Don’t know what to make for dinner? Raid the pantry for these easy ideas

Joan B. Reid

50plus Magazine

For many of us, the dreaded question of the day is: “What’s for dinner?”

Oh dear. It’s too late to run to the store, too hot, too rainy, or you’re just too tired.

Time to raid the pantry and check for leftovers lurking in tubs and tin foil. Turn on the oven, crank up the heat and let’s eat!

Dinner is Served

Being a retiree has taught me to be a creative cook. Pair leftover mac ‘n cheese with scrambled eggs and a side of sliced tomato, and voila! It helps to not be picky eaters, and that our appetites decrease with age. Skipping the supermarket saves time, money and food. How many of us have tossed out food without a thought? Guilty.

Often there’s enough food for a meal right at home. The first thing I do is inventory the cupboards. Typically, they hold tuna and vegetables, pasta, rice, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, black beans, breadcrumbs, oatmeal and flour. Supper is on the way, perhaps even two. For example, a tuna casserole, or bean burgers with a side of rice and vegetables. Easy, frugal and nutritious.

Batter Up!

Breakfast needn’t always be coffee and toast. Even without flour and granulated sugar, baked muffins are on the menu. A cup of pancake mix, one egg, a splash of vegetable oil and a dash of confectioner’s sugar will do it. Pop the batter in the oven,

and 15 minutes later golden muffins are begging for peanut butter and a cup of tea. A delicious start to the day.

Let’s Do Lunch

I rarely “Do lunch.” Mid-day hunger can be satisfied until dinnertime with leftovers from the previous supper or an omelet. And if you don’t have or want to take the time, energy or expense to shop for the next meal, usually you’ll find plenty on hand to create something tasty. Oh look, I have some leftover chicken

. . . I see chicken soup in my future!

Remember, the best meal is the one in front of you.

Most of us typically have plenty — often more than we need — to work with in the cupboards. Tidying the space feels good, and passing food forward feels even better. Many food pantries accept donations. To find one nearby, type “food pantries near me” in your search bar.