Clutter Busting: Gone Condiment Crazy?

Step #1: Place all the condiments from your refrigerator and pantry onto your countertop. Wipe down the shelves.

Step #2: Toss out the items that have expired

Step #3: Place the dressings and sauces that you enjoy into the refrigerator and pantry, consolidating like items together.

Step #4: Chances are you may be left with some dressings on the counter that after tasting you don’t like much. These dressings can often make the best marinades for meats, potatoes and/or veggies, even though you are not crazy about the taste on your salad. I love marinating my meat before I freeze it, but you can actually pour these dressings into individual freezer bags and pop into the freezer. Make sure to mark the contents and the date.

Step #5: Stop purchasing dressings and other condiments as impulse items. If you like variety in your dressings, start making your own. A few ingredients in your pantry mixed together with some fresh ingredients and you can have variety in your diet without making a mess of your refrigerator! My favorite dressing is balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Use a ratio of about 3 to 1 (vinegar to oil), if you normally choose vinaigrette type dressings. If you prefer a creamy type dressing, opt for a low fat yogurt and/or buttermilk as a base for your dressing. Experiment and have fun. Keep in mind that if your creation flops as a dressing, it may work wonderfully as a marinade! Don’t stop your creativity with dressings alone. By using garlic, horseradish, mustard and fresh herbs you can turn ordinary ingredients such as low fat yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise into extraordinary dips and spreads.

Have fun, get creative, be healthy, and keep it simple!

Betsy