How to Make Easy Meals From Common Pantry Staples!

We've all been there: we don't feel like cooking or attempting to fight the masses at the grocery store, and we really don't want to spend the money on takeout. If we could only start to utilize every pantry item, we would all spend less and actually come up with some appetizing meals. There are a lot of healthy options you can make from those cans just sitting in the pantry. First, make sure they aren't expired, and then follow these tips to make easy recipes when you're in a pinch.

COMMON PANTRY ITEMS

1. Canned tomato products
2. Canned vegetables
3. Canned meats (salmon, tuna, chicken)
4. Beans
5. Low-sodium chicken or veggie broth
6. Peanut butter
7. Olive oil
8. Pasta
9. Bread
10. Spices

Start thinking about these items in different ways. What can you pair together to make a quick and easy meal? What canned item can you combine with a fresh item to make something quick and tasty?

SNACK IDEAS

1. Combine canned meat with greek yogurt and chopped veggies for a quick chicken or tuna salad.
2. Add peanut butter and banana to bread for a quick sandwich and grill the bread for added texture (see below for peanut butter french toast recipe).
3. Short on time? Make a protein shake and throw in yogurt, oatmeal or berries... whatever you have lying around the house.
4. Have dried fruit, nuts, healthy cereal or chocolate? Make a healthy trail mix by throwing together these options and portioning into ziplocs to take to work.
5. Pair a pantry item with something fresh. Nuts with fresh fruit or canned meat with a fresh salad.

MEAL OPTIONS

1. Mix canned tomato products, veggies, tuna, beans with low-sodium chicken or veggie broth for a thick, tasty soup. Make sure you drain and rinse the veggies and beans to get rid of all the salt.
2. Make a quick tasty pasta dish by cooking noodles, adding canned tomatoes and canned tuna or salmon in a skillet. Once the noodles are ready, scoop them into the skillet with the sauce and mix well.
3. Make a quick meal of beans, veggies and rice. Need some protein? Add canned chicken or tuna for a quick, healthy meal.
4. Don't forget about spices. Spices go a long way in adding flavor without calories. Making chicken? Add curry or ginger. Start thinking of how you can punch up plain foods with added flavors.
5. Don't be afraid to try different combinations of flavors. Try something with peanut butter and chicken, or tuna and tomato. You might surprise yourself at how creative you can get with using materials you already own.

PANTRY PEANUT BUTTER FRENCH TOAST

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 dash vanilla extract
2 tbs. peanut butter
1 small banana, sliced
Cooking spray or 1 tbs. olive oil

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg whites and vanilla together. Spread 1 tbs. peanut butter on top of each slice of bread. Place the banana slices on top of one of the slices of bread. Place the other slice of bread on top of the first to make a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Heat a skillet with cooking spray or olive oil. Dip the sandwich into the egg white mixture and place in heated skillet. Cook until brown on both sides.