We’re down to the final stretch of the pantry challenge—just two weeks to go! At this point, it’s all about getting creative with what’s left in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. This week, I focused on stretching ingredients in new ways, using unexpected substitutions, and batch cooking to make life easier in the weeks ahead.
Teriyaki Meatballs with a Twist
One of my favorite meals this week was teriyaki meatballs with rice, topped with fresh green onions. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, I used cooked rice as a binder. Sounds odd, but it worked perfectly! The meatballs held together well, and the texture was great. If you’re ever out of breadcrumbs, this is a simple swap that makes use of pantry staples.
Cherry Amaretto Compote for a Sweet Treat
For a little something sweet, I made cherry amaretto compote—a rich, flavorful topping perfect for toast, pancakes, or even spooned over yogurt. I used this as a filling for homemade bread, and it added just the right amount of sweetness with that delicious almond-like amaretto flavor.
Bulk Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs & Sausage
Since I had some meat on hand, I decided to make a big batch of spaghetti sauce loaded with meatballs and sausage. Not only did we enjoy it fresh, but I also froze several portions for easy meals later on. Having ready-made homemade sauce in the freezer is such a time saver, especially on busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Pear Sauce Waffles for a Pantry-Friendly Breakfast
To use up some pears, I blended them into a smooth pear sauce and incorporated it into waffle batter. The result? Light, fluffy waffles with a hint of natural sweetness—no syrup needed! This is a great way to use up extra fruit and add some variety to breakfast.
Final Thoughts: Making Every Ingredient Count
With only two weeks left in the challenge, every meal feels like a small victory. This week, I loved finding creative ways to use what I had on hand, whether it was swapping breadcrumbs for rice or turning fruit into a versatile compote.
How’s your pantry challenge going? Have you tried any fun ingredient swaps or creative recipes? Let me know in the comments!
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