Are you like us when you return from vacations? Do you come home to a house full of no food whatsoever? Well, that is exactly how we felt last week when we returned from our spring break getaway. I made sure to use up any perishable meat before we left and we were down to the bare bones. The problem is, as soon as we got back I became sick and there was no heading to the grocery store for days. I decided it was time to take a second look at the cupboards to see just what we had and get creative. I learned a few lessons along the way and even resurrected a family favorite recipe or two. I’m currently working with KRAFT on a sponsored campaign so you will notice several of my favorite products included!
The Power of Eggs
I have said it before and I will say it again, eggs are our favorite go to food for so many reasons. Everyone loves them and you can easily make them into breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner with little to no effort. Even if you are truly behind on items in your cupboard you could always JUST have eggs. Because they are a great source of protein we generally have eggs at least once a week. A quick test to make sure your eggs are still good is to put them in a pot of water. If they rise to the top then you know you need to throw them out.
Spices and Breadcrumbs
These are two items you will frequently find in our cabinet. When you think about them separately, they really do not make much of a meal. But combine them with chicken, ground meat, canned beans or vegetables and you have an appetizer or maybe even an entree!
Pasta Noodles
If you have kids then you know the power of noodles. They cook up to a soft texture that kids generally like, pasta stores well and you can add different ingredients to make several different dishes. We always have pasta in the cabinet and the boys enjoy homemade Mac and Cheese quite frequently.
Need a little motivation? We saved on a weeks worth of groceries just by using what we had on hand! Here are two of our favorite “clean out your cupboard” brunch recipes that could really be served any time of day to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 3 Kraft Singles slices
- 9 eggs
- 5 precooked bacon slices, pulled into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- dash of thyme or your favorite seasoning
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix together eggs, bacon pieces, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Pour evenly into the muffin tin.
- Fold Kraft Singles slices into 4 equal parts and separate.
- Top the egg mixture with one piece of cheese each.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese
- 1 box of elbow pasta
- 1/4 stick of Velveeta Cheese
- Milk for consistency
- Butter to taste
Instructions:
- Cook your pasta as directed on the box.
- Chop the Velveeta into squares and add to the pasta over low heat.
- Add milk for the consistency you want and butter to taste.
- Mix together until the cheese has completely melted.
This post was sponsored by Kraft. These opinions are completely my own.
Alison says
Wow that recipe looks great!! And easy which I love.
Xenia says
These look so easy and tasty, what a great idea!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
OH yum, I think I’m going to have to try these. They look wonderful! By the way, I’m a huge fan of breadcrumbs and spices too. Not a day goes by….
Ellen Thrifty & Chic Mom says
Yum we love to clean out our cupboard too, great tips!
Nichol says
I love making little omelet cups, perfect bite-sized for the kiddos. I eat eggs often and make something with pasta as well quite often.
Betty Baez says
yum! i want to try this one!
Brutus Duffy says
Thanks! Pinned for future making. 🙂
Kate @ The Shopping Mama says
The Omelette Bites look amazing! Easy and delicious – and with staples we always have… perfect!
Terra Heck says
The Easy Cheesy Omelette Bites look super yummy. I’ve printed the recipe and plan on making them myself sometime next week.
Felicia says
Thanks Terra! Let me know what you think.
Lisa from Life with Lisa says
These look delicious! I’m definitely going to have to try them.
Terra Heck says
Came back to say I made them for supper last night. Luckily, it was just me and my hubby without the kids because hubby probably wouldn’t have shared! He thought they were fantastic. And I agree.
Felicia says
I am SO glad to hear they were a hit!
Jo says
Those cheesy omelette bites look amazing 🙂 🙂
Felicia says
Thank you, Jo!