How are you getting the most out of your food purchases?

We've likely all experienced opening the refrigerator only to find a lot of disperate bits and ingredients, fruit that is a few days past it's prime and a container of something or other that's about to expire. It's really tempting to close the door, get the car keys and head out to the closest restaurant to let professionals solve your meal dilemma. But wait! This is your chance to get creative.


This morning, with two hungry children, I opened the fridge and saw a rather stale (but well wrapped) cake layer, a bit of whipping cream, some very soft plums and peaches (perfectly ripe on Saturday) and some cherries (with a few fuzzy friends in the bag). What to do? Let them eat cake! After poking holes all over the top of the cake, I infused it with a bit of vanilla agave nectar. I let the flavor sink in, then cut thin slices (three per plate). There was just enough cream to whip up a few generous tablespoons. I washed and cut the fruit, and squeezed the plums over the top (they were a little too soft to cut.) It smelled great and, as you can see, looked lovely. I'm putting this experinent in the win column -- my son declared it "even better than banana-chocolate chip pancakes." My daughter asked if we could have some more tomorrow. The next time you're faced with a refrigerator full of "almosts", let your creative juices flow...you'll be glad you did!