Make over your kitchen...sort of

Not sure how it happens, but my kitchen cabinets and pantry seem to be in total disarray at the end of each year. Maybe I'm more aware because of that whole "fresh start" for the New Year mindset. So in January I've gone through the kitchen and rearranged almost every item behind closed doors, especially helpful since we're eating in much, much more these days.
No wonder that I read with interest the "kitchen makeover" article in last week's Parade magazine. Here are some highlights from that article:
Organize!
Throw away items past the expiration date; consolidate multiples of partially used items.
Put dry goods in airtight containers to lengthen shelf life.
Label shelves to help stay organized and mark the date on foods as they go into the freezer.
Smart shopping.
You've heard it a million times---shop with a list in hand. Take it a step futher and divide items into the appropriate supermarket section to save shopping time.
Pay attention to sale items and specials and use coupons.
Stock up on essential items; see suggestion lists below.
Get ahead of the game.
Wash and prep produce when you get home from shopping.
Try to plan meals at the beginning of the week, just making that decision at the end of a hectic day can be daunting.

Katie Lee's Dinner Essentials

Pantry: Refrigerator: Freezer:
balsamic vinegar broth bacon (freeze in individual portions)
breadcrumbs Dijon mustard chicken breasts
canned beans eggs ginger root
canned tomatoes Parmesan cheese mixed frozen vegetables
onions, garlic raspbery jam
rice soy sauce
spaghetti

Check it out---

Spaghetti + eggs + Parmesan + bacon = Spaghetti Carbonara

Rice + onions + soy sauce + eggs + ginger root + chicken + veggies = Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken + breadcrumbs + tomatoes + Parmesan = Chicken Parmigiana

Veggies + broth + beans + onion + garlic + tomatoes + broken spaghetti = Hearty Vegetable Soup

Chicken + raspberry jam + broth + balsamic vinegar + garlic = Glazed Chicken Breasts

(Look for recipes at Parade.com/essentials)