What's in the Pantry?

You may always be extremely resourceful with what you have in the back of the fridge and pantry, and if you are, this post is not for you. This post is for those of us who don't think we have time to survey what we already have and plunge ahead with the menu plans and grocery lists as if we have nothing at home to work with. So before planning (and spending), try simplifying your menu using the following ideas:

1. Dump Salad: If you have accumulated lots of random leftovers throughout the week, try combining it, or "dumping it," all in a salad. There are usually scraps of a Rotisserie chicken, half cans of yellow corn or black beans, hummus, pieces of tomato, cheese, and cooked veggies from previous meals - create an easy dinner and clean out your fridge all at the same time!

2. Sandwich Night (which could be bread/tortilla/pita/etc.): Continuing with the same idea as above, gather meat, cheese and an assortment of toppings to assemble dinner in minutes!

3. Soup: And again, heat up a combination of chicken or beef broth and water on the stove and add just about anything to it. You can always use rice or pasta to bulk it up a bit.

4. Breakfast for Dinner: Take a look in your fridge right now and chances are good that you have all you'll need for a hearty breakfast-dinner! Scramble some eggs, make French toast or pancakes, cook sausage, ham or even a hot dog. Add whatever fruit you have on hand and there you go - it's the breakfast you always crave in the morning but never have time to make!