It’s already the middle of January 2025, and Christmas has come and gone in a flash. After the extra tasks that the holiday season brings, it’s hard to be motivated to get the groceries and plan the meals, let alone put them into action. Taking the time to sit down and jot out a list makes a world of difference for our family. On notebook paper, one column is labeled meals, and the other is labeled grocery.

We play seek and find in the pantry and refrigerator for unused items that just might kick start an idea. The goal is to use up items we have in stock before bringing more home. Also, this method helps us not purchase random snacks that leave us without a substantial meal. 

Scanning our canned goods from the garden, tomato juice was in the front. If we thaw hamburger, we can count on two meals. The first night, meatloaf. My grandma’s recipe calls for one cup of tomato juice. That leaves a partial open jar of juice. The next night, we will make chili soup, which can use the remaining juice from meatloaf and an entire second can. If chili isn’t desired, a little browned hamburger, tomato juice, and a head of chopped cabbage simmered down makes a hearty cabbage soup. I like to top mine with shredded cheddar. If your pantry doesn’t already have seasoning, beans, whole tomato, eggs, onion, and oatmeal, then you’ll need to add those to your grocery list. 

I didn’t catch that we did not have a chili seasoning packet. The burger was cooking and chopped onion cut when I realized I was missing the key component for the soup. After a quick Google search, I found a simple season mix. In luck, all of the spices were in hand to make the seasoning. I’ll list the easy-to-make recipe this week. It actually inspired my daughters and me to make a large jar of the chili seasoning mix ourselves to have on hand. Perhaps we will pack them into small baggies and use them for gifts, along with a handwritten chili recipe card down the road. 

Opening the refrigerator, my daughter spotted cream cheese. That ignited the idea to make beer cheese dip. The only other ingredients needed were a can of beer and sharp, shredded cheddar. We had those, so only a dipping item went on the grocery list. We added pretzel bites and tortilla chips. Paired with a head of lettuce, Caesar dressing and a block of Parmesan cheese to grate, completed a meal. 

When all else fails, we scramble eggs for a protein packed meal. My husband mixes eggs, rice, and soy sauce in a cast iron skillet or the Black Stone griddle to sauté the mixture. It’s warm and satisfying. Eggs and rice used to be an inexpensive meal, but have you seen the price of eggs? 

Get creative. Make use of what you have. Make a list and stick to it. It can feel like a chore to visit the store. Recently, my daughters grumbled when it was time to go grocery shopping. We had a conversation about what a privilege it actually is. We don’t have to go to the store, we get to. We won’t have to make dinner, we get to. We don’t have to do dishes, we get to. Seek positivity, and you’re sure to find it. 

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

Chili Seasoning Mix 

1 Tbsp chili powder 

1 tsp ground cumin 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 

1/4 tsp garlic powder 

1/2 tsp onion powder 

1 tsp salt 

1/4 tsp approximately freshly ground pepper 

After you mix your spices together, add your desired amount of the seasoning mix to spice your chili soup. 

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Meatloaf 

1 1/2lbs ground beef

1 C. Tomato juice

3/4 c. Oatmeal 

1 egg

1/4 c. Chopped onion

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

Mix all ingredients. Put into 2 greased loaf pans.

Top with ketchup if desired. 

 Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.