As we near the final stretch of this pantry challenge, I’ve been leaning into simplicity—repeating meals, getting creative with what’s left, and making small tweaks to keep things interesting. Week 9 has been full of comfort foods and little experiments, and I’m already planning to step it up for Week 10!
Meals on Repeat: Making the Most of What I Have
Lately, my meals have revolved around a few pantry staples:
- Cream of wheat – A warm and filling breakfast that’s been on repeat.
- Rice and sardines – A budget-friendly protein powerhouse. This time, I added a spoonful of Brussels sprout veggie powder for extra nutrients and a dollop of cottage cheese for a protein boost. Fun fact: 1 tablespoon of this veggie powder equals ½ cup of fresh Brussels sprouts!
Even though the meals have been simple, these small additions have kept them from feeling too monotonous.
Homemade Hamburger Buns (…That Became Dinner Rolls!)
One of my highlights this week was baking homemade hamburger buns. They didn’t quite turn out as big as I’d hoped—more like dinner rolls—but they were delicious and perfect for sandwiches.
Speaking of sandwiches, my favorite meal this week was:
🥪 Sardines with mayo, veggie powder, green onions, and seasonings on a fresh-made dinner roll – Absolute 10/10! Simple, flavorful, and a great way to use up pantry staples while still feeling like a treat.
Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Small Batch Start
I also finally got around to making homemade vanilla extract! I didn’t make a huge batch, but it’s a start. By week 10, I plan to step things up and push myself to finish this last month of the challenge on a high note.
Looking Ahead to Week 10
With only a few weeks left in the challenge, I’m feeling motivated to finish strong. My goal for the next round is to:
✅ Get more creative with meals
✅ Try new pantry-friendly recipes
✅ Use up ingredients in exciting ways
Let’s make this last month count! What’s a pantry staple you’ve been relying on lately? Let me know in the comments! 👇