If you happened to stop by my house during dinner time today, your senses would notice two things: your nose would get the first introduction to the aroma of BBQ drumsticks and then your eyes would catch the very obvious twitch in my right eye. I am in the midst of my annual January Pantry Challenge, where I prepare all our family’s meals from the existing food we already have in our freezer, refrigerator and pantry.
The Mini Deep Freezer That Changed Everything
My obsession with this pantry challenge started even before my youngest was born and before it became a cool social media trend. It started 11 years ago with a white chest freezer and a desire to finish everything buried inside said freezer.
When my husband and I bought our first deep freezer, proving we were now official immigrant adults, I, off course, started stocking up like we were getting ready for some apocalypse. The first year trying to eat our stock was tricky, I was unsure of myself but I am proud to say I completed the challenge successfully. Each year since then, I brag that I make some of the most delicious and creative meals during my annual pantry challenge. Sure, I’ve had a few misses but even with kids giving the feedback, I’ve had mostly hits.
This year, the challenge hits a bit different for us. See, our family experienced a loss that we had never experienced before. Our one income family became a no income family in a matter of minutes, the time it took for my husband’s boss to let him know they were doing a layoff. Since September, we’ve had to adjust our budget significantly and all of a sudden, the fully stocked freezer went from being a fun challenge to a lifeline.
Why I Chose to Do The Pantry Challenge (Again)
Outside of being a part of our family tradition, I truly believe that this challenge helps me get my creative juices flowing. As a self proclaimed uncreative person, cooking is one way I can practice being creative. Early in the month, I will make traditional and everyday dishes but by the middle and end, I feel like a contestant in the show Chopped making fantastic meals out of whatever the freezer and pantry presents.
Unexpected Effects of The Challenge
In all honesty, this challenge is not always easy. For example, today after my class, I was ready to let my brain take a break and do a Door Dash order but the “No Spend” life encourages you to find other ways to get yourself regulated. So, what did I do? I spoke to myself in the voice of my therapist and took a virtual workout class first thing in the morning and went for a walk right after class. I chose to move my body instead of spending money that we have to steward even more carefully because who knows how long the job market will be like this? Today, I chose to use the resources I had in the freezer to make a meal that was picky eater approved.
3 Tips For Pantry Challenge Success
If reading this makes you want to try this pantry challenge out, even if it’s just for a few weeks, here’s my 11 year veteran suggestions:
The Pre-Prep Matters
Meal prepping can make a difference between pulling it off and giving up. The drums I made for dinner today were seasoned on Saturday during my normal meal prepping session. When you’re exhausted, the “future you” will be grateful you prepped beforehand.
Lean on your Kitchen Appliances
Make baked potatoes for less time in the Instant Pot. Use your Air Fryers for frozen items. Did you know you can throw frozen meat in an Air Fryer for about 15-20 minutes longer for a quick-ish meal you don’t have to stress about for those nights you forgot to bring out the meat?
Find Your Why
No matter your reason, whether it’s saving for vacation, surviving a job loss, do not let go of the reason. Stay focused on the goal because there are days when you will need the reminder.
You’re Doing Great
To the mom out there in the season of twitches and just doing hard stuff, the ones who barely survived Christmas break. The mom who is overwhelmed by the question “whats for dinner”, knows that you are capable and are doing a great job.
You don’t need a major grocery haul to be the hero in your kitchen. You just need a little bit of creativity, a whole lot of grace and a freezer full of food you already bought or prepped.
