Pantry Purging Recipes

Only two weeks left and we. are. outta. here!! I have officially begun the pantry and refrigerator clean-out process. I hate this part - especially seeing all our half-used condiments and opened goods going down the drain. We try to use or give away as much as possible, but not many people need a half-full bottle of teriyaki sauce!

Here are some yummy recipes we have sampled lately using the majority of items we already had stocked in the pantry but I think they are delicious!

Corny (like me!) Soup
Adapted from Cooking Light

Ingredients:
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced deli ham - cut extra thing (about 1/4")
3 cups fresh corn kernels - about 4-5 ears depending on size
1/4 tsp dried cilantro
1/2 tsp cumin (or more, to taste)
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 can navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 can white kidney/cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
28 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
1 (4 oz) can fire roasted diced green chilis (or 2 cans regular)
Plain Greek yogurt
Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
Heat oil in dutch oven (or heavy-duty pot) and add in onions and ham. Sauteé until onions are soft and ham begins to turn golden, about 5-8 minutes.

I love my dutch oven! I got it as a wedding gift and use it all the time. 

Add in remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Cover and let simmer until warm or ready to serve.

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, Greek yogurt and cilantro.

I have a strong love affair going with Greek yogurt right now. I can't even remember the last time I used sour cream! 

Garlic cheddar biscuits
From the Reduced-Fat Bisquick cookbook

I love Bisquick. I grew up on it! From pancakes, to waffles, to biscuits and more, I have nothing but fond memories coming from that little box. These biscuits are super yummy and even easier to make.

Ingredients: 
2 cups Reduced Fat Bisquick baking mix
2/3 cup skim milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbs margarine or butter
1/4 tsp garlic powder
*I usually add chopped chives or green onions, but the refrigerator fairy failed to supply this time.

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 450°
Stir Bisquick, milk and cheese until soft dough forms. Drop dough by spoonful onto a lined or greased baking sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Melt butter in microwave safe dish. Stir in garlic powder. Brush over biscuits. 

The hubby tends to eat these by the dozen! 

Mexican Pizza

I'm afraid I don't have any pictures of this dish...we gobbled it up too quickly! Ian didn't even save any for his lunch :) 

Ingredients:

Boboli or ready-made pizza crust 

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

Taco seasoning (I like the reduced-sodium kind)

1 can Ro*tel Diced tomatoes with green chilis

1 can refried black beans (regular refried beans will work fine)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar/Mexican cheese

1/4 cup sliced onions

1/4 cup chopped tomatoes

 1/4 cup sliced black olives

Greek yogurt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°

Brown and drain meat and add taco season according to package directions. Stir in Ro*tel tomatoes. Cover and keep over low heat to remain warm. 

Brush pizza crust with olive oil and place in oven for approxmately 5 minutes, or until crust begins to turn golden brown. Remove crust from oven. 

In microwave safe bowl, heat refried beans. 

Spread beans on crust, followed by a layer of meat and then cheese. Top with chopped tomatoes, onions and olives. Return to oven and bake for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and heated through. 

Slice and top with a dollop of greek yogurt. (Told you we rarely use sour cream!) 

*I think fresh avocadoes on top would be yummy too and I will have to try next time.