SEVEN FOR YOU â—½ TIPS
In the Fridge
Our Panel of Women
I love reading articles about what others have in their purses, or on their shelves, or tucked away in their cars, etc. And…it’s interesting to see what people have in their refrigerator that they just “must have” at all times, besides the norms of milk and eggs. So, we asked our panel and they delivered. I think I must try some of them!
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Okay! I confess when I read this month’s topic I thought . . . . that’s a weird question to ask. Until I opened my fridge and realized that there are certain items that are truly must-haves.
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First, and foremost, I am a milk-aholic. There, I said it, aloud. I love milk. So I make sure I never run out of milk. ​
From the photo, you can see I have Whole Milk, and that’s for making my espresso drink in the morning; a cappuccino, latte or mocha. The fat-free milk is my “full glass of milk with brownies” milk – or any sweets. I started using Fairlife Milk a few years ago; it has more protein and is lactose free. Note; I never drink milk with my dinner – maybe it’s the Jewish in me!
Second; I like to keep a carton of heavy whipping cream. I have a Whipped Cream Dispenser (like you see at Starbucks) and it’s so fun to serve guests whipped cream on their drinks and desserts. But, did you know you can quickly make a small batch of whipped cream by simply adding 2-4 oz of cream in tall glass/measuring cup and mix it with a milk frother? (add a little Italian Syrup for sweetness).
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Third; Cranberry Juice & Ginger Ale. Since Christmas, I make a Cranberry Spritzer with my dinner. My guilty pleasure. Period. It’s refreshing, I just make one glass. No apologies for drinking soda.
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Fourth: I love Nosa yogurt. Have you tried it? It is so smooth. Lemon & Key Lime are my favorite. I often add blueberries & raspberries. Yum,
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Fifth: I keep Pillsbury Pie Crusts in stock. Perfect to make a quick pudding pie, quiche, etc. Sorry, I no longer make homemade pie crusts, I was never that skilled at rolling out the dough.
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Sixth: We are supposed to just share five, but I must add Chick-fil-A Sauce. I have never been a condiment person; I hate ketchup, mustard, pickles. But I found this sauce and I love it! It goes on everything, hard-boiled eggs, tacos, hamburgers, etc. - Gloria
When I open the refrigerator door I smile if these things are present, and moan if they're not.
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Lindt 70% dark chocolate in the fridge, so it's hard and crunches when I bite it - well that makes me smile. One little square (or 2 or 3) is a delight for me!
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Orange juice fortified with vitamin C and calcium because my doctor told me to drink it. I don't like the taste so much, but it's there and screams at me to drink for health.
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Blackberries are my fruit of choice, as I love them on top of my granola, with a little milk, each morning. They float my boat...or my bowl.
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Nut boxes. I have four clear plastic boxes I keep full of different nuts. I love making trail mix, taking nuts to the theater, grabbing some for toppings, knowing I need them.
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A jar of minced garlic. I've used gadgets to mince garlic cloves, smashed them with a knife, etc...and I'd rather just spoon some from a jar...already minced for me. – Marcy
Dill pickles. I love dill pickles. Claussen pickles are my favorite. I even have a sweatshirt with different kinds of pickles on the front!
Butter. I am a butter girl. I am known to carry real butter with me so that I am ready for restaurants that have good bread but no real butter (I’m looking at you, Panera!).
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Minced garlic. I also love garlic and use a lot of it. I buy a tub of peeled garlic cloves each week at HEB and chop them in a mini food processor. I put them back into the HEB container, cover them in olive oil, and keep them in the fridge for use throughout the week.
Ready, Fresh, Go Snack packs. I have a hard time with breakfast. I don’t want to cook, but I need protein. These help me! They have meat and cheese, usually some sort of nut, and either a dried fruit or a pretzel. These keep me from skipping breakfast and ending up with low blood sugar and a bad attitude!
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Sprite or Ginger Ale. By the evening time, I am tired of water. I want something to drink that has carbonation but no caffeine. Either of these are perfect to have with my dinner. - Laura
1. Olives-they were my Dad's favorite. I'm the only one who enjoyed them with him.
2. Kerrygold unsalted butter-my memories of England include good, unsalted butter. My Mom said, "Did you know if you sprinkle pepper on a buttered piece of toast, it almost tastes like egg." It was from her childhood when food was rationed.
3. Truffle butter-oh my! I get mine at HEB in the dairy section. Truffle butter grilled cheese, truffle butter on pasta, and truffle butter on potatoes. There are so many possibilities. It is not something everyone likes, but I think it's amazing.
4. Planet Oat Caramel Coffee Creamer- I can't have milk. My tummy gets angry. I love this "creamer" and have three bottles of it on hand most of the time.
5. Water-a simple thing, but with all my recent health issues, drinking water is a must. Drinking enough water is the key, so I keep 8 bottles in the fridge at all times. - Cathy
The five main things I keep in my refrigerator are as follows
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1. Lettuce, because it’s good for us and it’s so versatile in use. I make salads and use it in sandwiches. I like different kinds, but I always have Iceberg lettuce since that’s the kind my husband likes.
2. Potatoes, mainly for the same reason. They’re good for us and so versatile.
3. Yogurt, again so good for us. We eat yogurt daily and always keep several flavors on hand. My husband prefers Activia but I like all brands.
4. Kefir, which is like yogurt but more of a liquid. I use this to make smoothies, and it gives me something different from yogurt. My husband doesn’t like it so it’s all mine.
5. And lastly, Flax Oil. I started this about fifteen years ago when I did The 17 Day Diet by Dr. Mike Moreno. It’s one of the staples he adds to the healthy lifestyle that his book and diet use regularly. Once a week I use it in a smoothie and it’s really good for your health. I lost about 35 pounds in two months when I did this diet, so I definitely support it, even now. That’s what it’s all about, having a healthy lifestyle. – Carole
Fridge must-haves would include
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1) cold brew coffee - for the 2 pm slump without the high coffee house price,
2) coconut aminos - I use this in a wide variety of foods to get a full umami taste,
3) always celery, carrots, onions, bell peppers. I can change my protein, I can change my spices, but I typically use some combination of these veggies to get my recipe started. - Shelley
Oh, my! Minced garlic is a must have for me, too! However, most of my must-haves are in my freezer.
I must have my frozen chocolate covered raspberries by Tru-Fru. Best little snack that only has 90 calories for every five pieces.
I must have frozen cubes of cilantro, basil, and parsley. I add those to many of the dishes that I cook.
Frozen sliced garlic bread that I can throw into the toaster for a quick serving of bread.
And, in my fridge, my favorite soft drink, caffeine-free Coke Zero! - Anita
Hellmans mayonnaise. I prefer Hellman’s mayo over other brands. I use it for sandwiches, deviled eggs, potato salad or any recipe calling for mayo. I LOVE it and take care to never run out
I try to always have red grapes on hand. They are a healthy, delicious alternative to sugary desserts. I love to freeze them and munch on them while watching TV and relaxing.
Homemade Ranch dressing is a must-have. I love Ranch dressing but I prefer it homemade. It just tastes better than bottled dressing.
I enjoy green olives in recipes and straight out of the jar as a snack. When I was a little girl my mom had to put the olive jar high up in the refrigerator to keep me out of them.
Havarti cheese slices. Havarti has such a lovely flavor. I enjoy microwaving a slice for a few seconds then eating it with a fork. - Gina
