Sample issue

Hi there,

This week's tip: a "use first" shelf

Pick one shelf at eye level in your fridge and call it "use first". Leftovers, half an onion, the open yogurt and anything close to its best go there. Check it before you plan meals or order takeout. It's the simplest way to stop finding sad bags of spinach at the back of the fridge.

More in First in, first out, or see what wasted food costs you with the kitchen savings calculator.

This week's use-it-up idea

Wilting greens? Stir them into soup, pasta or eggs, or blend them into a smoothie. Cooked greens shrink a lot, so a whole bag disappears into one meal.

Reader question

"Is food past its best-by date safe?" Often, yes. Except for infant formula, federal law doesn't require date labels, and "best by" is about quality, not safety. Store food properly, use your senses, and throw out anything spoiled. See Best by, use by and sell by.

Happy cooking,
Smart Stash Daily