A Dash of the Internet

Sometimes one of the biggest challenges of Runnin' Lean can be following one of the golden rules: "using what you've got."  When I say "challenge" I mean it in a good way!  In other words, maybe you've found yourself a ways out from your next grocery supply run (we have ours once a month), and the cupboards are starting to show it.  Your options are to break down and make a store run...or  make the best of what you have and stretch it to its limits (Runnin' Lean indeed).  In the old days the Runnin' Lean option might have meant digging through stacks of recipe books for something that would require the sparse ingredients left on the shelf.  Nowadays it's as easy as sitting down and firing up the internet.  This is one of the many beauties of the world wide web. 

You see,  no matter what combination of left overs and rag tag supplies you have left littering your fridge and pantry there is SOMEONE out there who has cooked what could very well be a delicious dish using just said ingredients.  And guess what? They've posted that very recipe on the internet!  Best of all, it's probably even been reviewed by other home cooks who have already found themselves in your situation. Those reviewers might even have some additional substitution ideas or other tasty tweaks to the recipe.  So when you find yourself staring at a pack of Ramen noodles and a hodgepodge of other grocery stragglers, head to your computer and search for a recipe using exactly what you've got.  It's out there! And the next time you're down to what you previously thought was lackluster food stock you'll have a smile on your face:)

When the pantry's low, go with the flow!

Spring Things

Well, it was a long hard Winter, but the onset of Spring (almost;) makes up for it!!!  Nature provides us with so many treasures this time of year.  There are acres of dandelions that can be harvested and used in so many ways,   Morel mushrooms that grow in abundance in the forest and can be in your frying pan serving after serving, (given you're a good mushroom scout of course), greens of all types, flavors, and sizes dot the countryside and are used to fill the need for veggies on the table until the garden kicks in.  It's truly amazing how much food is around us and all we have to do is familiarize ourselves to the edibles in our area in order to take advantage of the bounty.  Do yourself a favor and if you haven't already spend some quality time with someone say twice your age who is an avid outdoor person.  A single afternoon with an "old timer" will not only make for a wonderful and fun-filled experience that you'll both enjoy but it will also open your eyes to what Nature is providing you with every Spring.  You just need to know what to look for, how to find it, and where to look for it.  Another invaluable resource on the forage front is The Conservation Department.  They offer a wealth of information and even provide a variety of classes and courses on the subject that can ultimately make you a master when it comes to identifying local edibles.  This time spent will pay you back time and time again.  To be exact,  it will pay you back every time Spring things begin to sprout, blossom, and pop!!!

Fresh poke greens