Dinner (Now!): No Stove Summer Supper

I will not be giving a recipe because what you see is what you get. Humus and cheese for protein and what whatever veggies look good in the grocery. The real trick is to put it all in a tray or in a picnic basket. and ...
GO OUTSIDE!

My kids usually balk at a 'salad' but when the can pick out what bits they like & eat them with their fingers, al fresco all is well.

With the first day of summer bringing scorching temps, I was happy not to have to even turn on a burner, oven or grill. When I'm feeling more ambitious, I'll may even include some homemade humus.

Enjoy the summer everyone! Nutritious, vegetarian, easy & less than 15 mins!

Pantry Purge Challenge & Giveaway Prizes

The Pantry Purge Challenge

I want to thank everyone who's joined me for this project so far. I still have a bit more cleaning out and organizing to do. However I'm pleased to report that my cupboards are getting to looking a bit bare. This is always the hard part for me, even taking it one section at a time. Which reminds me that, garbage day is coming up and I really need to hit the fridge tomorrow!

Now I'm putting my thoughts to the fun part. I'm scheduling a Pot luck and food drive for next week. Some of my local friends and readers should expect an invitation very soon. However, those of you who are a bit to far to join us are in luck! I've decided to spice things up a bit, and I've found four Etsy sellers who have donated some prizes, from the "For the Pantry" Etsy Treasury that I put together last week.

Pantry Purge Drawing 

**** Easier Entry****

Drawing Prizes

Karcharz Photography

Karen is going to offer one matted 8x10 print for this giveaway! (8x10 photo in an 11x14 mat) Take a look at all of her compelling images. She is a talented photographer, and you are sure to find more than one 'must have' photo's.

Or

After the Leaves Fall

Ashley at After the Leaves Fall is offering a 30% coupon code for my drawing. If you already have a menu planner consider upgrading to her's. Its even got I place for notes and pens. Take a look around her shop and for jewelry display and custom bottle cap tacks.

How Enter Purge Prize Drawing

Pantry Purge Challenge

The Pantry Purge Challenge

is just a first step to being intentional about the food we eat. Many people in this world are hungry right now. Many Americans are hungry right now. If you are reading this, there is good chance that there is food that you do not need in your pantry right now.

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For me this started a little over a year ago when my family and I moved into a larger house, with this beautiful pantry. It was a difficult time for us financially, just after we moved the sale of our old house fell through, and it took another 4 months before we got another offer. From that fall until the next spring, I filled it. What I had not realized at the time was that I was filling it so that it would be full. We did not needed all of it, and certainly could barely afford it while we were paying two mortgages. I've decided to make my Pantry Purge an annual ritual.

Then I said it,

“We’re going to stop buying food.”

I wish I could post the look that my husband gave me in the moment. Essentially that is what I did, with exception of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy items. I forced myself to USE the pasta way in the back, the can of pink beans, and the frozen veggies that I had forgotten about. We did eventually run out of bread, and if I remember correctly, I made waffles out of three kinds of flour.

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There has is so much information and press out there about the problems with the way American’s eat. Since there rise of agriculture humans have relied on preserved food. Now with refrigeration, shipping, and science we have gone beyond just grain stores or “putting up” jars of tomatoes. Just about any food is available just about anywhere, just about any time of year. In all this bounty, we end up eating processed and out of season food. I am not asking to become vegetarian, or go completely organic, I am not going to suggest you start taking wheat-grass shots. This is about using up the great food you already have in your pantry and learning to buy what sustains you!

 4 Week Pantry Challenge Schedule

• Week 1 (Feb. 19-26): Start by stopping (buying things at the store blindly)
• Week 2 (Feb. 27- Mar. 4): How to Organize, When to toss, Dinner (now!); the convince of cooking from scratch.
• Week 3 (Mar.5 – 11): You are what you eat, and you eat what you buy
• Week 4 (Mar.12 -19): Pantry Pare-Down Pot luck, and Food Drive.

I am running this Pantry Purge this spring to coincide with lent, on purpose. I am not religious but I think that we can all use a time of reflection fasting, and almsgiving during this time of year. It’s even better with a community! I’ve asked some of my blogging friends to help me with this series.

I need your help too! First follow my Rss feed so you won’t miss any post, next leave a comment below with a picture of your pantry or fridge.

This was my favorite room
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I’ll have a couple of post each week with tips, task, recipes, and of course more pictures of my pantry. We will have fun and some prizes as well. In addition, of course it will all end with a party and food drive for your local food bank!

Join the Pantry Purge!

Its Easy!
First Subscribe Here:
 Subscribe in a reader or Subscribe by Email

Next, leave a comment (or two)!
We want to hear all about your purge trials, tips, triumphs and furry Asian fruit. :)

Last, take a look all of the past Pantry Purge Post!

Don't for get to grab a Pantry Purge Button for your blog.

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