Many of you already know that recently I’ve moved- within Chicago but still across town and with enough stuff to require a truck much larger than I’m capable of driving (though my husband seemed to enjoy getting behind the wheel of anything larger than his tiny, gas-saving compact car).
I’ve shared some of the photos, angst and toils surrounding the move on both Twitter and the MHK Facebook page, just to showcase tidbits of what’s happened to me along the way, including some of our first meals at our new digs.
Moving is never fun, but as one of my friends reminded me, it does give you a fresh start. That, I say, is very true.
One of the things I’ve learned when moving is that we don’t always use what we have, be that books, trinkets, tables or food. How much do we really need and how much can we really do without? Aren’t there things that other people could use more than us?
To be honest, I was sick of all my stuff. Not unappreciative, just a bit mad at myself for accumulating more than I really ever need or frequently use. Why did I have so much when others can and probably will use them more effectively? Luckily, I was able to find good homes for many of the small appliances, gadgets and home décor that I had outgrown, but I know there is still much more that can be distributed. Over time, insha’allah, it will be my mission to simplify my life with less stuff and more space to have memories of good times with good people, and of course, good {halal} food.
These instances have encouraged me to take a look back at what was happening when I cleaned out my old refrigerator and began to stock my ‘new’ one. Toiling over everything that was stuffed inside, I realized that although I always cook at home, I could definitely do a lot better at using what I’ve got in there to put meals together. I had the freezer, the fridge and the pantry to work with and let me tell you, the meals that can come out of cooking with what you’ve got will really surprise you.
With pie crusts and homemade frozen pie filling in the freezer (but not a single pie plate to be found), I baked this pie in a cast iron pan on one of our first days in our new place
The first few days in our new place reminded me of our trips to cabins or camping where we don’t have a whole lot of utensils to work with and the food we bring is just enough to feed us for a few days. It’s so much simpler and to me, so much more enjoyable. I plan on working more with what I’ve already got and buying fresh items as needed (for 2-3 days ahead). With jars of olives, cans of tuna and condiments galore in the refrigerator, there’s always an easy pasta dish that can be created or meat that can be simply dressed with just about any spice in the pantry. Not only is this a money and time-saver, you get something back for yourself: gratitutude and a new appreciation for what you’ve already got and you can be proud of yourself for thinking up new dishes with just a few items.
So, how abou it? Will you take up the challenge with me? Aside from buying some fresh fruit, salad greens, and milk, will you stop shopping for one whole week and cook with what you’ve got?
If yes, then tell me– what are you cooking with what you’ve got?
Who knows, if I get some really good responses, I may even send you some of the extra gadgets I’ve got around here…
Tagged as:
cooking,
freezer,
fridge,
moving,
pantry
