How to Give Your Winter Pantry Staples a Spring Makeover

Although many of us are still dealing with piles of snow here and there, and even though we still have to wear two or three layers of clothing, Spring is definitely in the air. We’ve found comfort in hearty stews, thick soups and filling casseroles, but now it’s time to “lighten up”. So let’s take a look in the pantry and see how we can give our Winter staples a Spring menu makeover.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Whatever canned items, herbs, spices and dressings are in your pantry!

1. 
    

   Rework the canned beans. Instead of another crockpot of chili or soup, make a three, four, five (or more!) bean salad. Drain and rinse garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lima beans, black beans green beans, wax beans (in any combination!) and place in large bowl. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. In a jar or bowl combine 1 cup of vinegar, ½ cup salad oil, 4 Tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons celery seed, 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or to taste), whisk together until sugar is dissolved. Pour over beans. Stir and enjoy! Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
   
   To give your bean salad a southwest twist, add whole kernel corn, chopped green chilies (and/or chopped jalapenos) to the bean mixture. Pick up some fresh cilantro to garnish. Toss with salsa instead of the vinaigrette dressing.

2. 
    

   Grow culinary herbs in your kitchen window. Fresh herbs lend a whole new character to your dishes. You can find potted herbs in any garden store and even in the produce aisle of your grocery store. At the very least, occasionally pick up some fresh basil, rosemary or cilantro in the produce section. Fresh herbs will cost between two and three dollars in the little plastic box, but really perk up the taste of whatever is on the menu.

3. Toss the old spices and bring in the new. If there is no expiration date, they are too old! Try the sniff test. No smell, no taste. Replacing spices can be expensive, so shop around. Discount stores like Walmart and Big Lots often have very reasonably priced spices. The best deal is to check if your grocer has bulk bins of spices. A small plastic bag is usually provided, along with a twist tie to write down the code number for the cashier.

4. 
    

   Rather than another hot tuna noodle casserole, chill out and make a pasta salad. Cook whatever pasta you have on hand as directed, let cool. Add tuna, diced tomatoes (Use up your canned tomatoes, but drain before adding), or bell peppers or onions –whatever you have on hand. Toss with your favorite Italian dressing.
   
   Just about anything you have in the cupboard can be turned from a heavy comfort food dish into a zingy, Springy delight. Use your imagination and lighten up!!

Tips & Warnings

• Save your spice jars. If you are throwing out old spices and replacing with the less expensive bulk, you’ll want a handy container.
• Check the internet for recipe ideas that include the ingredients you have on hand.

[athome]

on 4/3/2009 My pantry needs a make over in a bad way, thanks for the tips 5*

[sonni57]

on 4/2/2009 Good info on how to restock the pantry in Spring.