What I found in my fridge

This week I began with good intent, to write about my concerns on our overly-keen government’s focus on our so called ‘nest egg’ superannuation, and I will.

However I had been interstate visiting family and friends all weekend, arrived back home on Sunday night. Off I went to work Monday and came home early evening to prepare dinner after a long day. I was feeling ravenous and checked out the fridge… tragedy!

Consequently as often happens, no time for food shopping and a rather bare fridge, albeit for some odd bits and pieces. Alas, never be deterred. I always manage to prepare the most delightful healthy meals out of seemingly nothing!

Desperate times call for …

So I have decided to write something on the dishes I prepare each time I am in this situation. I am not trying to get onto the food bandwagon but:

• I do see a lot of food wasted that could be put to good use and I am not one to waste food. It’s rather amazing what you can produce;
• I know there are many people living on their own, young and old, who comment they have nothing to eat at home.

I particularly find some (and I quote only some) of my younger counterparts comment they “don’t have any food in the fridge” or “have nothing to eat”.

Well, once I have been given permission to inspect the keeper of cool things, I immediately visualise a healthy meal with their minimal ingredients.

The skill of finding food in the fridge

I am certain this skill developed in my early years raising children as a single parent following my divorce, while living on a frugal income.

Although more likely a learned skill from when my parents raised us—a post-war trait.

It is a great skill to have in preparation for the retirement years ahead, particularly if our “Super” is touched!

The family support systems we have today were not present ‘in my day’, as I laughing quote from time to time (oh dear I must be getting old). Feeding your children was a matter of ‘counting oranges’ as I once did to provide my children with healthy substantial meals. Hence my latest brain storm.

Ingredients that “Today I Found In My Fridge”
Serves two:

• Eggs – 8 x all fresh, I only needed to use four and could have used less;
• Spinach – there were 3 x leaves left that could be used the remaining were too slimy and would be used for compost;
• Tomatoes x 2 soft ones, but okay for cooking;
• Spring onions – slightly dried out, still good to use;
• Okra x 6 pieces – needed to be eaten that night;
• Parmesan cheese – always keep some frozen, extra sharp grated or shaved parmesan cheese (best kept secret for flavour) in freezer;
• Grounded pepper (I don’t add salt although Jamie Oliver would advise otherwise);
• Garlic – always keep a jar of crushed garlic as a backup (another best kept secret);
• Add any other herb to suit your taste i.e. basil, parsley, anything you like for flavour that you can find.

Method

While my okra was browning in the slightly, olive oil greased frying pan (a 14 cm stone-lined pan a blessing for non-stick), I beat the four eggs in a bowl, chopped the rest of the ingredients up in big chunks, added everything else I had found in my fridge, quick stirred, then poured it all over the okra that remained in the pan.

I normally place foil over the top to help cook, and within 10-15 minutes on medium heat I produced what some would say a frittata and others an omelette. See for yourself; YUM.

Best thing is I had a great economical meal with plenty remaining to take to work for lunch the next day.

In conclusion

Naturally you will not have the same ingredients in your fridge, but you can see my point—you can make something out of what appears to be nothing.

Oh, whilst the food was cooking I managed to have a shower and wash my hair. Who says multi-skilling is not good for you?

The focus on my ‘nest egg’ may have changed a little this week but it was worth it.

Your thoughts?

What have you created from your fridge?

Do you think it is a ‘generational’ skill?