The Fridge and Larder…

Do you actually know what you enjoy eating? I mean really enjoy, every bite, every spoonfull?

I decided at 22. I emptied the whole fridge & larder and put back only what I love, want or need. And since I am the cook of the household the rest of the family eats the same. I shop once a week for the week ahead and free the rest of my time for activities I actually enjoy. Cooking is not one of them but we all need to eat. It’s as natural and simple as it can get – no Michelin stars here, but we are all healthy, slim and full of energy. I buy raw ingredients and cook from afresh. Ready meals are far and few between.

My fridge:

  • Baby Spinach, Gem Lettuce, Beetroot, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Tins of Sardines/Mackerel/Anchovies
  • Ham, Prosciutto, Mortadella, Cheddar/Emmental Cheese, Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmesan, Smoked Bacon, Pancetta, Smooth Pate, Jars of Gherkins, Peppers, Artichokes, Olives
  • Eggs, Strawberry Jam, Conserves – Blueberry, Blackcurrant, Salted Butter and Olive Oil Spread
  • Whole Milk, Soured Cream, Mayonnaise, Tomato Sauce, English Mustard, Horseradish, Bramley Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Chutney, Salad Dressing, Balsamic Vinegar, Hot Chili Sauce, Burger Sauce
  • Bananas, Apples, Lemons & Oranges, Pineapple, Melon, Pears, Strawberries & Blueberries
  • Broccoli, Carrots, Parsnip, Brussel Sprouts, Red/White Cabbage, Kale, Onions & Garlic, Sugar Snaps, Green Beans, Potatoes, Peppers
  • Milk Chocolate/Milk Chocolate with whole Nuts
  • Chicken Thighs/Wings/Drumsticks, Whole Chicken, Beef Mince Meet, Beef Burgers/Steaks, Loin of Pork, Pork Chops, Leg of Lamb, British Sausages/Bratwurst, Turkey Steaks, Venison Steaks, Calves Liver, Black Pudding & Haggis …….
  • Fish – Salmon Steaks, Mussels/Prawns/Squid, Whole Trout

My Larder:

  • Wholewheat Pasta – Spaghetti, Penne & Lasagna Sheets, Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini, Brown Rice, Noodles for Stir Fry
  • Nuts – Walnuts, Cashews, Almonds, Dry Roasted Peanuts, Pecan & Brazil Nuts, Flaked Almonds, Raisins, Chestnuts, Dried Cranberries/Mango
  • Nutella, Honey, Peanut Butter, Brown Sugar
  • Tins of Baked Beans, Chickpeas, Red Kidney Beans, Butter Beans, Sweetcorn, Passata
  • Wholewheat Bread with Seeds/Rye Bread, White Bread occasionally, Oven Bake Sourdough Baguettes, Spelt Flour, Plain Flour
  • Cereal – Bran Flakes, Shreddies, Frosties, Corn Flakes and Porridge
  • Biscuits – a variety of Biscuits with Shortbreads always available, Crisps – Ready Salted, Black Pepper & Sweet Chili
  • Wholewheat Krisprolls, Black Pepper/Rosemary Crackers
  • Herbs – Parsley, Oregano, Basil, Smoked Paprika, Ground Ginger/Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric, Garlic Granules, Salt& Pepper, Olive Oil, Chicken/Beef Stock Cubes
  • Coffee, Peppermint/Lemon & Ginger Tea, English Tea

I do not wake up thinking about food – I have turned off all that food noise because I know there will be something in the fridge that I can eat, when I am hungry. I decided that I will eat to live and not live to eat. With that decision made I am free to spend my days how I choose without my mind being overburdened with something that is already there.