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Laura / March 27, 2020

Quarantine Kitchen Survival Part 1

What a crazy few weeks it has been!

Firstly, I am deeply saddened about how many people, jobs, and businesses will be impacted by COVID–19. It has been surreal to process, however, amidst the struggles, challenges, and uncertainty, I cling tightly to my faith and have hope we will all overcome. I am doing my best to be intentional and use this time to better engage with my kids and husband, serve and show kindness to others around me in whatever capacity I can, and not give in to fear as we navigate through this.

As we all have seen the grocery stores being bombarded with so many people, I will admit that I did get excited that a lot more people will be cooking at home. This may not excite you in the least bit and might even stress you out. With that said, I would LOVE to help you in any way I can. I have definitely bought frozen taquitos, mozzarella sticks, Eggo waffles, cinnamon rolls, and we even have had cereal for dinner, so I’m not cooking every meal!

Below are some basic tips and pantry/fridge items I am keeping in stock during this time. I have a page with my Favorite Food Items if you want to see “specific” brands I like, however, I understand we are limited with what we can find!

This is a PERFECT time to get your kids in the kitchen! Let them help and learn/practice this valuable skill! I’ve received some photos of kids cooking in the kitchen and I love seeing them! If you have a fun photo you would like to share, please leave it in the comment section below or post it on one of my social media accounts and leave the hashtag #familytablethyme

This is what I love to do so if you need any help at all I would love to serve you! Please connect with me here!

Tips BEFORE you go to the store:

Make a Menu for the week-This is a perfect time to practice meal planning each week. You can use my free printables to help you get started! If you are cooking with already frozen meats, be sure to leave enough time to defrost before you cook

Plan to buy 1-2 weeks of food at a time– The stores are doing the best they can to keep stocked. We may be limited on some items, but in general, there is plenty of food still available. It may require some creativity but that’s where I would love to help you!

Check your pantry/Fridge/Freezer-Be sure to eat up any fresh foods or frozen so they don’t go to waste. Then check for any non-perishable you might need. We keep a running list on the fridge of what we are out of and it really helps!

Plan to buy longer-lasting fruits and veggies- If you are buying fresh produce, below you will see my list of what typically lasts longer. And remember, MOST fruits and veggies can be frozen (with the exception of those with high water content–Celery, cucumbers, lettuce)

Be open to trying new cuisines/flavors-It can get old to cook the same types of meals all the time. This is a great time to try new cuisines with whatever ingredients are available. I can help you with this!

Contact me if you need help/suggestions with anything! You can also leave comments/questions below! Part 2 of this post with “Meal Ideas” coming next!

PANTRY/FRIDGE/FREEZER SUGGESTIONS:

Proteins:

Any Meat you can find that can be frozen

Frozen Whole Turkey Breast (to make homemade sandwich meat)

Dry or Canned Beans

Lentils

Shelf-stable Tofu

Eggs and egg beaters

Any Nut Butter

Nuts/Seeds

Grains:

Pasta

Rice

Any Grains (farro, quinoa)

Oatmeal

Bread

Tortillas

Saltines/crackers

Veggies/Fruits (Frozen or Fresh):

These following veggies/fruits tend to last longer:

Carrots

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Brussel Sprouts

Peas

Potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Any kind of Squash

Onions

Garlic

Apples

Oranges/Mandarins

Pears

Lemons/Limes

Sauces/Oils/Spices/Baking Items/Other:

*Some of these items are not always in stock so I just work with what I can get*

Any Cooking Oil you can find (Olive, Coconut, Avocado, Grapeseed, Canola)

Sugar (Brown and White)

Butter

Flour

Coconut Milk (canned or you can make your own (SUPER EASY)

Spices- Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cinnamon, Oregano, Curry Powder, Vanilla, Salt/Pepper, Ground Ginger, Onion Powder, Thyme

Red Curry Paste (one of my favorites to use!)

Soy Sauce

Fish Sauce

Apple Cider Vinegar

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

Condiments-Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard, Sriracha, hot sauce

Any cooking chocolate bars or chocolate chips (for desserts!)

Cocoa Powder

*Be on the lookout for Part 2–Meals I have been cooking!*

Filed Under: Food, For the Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: Meal planning tips, Pantry items, Qurantine Meals, Stock your pantry

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My passion is to help and serve others through my love of cooking and planning meals with the hope that you will be able to sit and connect with family and friends at the table. Read More…

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