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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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*PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
It's time to post your pantry/freezer raid challenge menu!
Remember, the goal was to create a weekly dinner menu using mostly pantry/freezer items and spending only $25 (or less) on fresh grocery items.
Here's ours:
SAT - southwestern beef chili, cornbread
SUN - caesar salad with blackened chicken
MON - penne with chunky, spicy tomato sauce
TUES - greek chicken pitas with feta-cucumber salad
WED - burgers with kettle chips
THURS - fresh tomato, mozzarella & basil pizza with side salad
FRI - chef's night off 
PANTRY ITEMS USED:
-extra virgin olive oil
-chili powder
-flour
-cornmeal
-sugar
-salt, pepper
-baking powder
-vegetable oil
-paprika
-cayenne pepper
-cumin
-thyme
-onion powder
-diced tomatoes
-oregano
-crushed red pepper flakes
-italian seasoning
-herbs de provence
-whole wheat penne
-whole wheat pita bread
-onion soup mix
-breadcrumbs
FRIDGE/FREEZER ITEMS USED:
-carrots
-onion
-ground beef
-corn
-egg
-milk
-lemon
-worcestershire sauce
-red wine vinegar
-garlic
-parmesan
-hot sauce
-chicken breast
-feta
-red onion
-ketchup
-pickles
FRESH GROCERIES:
-1 red pepper
-tomato paste
-2 cans black beans
-shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-1 bunch scallions
-hearts of romaine (package of 3)
-2 english cucumbers
-1 bunch italian parsley
-fresh basil
-fresh dill
-2 kaiser rolls
-1 package yeast
-5 roma tomatoes
i'm guessing our fresh groceries will be $25 or under, but i'll update after we go to the supermarket.
Let's see those menus!
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Posted 12/12/09 11:59 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Such a good idea! I wish I could do this in detail, but for the next week all the meals will be pantry pretty much since Joe is working and i'm on bedrest. I want to use up what we have before Peanut comes.
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| Posted 12/12/09 1:32 PM |
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jerrysgirl
I love my hot dog!!
Member since 6/06 5357 total posts
Name:
E & J
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Sunday - Lentil soup with bacon (lentils with bacon carrots and celery. had all in pantry and fridge - left over from thanksgiving grocery shopping)
Monday - Bean Tamale Pie (found recipe in magazine, basically corn bread over beans - didn't have all the beans)
Tuesday Baked chicken with mashed potatoes (chicken from freezer, potatoes left over from shopping last week - with leftover mashed potatoes will make shepherds pie or quiche with potato crust for later in the week)
Wednesday - Pizza (pizza crust in cabinet, premade sauce in cabinet, bought cheese on sale weeks ago)
Thursday - Hot dogs with green beans or other frozen veggie (bought when hot dogs and veggies on sale)
Everything was purchased already except, pinto beans, corn and green chiles in bean tamale pie, carrots and celery for soup - spent $5.50
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| Posted 12/12/09 8:45 PM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Thanks for the idea-we are low on funds this week and this works perfectly! I am already working up some great ideas
A few I have
Fresh mozz(already have) tomato and my DH's basil vinagrette, served with a sausage(already have in freezer) and veggie quiche
Bean cassoulet with chicken, baguette, brussel sprouts
working on others
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| Posted 12/12/09 11:09 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Hayley this was SOO fun!
We have:
Sunday: Chicken Rice soup, Tossed Green Salad with Lemon & Olive Oil, Italian Bread
Monday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy, Beet Salad.
Tuesday: Barbecue Pork Cutlets, Corn, Sugar Snap Peas and Carrot Medley, Cucumber Salad.
Wednesday: Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce, Italian Salad with French Vinaigrette Dressing.
Thursday: Catcher's Catch Can
Friday: Potato and Onion Frittata with Chorizo, Fruit Salad.
Saturday: Turkey Chili and yellow rice
I also am making a big batch of Rice Pudding and a Butter Cake with Buttercream and Chocolate frosting for desserts!
I bought:
1 small chicken
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Romaine Hearts
Ground Turkey
Red Pepper
Italian Bread
Lemons
I had:
Pork cutlets
Chicken cutlets
Ground beef
Leftover Frozen meat sauce
Vinegar
Olive oil
Jar of Fruit Salad
Flour
Tapioca
Rice
Vanilla
Chorizo
Eggs
Frozen Ravioli
Frozen Snap Peas
Frozen Carrots
Celery
Baby Carrots
Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned Tomatoes
Chili Powder
Cumin
Garlic
Garlic Powder
Onions
Baby Potatoes
Baking Potatoes
Butter
Evap Milk
Canned Green Beans
Cake Mix
Frosting
I basically had a ton of stuff that .. honestly? I never would have used. Canned Green Beans were bought by my husband last time he went shopping.. Tapioca Pudding Mix I bought weeks ago for something and never made it. Chorizos were bought in bulk 2 weeks ago and frozen - but I forgot about them! This was such a good exercise because it made me really examine what I had and what I could use.
And I did it for breakfast too! I had a lot of frozen fruit. I bought a big thing of Fat Free yogurt and the boys will have smoothies for breakfast a couple of times.
What did this teach me? I really need to shop at home more often!
Message edited 12/13/2009 1:53:32 PM.
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| Posted 12/13/09 1:52 PM |
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ctrain1124
Our Gang!
Member since 8/07 3190 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
This was great for this week!!! I am clearing out my freezer!
SAT - Hamburgers, sweet potato fries, grilled eggplant and zucchini, tossed salad
(salad stuff was left over from last week)
SUN - I had a baby shower and DH had a birthday party!
MON - Tortilla Crusted Tilapia. vegetable rice medley, green beans
TUES - My work Christmas Party
WED - Stuffed Pork Florentine, homemade apple sauce, baby carrots
THUR - Marinated skirt steak, Fried rice, burnt broccoil
FRI - Grilled Apple Chicken Sausage, Escarole & bean soup, fresh bagette
Here's what I had FROZEN:
Burgers
Marinated eggplant & zucchini (Trader Joes)
Tilapia
Green beans
Mixed veggies (for rice)
Stuffed Pork loin (Trader Joe's)
Apple sauce
Skirt Steak
Fried Rice (Trader Joes)
Apple Chicken Sausage
FRIDGE:
Soy sauce, Teriyaki & garlic for marinade
onion for rice
PANTRY:
Carolina Rice
Le Sueur baby carrots
Cannellini Beans
Here is what I'll have to buy
1 red pepper
Broccoli
Escarole
Fresh bagette
So maybe $6???
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| Posted 12/13/09 6:39 PM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Here's mine. I'm starting tonight to next Sunday  Last night I was craving chinese so we splurged.
Monday: Turkey Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie
Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage, ricotta cheese, baked with breadcrumbs on top garlic bread, salad
Wednesday: Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes (if I have potatoes or twice baked if not) and vegetables
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Dinner at Holiday Party
Saturday: breakfast for dinner
Sunday: homemade Chicken pot pie and tossed salad
Things I have:
- Sausage in the freezer
- Whole Roasting Chickens in the freezer
- Ground Turkey in the fridge
- Sweet potatoes
-Carrots
- Celery
- Chicken Stock
- Lettuce
- Pasta
- Sauce
- frozen mixed vegetables
- twice baked potatoes (frozen from costco)
- yellow and red onions
- breadcrumbs
- seasonings
- eggs
- pancake mix
- bread
- mozzarella cheese
- olive oil
- spices
Things I bought-
- garlic bread (2.50)
- ricotta cheese (3.00)
- cucumber (.75)
- tomato (.99)
- salad dressing ($2.00)
- 2 Bottles of soda ($3.00)
-Ice cream  (2.50)
Spent so far $13.75
I still need a few things- more eggs, maybe some potatoes and lettuce, maybe some chicken breasts (depending on what's left over from the roast chicken). Have to see whats on sale so I can spend another $10...
I also need to do my holiday baking next weekend- which is another list of stuff- but I'm not including that here
Message edited 12/14/2009 12:21:26 PM.
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| Posted 12/14/09 12:05 PM |
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nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by kahlua716
Here's mine. I'm starting tonight to next Sunday Last night I was craving chinese so we splurged.
Monday: Turkey Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie
Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage, ricotta cheese, baked with breadcrumbs on top garlic bread, salad
Wednesday: Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes (if I have potatoes or twice baked if not) and vegetables
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Dinner at Holiday Party
Saturday: breakfast for dinner
Sunday: homemade Chicken pot pie and tossed salad
Things I have:
- Sausage in the freezer
- Whole Roasting Chickens in the freezer
- Ground Turkey in the fridge
- Sweet potatoes
-Carrots
- Celery
- Chicken Stock
- Lettuce
- Pasta
- Sauce
- frozen mixed vegetables
- twice baked potatoes (frozen from costco)
- yellow and red onions
- breadcrumbs
- seasonings
- eggs
- pancake mix
- bread
- mozzarella cheese
- olive oil
- spices
Things I bought-
- garlic bread (2.50)
- ricotta cheese (3.00)
- cucumber (.75)
- tomato (.99)
- salad dressing ($2.00)
- 2 Bottles of soda ($3.00)
-Ice cream (2.50)
Spent so far $13.75
I still need a few things- more eggs, maybe some potatoes and lettuce, maybe some chicken breasts (depending on what's left over from the roast chicken). Have to see whats on sale so I can spend another $10...
I also need to do my holiday baking next weekend- which is another list of stuff- but I'm not including that here
Oh, your turkey sweet potato shepard's pie sounds delish....would you mind sharing the recipe?
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| Posted 12/14/09 12:44 PM |
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by jerrysgirl
Sunday - Lentil soup with bacon (lentils with bacon carrots and celery. had all in pantry and fridge - left over from thanksgiving grocery shopping)
Monday - Bean Tamale Pie (found recipe in magazine, basically corn bread over beans - didn't have all the beans)
Tuesday Baked chicken with mashed potatoes (chicken from freezer, potatoes left over from shopping last week - with leftover mashed potatoes will make shepherds pie or quiche with potato crust for later in the week)
Wednesday - Pizza (pizza crust in cabinet, premade sauce in cabinet, bought cheese on sale weeks ago)
Thursday - Hot dogs with green beans or other frozen veggie (bought when hot dogs and veggies on sale)
Everything was purchased already except, pinto beans, corn and green chiles in bean tamale pie, carrots and celery for soup - spent $5.50
BACON: My husband got tired of throwing out bacon. He wraps 4 slices in wax paper, then put the wax paper bundles in a freezer bag. He does 4 slices so we each get 2 slices. works out well.
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| Posted 12/14/09 12:57 PM |
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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by kahlua716
Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage, ricotta cheese, baked with breadcrumbs on top garlic bread, salad
- garlic bread (2.50)
Okay first - do you have a recipe for Tuesday's meal?
And second... you need to make your own garlic bread! I have 2 yummy recipes if you want...
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| Posted 12/14/09 1:24 PM |
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queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by rojerono
Thursday: Catcher's Catch Can
Do you mind sharing what this is? I am curious.
Thanks!
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| Posted 12/14/09 9:15 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by queensgal
Posted by rojerono
Thursday: Catcher's Catch Can
Do you mind sharing what this is? I am curious.
Thanks!
It's just what I say when I'm not cooking! Catcher's Catch whatever they Can!
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| Posted 12/15/09 6:32 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by maybeamommy
Posted by kahlua716
Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage, ricotta cheese, baked with breadcrumbs on top garlic bread, salad
- garlic bread (2.50)
Okay first - do you have a recipe for Tuesday's meal?
And second... you need to make your own garlic bread! I have 2 yummy recipes if you want...
No recipe! I just planned on throwing it all together! Rigatoni, sauce, ricotta and cut up sausage mixed up in a pan sprinkle with some breadcrumbs and done!
And sure- I'd like your recipes! I bought the garlic bread because they didn't have any plain italian bread at the store and I was too lazy to go somewhere else for it in the pouring rain
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| Posted 12/15/09 9:01 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by nbc188
Oh, your turkey sweet potato shepard's pie sounds delish....would you mind sharing the recipe?
Sure it's actually a rachel ray recipe that I modified a bit
Recipe
I leave out the banana and skip the cheese. Also add frozen corn in with the peas. Last night I left out the hot sauce and worschester (sp?!) sauce and didn't miss it.
It's so yummy!!
Also- I put the onion, celery, carrot and a clove of garlic in the food processor so it's all chopped really small and mix it in when the turkey is just about done.
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| Posted 12/15/09 9:07 AM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
I failed this mission utterly and completely. Saturday nights dinner cost more than $25  I really don't have much in the freezer or cupboards so...we spent $90 on groceries for the week. 
but here is my menu anyway
Sat: mussels, clams, and shrimp in spicy tomato broth, sauteed chard, warm baguette
Sun: (using left over shellfish and broth) fettucine frutti di mare, sauteed zucchini
Mon: pan seared chicken cutlets, yellow rice, pink beans, corn, and salad
Tues: steak frites, sauteed spinach
Wed: homemade chicken soup, crusty bread
Thurs: my mom's tacos aka "white people" tacos
Fri: cooks day off!
I will say though that I buy extra at the supermarket and make larger meals so my dh (and sometimes I) can bring lunch to work, so we do save there.
Message edited 12/15/2009 11:32:55 AM.
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| Posted 12/15/09 11:31 AM |
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nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by kahlua716
Posted by nbc188
Oh, your turkey sweet potato shepard's pie sounds delish....would you mind sharing the recipe?
Sure it's actually a rachel ray recipe that I modified a bit
Recipe
I leave out the banana and skip the cheese. Also add frozen corn in with the peas. Last night I left out the hot sauce and worschester (sp?!) sauce and didn't miss it.
It's so yummy!!
Also- I put the onion, celery, carrot and a clove of garlic in the food processor so it's all chopped really small and mix it in when the turkey is just about done.
Thanks so much, I'll have to try this. I'll definitely leave out the banana too...that makes me  a bit, lol!
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| Posted 12/15/09 3:35 PM |
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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
Posted by kahlua716
No recipe! I just planned on throwing it all together! Rigatoni, sauce, ricotta and cut up sausage mixed up in a pan sprinkle with some breadcrumbs and done!
And sure- I'd like your recipes! I bought the garlic bread because they didn't have any plain italian bread at the store and I was too lazy to go somewhere else for it in the pouring rain
Okay easiest garlic bread ever... (I call this a "parmesan baguette" but DH calls it garlic bread)
for the two of us, we use a demi-baguette. split in half.
in your mini prep, stick a few cloves of garlic and pulse until minced. then add a bit of fresh italian parsley and pulse. add 1/2 stick of butter (room temp, or softened in micro), paprika, salt & pepper and pulse until it's all combined.
take that mixture and spread it onto the halved baguette... (you don't need to use all of it) and then top with parmesan cheese. broil for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. it's SO good!
that's DH's favorite.
my favorite is from Ina Garten- slightly adapted.
preheat the oven to 350. on my oven, this takes 6 minutes and i can have the garlic bread ready in that time which makes it super easy!
this is best on ciabatta bread!
take a few cloves of garlic and pulse in mini prep until minced. add a small handful of italian parsley, some italian seasoning (or just whatever kinds of seasoning you like... oregano, thyme), salt and pepper and pulse until combined.
heat olive oil in saute pan and then add garlic mixture and remove from heat.
slice ciabatta in half and spread butter on one half and garlic mixture on other half - then put halves back together and wrap in foil.
bake in oven for 5 minutes, then open foil and bake another 5 minutes.
this one is my personal fave.. but DH thinks that it can be a little too oily/buttery... so he doesn't like it as much - but whenever we have company and i make it... they always love it!
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| Posted 12/15/09 3:52 PM |
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hunnybunnyxoxo
this is what it's all about
Member since 11/07 3321 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: *PANTRY/FREEZER RAID CHALLENGE MENUS!
i am writing this half arse right now cause i am at work and i am still winging this!
monday- husband had a holiday party, i had leftovers
tuesday- defrosted some chicken cutlets and made chicken cutlets and corn
wednesday- lentils with pasta
thursday- chili lime rubbed skirt steak with sauteed spinach
friday-either burgers or a quick chili
saturday- having friends over for holiday dinner on the menu : honesy basted sprial ham, steam green beans with garlic and oil, country club potatoes and a side of applesauce
what i had on hand:
lentils,
carrots,
celery
chicken cutlets
breadcrumbs
eggs
chop meat
skirt steak
lime
what i had to buy:
lime
elbow pasta
green beans
potatoes
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| Posted 12/16/09 3:38 PM |
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