Use it or Lose it

There are times when my freezers (2) and my refrigerators (equal to 3) are so full of food and ingredients that extreme measures must be taken. Last week was one of those times. I told the Mister, "I have so much food available that I am not even going to the grocery store. You may need to stop by for cold cuts for your lunch and we may need a milk, but I even have fruits and vegetables." Stored or hoarded food ingredients are just like other stuff. As they accumulate needlessly they sap our energy and it gets easier and easier to lose focus of what is really available just in front of our noses. So, we just go out and buy more. The problem with food is that it rots and that's very wasteful, which really grates me. So, when the time comes that we need a flac jacket to open refrigerator doors, here's what I do. I either pick ingredients that I can identify or choose a whole shelf and see what I can come up with. If the packages are mysterious and unidentifiable I select about 4 or 5 and hope for the best. Last nights UILI meal (my dad joined us) was Beef Tenderloin for 3, Chicken Parm for the kids, sauteed yellow squash and zucchini (fresh-I do not freeze summer squash because it gets too watery), bruschetta and crackers and fresh strawberries and cream for dessert. Tonight's meal looks like it's going to be Tilapia topped with creamy spinach and Green Beans with Thyme, Bacon, Shallots and onions. I even have some fresh rolls to go with it. At first I was concerned that my family would whine about UILI meals. The reality is that they kind of dig it. It's gotten to be an adventure we all embark on together and the meals usually turn out well. And there was even the one night we thought we were going to be eating Black Bean Soup and it turned out to be Chocolate Icing. What kid complains about THAT?! What great meals have you created from surprises?