I'm no Pioneer Woman

In an effort to try and be more frugal and less wasteful, Lee and I decided this last week that I would not make my weekly grocery shopping trip, and we would try and eat things that were in our refrigerator and pantry, or could be made from ingredients in our refrigerator and pantry. Of course, we did make a trip to purchase some bread and milk, essentials for our family. And if I knew more about bread making, like my friend, Melissa, I probably would have tried to make that too, but I don't. I did however make my friend Cydney's tortillas and they were yummy.

It was a stretching experience I tell you.

I was reminded of the memory verse Isabel has been learning in school, "Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap, or store away in barns, and yet their Heavenly Father feeds them." Matthew 6:26

So it's the end of the week and our refrigerator and pantry are both looking VERY empty, but we got through the week and never missed a meal (without going out). Last night I was scouring the pantry and refrigerator. I had some chicken I could make, but not enough for everyone to have their own piece. I had some pasta, cheese, small can tomato sauce, a can of tomato juice. I decided to make a chicken parmesan, but I didn't have much parmesan, so I used mozzarella, which I think is equally as good. I didn't have enough tomato sauce so I used some milk and reduced it down and added it to the tomato sauce to make it a bit more creamy. Added some frozen onion and garlic I had on hand, which makes almost anything delicious. Anyhow, it all turned out very good! The sauce was probably the best I've ever made using ingredients I usually wouldn't use for a sauce for chicken parm. I'm no Pioneer Woman, but I was proud of this dish.

So, if you ever think you can't go another week without heading to the grocery store...maybe you just can. Give it a try.

And yes, I REALLY do need to go to the grocery store now!