5 EASY Pantry Meals & Pro Tips for Building Your Perfect Working Pantry on a BUDGET!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ม.ค. 2024
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Hey friends! The new year is the perfect time to take stock of those pantries and deep freezers and see what hidden treasures we’ve missed in there. I’m Mel and welcome to my kitchen. Tonight I’m sharing 5 meal ideas all made with ingredients straight from my pantry, fridge and freezer, ideas of how to customize them with what YOU have on hand, and lots of tips on how to use it before you lose it!
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A working, rotated, basic pantry that gets restocked during sales (or seasonally when I could garden) is how I was raised and how I've managed my household for 45 years. Job loss, pandemics, natural disasters (blizzards) have all been survived and I've been able to help others during these times. Thank you for sharing. ❤
I only started a working pantry about 5 years ago and I’m 50! I wish I had learned that in my younger years. It does help to buy items on sale instead of as needed - or save a whole week’s grocery budget by working from what I’ve got on hand. In fact I just did a restock this weekend! 😊 the taco Mac and cheese looks delish! And a new oven?! SCORE!!!! 😂😂
Your pantry sounds a lot like how I do mine, and how I learned from my mom. I just went through my pantry and cabinets to start the new year. I made a list of the items I need to use up and a list of meals I can make from these items. Cooking from my pantry and freezer allows me to use what I have, as well as spend less at the store this month. Sounds like a winner to me! Thanks for sharing and for all your inspiration!❤️😉
My pantry is exactly like yours. It has gotten us through the pandemic, multiple flu seasons, heavy rains or snow, a couple of job losses, and busy plain life. I could probably do 3 months if I had to and we would be fine.
This is such an encouraging comment to hear. My sentiments and thoughts exactly, we never know what life might throw our way and it's good to prepare for the rainy days while the sun is shining and we have the means to do so.
Yep...the older generations mommas/gmas/friends mamas always got best recipes.
Most of my cooking I learned Fr my mother law n my daddy. My daddy was the cook on the ship in navy n they bother were best cooks.
That’s how I do our pantry and boy has it been a life saver. We don’t have a lot of cabinets and no actual pantry so I repurposed an old bookshelf a friend was decluttering. The Taco Mac and Cheese sounds so good and the chicken soup would sure hit the spot in this cold weather.
Have a blessed week sweet friend, stay safe and warm ❤
We are empty nesters. I still do get stuff when its on sale 6 or so at a time depending on what it is. I meal plan from the pantry/freezer so the stock keeps rotating through.
I am well stocked just in case! Prayers for you and all of my Tennessee friends and family with the storm that's brewing outside right now! Be safe and hunker down and stay warm!
Thx for all your wonderful recipes !!
Now's your chance to do a string of meals that show folks how to use, for example, an electric skillet or griddle... If you have one to show us, that is! Best of luck finding a really reliable range 😊
Mel, those recipes looked so yummy. Thank you for sharing them. Sending prayers to you and your family. Stay safe and warm.
Thank you so much, Mel. your videos are always a Sunday evening treat. I look forward to them weekly!
Fallon got a new stove too 😊.... I just love your channel and all your recipes. You are so articulate and down to earth and just lovely. Thank you for being you and for sharing with us ❤ God Bless Y'all
Thank you so much for this sweet comment, I appreciate you so much and I love helping where I can. And me and Falon have a couple of the same issues here lately LOL
I am going to start a pantry I haven't been cooking much but after watching you I am trying to get back into it again. Thank you so much for making these videos
I love a good pantry and freezer cleanout! I’ve been stocking up my freezer for the past few months since I moved when I see meat on sale, now I’m gonna need to clean it out pretty soon. Everything looks delicious, especially that mac and cheese!
Hey friend! Your WFD popped up today and I've been catching up with all you've been doing!
@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel Aww, thank you! I’ve been so behind in watching videos lately, I’ve been doing a lot of catch up this weekend.
Oooodle la leeee!
The Sodium overload 😅
I like the ingredient control that cooking beans from scratch with my instapot gives me.
I freeze batches flat and stack them.
Oh I’m so glad you said LESS, I’ve kicked so much to the curb, donated so much and gifted some of my nephews and nieces good starter cooking goods, they love it
That's awesome, I believe we could all do a little of that. Thanks for watching 😊❤️
My hubby loved the chilli cheese burritos Taco Bell used to have, ❤❤❤
Oh, I don't think I got in on those! That makes me sad 🤣 have a great week ❤️
I’m so sorry about your oven Mel. Hopefully you will get one soon. Hope you have a great week. ☺️
I've got a new one, but I'm a grouchy old lady and don't like change 🤣
I am the same way 😂🤣
HEB had a great meat sale last week. My freezer is stocked. Crockpot is ready
Thank u about telling us about the working pantry next time I get more of the stuff I used most often love making chili
My daughter took me out to dinner for my birthday and the restaurant made a chili cheese frito soufflé! It was amazing! If I knew how to make a soufflé, I’d try to recreate it at home! But wrapping it up in a tortilla sounds good too!
My husband since he retired loves running my pantry like a General
Lol 🤣 he needs his own hobby doesn't he
Mel
I have been cleaning out my spices and pantry to during the last 2 weeks. Thank you for the cooking inspiration. It has been cold in Pennsylvania so the soups looked perfect. Love your channel.
Sounds like you have been busy, but doesn't it feel good to be able to use everything that we've bought. Thank you so much for watching and being such a great support to me here.
I grew up with the same type pantry & I have had that type pantry for the past 40 years since I've had my own home.
Except I buy sale items & can them.
My Mom only froze sale items.
And food sales tend to rotate by seasons.
I love cornbread with any chili.
My oldest son loves the Sonic Chili Cheese wraps. Thank you for sharing your recipe for them. I’m definitely going to make them. I also like the taco Mac and Cheese recipe. I always have those ingredients in my pantry. I always look forward to and enjoy your videos. We are getting snow right now and these recipes will be great to make in the next few days.
I try to make pantry/freezer meals every few weeks.
My oldest sister and I rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas between our houses. I’ve had major appliances to go out for three years in a row. Thanksgiving my stove did the same thing. I had pans of food ready to cook when it sparked on me. Had to get another stove the next day before Thanksgiving. Christmas, the same thing happened again!!!! At least it was a few days before Christmas and we were able to purchase one that was more heavy duty. The next Thanksgiving, our refrigerator tore up, it was still on warranty but they couldn’t repair it until after the holidays. So we had to purchase a new refrigerator. We put the old one on the carport and when they repaired it, we use it as a spare. It’s been a lifesaver at times. Keeping my fingers crossed and praying that this doesn’t happen to either one of us any time soon.
Oh honey, bless your heart - I thought we were having a rough year but you're taking the cake. Hope things stay working at your house for the next few years!
My grown kids tease me about how much food I have in my pantry. They say they just buy what they want for the week. I guess that’s how the younger generation thinks. I’ve tried to teach them but they say if they want something they’ll just go buy it then. I tried🤦♀️
Thank you!
❤ all of these
Thanks! Gonna try these!
Hi Mel! Thank you so much for these helpful tips. And the recipes look delicious as always. Appreciate all you do. Have a blessed week. 💜
I really enjoy your videos. I always find something cheap and wonderful for my family and everything is always a huge hit. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these videos. Hope yall have a blessed day. And thanks again
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for this kind comment, I love sharing and always hope that my videos are a help.
I love watching you and saving your recipes. Also cleaning out the freezer and the pantry becomes a little fun adventure after your inspiration. Thanks and keep up the good work.❤
I'm still using up lots of things every week and it IS an adventure LOL Thanks so much for watching
Everything looks so Yummy and for me super easy!! Thanks for sharing. ❤❤❤❤
Love your food.
Thanks Mel! I always look forward to your videos ❤
❄❄❄Stay safe and cozy with this winter weather moving in.❄❄❄ We're going to be cutting it close here in Northwest Ga., but it is being forecast just slightly north of us. 🫣 I guess we'll find out how good the weatherman's predictions are!😂
Tfs....love all the tips
Adding a can of chili to the Taco Mac N Cheese would be good and use 1/2 lb ground beef.
Yes, it's a recipe that is for "inspiration" (like most of the ones I share) make it your own! Thanks for watching
Definitely delicious.thank you Mel😊
Omygosh. Gotta try that chilimac!
I am going to fix the one with the mac and cheese it looks like something my grandchildren wouldn like
Everything looks delicious, I'm writing these down. Thanks for the ideas, stay safe and warm!
Good recipes!
you'll a great cook, Mel!!! Thank u for all your cooking videos and everything!!!
Thanks again for these good ideas and recipes 😊
Great tips, Mel! I'm working through my freezer because I've got some things that I got before the holidays that need to be used. Can't wait to see your new stove!
Perfect! I am doing the same thing!
Wonderful recipes! Thank you.
As a good midwesterner, I’ve always kept a freezer full and canned goods stocked up. There were times when I was growing up in Nebraska that we literally couldn’t get out of the house.
We don’t drink milk but I like to keep a box or two of shelf-stable milk on hand
Love my my kitchen in AZ❤️
You would think I lived there, too the way I keep food on hand, LOL. But I think it's a great idea no matter where we live, it never hurts to be prepared. We never know what we might be preparing for but it's good to be ready for whatever might come our way. AND I made Runza for the first time last night, I read that it was a midwestern staple and it was named after the Runza sandwich from Nebraska - I loved it! Thanks so much for watching!
Oh yes! Runza is our favorite! It’s the first thing I eat when I get back to Nebraska! ❤️
I can’t wait to try some of these dishes.
Thank you so much for watching, hope it helps!
Hi Mel great recipes.have a blessed week❤
Your videos always make me smile! Thank you for the inspiration to clean out my pantry and freezer!!
thank u so very much for the great tips and everything, Mel!!!! happy cooking to you!!!
All of rhese recipes sound delicious! Thanks for sharing the tips! I love Moss Family TV! 😊
I agree with you a working pantry is what I have. Plus I don’t have space for stock piles an I always would worry about all that food going to waste. Since we only do a big haul once a month by the months end I’m clearing out the pantry for the next hall. Thanks for sharing all the recipes looked great. I’ve also made the mac&cheese taco dish before. Another tasty recipe is taco spaghetti
I follow the animals example. During the SUMMER, I buy extra non-perishable items when I shop. Caned veggies, fruit juice, chili, hash, Spam, etc. Come Winter, if we have a big snowstorm, I don't have. to worry about getting to the grocery store, or what we have to eat. Hot chocolate. Packets are also a good addition. I don't do a Lot of frozen in case the power is out. A candle in the bottom of a double boiler works well for heating food. Just be very careful. Use a shorter candle in a glass container and don't let the flame touch the bottom. Of your inset pan. Be. Sure the candle is in a container, and not highly scented. (Apple is good.) Keep children and pets away from hot pans.Use oven mitts or pot holders to handle. all items.
These are great(as always) recipes! I don’t see the confetti, but I would definitely throw it!!!
LOL Thanks so much friend!
Thanks for the tips Momma Mel! We've really been struggling lately so I will try to implement them when I can. The meals looked delicious as usual. God bless you. Lots of love❤ from Nicole in Indiana.
Glad it was helpful! Another thing that might help is to Google "what can I make with ..." and insert a few different items you have left in your pantry. I've found some really good ideas that way to use up some random things.
Loved these recipes. Especially the macaroni and cheese one definitely making that. It’s so refreshing to see how you do your working pantry. That’s how I do mine. I don’t want to store food for a year.
Love your ideas Mel you do a great job on all you make Mel my husband loved chicken chili and your pizza Mel yum yum ,!! 😂❤ great tips also Mel thank you sooo much, God bless you and your family, stay warm self Mel dear friend,, 😇🙏✝️❣️🌟
Great ideas! I am working on compiling simple, low-cost meals for my son who just moved into his first room in the barracks on base.
Yes to less!! Another way we are alike! I love simplicity in decor, clothing, kitchen appliances, I find myself getting rid of more and more. It's like the clutter is chaos to my brain. Lol! Love you, my sweet friend! I want that white chicken chili! 😋
Exactly! And I am sharing your fajita seasoning in this Sunday's video again. I figured you would still not mind but I have been meaning to message you and ask LOL I will have a link to your Facebook group in the description box so others can join, too. Thanks so much for sharing it with me, it really is my favorite!
@@InTheKitchenWithMommaMel You never have to ask! You have permanent permission, lol, and I am so happy you like it so much! It is the best one I have found. I'll see you on Sunday! ❤️
@cathynations7169 thank you so much Cathy, you're the best and that seasoning mix is, too 🤣🥰❤️
Stay warm and safe in this cold snowy weather. I cleaned out pantry and freezer before Christmas to make room for all the Christmas prep. I need to start stocking up again.
Hi Mel👋👋👋 TYFS these delicious meals, I appreciate you so much🥰 Have a wonderful day and blessed week🙏♥️💫✨👼🏻✨💫♥️🙏
Mel, why not put the meat mix in the large pan instead, then you won''t have to lift it.🙃
I ❤this content of shopping ur pantry to make meals to use things up, tfs!!
Thank you so much for watching, I'm so happy that you enjoyed this video.
I love your videos!
Thank YOU!
I think wisdom comes with age.who needs all that stuff lol.I love your recipes fun and easy 😃
Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank YOU for watching 😊
I love that your huhusband's a fix it man so is mine it has saved us thousands over the 41 years we've been together
Yes, those handy hubbys have saved us so much haven't they. He is NOT a "call the man" type of guy LOL
My pantry is in a spare bedroom. Lol. We run our pantries the same. When my kids were home, kids now 46 and 49, i got groceries once month other than bread and milk. Meals planned onvwhat we had. Now, the two of us still do the same only smaller quality. I believe i spend less this way. Enjoy your new stove. I have built ins. My stove came with the house that was built in 1957. I need a new stove and oven. 😮 love watching you.
Love these ideas! Thanks for the inspiration!
You are so welcome!
Will try your taco Mac& cheese. Looks yummy And easy peasy.
Loved these meals!
So glad you liked this video, thank you so much for watching 😊
❤❤ 🎉🎉😊 Love you!! I always learn from you!! The white chicken chili looks delish! The mac & cheese & taco meat dish looks so good! Making that Weds.!
Making the chili Friday!!
I live alone. My husband passed away a yr ago in October. But, I love to cook for my sister & brother too! Plus, we all three love leftovers!!
Your cooking really relaxes me! I thoroughly enjoy your recipes and watching you cook!! I love the soft background music as well!!
I pray for you & your family every day!! Hugs!! ❤❤🎉🎉😁😁😇🥰🥰🤗🤗❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm glad to hear you have lots of family around you. I will keep you in my prayers/
Thank you so much Mamma Mel!! ❤❤😊❤❤🙏🙏😇
Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure!
Another awesome video Mel thanks 👍👍👍
Thank you 😁
Love the content and advice. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Yum.
Yummy and cleaned out some stuff 😊
Yum, every dish looked so good and mouth watering. I need to use up some mac & cheese boxes, your dish is the way to go. Thanks for all of your videos. ❤
Thank you for watching 😊
You are the salt of the earth. The food looked fabulous. 🙏🏼🇺🇸❤️
😊 thank you, you're kindness means the world to me!
Less is more, I’m with you on that.
Great video as usual! I need to do a pantry clean out and use up some of the stuff in there. I must have caught cake mixes on sale because I think I have one of every flavor!
🤣 you could have a bake sale
I have so many cans of refried beans, don’t know what to do with them! 🤷♀️
Yes less is more and with age comes wisdom! I feel the same way! Love your videos! 🤩
Yes! Thank you!
I love watching your videos, your recipes are so good. I have a working pantry also and it really has helped us with budgeting as well as just always having things on hand to fix a good meal. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and for your encouraging words. And I feel exactly the same way about my little pantry. Have a great week 😊
I found this very encouraging. Trying hard to use my pantry and not waste. Thank you.
Thank you! I try to do the same, have a blessed week friend 💖
Good evening Mama Mel, Thanks for sharing , everything looks good.Yall stay warm and have a wonderful week.❤❤❤ Lula mae and Family.
Thanks for being here and you stay warm too ❤️
I just love your show, Mel! It's the highlight of my Sunday evenings! I'm definitely going to try that Naan bread pizza. It looked absolutely delicious. I appreciate all of your new recipes and ideas for putting things together!❤😊❤
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words!
Hi mel! You know Fallon had to get a new stove too! 💕
I know 🤣 and we just had to replace some flooring due to a leak, too. I think we're living parallel lives in neighboring states 🤣
I have to try the white chicken chili I never had that yet! Thank you for sharing all of your recipes with us. Happy New Year to you and your family🎉❤
Thanks for being here and hope you love the chili!
🎉love all your recipes and down to earth videos!
Thanks so much 😊
I'm making a beef soup now while I watch you. I had all the ingredients in the house. I chopped and froze celery, onions and carrots so they wouldn't go bad. Using them now with this soup. Thanks for all your recipes.
Thats awesome, I love when I do things like that that end up helping me later. Have a blessed week friend 💖
Omg! That happened to Fallon right before Christmas! Anyway I have always used my pantry like this. I'm lucky enough to have a small room in my basement with shelves for my pantry items
I know, LOL We've had a couple of the same issues lately - me and her
As always, you have given me some good ideas. Those bananas would be good to peel, wrap in foil and freeze.
That's a great idea, I peeled and sliced them and froze them for smoothies. But I really wanted that banana bread LOL
Everything looks so good! I’m going to try that taco Mac and cheese real soon. Thanks for sharing
Hope you enjoy
I love your recipes and have made many of them for my family! I would love to see a video about meal planning as I’m not very good at it. I save and pin hundreds and then get lost in indecision when it comes time to figuring out what to make. Any tips and tricks would be helpful!
Noted! I will be thinking about the layout for such a video. Thank you so much for watching and for the video suggestion, I am always happy to help in any way I can.
If you can swing it, I highly recommend a range with a double oven. I bought one used and have loved it and will never go back to a single oven.
I like to take my burritos after wrapped crisp them up in a bit of oil in my cast iron. Once you do it doubt you will go back.
YUM
Thank you Mel!. Delicious recipes and a good time to rotate my can goods!
You are so welcome!