I threw out soooo much food this morning

[spinbaby]

Tuesday is trash day, so it was my morning to go through the fridge to throw out the leftovers we didn’t get around to eating—a cup or so of beef stew, half a tuna casserole, a Mexican salad that had seen better days, some Moroccan spiced couscous, and a hunk of moldy cheese. I always feel bad about it, but I like to cook and haven’t yet gotten the hang of shopping and cooking for two.

[Frustratedlady]

1. Boy, do I hear ya!

I still cook for a family but get tired of the leftovers. I give a lot away to the kids and grandkids, and even freeze individual helpings. But, I forget they are in the freezer until they have been there too long. Criminal, I say.

At the other end, I buy too much in the event I might be out. Then, I don't use it before the expiration date. My grandson is going to come in and help me sort through the pantry and make up boxes for the food pantry and homeless shelter. That will take away some of the guilt.

[Ohiogal]

2. Leftovers? What are those?

I have two 20-something sons still at home.

[Kali]

9. BINGO! I haven't seen leftovers in decades!

[eShirl]

3. you need a dog

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I hear you. After raising 4 kids, cooking for one has been a challenge.

Lately, when I get in the mood for a certain dish I go ahead and make the full recipe and freeze any leftovers in deli style containers that I find on Amazon. They are reusable, but cheap enough that you can give food away and not worry about getting your containers back.

So many of the foods that I enjoy just aren't practical to fix for 1 or two people. Last week I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce and froze it in meal size containers. I do the same with casseroles and soups. There's no waste, I can share with friends and have a little more variety than trying to use up all of one dish before I get tired of it.

[WhiteTara]

5. We live in the country and feed

our murder of crows. They make the circle every day to see what I've thrown out for them. I can always tell when a neighboring murder swoops in, they are so nervous. The home crows completely ignore us while they feast.

[spinbaby]

7. We used to do that

When we lived in the country, we used to throw leftovers onto the compost pile to be picked over by the raccoons, crows, starlings, and whatever else wandered by. We got three of our cats because they were strays eating out of the compost. But we live in the city now and can’t get away with that sort of thing.

[WhiteTara]

8. We have a large tray feeder on the upper deck

and that keeps the area clear of extra creatures beyond those living in the woods. We just repaired the 6 foot deer fence that had fallen apart because of plastic ties. I found stainless steel ties and this fence is up for a very long time. We still have to keep it clear of falling limbs and growing trees and brush, but garden nibbling will slow a great deal.

City life does have its advantages, but country life for a more inter connectedness with nature.

I'm getting ready to cut up a rack of ribs that didn't cook properly and they are going to have a feast for sure today.

[flamin lib]

6. I'm with ya. I have to do the same thing periodically.

I just can't seem to make Gumbo for two . . .

[Kali]

10. put it in a ziplock in the freezer instead of back in the fridge when you are cleaning up

then periodically have leftover surprise week and eat it up. I have trauma thinking about throwing out food. REALLY hard for me and while I have been pretty poor I have never really gone hungry, not sure where it comes from but I hate throwing out edible food.

[dem in texas]

11. Cleaned my Fridge Yesterday

Kept putting it off, then went grocery shopping and went over-board. No room in the fridge when I got home, had to do some throw away, which inspired me to wash the produce drawers and shelves. I admit, I got carried away while my groceries sat on the floor. I ended up with a nice clean fridge and all my goods neatly tucked in the right drawer or shelf. I vowed to not let my fridge get in such a state again -Ha,Ha! Can't teach this ole dog new tricks!