The $20/$20 Challenge: Margaret Shows Off Her Canadian Pantry

I love seeing $20/$20 Challenge submissions from other countries. Margaret is from Canada. While Canada is not that far away, the culture and foods are so different, I love getting a glimpse into their pantries. Here’s her story:

Mavis,

My pantry is not huge but I wanted to contribute to your contest. We live in Atlantic Canada. Located minutes from The Lobster Capital of the World, Shediac – New Brunswick, Canada. To freeze or not to freeze? This is the question The winter storms keep pounding us with frozen snow and sleet but we always makes it through. We are tired of shoveling but happy.

We are a family of three. Husband and I, and our dog Mandy. She is a shelter rescue and we love to say that she rescued us. In our country happy home, the secret is to freeze. Canning seems very complicated but is on my “To Learn List.”

Our panty is not large but there is a strategy. My solution is freezing. If we can’t eat it quickly enough, to the freezer it goes. Casseroles, baked goods, cheese and bananas. Lots of bananas.

I have included a few photos of my freezer and my unique storage system. Cloth bags. I purchase meat and fish when it is half price. Buy in bulk and every three months things appear on sale. There are exceptions…Costco sausages and fresh lobster of course.

Our monthly meal plan is posted on our fridge. Written in pencil for flexibility. I plan approximately one month in advance. During my preparation for my weekly shopping trip, I check mark each day making certain that I do have all the ingredients for the meal.

Enjoy your website and love your recipes. Always trying to minimize costs. We are a small family but have dreams of a backyard hot-tub and recreational vehicles.

Thanks,Margaret

Are you getting your pantries camera ready? You can participate in the $20/$20 Challenge by simply sending in pictures of your pantry. Find out more about the $20/$20 Challenge: Show Your Pantry – Fill a Pantry!