Using the Pantry in New Ways (for me)

 Hello all.  What a pretty morning it is here.  Hope you are enjoying a nice day in your area, and I hope you are all well.

Yesterday cooled as the day went on due to the wind!  It got quite breezy and boy, that chilled the air.  I was out working a lot and didn't get overheated yesterday.

This morning, after I had my morning drink, I walked into the kitchen and heard birds carrying on.  I looked over at the kitchen window and there were 2 blue jays sitting on the outside rail - staring at me and talking like crazy!  I'm hearing "where's the food?"  LOL.  I am thinking, dang, they know where I stay!!

I have had squirrels do that before, but the first time for the jays.  Needless to say, I got dressed and fed everyone.

If you are like me, sometimes you just want something different to eat.  I do a good variety of foods, but sometimes I think I need to get outside my comfort level - but I don't want it to be a lot of work!

Yesterday I got a little creative in the kitchen.  

Did you ever go camping and have the foil packet meals?  They were either cooked over the fire or on a grill most times.  For some reason that came into my mind, and I wanted one!!!

Soooo, I got out some meatballs, cut up potato, had carrots, and corn on the cob.  Seasoned and added butter - and wrapped up - and threw it in the air fryer!

I did 375* - but should have been hotter probably.  It took a while to cook and maybe a higher heat would have helped.  

I made enough for 2 meals!  Talk about tasty!  I enjoyed it and will eat the rest today - so no cooking for me today - just reheating.  Sure, I could have used the oven, but I really do feel I used less power with the air fryer, and I had nothing but time!

I also got to thinking about a different kind of salad or snack treat.

So, I used the pantry and used green beans, red beans and corn - then frig items.

I made a fun and tasty bean salad - easy too.

Green beans, red beans, corn (all drained & rinsed), carrots, radish and onion (all for crunch) and Italian style dressing.  This will be a great side salad or a great late afternoon snack.  It will last for a few days for sure.  (I tasted last evening and yum!)

You could use whatever you have on hand and like.  There is no real recipe for either of these dishes.

Just use it up and change up that menu a little.

Being creative, doesn't mean a lot of work.  Just a little thinking outside the box.  There is no limit to what we can make from our pantry and freezers and frig.

Maybe this will give someone a new idea.

Have a glorious day.  Make the most of it.