Pantry Challenge Week 10: Creative Meals & Stretching Staples to the Finish Line!

Pantry Challenge Week 10: Creative Meals & Stretching Staples to the Finish Line!

A plate of golden pan-fried cauliflower resting on a creamy, seasoned cannellini bean purée, garnished with a vibrant cilantro-based chimichurri.
Crispy, golden cauliflower meets velvety cannellini bean purée, all brought to life with a fresh and zesty cilantro chimichurri. A simple yet flavor-packed dish for any season! 🌿✨

The highlight, of my week was my cauliflower steak, served over a creamy cannellini bean purée and finished with a bright, zesty chimichurri sauce. It was hearty, flavorful, and a great plant-based alternative to a traditional steak dinner.

Pantry Challenge Week 10: Expanding Horizons & Happy Accidents

This week, I stepped out of my usual routine—no porridge, no eggs, and no regrets! I experimented with flavors, textures, and a few happy accidents in the kitchen that turned out even better than expected.

A pan filled with unbaked Oops! Bread Pudding, made with chunks of bread soaked in a creamy custard mixture, ready to go into the oven.
When your French toast casserole takes a detour… you get this delicious Oops! Bread Pudding! 😆 Creamy, custardy, and full of cozy flavors—sometimes plan B is even better!
A freshly baked pan of Oops! Bread Pudding, golden brown and topped with a crisp, buttery crumble.
What started as a "whoops" turned into a "WOW!" 🤩🍞 This Oops! Bread Pudding is baked to golden perfection with a crunchy crumble topping. A happy accident that tastes like pure comfort!
A slice of Oops! Bread Pudding topped with a warm, thickened blueberry compote made from frozen blueberries, cornstarch slurry, lemon juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
A happy baking accident just got even better! 😍🍞 This Oops! Bread Pudding is topped with blueberry compote and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and crumbly. Who’s grabbing a fork?

Breakfast: The “Oops!” That Became a Win

My day started with what was supposed to be a French toast casserole, but it transformed into Oops! Bread Pudding instead. And honestly? I wasn’t one bit disappointed! I topped it with a buttery crumble and a warm blueberry compote made from frozen blueberries, thickened with a cornstarch slurry, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sweetened with maple syrup. It was the perfect cozy, sweet start to the day.

I also cracked open a jar of homemade pear sauce I had canned and used it to make pear muffins. They were soft, subtly sweet, and a great way to enjoy preserved fruit in a new way.

Golden oat and blueberry protein bars arranged on an emerald green plate, showcasing their chewy texture and bursts of vibrant blueberries.
Fuel your day with these homemade Golden Oat & Blueberry Protein Bars—packed with hearty oats, dried blueberries, and a boost of protein. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or a nourishing breakfast!

Snack Time: Chewy & Satisfying

For snacks, I whipped up blueberry granola bars. They were soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness to keep me going. Definitely a keeper!

A tray of golden-brown, freshly baked Hamburger rolls resting on a sheet pan, their soft texture and fluffy interiors visible through slight cracks on the surface.
Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread! 🍞 These homemade Hamburger rolls came out soft, golden, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, soups, or just slathered with butter.
A hearty black bean burger on a soft bun sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning, topped with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of creamy garlic aioli.
Bold flavors, hearty texture, and a little crunch! 🌿🍔 This Black Bean Burger is served on a soft bun topped with everything bagel seasoning, fresh lettuce, and a rich, garlicky aioli. A plant-based bite that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Lunch: Black Bean Burgers & Bun Experiments

Lunchtime featured black bean burgers on homemade hamburger buns (Round 2). My first batch of buns had been too big for the patties, but I was determined to get it right. Fingers crossed for Round 3!

To switch things up, I made two different aioli toppings—a garlic aioli for a rich, savory kick and a cilantro aioli for a fresh, herbaceous twist. Both took the burgers to the next level!

A bowl of pasta shells drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and lemon pepper, garnished with fresh parsley, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A bowl of pasta shells drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and lemon pepper, garnished with fresh parsley, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A bowl of pasta shells drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with garlic and lemon pepper, garnished with parsley, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Simple ingredients, bold flavors! 🍋🧄 These Garlic & Lemon Pepper Pasta Shells are tossed in olive oil, sprinkled with parsley, and finished with a generous dusting of Parmesan. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal!

Dinner: Simple but Flavor-Packed

Dinner was a delicious balance of comfort and creativity. I made pasta shells tossed with olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simple, yet bursting with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Week 10 of the Pantry Challenge pushed me to expand my horizons in the best way possible. From accidental bread pudding to homemade burger buns (still a work in progress!) and bold new flavors, I’m reminded that cooking from the pantry isn’t just about making do—it’s about getting creative and making something delicious.

What’s a kitchen accident that turned into a happy surprise for you? Let me know in the comments!

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