My kitchen is lonely. I've been hit by the mid-quarter rush of papers and exams, and thus have been neglecting my kitchen duties. Along with not cooking, I've been eating almost exclusively out of my pantry and freezer. I could go to Kroger and buy fresh produce, but I'm lazy and too tired to go out after a day of classes.
Pantry and freezer feasting is not difficult as long as both are stocked with a variety of items. A good pantry needs the basic staples: dried pasta, rice (preferably brown), beans and spices. I'm a huge fan of spices because they are a great way to add flavor and promote good health.
Studies have shown spices to help ease arthritis pain, protect against heart disease and diabetes and helps safeguard the brain. Good spices to always have on hand are cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, chili powder and curry powder.
Having a well-stocked freezer is not only good for those no-fresh-produce periods, but it also saves you money. By keeping your freezer stocked, you're not wasting energy cooling empty space. Empty space in freezer equals lost money. What you keep in your freezer is up to you, but I suggest the following couple items.
Frozen veggies are a must. Not only do they round out any meal, but they are so much better for you than canned veggies. Veggies are frozen right after they're picked, so they retain more of their nutrients and color. Canned veggies are left sitting in water - usually heavily salted or sweetened - and much of their health benefits are leeched out of them. The same goes for frozen and canned fruit.
I hesitate to mention this next item, for fear of retribution from the foodies, but frozen meals can be a good thing to keep in your freezer. They're quick and nice to have on hand when you're in a rush, but still want something hot to eat. I like Amy's Kitchen because it's a great vegetarian brand and I've never had one that tasted like freezer burn.
It is very sad to not have the time to really cook. I guess I'll have to wait until the weekend to actually use my kitchen. So it sits, sending out its siren whistle ... wait that's the kettle. What's on your plate?
-Elizabeth Lundblad is a junior studying journalism and a reporter for The Post. E-mail her your favorite recipes at el246506@ohiou.edu.
3 Culture
Elizabeth Lundblad
