{pantry challenge & organization}

A few weeks ago my sweetheart decided to challenge me to use everything in our pantry for meals, and to barely buy anything from the grocery to do it. We were using our pantry closet as well as a few shelves in a cupboard. There's no need for that much stuff!

Challenge accepted. 

So over the past month or so, I've made a lot of recipes that I've shared with you guys and a few that I haven't yet. Here is a list of everything I've been remaking that I've already shared. I've also updated the recipe links in the tab at the top of the page, that includes every recipe I've posted.

Recipes

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
cheesy orzo & broccoli
forget it chicken
pick me up pancakes
stuffed crust pizza
caesar chicken sandwiches
broccoli & cheese soup



I've also made this fantastic new dry erase calendar to keep me organized.The calendar took some time, but I think it's going to help out a lot with our new home hunt, school, his exams, and any kind of other special stuff going on. The calendar idea came from pinterest, but I thought of doing it when we went to Home Depot so he could buy some paint for work. I ended up taking almost {or actually...} every single paint chip I could. We ended up picking out two special colors for our eventual wedding, and I couldn't be more excited! We are just in the thinking stage of it though, so don't expect too many more wedding details for a while.

I reorganized the calendar while making some of the amazing pumpkin chocolate chip cookies last night. I think it's important to say that if we have leftovers that we didn't each for lunch or something else comes up, we just push the scheduled dinner to another day or cross it off. Otherwise, this could get messy.

For the calendar, you will need 30 paint chips, some kind of background {I used some cloth}, scissors, a poster  frame and glue. Just cut the paint chips down for size, as you can see I left the name on there but just chopped off some of the extra stuff.

 I've been using the extra paint chips as little sticky notes, no need to waste! Also, I think my sweetheart has challenged me to use up the rest of hte coffee and tea in our pantry over the course of the next 10 months. Challenge accepted.

{Tomato Pie!}

naked 'mater!

I found myself cleaning our bathroom at 7am. I guess that's what happens when you're going to school and working full time, while trying to have a life. Well, at least it's clean!

Anyway, with a mother from mississippi and a father from new york, I've been exposed to a shmatterling of family traditions. One of the very best, is tomato pie! It is not a dessert, like my sweetheart thinks. {He refuses to eat it until after dinner.}

 It goes well with just about everything! Of course fresh basil, chives, and tomatoes are the best ingredients, but I'm sure it tastes great with whatever you've got.

ingredients. 
9" baked pie crust
3-4 medium tomatoes-peeled and sliced, seeded, and very well drained. {This is key, very well drained.}
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp fresh basil
1/4 c chopped chives (fresh)
1/2 c Mayo
12 c grated cheddar cheese
1/2c grated mozzarella cheese

I

Peel the tomatoes. Yup! Peel them carefully, just so that the tough outer skin is removed. 

Remove the seeds of the tomato, and try to dry them. I use a towel and paper towels. 

{This is the key, or else the pie will be soggy}

At the same time, bake the pie crust according to the directions. 

II

 Place the bite size tomato pieces into the baked pie crust. 

{You can do diced tomatoes, but I prefer a little larger.} 

III

Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the top of the pie.

Smooth the ingredients to cover the tomatoes.

IV

Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 25-35 minutes. I usually need 20

minutes. Watch the pie closely and if the crust starts to get overdone, protect it with foil.

i love 'mater pie with the sound of thunderstorms rolling in, makes me miss mississippi!

Please tell me how it turned out for you!