Does anyone else find the grocery store fun but stressful at the same time? In order to save time and money I make sure I meal plan every week. Usually on Sunday nights. I do not meal prep, because on Sundays I am usually with extended family. But the planning definitely helps me stick to a budget. Grocery shopping is stressful because prices are sky high, I am not ignoring that. If I see my list is on the lighter side, sometimes I will allow for one “fun” item. Maybe a flavored olive oil or syrup, a new spice, or the lemon pasta from Trader Joes.  It can help make some of your everyday favorites, new!

 

I refer to my plan throughout the week, because I forget what I am making if I do not write it down haha! However, I do love taking pantry items and stretching them. There are couple that I have around during the Spring season and beyond. I have listed them below with some ideas for inspiration purposes.

 

What do you stock your fridge and pantry with come spring?

 

Cinnamon Sugar Bread- your French toast bake is halfway done when using this bread. It can also double as a great dessert! Toast up a piece of bread and serve it with ice cream!

 

Rainbow Carrots- Not only are they great to snack on they make a beautiful side dish when roasted. Cut up the carrots, roast them and place them over farro with a honey tahini dressing.

 

Mint- Mint is great to have on hand to brighten up vegetables. Or to make simple syrups with. I make a brown sugar mint simple syrup that I put on berries or in my coffee. A mint simple syrup is a great way to jazz up ice tea, lemonade, or cocktails!

 

Prosciutto- If you do not love prosciutto it is hard for us to be friends. I love frying it like bacon and crumbling it over egg bakes. I also make a great shaved asparagus salad with crispy prosciutto.

 

Trader Joes Lemon Pasta- This pasta has very subtle lemon undertone. Anything with the lemon flavor can make you think of brighter days! This pasta works really well as a pasta salad for the upcoming outdoor dining season. A little bit of chili oil in a basil pesto tossed with this pasta

 

Marinated Artichokes- I use the brine in salad dressing and to make a great pasta salad! Chopping up the marinated artichokes and throwing them in salads, or on top of crispy chicken cutlets is delicious as well! The marinated artichokes in brine also make for a lovely topping for a piece of white fish!