You know how much I love a good Pantry Challenge, right? Well, a few weeks ago Becky Worley, a reporter for Good Morning America, contacted me and asked me to advise her on how to have a successful pantry challenge. I flew up to her home in Oakland last week where we raided her cupboard and planned out meals based on what she already had.
We were able to create at least 16 meals from what she already had with plenty leftover, saving her $200 cash for the month and helping her avoid the grocery store. Becky reported on her pantry challenge this morning. If you missed the segment this morning, you can see it here.
Jessica Fisher on Good Morning America from Jessica Fisher on Vimeo.
If you clicked over from GMA or google after watching the segment? Here are some pertinent links of things that were referenced in the show:
- Tips for a Successful Pantry Challenge
- Burrito Pizza – one of our favorite ways to enjoy meatless pizza.
- Lawnmower Taco – this taco casserole got its name when my son didn’t want to eat dinner. My husband told him it was just tacos he ran over with the lawnmower.
Both recipes are featured in my cookbook, Not Your Mother’s Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook. It’s the perfect guide to getting you started in cooking for the freezer. You can save a bundle of money and time with homemade freezer meals.
My newest cookbook is Good Cheap Eats: Everyday Dinners and Fantastic Feasts for $10 or Less. With 200 recipes sorted into full meals, it’s a guidebook to both healthy home cooking and economical meal planning.
For the curious, our grocery budget is based on the USDA food cost plans, based on the age and sex of each family member. I aim for the “thrifty” plan as opposed to the low-cost, moderate, or liberal plans. We eat most meals at home and feed 4 teen and tween boys. Heaven, help me!
Another important point for those who are hesitant to eat up what’s in the cupboard is that we keep a 3-Day Emergency Supply of food in a separate location. While we aren’t at risk for hurricanes or blizzards, we do live in earthquake country. I don’t worry about using up the pantry because I’ve already prepared for a true emergency.
Maureen says
Congratulations!! Awesome!
Jen says
Jessica,
It was awesome to see you on GMA today! Your advice is invaluable. I certainly hope it helps people to see the possibilities on their own shelves. You certainly have inspired me! Cheers to not wasting food or money!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
congrats!! that’s so awesome. i was just telling a friend about your cookbook the other day 🙂
Jessica Fisher says
Thanks for sharing the love!
Angela Gilmore says
Wow! Congratulations! That’s amazing!
Rachel says
Congrats! Fun to “see” you! Wish they had let you do more talking. 🙂
Melissa says
Way to go!
Denise says
Good segment. Congratulations! They should have had you on air talking about the dishes you helped her put together. 😎
Melissa F says
Great Job! Wish you could have talked more and been on the show with the other girls – You deserve some more time in the spotlight!
Maybe people learned some things but the comments section on there was horrible! Hopefully all the smart people went directly to your site and started learning some stuff!!! lol
In regards to emergency food – I think FEMA is now suggesting anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks on the amount of emergency food and supplies one should have on hand. We had back to back storms last winter and it got people to talking about how much to have on hand.
Jessica Fisher says
Interesting! Thanks for that. I imagine it may differ depending on where you live and what natural disasters are likely. Here it’s tsunami and earthquake.
Maureen says
The GMA piece was great!
Jessica Fisher says
Thanks!
SC Susie says
That was awesome! So neat to see you on camera and glad they plugged your fabulous cookbook.
Jessica Fisher says
Yes, that was a nice surprise.
Michelle K says
that is so awesome! what a wonderful experience and exposure to the greatness you provide to us!
Liz Vee says
Amazing, Congratulations!
Jenni says
I was just going to try lawnmower tacos tonight. I’m confident we will love it, so I’m making a double batch. I’m doubling lots of dinners for after I deliver our 4th baby. ????
Jessica Fisher says
I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like it.
Janine says
Hi Jessica, can you point me to somewhere where I might be able to watch the video? The link you provided can’t be played in Australia 🙁 I was looking forward to watching your interview and hearing you. But I’m sure you were great 🙂
Jessica Fisher says
For some reason, it’s not available overseas. Bummer!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I’ve been really busy, so I’ve missed your blog posts for the past few days. I was just trying to get caught up and I am so happy to see this!
Congratulations, Jessica! I couldn’t be happier for you! 🙂
bonnie says
Enjoyed your review of the whole30… Actually, I’m still looking at your daily menus. Also enjoyed the GMA segment. Great stuff… thanks for sharing!!
Bonnie G.