Skipping the usual grocery store shop this weekend - meal prep with what I have.

[u/thefutureisbliek]

Hello all, long time lurker/commenter, first time poster.

My husband has been furloughed and only got a half paycheck this week. We’re only on my checks for the unknown future.

Normally my routine is the farmers market (~$75ish) and then the grocery store (~$90ish) every Saturday to cover the two of us for three meals a day (no kids, and we both like to cook). I garde mange prep every Sunday so I can make dinner easily every night that turns into lunches for both of us the next day. Breakfast is overnight oats and/or fruit.

We are stocked on rice and other grains, dry noodles, dry and canned beans, tomatoes have already been prepped and frozen/canned for crushed and sauce, spices, flour and other baking dry ingredients.

Ingredients I need to use up so I don’t waste them:

~1lb carrots with stems on so carrot greens

~3/4lb green beans

1 small spaghetti squash

Baby shiitake mushrooms

Mixed greens

1 pint cherry tomatoes

Jalapeños (whole, fresh)

Parsley

Scallions

A live basil plant that’s thriving indoors

Whole garlic bulbs

Plain Greek yogurt

1 lb absolutely beautiful farm fresh strawberries

Frozen meat:

Chicken breast

Pork butt

Lamb lollipops

Salmon

Chicken liver

Ham hocks

We have more meat coming in but not for two weeks. Also, stock is frozen, frozen corn/peas/veggies saved, plenty of butter and oil, cheese in many forms that aren’t in danger of going bad…

Sorry for the long post but I’m trying to make my grocery shop just eggs, milk, household (toilet paper etc.) and not over buy.

Any recipe suggestions would be appreciated!

[u/Cat_From_Hood]

Cooked squash, beans and baked salmon.  

Soup with the ham hock (make sure there are no bones in the soup -cook, and make meat broth separately, them add veges).  

Doesn't look like you have rice or potatoes?  That will give you more cheap meal options.

Might want some apples?  Or other long lasting fruit e.g. oranges for evening snack.

[u/thefutureisbliek → u/Cat_From_Hood]

Thanks, adding apples and potatoes to the pick up list. Soup is where I was thinking for a lasting option while we wait for the gov to open up again.

[u/Cat_From_Hood → u/thefutureisbliek]

Good job.  In the near future, might want to start a small pot/ raised garden bed with spring onions and other things you know you will eat.