Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What's In Your Fridge? Featuring Under the Table and Dreaming


I am excited to have Stephanie Lynn from Under the Table and Dreaming here today to share what's in her fridge!

When Caroline told me about her series I immediately thought, how cool is that - then I actually opened up my fridge and realized it's cool to look inside other people's fridges, but mine....not so much.



~Describe your diet in five words or less~

College Dorm Life

Food is not really a great topic around here right now as my son has been diagnosed with eight different food allergies as well as EE {eosinophilic esophagitis} and pretty much does not eat...anything... anymore. So it is just my husband and me and half the time we feel guilty even eating. Before my son was diagnosed I went as far as making monthly meal plans but now it seems like we just snacking our way through the days... at least until we get this thing figured out.



~What food could you not live without?~

I'd have to bend the rules and say my Diet Ice Tea...I know it's a drink but I could seriously live off it.



~What is the scariest item in your refrigerator?~

Unfortunately our cupboards are pretty bare {if they look full it's because they were just re-stocked for the new week} so I guess fortunately we don't have any scaries! There is a bowl of shrimp and a bowl of fresh tuna that could potentially be scary if I don't remember to buy mayo to make some salads.

On the other hand our son's special meal replacement formula {Neocate Splash} is pretty scary when you look at the price tag {they can range from $4-$6 a box}



~What food is your guilty (or not so guilty) pleasure?~

Pretty much anything that tastes good. I find myself wanting to blog more about recipes just so I have a reason to make some 'real food' - I know, really sad, but true.

My Husband and I tend to get on kicks and we will find something that I throw together that we both love and we will eat that one thing everyday until we get so tired of it - we don't really even want to see it again. Right now it's chicken wraps made with deli sliced chicken breast, provolone cheese, lettuce, and chive and onion cream cheese spread on a sun-dried tomato basil tortilla - all wrapped up and so yummy {for now}.



Oh and any kind of homemade bread...We love fresh warm bread {hence the multiple jars of yeast}



And I thought I would add some tips to storing your vegetables to this post {since what's actually lurking in my fridge is pretty much boring} I admit I never really knew how to store fresh vegetables and was always hesitant to buy them when I first got married as I was throwing most of what I bought away because we didn't use them quick enough. It wasn't until I started my monthly meal plans and was looking for ways to prolong my fresh foods that I actually took the time to research and learn...and although it's a little time consuming, these methods really do work {plus they make it incredibly convenient as most of the prep work will already be done ahead of time}

Cauliflower: Trim the head of cauliflower into florets, rinse, dry and store in a sealed plastic bag.

Broccoli: Trim the broccoli into florets, rinse, dry and store in a sealed plastic bag.

Carrots: Wash the carrots thoroughly with cold running water and place in a container that has a lid. Fill the container with cold water until the carrots are completely covered and store in the produce drawer of the fridge. Change the water every four days or so.

Asparagus: Wrap a wet paper towel around the bottom of the stalks and place into a plastic bag. Keep them store in the produce drawer of the fridge.

Celery: Remove from original packaging and separate the stalks. Trim the ends and wash with cold water. Wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. Store in the produce drawer of the fridge.

Mushrooms: Place loose mushrooms in a paper bag and store in the refrigerator {but not the produce drawers}.



Peppers: Remove from bag or container they were purchased in {to ensure good air circulation} and keep them refrigerated in the produce drawer.

Lettuce: Separate the leaves, rinse with cold water in a colander and lay on a paper towel to dry. Put the leaves in a large closeable plastic bags, seal and store them in the crisper. {I have not done mine yet}

For a Round Head of Lettuce: Take the head of lettuce out of the original packaging. Wrap with a moist paper towel and place in a plastic bag. Keep in the produce drawer of the fridge and check the bag frequently for water accumulation. When using the lettuce peel away the leaves - do not cut them.

Lemons & Limes: Lemons & Limes can last up to six weeks if kept in the fridge vs 7-10 days on the counter. Place them in the produce drawer.

Thanks so much Caroline for putting this together and having me!




Thanks so much Stephanie! And if you haven't checked out her blog, it is absolutely full of fun and beautiful DIY projects! Take a look: Under the Table and Dreaming.

7 comments:

Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse said...

I love this series! And I love the new look. I think it has been too long since I checked in. Blog looks amazing!!

Enjoying this beautiful life we've created said...

Thank you!, thank you! for the vegetable storage tips!! I love to buy tons of fresh veggies and always feel so rushed to eat them all right away or I just feel bad when I have to toss something in the trash that I didn't get to. Yikes, I can't believe how much your sons special food/drink is! Thanks for sharing with us and Caroline I love this series! I love anything dealing with food =)

Mandi Miller said...

Those are some awesome tips!!

Clandestine Road said...

I love this series. Great idea, Caroline!

Simple Daisy said...

What a fun little series!!!!!! i love it and all of your tips:)

michelle said...

Great tips. I never know how to store certain foods. :)

Nancy1340 said...

Celery will keep for 3 - 4 weeks if wrapped in foil and kept in the crisper. It will get pale after 2 1/2 weeks but will still be crips and tasty.