Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Inventory - Making Your List and Checking it Twice

NO this is not a PANIC post!
This is a get organized and know what you have post.

I know as well as I am sitting here - there are so many of us that have pantry items that we have forgotten about - shoved to the bottom of freezer - pushed to the back of the shelves, etc..  You know who you are!!!!!!!  LOL
It happens.  We have gotten things on sale thinking - 'this would be good'.  We have not been the most organized.  We have run out of exciting ideas.  We have just gotten sort of lazy!

Now is the time to go through the pantry and through the freezers and organize and INVENTORY!!!!
WRITE IT DOWN!!!!!
Know your inventory.  Now is the time to not waste anything.  Now is the time to get creative.   If you know exactly what you have you can better plan your meals, your shopping, and your budget.

I spent one morning this week going through the entire freezer.  I took everything out, and made my list of exactly what and how much I had of everything.   I then organized - beef, chicken, pork, etc.  all together.  You can keep your list by how many pounds or how many packages.  Know how many servings are in each package (ie: 4 chops, 6 drumsticks,  1/2 lb. ground beef, etc.).

Do the same with your pantry and your home canned goods and deep pantry if you have one.  Once you sit and look at those lists - you can get creative and figure out some wonderful meals.
REMEMBER:  Meat is not a necessity  at every meal - regardless of what you may want!

You can use beans or lentils to make burgers.  They are wonderful and they are full of protein.  You can add beans, lentils, peas, etc. to soups and stews to extend.  Peanut butter, cheese, milk, nuts, eggs, even protein powders can be added to foods.
                                       Things like this and dry milk are good to have as well.  

Keep canned meats on hand!!!!!  Not only is it easy (in case of power outage), but it is practical.  Tuna, salmon, mackerel, chicken, pulled pork, beef, Spam, small hams, corned beef...……  There are so many canned meats, and we should all have some of them around.

Check your pasta, rice, dry beans, veggies, sauces, fruits, baking goods, etc.  If you are running low on some things - slowly work on accumulating more!  I know there are many items that are hard to get right now - but keep your eyes open and get WHAT you can WHEN you can.
Don't let yourself get back into a situation where you don't have the necessities and basics.

Another thing to remember - IF you have some meats in the freezer that are older and have some freezer burn - cut it off!!!!!  You don't  have to throw the entire item away.  Freezer burn DOES change taste and texture (and not for the good) - but many times it is just on a section of the meat.  Cut it off and cook your meat with seasonings and maybe cooking it in a crockpot.  It will be fine.  DO NOT WASTE!!!!  Make stew, soup, shred it, just use it and don't waste.

So now you have an assignment for those rainy, cooler or yucky days - INVENTORY EVERYTHING!!!!!!  Make your list and keep it handy.  
Have fun with your food.

14 comments:

  1. It is hard for me to do, but I have been doing inventory slowly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Take your time and do a little now and then. When you have an extra minute and feel good - do a shelf or so. It will help in long run.
      Blessings

      Delete
  2. Dear Cheryl,
    This is something I used to do often. I have fallen behind on some things because I took this part-time job. I must admit though, it is nice to have a bit extra cash flow at a time such as this. I simply must make sure that I'm doing the most important things at home as well. I am challenged by your post today!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can well imagine the extra dollars are surely blessings.
      I am glad you will partake in the challenge! Take care and stay safe my friend.

      Delete
  3. If you are going to empty the freezer to do an inventory you might as well defrost it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good idea. Mine was in real good shape - so I didn't need to.
      But that is a great tip for others

      Delete
  4. Good post, it is so easy to forget what you have and then not use it. I really need to do a huge pot of spag sauce to use up the last of the tomatoes and peppers I have frozen from last year, as in a couple of months I will have more fresh in the garden. I will can the sauce for later.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks
      Yes it so very easy to forget or misplace things. I hate that. We need to use it up. No need to throw away good money!

      Delete
  5. I actually started this yesterday as a British blogger that I follow also suggested it and it has been a while for me. What I did do yesterday was separate all the cans & jars that are dated 2022 or later. These items have all gone into a back closet (that I finally cleared) and are now part of my long-term pantry. This has made seeing what I really have in my current pantry a lot easier. As some items in stores are now being limited - if I buy 2 or 3 I'll put one into the current pantry and the others into the long-term storage.
    I had intended going through the freezer today but I went into the office this morning, did some grocery shopping and went to the ATM so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I will use up all the pre-cooked food first - most of it is already sorted into categories so shouldn't take me too long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you. That is a great idea to separate by date. You are wise - if we just add a little at a time we can keep our pantries stocked.
      Good luck doing the freezer - hopefully it will be an easy job.

      Delete
  6. Glad you found a way to make it work for you. Go you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am please that the freezer is straightened and I know what I have. Huge gift to myself for the future. No panic shopping here.

      Delete
    2. I always feel like one of the most important things to keep tidy (for myself), is the inside of Ethel. That's the name of our fridge She has a bottom freezer and I LOVE it! When it gets untidy, I like to get it back as quickly as I can. It's heaven. But I don't do a physical inventory list. Though I support those who fancy one. Whatever works, is the best!

      Delete
  7. Last week I started working my way through my basement pantry. It is large so I am doing a little everyday. With everyone home and constantly cooking it was getting messy. Also the foods I canned from my garden are gone so now is a good time to clean shelves.

    ReplyDelete