As a busy mom, it’s easy to get bogged down by all of the tasks that go into meal planning and grocery shopping. But when you have a stocked pantry, it makes life so much easier.
If you’re looking for a new cookbook to help you streamline your meals, be sure to check out Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes by Elana Amsterdam!
Organizing Your Pantry
Whether you have an oversized walk-in pantry or a tiny cabinet in the back of your kitchen, a well-organized space can make cooking and eating easier. Here, experts share tips to help you get the most out of your food storage space:
1. Organize by category
For example, stock your shelves by category — like sauces and spices, cereal boxes, rice and grains, canned goods, and stored baking supplies — so you can easily find what you need.
2. Sort by freshness dates
Some foods will last a long time, while others will only last a short amount of time, so it’s important to take note of expiration dates when sorting.
3. Store items in transparent, stackable containers
Organizing pantry staples in bins or containers can save room and prevent spills. They also keep items organized and easy to find, said professional organizer Mary Lowenheim.
Clear containers, like quart-sized plastic bins from takeout or washed-out sauce jars, are perfect for storing small snack and loose items. They’re especially helpful for keeping off-season or less frequently used items up high, where they can easily be seen without cluttering the shelves.
Stocking Your Pantry
It was in 2006 when foodie Elana Amsterdam stumbled upon the concept of the grain-free kitchen. She opted to give up grains, and a whole new world of tasty treats opened up to her. Her website, elanas pantry, has been the home of the gluten free, paleo and healthy cooking community ever since.
The site has the honour of being ranked among the top health and wellness websites on the planet. It’s a real treat for visitors to see the curated selection of high quality recipes that are tailored to their unique needs.
In the words of one of her fans, “Elana is a true believer who takes a big interest in healthful eating, and is always willing to share the secrets of the kitchen.” She explains that “it’s a great feeling to be able to create and enjoy amazing meals with the people you love.” That’s why she and her partner decided to turn their house into a showpiece that is brimming with natural light and bright ideas.
Meal Planning
Founded by Mary Egan, Gathered Table is an online and mobile meal planning service that does it all. The site’s most exciting feature is a highly effective digital assistant that helps you create a personalized, monthly menu and grocery list – and it does it well. It also has a cool little gadget called the “fizzle,” which helps you track your progress toward your food goals. It’s a great way to keep your meals on track and your household nourished. The fizzle is a simple to use tool that you can access by any device with internet connection, including your phone.
Recipes
Since Elana Amsterdam started her web site in 2006, tens of thousands of health-conscious people, including couples, have turned to Elana’s Pantry for recipes that fit various diet plans. She created the woman site because of her own gluten-free diet that helped dampen symptoms from autoimmune conditions, and also to share her expertise in making nourishing meals.
Her dishes are incredibly simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients. They are a great option for busy families or couples who enjoy cooking together and are looking to create healthy dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. Her dishes are also a good choice for those who are trying to avoid dairy and other grains in their diet, as she uses almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour. Her new cookbook, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry (Ten Speed Press, 2013), offers more than 100 grain-free, high-protein recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can find the book online or at your local bookstore.