Using your pantry to go further with food

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Did someone say “spring cleaning?” It’s the perfect time to rid your pantry or fridge of all the loose-end food items that seem to have never made it into a dish. Instead of throwing them out, consider utilizing the below food hacks and try to make your forgotten pantry items go further for your family.

Pantry tips

Vegetables: Does it seem like your greens are going bad too quickly? Try cutting them up and mixing them into a breakfast frittata; zucchini, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes all make for a colorful egg-filled casserole dish. Add in roasted garlic or onions for extra flavor.

Fruits: We all feel like bananas seem to barely make it a week before ripening with brown speckles. Mash up your fruit and throw it into a banana bread to gift to friends or chocolate ice cream dessert for the whole family.

Protein: If you’re having trouble repurposing last night’s chicken, pop it into a slow cooker or stew with salsa to make chicken tacos for the next day.

Dairy: When you’re struggling to finish the last of a milk gallon at the end of the week, cook it into a rice pudding for a simple, sweet dessert.

Grains: Remember to opt for whole grains over refined breads. If you have extra bread lying around, crush it into breadcrumbs for your next cheesy casserole topping or for oven-baked chicken. Cut it into squares, season and broil for a few minutes for a healthy, homemade crouton.

Feeling inspired? Try out these recipes!

Brussel sprout leaf chips

• 2 cups Brussels sprout leaves
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1-2 tsp. seasoning (chili powder, Mrs. Dash, etc.)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After cutting the stems off the Brussels sprouts, collect the loose leaves and spread onto a tray, then sprinkle them with olive oil and seasoning. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Munch on this healthy alternative to potato chips!

Chocolate dairy-free ice cream

• 2 frozen bananas
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter powder
• 1 tsp. cocoa powder
• ½ cup soy milk

Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Enjoy this smooth summer treat with your family!