Meals with What You Have

Like many others, I am trying to serve others by sticking close to home these days. It is amazing to realize how many times I run to the store in a week!

In hopes of minimizing my own trips to the store, I'm brainstorming a list of easy, flexible meals that work with what you have on hand.

In case it's helpful:

• One of my favorite sites has a "Fridge Forage" post. Excellent ideas! 
• Scrambled eggs (or fried eggs, for half my family)
• French toast
• Simplest version: any kind of sliced bread, dip in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk (with cinnamon and vanilla is best). Grill until golden, flip and finish on the other side. Top as desired.
• PB&J
• Ever a classic (Try grilling it for a gooey twist. Or sub honey for jelly.)
• Pizza tortillas 
• Simplest version: tortillas with cheese and pepperoni ... if desired, add marinara sauce, other veggies/pizza toppings. Microwave or heat in a skillet.
• Ants on a log
• Simplest version: Celery with peanut butter  ... sub any other veggies, hummus, other nut butter or substitutes, make your own peanut butter, add raisins or craisins
• Yogurt (try homemade) 
• Soup
• Simplest version: saute carrots, onion, celery, and garlic (or whatever you have) in a little oil, add water and bouillon, any meats, veggies, pastas, rice, beans, etc. Tasty with 1 teaspoon oregano and basil.
• Supper on a slice
• Simplest version: slice a loaf of French bread in half, top with 1-1.5 pounds ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, etc). Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and bake 5 min more. (Slightly dressed up version.) 
• Quesadillas
• Simplest version: tortillas with any kind of meat and cheese inside. Make them crispy in the oven with this recipe.  
• Fried rice
• Simplest: use cooked, cooled rice and add frozen veggies, meat, a bit of soy sauce, garlic powder ... if desired, add ginger, scramble in an egg, etc
• Stromboli
• Simplest version, make a simple pizza dough, fold it around meat and cheese. (Like this.)
• Beans and rice
• Try something like this. 
• Rice and Cheese Souffle
• Surprisingly easy, filling, and good. 
• Smoothies
• Simplest version: frozen bananas (or other fruit) with milk, juice, water, etc.
• If the only fruit you have is bananas, this or this is still really delicious.
• Pasta
• Simplest version: cook noodles per box. 
• Toppings: marinara sauce, olive oil or butter and garlic powder with Parmesan cheese, add meats, veggies, cheeses.