OK, so the title is a bit disingenuous. I only decided to save the food because I was so disgusted at what I had to throw out as I cleaned out my fridge. So I salvaged what I could.
We had company last weekend, and I bought fresh basil, parsley, cilantro and sage. I used a few tablespoons (max) of each, and left the rest in the fridge. Fortunately, I was able to save it. I chopped it all up and froze it, so I will have "fresh" herbs next time I need them, until my herb garden fills out. Ditto with some celery that was starting to go, but would be perfectly good in soup. I also froze a cup of chicken broth and about 1/2 of a 28 oz can of tomatoes. I throw out WAY too much food and need to get a grip on it...
I also started going through my pantry and checking expiration dates. I usually do a pretty good job of rotating stock. However, there are a few things that don't have dates stamped on them (they use factory codes instead - I don't get why they can't put the date on). Anyway, some of these don't have contact numbers, or their websites don't have info on shelf life, so I need to be creative and figure out how to get that info so I don't waste the stuff.
I'm also doing the same in the bathroom. I've acquired quite a few tubes of toothpaste, deoderants, mouthwash, etc. through freebies and rebates and I need to check the dates to see when they expire, and prioritize their use.
A bit off topic, but I have a question for Flash. Do you have any idea why coupons don't all expire on the last day of the month? I have no problem with the 6-weeks or so they give me before they expire, but it's SO annoying to find a coupon that expired on 6/17. Why not 6/30? Don't get it.
Tomorrow, our town is having a fair and fireworks. Free, though we'll probably get dinner there. (The fire department sells hot dogs, burgers, beer, and soda as a fundraiser). Other than that, we'll be pool side. I need to get a few gifts for Father's Day, but I have gift cards, so there shouldn't be too much cash out of pocket.
On the challenge front, I need to call Citibank about that first bonus, and mail out another gas voucher. But nothing came in so the total is the same. I also mailed out the coupon train earlier in the week for $4.05.
New Total: $1079.75/$2000
Outstanding items: $100 (Citi bonus 1), $100 (Citi bonus 2), $2 (Chandon rebate), IDT Phone card(s)(?), $5 (PNC gas voucher), $5 (PNC Gas Voucher 2), $10 Shoppers Essential Voucher, $20 Passport to Fun Voucher, $30 Sprint phone card.
Coupon Train Total: $33.24
Saving Food
June 17th, 2006 at 02:54 am
June 17th, 2006 at 04:26 am 1150514784
June 17th, 2006 at 04:33 am 1150515191
"Expiration" Date
The calendar date on the packaging of a food that indicates the last date a food should be eaten or used. (Also see "Best If Used By," "Sell By," and "Use By" Dates.)
Food Safety Implication: Foods that are purchased or used after the expiration date could contain spoilage bacteria or pathogens and may not be safe to eat.
Food Safety Precautions:
* Don't buy foods after the expiration date has passed.
* At home, throw out foods after the expiration date has passed.
"Best If Used By" Date
A calendar date on the packaging of a food product, which represents the recommended time limit a food should be used within for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
"Sell By" Date
A calendar date on the packaging of a food product that indicates the last day the product can be sold.
The "sell by" date tells the retailer how long to display a product. It guides the rotation of shelf stock and allows time for the product to be stored and used at home. The date is quality driven, not a food safety concern.
"Use By" Date
This is the last date a consumer is recommended to use a product while it is at peak quality. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a "sell by" or food safety date.