This month, we’re shopping our kitchen in order to use up what we have so we can save money and clear kitchen clutter. It’s time for the Big ReDo of 2026!
Here we go with Day 1 of the Pantry Challenge.
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This holiday season was really different than the past few. Instead of two Christmases, we just had one and it was amazing! Our eldest son and his wife hosted us all in Sacramento for a long weekend, starting on Christmas Day, and they really spoiled us.
Lots of great meals, fun games, nightly sing alongs — we did it all.
The weather was wild so we are extra thankful that the heavy rain and high winds didn’t close the Grapevine. We got there in record time — despite crazy drivers and weather.
Being gone for so long meant that I didn’t load up the fridge and freezer for Christmas. In fact, I made a point to eat down the fridge so we didn’t waste food while we were gone.
As a result, I don’t know that my pantry inventory will be too exciting for anyone. I have some random cuts of meat and lots of frozen potatoes that went on sale in the fall. I don’t know that we really have that much to eat down, but we will try!
My biggest goal for this month is to level up my sense of order in the kitchen. I crave predictability so I want the cupboards tidier, meals more rhythmic, and my kitchen routines to become more regular.
I started counting macros in November to great success, so my meals are a little weird these days. I took a break over Christmas but am going to try to get back on the regular routine, probably next week when we’re back to a regular schedule.
What We Ate Today
Breakfast – The boys were gone last night and the girls stayed up late, so I didn’t make a big NYD breakfast like I did when they were little. It was a fend-for-yourself kind of morning. At least one kid made eggs and ate a leftover pancake. I made a breakfast bowl of potatoes and eggs.
Lunch – I cooked up two pounds of ground turkey and made a big pot of chili. It was perfect for a rainy day. I found the dregs of a bag of tortilla chips from our last game night, one of the last bags of shredded cheese, and some sour cream and cilantro for toppings.
Side note: I thought I had lots of cheese on hand, but it appears the supply is dwindling.
Dinner – I made Asian Bowls with both rice and rice noodles. I cooked chicken thighs I got on clearance, baking them in this 5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade. I made a double batch of Carrot Ginger Dressing as well as the a soy-based dressing. We loaded up on lots of chopped veg, too.
We also had our Happy New Year Cake that I baked from a box and topped with Homemade Buttercream Frosting. I forgot that we were out of cocoa powder, so I added jam between the layers and served fresh raspberries on the side.
It was a good day overall. Happy New Year!
What did YOU do for Day 1?
PS If you notice comments from years past below, go ahead and disregard them. I’m reusing past years’ urls but rewriting each post as we go along through the month.
Angela
I’m on my guys about eating the leftovers in the fridge. It feels like there is so much food everywhere!
B- eggs, bacon, cheese grits.
L- traditional southern fare: ham slices, blackeyed peas with hambone (from the freezer – this summer’s garden), collard greens, rice. Pecan pie and pumpkin pie for dessert.
D – no one was hungry!
Before putting the hambone in the peas, I cut off some large chunks to use later and stashed them in the freezer. I’ll be doing lots of cooking to get ready for heading back to work after the break from school (middle school teacher here).
Gen
I spent January 1st taking stock of everything we had in our fridge, freezer and pantry. I had scored a bunch of sales before the holidays, so we’re lucky that we are quite stocked up in most things. I am taking this year’s Pantry Challenge very seriously, as we have quite a bit of debt to clear out, and I want it gone by the Summer. So, here’s hoping I can stay focused!
Kathryn M
Breakfast – apple pastries
Lunch – flatbread pizza. Used up some open packages of shredded cheese. Pepperoni, onion, bell pepper for toppings.
Dinner – I just made a root beer float. I did finish up some ice cream in a carton from the freezer.
Amber
Went through the pantry and looked for expired items. Fortunately it was not many. Also took stock of what is in the freezer and put some of those items on the menu for the upcoming week. Since my family is all home for winter break each day I’m trying to remind them which left overs to eat!
Christine
Used what I had to make homemade pizza for dinner. The leftovers are in the freezer and will come in handy some night.
Roberta in So Cal
Joining back in this year. The grocery budget has gotten a bit out of control, and I need the accountability. 🙂
B-Coffee cake, coffee, cereal, and OJ
L-A bit of a blur, but I think we (Son, Son’s GF, Hubs, and I) had grilled cheese sandwiches, veg sticks, and a variety of fruit.
D-Hawaiian pizza (used LO ham from Christmas and pineapple from the pantry), salad, and fruit (eating up grapes, clementines, persimmons, and strawberries)