Conclusion: Ice box near completion.

My fridge is nearly empty.  While I can continue to prepare side dishes in my house, it is getting much more difficult to prepare a balanced meal with no fresh vegetables to cook with.  I am going to continue to cook my sides (rices, pasta and beans) from my present inventory, but I will go to the grocery store for fruits, veggies, eggs, milk, fish and chicken. 

I have ended my adventure into the food pantry experience as it pertains to this blog.  I have come to realize that I have always lived and cooked in this manner.  Never really knowing what will be for dinner, I have always relied on a single ingredient to create a wonderful dish.  This has always been my forte.  I will continue to explore new dishes based on seasonal fresh ingredients and pantry staples.  Keeping inventories low in the fridge helps me get excited about the hunting and gathering experiences at produce markets.  I love making frequent visits to these local markets.  I wish I had some nearby farmers in the area so that I can shop locally.  This might be another issue I need to explore in greater depth.  

 Until we cook again, signing out chef Michelle