me.
I hope you are loving your assignment with the kids. I'm thinking Young Women. I whooped "yaaay" when you told us. They are lucky to have you in their leadership.
Enjoying how you are putting meals together. I practise what you are talking about daily. It's a good way to go.
36:57 agreed. It’s always the one time you choose not to use separate containers there’s a rotten one
Please do more videos like this. With hard times like today it’s needed so much.
From Mississippi, lived in NOLA suburbs as a kid for a while with ny dad’s job. Family in Southern MS and LA. Red beans and rice is a love language! I love that you can make it all vegetarian which is cheaper and also better for cholesterol but still tastes amazing with spices and seasonings. Great as leftovers!
I watched every second of this and I loved it. Thank you for this type of content, it’s interesting to see you be resourceful - and I guess that’s the main gosl of your channel. I just got married and am learning a few tips from you. Keep it up, good job!
Your creamy chicken taquitos are now a once a week meal. They are great grab and go when everyone is on different schedule. They are great reheated in the airfryer❤❤❤❤❤
I LOVED the dance break! 42:38👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️😂
Matthew Perry's book, Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing was one of the best books I ever listened to on Audible. It meant so much more hearing it from him! His words and his emotions.
YAAAAS a clear out the pantry video!
I listened to Friends Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing in Sept 23, then he passed a month later…I literally felt as if I knew him personally after listening to him read his story…so very very sad and such a loss to us all. Thanks for your videos Cristine 😊
You realize this works for you with a grocery store in your house! Love you picture starting from scratch and go....
I read Matthew’s book - it was heartbreaking 😔. Such a talented yet troubled soul. 😢
I'm at 27:52. And I just have to stop and say I Love your jeans! It's bringing it back with the side off center button 💝
Love them.
I loved this video! Great ideas for dinner and made me think to look for more clearance items to save for later! A great frugal hack! 😉
I also listened to Matthew Perry's book, it is incredibly eye opening to think someone who made that much money and was so unhappy. Really made me think to be grateful for the things I do have even though I'm living thru one of the hardest times of my life. 😊
I’m not a foodie and I never watch food shows on TV, but there is something so interesting about your videos. I like that you’re not too precious about things being exact - and you make it up as you go along. This is real life cooking.
I needed your pantry expertise 😂 I've come back for a rewatch ❤😂🎉 thank you
Love your personality plus massive amount of info in a short amount of time but easy to understand! GREAT WORK!!! 🎉
A+ on Worcestershire pronunciation! And thank you for so much money saving inspiration.
This women is so efficient & amazing !
I appreciate you taking us along through your processing of the herbicide damage. It is helping me process my own.
Wow. Grateful American is one of the best books I’ve listened to in a very long time! I’m so glad you mentioned it.
I had no idea they make Bang Bang seasoning! 😍 I call it 'meal preps' now instead of left-overs, cuz perception is everything. Edited to ad that I LOVE Freida McFadden too - just found her during Christmas, downloaded and read her whole ouvre in less than two weeks. Can't wait for her new one out in six days!!
No Mama there is a big difference between Red beans and Kidney beans. Hands down Red Beans. And they are hard to find in the stores. Yum a lot of great ideas to meal prep.
Thanks Christine.
I came to say the same thing. Red beans are definitely a totally different thing. So delicious.
I LOVE these types of videos! This is typically how I cook too. So many great ideas in this one.
I was just telling my husband I need to watch one of your videos for pantry cleanout meals...and I open youtube and here you are!🎉 pretty sure i have everything for the meatloaf !! You are amazing ❤
Your just HILARIOUS!!! ‘This is what it could have looked like!’
Next fridge clean out, do leftover roulette, cover each leftover, they blindly pick!! It would be fun to see your kids reactions!
Love these! Watch them repeatedly for inspiration
This kind of video is my favorite. I learn a lot from you, and I loved your dance break.
I usually put dried cranberries in my banana bread. It's yummy.
Brown sugar tip. Something I heard of recently and have had great success in... add a few large marshmallows to your bown sugar container. It works amazingly!! :)
I ADORE your videos... I am fully addicted lol.... you've encouraged me to make the most of my pantry and freezer... Greetings from Indiana!
Looks great! I've been cutting my own hair for years. It's very fine and takes forever to grow out.
I no this was an older video but , I have missed a few . I truly enjoy u have been watching for about a yr now n u make me laugh all the time . Alot of times I have to catch up in videos but , thats fine with me . Ur one of my favs , keep up the good work...🌷
I bought Matthew's book and read the first half and finished the second part with the Libby app on audio. I struggled with the audio because hearing him broke my heart, and this was before he passed. I am a DIE HARD Friends fan (I previously had a Friends themed bathroom, now it's in my part of the shared office with the husband). It started when I was in 4th grade and I was instantly hooked - to the point that when I began working I did not have availability on Thursdays so I could watch it. I do remember reading about some of his problems with addictions when the show was on.
You are right, Matthew Perry’s story was so sad. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Loved the video
I have binged the two books written by James Patterson and Bill Clinton and they are OUTSTANDING. one is called "The President Is Missing" and the other is "The President's Daughter". Both international thrillers that I can’t stop listening to. 10/10 highly recommend!
Absolutely adore you and love your videos! So many great recipe ideas that I saved off from this one. And I raided my pantry to cook up some muffin mixes and cornbread mixes. I had to go with dinner tonight. And breakfast tomorrow.
I listened to Matt Perry’s book on audible too. Heart wrenching.