Howdy everyone. A couple of tips today. Just things that I have figured out and do to make life a little easier. I hope they give someone an idea they can use!
I like parchment paper for some baked goods. I have a huge roll (Sam's Club) from years ago. I am always having to measure and tear the correct size. It seems it always too big and I waste some. The other day I was going through the pantry and found something I forgot I had! (imagine that). I had made a purchase long ago on sale and with a coupon - now I am finally using it!!!
Parchment sheets:
These are L.E.D. and are very bright and they cost me a couple dollars each at the hardware store.
I love getting these and sticking them in my gift bags at the holidays as well. Who doesn't need an extra flashlight?
Lastly: I can't repeat this enough!!!! Waste drives me crazy - and so many people waste because of dates.
Food does not expire and the suddenly go bad on a magical date some random person placed on a package.
I absolutely hate the word "expires".
Please use your food. Save your dollars. Food does not expire. Products are good for a long, long time past those random dates. I have used things that are 3-4 years out - maybe more. Perfect.
There is such tremendous waste in this country and world today. We tend to waste time, funds, food, and the earths supplies of everything. We truly need to STOP IT!!!!!!!
Use what you have. Rotate and continue using the older items first. You may truly be hungry someday and trust me, that food will be wonderful.
So there you have my tips of the day!
Have a great day and enjoy life!
Expiration guidelines on canned and packaged goods generate more money for manufacturers. If a person gets hungry enough, those past suggested sell by dated products will seem like filet mignon.
ReplyDeleteLove parchment paper! Sure saves on cleanup. If I have a scrap I roll it up and put it with my other rolls of foil and cling wrap.
One cannot have too many flashlights and lanterns. Which reminds me to check my oil lamp supplies. We also have scissors and box cutters in several locations. I used to work for an older lady and I did learn this from her: keep useful items at point of use.
Looks like a good day so we will finish making frames to support netting to go over the raised beds. Ole Jim says we have some nasty weather coming.
I agree - just a money maker for the manufacturer. Indeed, it is very obvious that some people have never been very hungry or without!
DeleteNo clean-up is always a win for me!
I have a lot of scissors and box knives as well. I also have several of those long candle lighters. They have many uses.
Today is wonderful. Sounds like it may get dicey tomorrow evening!!!!
I think it is more of a liability issue. If a person consumes the product 10 years after the date listed on the package, and then tries to sue, it's going to be hard for a jury to decide it is the manufacturer's fault. I think those dates are written by lawyers. And, you are 1,000% right--food doesn't expire.
Deletecould very well be. We live in such a sue society today. There never used to be dates.
DeleteI think people think that the food must have a brain or something - "oh no today is 4/12 - I must turn bad"!!!!! It drives me nuts!
I went through spices yesterday and found some I likely haven't used in more than 10 years (seriously?) I dumped them, 7 in all. The tins are in the recycle bin and the 3 glass are washed and in the cupboard awaiting a new purpose.
ReplyDeleteSo there's my waste for the month!
Well, I think you can be excused this time! LOL. I imagine the spices have totally lost all taste or flavor - that is a pretty long while. Love glass spice bottles. They are fun to re-use.
DeleteWell I feel dumb. I have those parchment sheets and they don't fit anything but it never occurred to me to tear them into smaller pieces. The other day at the store we were buying Mayo BOGO and an elderly couple were looking at all the jars and discussing the dates on them and whether they could use them by the December date. We didn't say anything but we know for sure it is perfectly good a year out of date. Our youngest son's MIL throws things out the day before the expiration date! She is convinced they will get sick if eaten past that day.
ReplyDeleteLOL - it really just occurred to me - when I took it out of the package. I sure don't need pieces that big. It really saves on waste and works nicely for small pans.
DeleteI know people like that as well. I used to have a friend that threw out milk the day it hit the 'sell by' date. She was always complaining about being broke and was asking advice - then would throw away good food. I had to just shake my head and say "oh Carol". Rest her soul!
As much old stuff as I have eaten, I should have 'expired' long ago!! LOL
Cheryl, where did you find that handy-dandy explanation? I'd like to send it to someone and I couldn't just highlight and copy. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNot sure which explanation you are referring to. If you are referring to the chart - I found it on FB. It says Dept. of Agriculture - so you might try there!
DeleteThank you, Cheryl. Now is a very GOOD time for those tips; I read this morning that meat prices are up 30+% over last year. Anyone who has been to a grocery store lately knows that's a low-ball percentage. As you know, we ate through all of our freezer storage prior to moving. I'm having a little sticker shock, but was able to nab a couple of family packs of 85% lean ground beef for $2.99 per pound... a price I haven't seen in a few years.
ReplyDeleteMay I add one more tip? Especially concerning meats? Get creative to stretch it as far as possible. Take a package of boneless chicken thighs for $1.99 per pound. Oven roasted, I measured 1-1/2 cups liquid, not including the fat (rises to the top and solidifies in the fridge for easy removal). Had that been bone in, I'd have been paying for the bones and added water (or saline water) used. 1st night dinner was chicken, rice and corn. The next 2 meals were a pot of chicken, tortellini and spinach soup, but that could just as easily have been chicken & dumplings, etc. The point is use EVERYTHING you've paid for. --Elise
Yes, now is a bad time to be restocking. I feel for you.
DeleteGreat tips. Why pay for things you can't use. Also use less meat - we don't need big helpings of meat. Use as an ingredient.
Thanks - great tip!!!
Wellll...I once opened a jar of mayo that was 1 year past its date, and it had a rancid smell to it. It went down the drain. A friend of mine opened some tuna and her husband said, this tuna tastes very odd. She checked the date and it was only two or three months past its expire date. So you just have to use your best judgment.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ruth, especially for the immuno-compromised. Much has to do with the temperature at which foods are stored. For example, for many years my mom stored canned and boxed goods on shelves in her garage; summer months meant that area was triple digits and some of those things "turned" even before the sell by dates. Most refrigerator freezers aren't as cold as a chest or standing freezer, which can also effect spoilage. When in question, the FDA website has comprehensive information about storage and safety. --Elise
DeleteRuth - yes use your judgement. Temperature has a lot to do with it. Keep things cool and in a darker spot.
DeleteWe always need to be aware.
Elise - nicely said. Temperature is so very important!
DeleteLove the title of this post! Loved "This and That Thursday" last week, too.
ReplyDeleteI have flashlights all over the house. A few years ago, Husband insisted on getting rechargeable tactical flashlights. These can also use 3 AAA batteries. We have them in our nightstands, end tables by our recliners, and the sewing room. That is the tool I use the most in the sewing room as I'm always dropping something under the desk where it is very dark.
Learning about the 'use-by' dates was a real game-changer for me. The only things I am leery of are oil-rich canned and bottled goods. But if they smell and taste good, I go ahead and use everything. Bruised fruit is fine to eat, too, but I know a lot of people who throw it out.
Flashlights are truly our friends in those dark little recesses!
DeleteI have never worried about dates for years. Yes, taste and smell can tell you so much. If a little doesn't make me sick - well then I am off to the races! Bruised fruit is great for drinks, malts, or even stewed r fried. I love older apples made into fried apples.
Thanks!!!!
Hello, all!
ReplyDeleteToday is supposed to be dicey here. I guess everything is possible depending on where the dry line is. 86° predicted today and 62° tomorrow!! More whiplash weather.
I've ignored so many of those expiration dates. I recently opened a 6 month use-by date and it tasted great. I've also opened milk with a week to go, only to gag on the sour smell. Sometimes I think it's because of the time stuff sits on the dock behind the market. I've seen milk out in 100+° before and after an hour long shopping trip. I tend to be a sniffer of everything, expired or not. If my nose reacts, that's enough for me. I once returned 3 avocados because I cut one open an I could swear it smelled like gasoline!! No, thanks. I still fear avocados from that particular store. It was that bad!!
Ah, flashlights. Those and now headlamps are a regular gift to give. There are never enough. My mom had a habit of giving them away! I'm sure we supplied half of all the flashlights in her senior community!! Another good gift is one of those reflective vests. Hubs wears one when he walks. People are so distracted while driving that anything that catches their eyes makes you safer. Shop now for Christmas and get something off your list! Watch Tractor Supply for a sale!
Well, time to turn on the idiot box (my grandpa's name for the TV!) to see where that dry line is...
Toodles!
Oh the crazy weather. It is lovely here today with maybe some rain tonight. Tomorrow looks to be the problem - maybe tomorrow night. I always say a little prayer that is all fizzles before getting here. I hate bad storms - they really scare me.
DeleteI keep milk in the back of the frig on the bottom shelf. It seems to be my coldest spot. I have had milk that I didn't even open until way after the date and used it over a week or so and it was perfect. I have had it (like you) be bad way before. I will not buy milk at WM ever any more (not that I really shop there). They keep their coolers much warmer than other stores.
Good idea on the vests. I have a couple head lamps too! Those all make great gift ideas.
STAY SAFE!
Years ago I went to a presentation by a woman who owned a spice shop. I'd heard that spices really don't go bad but she confirmed they don't expire. Just smell and if they still have a scent they're good. I buy spices in bulk--usually a 1/2 to one pound at a time some I use faster than others but they do keep for years if sealed properly.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few tricks on determining if eggs are bad but the best tip I ever read was crack it open and smell! LOL. If it smells ok then use it. I do that now. My mom will throw out eggs at their expiration date. Not me I keep them for weeks (we don't use many eggs).
There's a local store that discounts its meat on the sell by date. I will buy it up to a couple days after if the meat looks ok (not gray or too wet looking). I either use it that day or freeze,
A couple years ago I bought bbq sauce and ketchup in glass bottles for 99 cents (those are always more expensive ). I bought at least 12. I looked it up -- the article said mustard, ketchup, bbq sauce and such would last at least 2 years past their expiration date. I recently bought 12-15 bottles of various flavored mustards for 69 cents. (We use a lot of mustard and not much mayo. But I do have an extra mayo on standby! It was on clearance.)
I reuse my parchment. I wash it off and hang dry. I reuse it for a looong time! LOL. Roasted peppers do ruin the paper beyond saving though.
In my pantry closet I have designed each shelf by year. Everything that has a 2022 date is on one shelf. 2023 the next shelf. Etc. It makes rotating easier. But I won't necessarily use them all up in their year since I know they last past their dates.
I keep scissors and tape in various places in the house. I need to get a few flashlights too even though I tend to use my phone. I have other portable lights if the power goes out.
I keep spices a long time too. I always figured if they weren't as strong - just use more!
DeleteWith eggs - until a couple years ago, I didn't even know there was a date on them!!! Honest. I have only ever cracked one egg in my life that was BAD - and boy did I know it! I hold them up to the window and can tell if they are still clear inside (no rotten). I use eggs that are way old all the time.
SO much lasts for ages. Gosh, anything with vinegar in it lasts a long time. WOW, I reuse parchment when baking cookies - several racks of cookies before tossing. Never thought to wash it.
That would be nice to have the space to have things according date like that.
I have no worry about power going out - I have a backup for that. I keep them around, just to grab if I hear a noise or need to run outside or something.
That's a great idea about washing parchment paper. I hate using it because it goes in the landfill.
ReplyDeleteMine get pretty beat and brown before I toss. lol. My daughter got this trick from me and her roommate thought it was a little weird. hahahah!
DeleteThe better quality parchment holds up to washing pretty well. The one I use is unbleached. I've had some that I have to be really gentle with and even then it might tear.
Sometimes all I do is a quick wipe with a damp cloth. One roll of parchment lasts me for years and I use it several times a week!
I don't often use parchment paper but I do have a package of pre-cut in the drawer that I bought at the $ store. Good idea to cut the pieces as needed.
ReplyDeleteI use my cellphone as my flashlight but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a couple of small ones around on occasion. For my daughter's pantry we put up dollar store push lights. They do die after a couple of years and she went fancy this last time and bought one with a remote - I think it cost her a whopping $8. Cheaper than putting an electrical light in there.
As others have said, our nose is often the best indicator if something is off. I don't pay attention most of the time, but like you I won't buy milk at WM because it tends to turn before the best by date. You're probably onto something when you say their coolers aren't kept as cold.
Cut it and use less! I don't have a fancy cell phone with a light - thus the flashlights for a moments notice of light.
DeleteYes, our noses really do know.
Sissie actually bought me these restaurant fold out sheets of wax paper. I thought what a waste! Oh no. if you cut them in fourths they make perfect caramel wrappers. Two will cover a large cookie sheet. Actually much cheaper them wax paper in the long run. Even if they were not I would pay extra for this convenience.
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever use wax paper - gosh, I have probably had the same roll for years! I do like the parchment.
DeleteGreat to know - thanks.
Since we are under a severe blizzard warning, I spent today gathering candles, and flashlights. I think I need some of those that you have to put in places where one is necessary even when one doesn't lose power.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
My goodness, so hard to believe this late in the year. Please stay safe. Prayers.
DeleteI love parchment paper!
ReplyDeleteThere are flashlights everywhere in this house, car, my purse. Tommy thinks it is ridiculous. He had one flashlight when I cam here and the bulb was bad and the batteries corroded!
WM milk expires soon because they are slow putting in the cooler. The cooler might be too warm, but I don't know.
Smell is a good indicator, but some toxins have no odor.
Flashlights are great for so many things.
DeleteI asked at my local WM what temp the cooler was, and then I asked Kroger and Aldi and there was a big difference here. I just won't buy it at WM.
Very true some things can't be smelled. I always do a tiny taste test and smell. Then decide.
Late to the game here, but wanted to add a point that may be helpful to some. A lot of the issue with going beyond the packaging date is tied to how the contents is packaged. When your mayo, salad dressing, peanut butter, etc. used to come in GLASS jars with metal lids, it kept much longer than that "best by" or "use by" date. But, with the shift to plastic jars and lids, I've found that it starts picking up that plastic flavor (and even changes a bit in texture) beyond that date. As much as I'd love to have that large jar or Helman's, Miracle Whip, or ranch dressing, as a single person household, I tend to buy the best per-ounce price for a smaller package. And, yes, I wish they'd come back with the smaller sized jars of peanut butter -- creamy for baking, crunchy for eating, and a more "natural" one for the pup's kong.
ReplyDelete