What's in your cupboards that you DON'T often use?

[Dido]

Since I was doing a pantry challenge/no spending week challenge the end of last month, I used up a lot of my food stores. But there was definitely food for several days left on my shelves. I was noticing that there are three kinds of items that tend to remain on my shelves or in my freezer for a long time: (1) basic staples--for me, beans in particular; (2) unusual foods--mostly ethnic. These are things that I enjoy but I can go months or years between eating. For example, things that I have had no desire to touch of late include 3 shelf-stable prepared Indian entrees, a can of low-fat coconut milk, and a can of cranberry sauce that I didn't eat last Thanksgiving. They're things I would defnitely eat eventually (if they haven't gone past the expiration date) but which the urge to eat strikes only rarely. (3) The third type of food that tends to sit around are foods that I like only moderately. For me, this includes two packages of frozen ravioli. It's ok, but given a choice between ravioli or most other things, the other things win.

So--what kinds of things remain on your shelves? Does thinking abou this make you decide that you'll be less likely to buy them? Do you *think* you like more variety than you actually prefer on a day-to-day basis?

[jaksilee]

I don't tend to keep those things around. If I have something that hasn't been used I give it away to the next food drive that asks me for stuff. In fact I have a small spot in my short pantry where I put these items so they are easy to grab. Right now it has a can of enchalada sause, and a Chineese noodle dish kit.

[Dido]

I'll donate things that I think I'm never going to use, but I'll keep on hand things I think I'm likely to use within the year (if their expiration dates exceed that).

[Bookie]

Good question. Let's see, I have spices and condiments, plus the occasional splurge for some recipe or other I never got around to trying out. (Mango chutney, anyone?)

I have the rest -- of the pound of brown sugar bought because I needed a quarter cup -- of that jar of honey I used once -- of the . . . well, you get the idea.

I have the duplicates due to strange lapses on my part. *Note to self, Need catsup* Three bottles of catsup later, I manage to erase the mental note.

And, oddest of all, canned green peas. I hate canned green peas, always have, yet I continue to buy them, only to pack them off to the food drives jaksilee mentions. Why? All I can figure is that they were a staple at my grandmother's house, and I'm hard-wired to always have a can on hand.

And, you're right. Despite my occasional ambitions, I'm really in a rut.

[Ima saver]

I never use shortening since we never deep fat fry anymore. Heck, I hardly ever cook anymore!

[rob62521]

Well, bookie, I think the catsup reminder must be a popular one. I did the same thing and wound up with three bottles of it before I realized we didn't need anymore! :-)

[Bookie]

Maybe catsup, like evils, comes in threes. I did the same.

[PrincessPerky]

two bottles of corn syrup, both bought to try out a recipie, both missing a 1/4 cut...undonatable cause they are open..but I seem to not like corn syrun recipies, so they sit there (and why two? lost it in the cluttered cupboards)

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by Bookie

Maybe catsup, like evils, comes in threes. I did the same.

You might have something thre!

[pearlieq]

I have some assorted spices that never get used, including the ground mustard my mother insisted I buy for the ham I was making for the holidays 4 years ago. I hate mustard!

I have a box of tvp "taco mix" that I've never quite been brave enough to fix. Half a bag of frozen berries that have lived in my freezer for months. Some frozen teriaki sauce that I don't care for but can't bring myself to throw away.

Other than that, though, we actually do use up most of what I buy. It can get pretty bare in here between shopping trips!

[Ima saver]

Ragu. I just looked at the jar and it is almost 2 years out of date!!

[boefixepa]

Oh, this makes me laugh!!! When I decided to completely rearrange my kitchen I hand to clean out my pantry! I wanted to cry at all the food I speparted out that I never use. A box of Rice Krispies...had three years...never used. Keep on hand, just in case I wanted to make Rice Krispie treats, or use in a meat loaf. We used tons of it when I was a kid, but for years it sat on my shelf! Saltines, same thing! Just in case! It was sad, I have or threw away bags of food...after that I started my inventory system...no more wasted money! There are things I don't use often, liquors (great flavorings in certain recipies), corn syrup (but I make carmel once in a while), canned pumkin (got to have a pie at least once a year), canned fruits (well, they work in a pinch) etc, corn husks for tamales I only make once a year near christmas..yummy and great gifts. Now I am trying to be more careful, so I don't repeat the pantry cleaning mayhem, but....yeah peanut butter tasts 'funny' after being opened for a few years...but heck the dogs didn't care!

[Dido]

Originally Posted by boefixepa

...after that I started my inventory system...no more wasted money!

How much time did it take you to set up your inventory system and how much time does it take to maintain it? Do you use paper and pencil or a computer database or spreadsheet?

[Dido]

Originally Posted by pearlieq

I have a box of tvp "taco mix" that I've never quite been brave enough to fix.

I had a big bag of TVP that resided in my cabinets for a couple of years before I tossed it when I moved.

I, like most people on here, have a store cabinet of excess rarely used spices. Since they do lose potency, I really should find a good bulk bin supply and just buy the lesser-used spices in needed quantities as I go. (hmmm, I sense another thread question coming on...)

[Fern]

the little chinese water chestnuts

a jar of molasses...

[brizzad]

Vienna Sausages

[contrary1]

I have to agree with some of you.............I have honey that just doesn't get completely used up, and then we get a new bottle.

I use honey to make a home made cough syrup, so when someone is feeling icky I guess we pick up a new bottle each time.....at least my pantry looks like that is the case.

I need to make a search to find some other suggestions for honey (besides medicinal) and get some of this used up. Most will need to be re constituted, by heating it up in the microwave.....we've got a few with crystals and one that is a solid now.

Not exactly tea weather..........I do enjoy honey in my tea. I'll be on the look out for other ideas & get these 4 bottles used up before cough season starts up again!!!

[rob62521]

Where did you get your recipe for cough syrup? That sounds like a great idea to make you own.

[contrary1]

got the "recipe" from my Grandparents! (where I got some of the best advice & tips for my life)

They mixed equal parts of lemon juice & honey in a fancy coffee or tea cup.......had to be done that way, made you feel special they said.......and then a tiny demitasse spoon was added......and you sipped this by little tiny spoonfuls when you started to cough.

The adult version added an equal part of good whiskey. Makes you not notice you're coughing!

Also works for sore throats.

[rob62521]

Sounds like a good recipe! Thanks for sharing. Now, where is my fancy teacup...