Scavenger Hunting For Food

Does it feel like going to the grocery store these days like a never ending scavenger hunt. It's hard to maneuver through all the protocol only to find what you want gone. What's to do? Order on line or head to another store. Better yet  - make it yourself.

That's the dilemma shoppers the world over are facing right now. Home chefs around the globe are snapping up the basics at alarming rates. Our truckers and shelf stockers can't work fast enough here in the States. What should we do when something we need like milk or eggs are not there? Forget ordering from companies like Peapod. They're booked for the next month it seems. You could go through Amazon if you really need eggs for cooking. It may take a week or two. Another idea is spending one day visiting different stores in your area. One may have what the others don't have. Doing such would also mean stocking up on a variety of different foodstuffs and essentials that can last you weeks. The only problem is overexposure to three groceries full of people. There's also the problem of stores having limited access. A trip to three stores that would usually take two hours may last up to four or five. If you leave the house at seven AM you may be home by lunchtime, tired , hungry and on your last nerve.

Another idea , sadly, is hoarding. If you have a big fridge along with a freezer, you may have to double buy. It looks selfish. After all we glare at those toilet papers hoarders with utter contempt. Yet, we may have to do that with basics such as bread and meat, frozen veggies and beverages. What could lessen it is that two people from the same household go to two different stores and update each other about what the other store has and doesn't have. One, that means your grocery list can be fulfilled and two , you can stock up on the basics without looking too greedy. We could also follow our grandparents and great grandparents leads and make it ourselves. Breads can be made. Even if you're not much of a baker, there are plenty of yeast free recipes anyone can make. Make rolls too , which again are easy. One you've mastered dough you can make pizza and pot pies  as well. Apple sauce is easy to make , especially if you have a crockpot or Instapot.  Another idea is cooking fresh vegetables first with your favorite sauces and spices and then freezing them. This way you have your own frozen food - and ones you know your family will actually like.

Food shopping is a scavenger hunt these day. There are ways to lessen the headache of it, making the experience less unnerving. Do what you have to do, over stocking, shopping at different stores or just make the food yourself .