Folks, when it comes to me and cooking, we aren't best friends these days. It seems like most of the time, I'm looking for the quickest and easiest solution to meal time. And admittedly, since I'm mostly cooking for just me... it's kind of hard to debate myself about dinner.  But the other day, I realized it's just... gone too far.  I've been stopping on the way home at the food library and just picking something up "for today" for too long. It's time.

Time to do the Freezer/Pantry Challenge.

What is it?   Well, you just....use what's in the pantry and freezer. But, there are rules!

via GIPHY

I decided not to go to the grocery store unless I really, really need to for a week. If I run out of garlic powder? Too bad.  I only have chicken thigh instead of breast? Too bad, make it work.  No butter?  Well, I hope you have cooking oil.  You get it.   If I can find a way to cook or prepare something, that's the way I'll go, even if there's a grocery store shortcut.  All meat, sides, seasoning, cooking materials, all of it has to come from my kitchen.

Mix 92.3 logo
Get our free mobile app

Anyway, here's the first round of attempts.  I started on Sunday afternoon, and I've continued through Thursday evening.  I didn't get too creative, I just decided to make simple meals that I knew how to do off the top of my head.  No recipes from the net.

The Pantry Freezer Challenge

I did make an attempt to try to use up everything, and I've got a little bit of leftovers for the weekend, as well.  So it should be relatively easy.

But how was it, taste wise? Actually, better than I would have thought.  The shrimp in the back of the freezer was surprisingly not freezer burned. The Naan was super close to going off, but I managed to use it before it got moldy.  The pork was something I had cooked up maybe six months ago.  And the chicken, that was just a freezer packet.

Have you ever tried this - using only what you have with no grocery store trips?  How'd it go?  Would you try it again? \

Freezingly yours,
Behka

Most popular grocery stores in America

The most popular grocery stores in America, from corporate chains to family-owned enterprises. Stacker ranked them using consumer ratings sourced from YouGov polls.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: 34 spooky dessert recipes for this Halloween

More From Mix 92.3