Back to the Grind Part I
Clean out your kitchen!!
As the summer starts to come to an end (I’m sorry, but it’s true) I’m trying to mentally prepare for getting back into the swing of things. Back to the grind. As such, every week this month, I’m sharing tips and tricks to make mom-ing, feeding, and working a little bit easier for you.
Do what you need to do to enjoy the rest of your summer—bookmark this for later, or start chipping away at it now. I personally am very excited for my family’s beach vacation and am most excited for my daughter to come home from sleepaway camp to spend time with her.
To start, this week we’re cleaning out the kitchen. We’re throwing out expired cans, flavorless spices, and old baking powder, and getting rid of long-forgotten leftovers in the freezer. We’re starting fresh.
Here’s what’s on the menu for this week:
Cleaning Out the Kitchen 101
Clean-Out-The-Fridge-or-Freezer-or-Pantry Soup
Clean-Out-The-Fridge Salad
Clean-Out-The-Kitchen Tacos
My Favorite Kitchen Organizers
Cleaning Out the Kitchen 101
I’ve spent a lot of time this summer organizing our apartment. An hour a day. I also hired an organizer who is an absolute superhero. To start fresh, do an audit of stuff in your kitchen—what tools are you using? Move them to the front. What tools do you not even know how to use? Get rid of them. Consolidate takeout menus and sauces to one spot, and put the tools and bowls you use most in easy-to-reach spots. Small changes every day will transform your space.
When it comes to pantry goods and fridge/freezer space, do a quick scan to see what’s gone bad or what needs to be used fast. Use this opportunity to clear out any years-old spices that aren’t as flavorful anymore (shelf life is usually 1-2 years for ground spices) and check on the last time you bought baking powder. If it was more than 6 months ago, toss it and add it to your list the next time you bake.
Clean-Out-The-Fridge-or-Freezer-or-Pantry Soup
This is a great way to clear out boxes of broth in your pantry, grains, and frozen chicken. Zhuzh it up with herbs and any veggies you have (frozen broccoli or edamame are great to add). If you have spinach that’s about to go bad, stir that in at the end.
Clean-Out-The-Fridge Salad
You know the drill—salads are all about ratios. As long as you have a green, some extra veggies, a salty bite, and a little crunch, you can create an incredible salad. I’m giving you inspo to work with (and my favorite dressing), but use what you have. (Have I shouted that from the rooftops enough??)
Clean-Out-The-Kitchen Tacos
Tacos in my house are the best way to make everyone happy without making four different meals. We throw everything down on the table and let everyone make their own. This is a basic slaw and protein recipe to help get extra veg out of your fridge. If you have corn, make this salad to go with it.
My Favorite Kitchen Organizers
I’ll share more about organizing and stocking your pantry next week, but want to share my favorite pantry organizers to give you a head start.
Jars - I have a big jar collection. I save jars (a lot from Rao’s) to use as drinking glasses and to hold dry goods. The chocolate chips, farro, bulgur, quinoa, rice, and some spices in my pantry are all stored in leftover jars.
POP Containers - I worked with OXO a couple years ago, and they re-fitted my pantry with a ton of POP containers. I use these for flours (we have a lot of different kinds for different breads), sugar, baking soda, etc.
OXO Turntable - I can hold so many more bottles (oils and vinegars) and cans than I can without it and it makes them so easy to find. You can also use it in your fridge.
Deli Containers - I order these to store leftovers (they’re also great for freezing broth and sauces). They’re also great for sharing food with friends without worrying about getting it back.
I L🤍VE jars . . . 🙂