Eat and Cook with What I Have

A few months ago my company had a food drive. I gave away two Whole Food bags of food and still had enough to feed me for months. After going to my doctor, I decided I will cook with what I have in lieu of going to the supermarket every week or two. I knew it will test my cooking skills. At the time, my cabinet was stocked with 4 types of beans/peas, some quinoa pasta, lbs and lbs of quinoa seed, canned beans, and a freezer full of meat. Because I really wanted to develop a habit of eating locally, I go to the farmer's market once a week to purchase apples and vegetables that will be used for my weekly meals. Once I run out of something, that's it. Now, there are some staples I will purchase for my meals: eggs, milk (I discovered the joy of making my own yogurt), nuts, and if necessary, a flour.

I would like to go to the supermarket only once a month. This month I purchased coconut flour, shredded coconut, peanut butter, and milk. I don't plan on going back to the supermarket (i.e., Whole Foods) this month. I have made some really good meals:

Tomato & Chickpea soup, Kale & Proscuitto Sandwich (this was before the doctor put me on a gluten-free diet), argula and goat cheese salad, and quinoa with kale and carmelized onions. This week, its lentil soup and lentil meatballs and "veggie ribbon" pasta.

So far, things are going well. I have plenty of food to keep me fed until winter. I challenge any one that may read this post to do the same. You will likely save some money and enhance your cooking skills.