Here is a trap I commonly fall into: I am at an exciting grocery store or farmer’s market and decide to stock up on things I can’t get (at least not at a reasonable price) at our regular Stop & Shop. Before long, bright, beautiful grass-fed meat, floury pizza dough, crisp local veggies, and anything homemade are spilling over the top of my basket, which is now breaking off my arm. I figure I’ll cook as much of it as possible this week and freeze the rest.
For some reason, I always feel a need to stockpile, like I have to make this particular trip to the store really count. When I get home, all the extras go into my neatly sorted, full of good intentions freezer. As soon as the door is shut, they are forgotten and abandoned.
Simultaneously, my boyfriend (with whom I share my freezer) is out in a forest or a marsh or a cornfield trying his best to hit the daily limit on whatever animal is in season. Any meat he brings home is cleaned, butchered, vacuumed sealed and then put you-know-where.
We use almost everything eventually, but often things have long past the point of being interesting, appetizing or tasty. Enter the Freezer Challenge. I am on a quest to use up everything in my freezer, one recipe at a time. Then, I can start from scratch and learn how to use this space more efficiently. A few times this week I drove to the grocery store on my way home from work, and then turned around and left without going inside. There are dozens of frozen meals already at home, and figuring them out will force me to be a little bit creative.
So, it starts today. This post is proof. With hunting season and harvest season in full swing, we need to make some room.
Challenge Guidelines:
- I have one month
- Everything must go
- Nothing gets thrown away (well, maybe the puff pastry)
- Gifting is ok
- Pawning off crap is not
- I must report back on my progress one month from today
Get ready to witness some ruthless execution. Who’s with me?
the homegrown tomato 
LOVE this idea!!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Blueberry-infused goose tenderloin in a puff pastry?
Your freezer is a breeze compared to mine…. I have a 17 cubic foot upright in the laundry room and a small chest out in the shed. I have some ideas for you, though, if you’re interested 🙂 Happy cooking!!
please do share. thanks susan. i’ll soak up any words of wisdom.
My freezer looks like a bakery. I don’t live in a remote part of the world where I can’t find a fresh bread when needed. Thanks for the reminder. No more purchases until I use up what is sitting there.
Good luck in your new challenge.
What a neat idea…great pictures as well……….G
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And if you don’t do it, what’s your punishment?? I’m quite envious of that naan you have in there. And the edamame, and the soup… per guideline #4, I am happy to help 🙂