A New Project (Post 86)

If you would like to start your own ten cent crazy book - read post 1-4 to find out how

Ok, the holidays are coming - the seasons are changing - and guess what?

It's time to :

CLEAN OUT THE KITCHEN PANTRY!!!

For some of us - it has been years - I filled up a kitchen trash can with outdated cans - some of them expired in 2005 - I swear - I just bought that stuff - and if the labels on your spices have yellowed - it's time for the trash - Did you know that you are only supposed to keep spices for one year? After a year they lose their flavor - so the next time you buy a spice - use a permanent black marker and write the month and year on the top - so you know when to toss it out. Did you know that some baking goods - like pancake mix - can become toxic after the expiration date? - Someone could get really sick
Here's a list of things to do when cleaning out your pantry - to add to your ten cent crazy book

I know it sounds like a big job - but it will really only take about 30 minutes.

First - Take everything out - have the trash can nearby and check the dates as you pull things off the shelf.

Toss the old outdated stuff or anything dented - without a date or almost empty. Also anything you have not used in over a year

Set all the good stuff on the countertops or kitchen table.

Wipe down each shelf.

Organize everything while its on the table

Soft items should go toward the top of the pantry- paper towels, napkins etc - that way if you drop it on your head - you won't get hurt

Next should be things like: crackers, chips, snacks, cereals, pastas and noodles

At eye level should be cans - group - soups - meats - veggies - fruits - sauces and broths

Next should be baking supplies and spices - if you have any left after tossing the old - a plastic Lazy Susan can be bought for very little and is great for those little spice bottles and cans

Next should be any food items not already on a shelf - like those ready-made meals

Last should be anything heavy like bottles of water - juices - drinks etc.

Never store cleaning supplies with food - but it you must - put them on the very bottom so that if they spill - it will not be on food items.

Now you have a better idea of what you actually have in there! Plan meals around things that need to be used and make a list of spices you need to replace.

Enjoy your clean pantry and try to remember to clean it out again in April or May

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