Your approach to the pantry challenge makes total sense to me. This is my 3rd year, and I learned last year that it's smart to set a small 'clearance meats' budget for the challenge period to avoid guilt and missing out on great meat deals when we see them, especially in these times of crazy prices. We lived in Colorado Springs for six years prior to moving to FL. I bet it has really changed since 2000!! Blessings to you and your family for a fantastic 2025!
Rock on with your pantry challenge! I did the pantry challenge all of 2024 and we (my husband and I) consumed 165 jars, mostly quarts - or 13.25 cases. He is home about 50% of the time as a emeritus professor who does talks all over the place the away 50% of the time. That took care of the aging canning backload. I just canned Italian sausage - doing 12 pints or 10.5 pounds. I will be making a big batch of demi-glace in January and canning that because I am down to one lonely half-pint. My next cooking project is to find copycat recipes so I can make the things we like at home instead of buying it at the restaurants, for the most part. I am looking forward to doing that. I keep a separate organizer in a chest freezer that holds tidbits of things that need to be finished, like you described later in this video. Thank you for sharing and for all the info, it's very helpful.
Hi Linda, I've never seen anyone can Italian sausage but that sounds amazing! And WOW, clearing through all those home-canned foods in 2024 must have felt like a fantastic accomplishment in every way! I'm a new empty nester 😥, and learning to cook less now that my twins graduated college and flew the coop. My bits & bites bins are similar to what you mentioned having, and is key to avoiding food waste for 1-2 person households. Love your goal for finding great copycat recipes!
2024 was a busy and stressful year. My mother, whose health was failing became unable to live alone anymore and moved in with my husband and I. This being said a lot went on the back burner, and my freezers and pantry are full and in terrible condition. I am doing these challenges to work through my stores and try to get my freezers and pantry back in order.
That's hard! Best wishes on it all getting back together. I personally find that the challenges are exactly what help me get things right again. Using up so much gives you less to deal with.
Hello, I am also in Colorado Springs and will be doing the pantry challenge again this year. I did it last year and had some hiccups :) We only did the month of January last year. I also do not do an extensive inventory as I also pull from my shelves and freezers often and don't have anything that will be a surprise. I will have a small allowance for fresh dairy items and produce. I work full time so will not be doing the canuary but I continue to can all the time when I need to.
Thank you 😊
I looking forward to watching the challenges!
Inventory done!
You're on top of it!
Your approach to the pantry challenge makes total sense to me. This is my 3rd year, and I learned last year that it's smart to set a small 'clearance meats' budget for the challenge period to avoid guilt and missing out on great meat deals when we see them, especially in these times of crazy prices. We lived in Colorado Springs for six years prior to moving to FL. I bet it has really changed since 2000!! Blessings to you and your family for a fantastic 2025!
I think it's so smart to set a small budget for clearance meats! It takes the stress out of it.
Rock on with your pantry challenge! I did the pantry challenge all of 2024 and we (my husband and I) consumed 165 jars, mostly quarts - or 13.25 cases. He is home about 50% of the time as a emeritus professor who does talks all over the place the away 50% of the time. That took care of the aging canning backload. I just canned Italian sausage - doing 12 pints or 10.5 pounds. I will be making a big batch of demi-glace in January and canning that because I am down to one lonely half-pint. My next cooking project is to find copycat recipes so I can make the things we like at home instead of buying it at the restaurants, for the most part. I am looking forward to doing that. I keep a separate organizer in a chest freezer that holds tidbits of things that need to be finished, like you described later in this video. Thank you for sharing and for all the info, it's very helpful.
Hi Linda, I've never seen anyone can Italian sausage but that sounds amazing! And WOW, clearing through all those home-canned foods in 2024 must have felt like a fantastic accomplishment in every way! I'm a new empty nester 😥, and learning to cook less now that my twins graduated college and flew the coop. My bits & bites bins are similar to what you mentioned having, and is key to avoiding food waste for 1-2 person households. Love your goal for finding great copycat recipes!
I've never seen demi-glace canned!
Will be joining you for both challenges this year 🎉 yay
Yay!
2024 was a busy and stressful year. My mother, whose health was failing became unable to live alone anymore and moved in with my husband and I. This being said a lot went on the back burner, and my freezers and pantry are full and in terrible condition. I am doing these challenges to work through my stores and try to get my freezers and pantry back in order.
That's hard! Best wishes on it all getting back together. I personally find that the challenges are exactly what help me get things right again. Using up so much gives you less to deal with.
Hello, I am also in Colorado Springs and will be doing the pantry challenge again this year. I did it last year and had some hiccups :) We only did the month of January last year. I also do not do an extensive inventory as I also pull from my shelves and freezers often and don't have anything that will be a surprise. I will have a small allowance for fresh dairy items and produce. I work full time so will not be doing the canuary but I continue to can all the time when I need to.
Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't do an extensive inventory.
looking forward to ihe challenge.