PCS Meal Tips
Using the last of the pantry items to make a few last minute meals
By Debbie Pugh
Is it really possible to make an appetizing meal, and use all the left over pantry items before moving? Well, with some creative thought and an open mind, your family can reduce any waste, and dine reasonably well. Here are some suggestions for using items you just cannot bring yourself to throw away.
Flour: Make muffins, biscuits, pancakes, or waffles. If you are a little short, borrow a cup from a neighbor to make up the difference.
Baking Mixes (like Bisquick TM): Make biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or a cobbler. Don’t be afraid to use the quick and easy recipes printed on the box.
Sugar & Sweeteners: Make sweetened tea, drink mix instead of buying prepared drinks. Utilize with baking mixes and flour for simple desserts that satisfy all family members during your transition.
Eggs: Make scrambled eggs, omelets, or quiche. Use them in the recipes that call for flour, sugar or baking mix. Make hard boiled eggs for the morning the moving truck pulls away.
Ground Meat: Perfect for tacos, meatloaf, chili, shepherds pie, instead of hamburgers.
Salsa: Add it to eggs, tacos, meatloaf, chili, and shepherds pie for a flavor boost!
Dried oriental Noodles (like Ramen): Crunch and add to a salad “raw”, cook without the flavoring and add soy sauce, a scrambled egg and some steamed veggies or quick Lo Mien.
Pastas: All sorts can be combined to create hot and cold dishes. Cooled pastas can be tossed with cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes and remaining salad dressings, or vinegar and oil for a pasta salad. Pasta can be mixed with any left over cheeses and salad oil.
Rice: Can be turned into “fried rice” with soy sauce and leftovers. These may include egg, vegetables, lunchmeats, shrimp or dinner meats.
Salad Dressings: Not just for salads! Use them to marinate meats, dress pasta, and flavor rice. They also make great dips for chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and any remaining raw vegetables in the refrigerator.
Mustard: Season a roast, add it to a quiche, or egg strata.
Ketchup: Mix into meatloaf, chili.
Olive Oil: Use on salads, and pasta. Combine with vinegar (or lemon juice) and Italian seasoning for meat marinade.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Add to rice, pastas, salads and even soups. Try as a tasty mix in for eggs and biscuits!
* TIP: Keep extra ketchup, taco sauce and mustard packages you get from fast food restaurants on hand for the move. They are a perfect portion size, and travel well. Plus, if you run short of ketchup right before your move, you won’t have to purchase a whole new bottle for just a couple of hotdogs.