…and again, and again, and again…
I did a proper audit of all the stuff in the fridge and freezer. Liz was the last to leave the house last week, and did a brilliant job of sorting out the fridge and the various half-started packets of Christmas stuff before she went – thanks, daughter!
We also had some food to bring back from Cornerstones – including some woodcock and pheasant from Adrian’s Boxing Day Shoot [he had prepared and frozen the meat for me, all ready to casserole] - thanks brother!
But now is the time to use up the reserves, like Joseph did [at the end of Genesis 41] So I have meals planned till the end of the month using only what I have in stock, with only the minimum amount of food shopping needed. An inexplicable surplus of peas in the freezer means they will have to be our ‘fresh’ veg. and desserts will be the Christmas cake, and Approved Foods Xmas Puds not eaten during the festive season, along with home made yogurt and the fruit I bottled in the summer. And anyway, we are cutting back on desserts!
Doesn’t this look encouraging? and remarkably tidy! This is half way through the process, I have put things away in date order so I can work from ‘front to back’
And everything is labelled neatly, and clearly, with full reheating instructions. This year I resolve not to ‘save time’ by not bothering to label freezer things properly ‘because I will remember what it is when I defrost it’ Experience has shown that I won’t.
[Stock or stewed apple? Bolognese or chilli?]
Are you still eating up leftovers? Have you had any ‘freezer disasters’ which were memorable?
My best "freezer disaster" was when someone who shall remain nameless (blush) left the door open. Most things were saved, and I cooked a really great batch of "Freezer Disaster Jam" from the soft fruits that had defrosted. I think it was a mixture of myrtilles, raspberries, blackberries and cherries. There may have been some strawbs in there too.One of my best jams, I think.
ReplyDeleteWe finished up with most of our leftovers last week. Now we're working on last summer's garden produce that's been living in the freezer. It's occurred to me we need to eat it before summer comes 'round again!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
xofrances
Not eating any Christmas leftovers except homemade lemon shortbread....but I know there are a few clementines lurking about.
ReplyDeleteJane x
I am so impressed with your ready meals Angela.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't have many left overs in our house.
Chocolates are gone.
Thanks goodness
Sft x
Fantastic organisation! I still have some Branston beans left from last time they were on offer at Asda - several months ago! We are eating from the cupboards and freezer until J gets paid on the 26th. It will be interesting to see how empty they get. Only three weeks to go!
ReplyDeleteI came to your blog from Gumbo Lily's. I am amazed at your organized freezer. I apsire to be you "when I grow up". hanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela
ReplyDeleteI tend to stock up when I have spare pennies to hand as if you have a nice little store, whether it be in the pantry, the jam store, the freezer, garden or fridge it all helps in trying not to spend too much at the end of the day. I also keep lots of pasta in, and make my own passata sauce. Makes for a quick meal especially during the working week.
Hope you are keeping well
Pattypan
x