Does your neighborhood store look something like this right now? DON'T PANIC. You can still feed yourself with what's already in your fridge and pantry. Here's what to make...
If you've got a loaf of stale bread:
1. Boozy Baked French Toast
Challah is the best but you can use whatever you've got, as long as it's not super dense or grainy.
Get the recipe at Smitten Kitchen.
2. French Onion Soup
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3. Spinach and Cheese Strata
Use up all your weird parmesan remnants and whatever other cheese you've got. Now's the time to finish your eggs and milk in case the power goes out; they'll last longer cooked.
Get the recipe at Smitten Kitchen.
If you've got a couple cans of tomatoes:
4. Pasta al Pomodoro
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5. Eggs in Marinara Sauce
Make your own sauce (see above) or just use the jarred kind.
Get the recipe at the New York Times.
6. Tomato Soup + Bacon Grilled Cheese
If your pantry is full of grains:
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7. Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes
Don't worry, raisin-haters, you can leave them out.
Get the recipe at Domestic Fits.
8. Fried Rice with Eggs and Country Ham
Country ham is awesome, but feel free to use whatever lonely lunch meats are hanging out in your fridge.
Get the recipe at Gourmet.
9. Mixed Berry Oatmeal Crisps
A great way to use all the fruit that will melt when your freezer stops working.
Get the recipe at Bon Appétit.
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If you've got a bacon stash to use up:
10. Bacon and Potato Frittata
Swap in frozen spinach and dried herbs if you don't have the fresh stuff.
Get the recipe at Gourmet.
11. Baked Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar
If fresh scallions aren't going to happen, try roasting a head of garlic while you bake the potatoes, then mash up the cloves and add them to into the soup. Losing the sour cream here isn't a dealbreaker; you can swap in Greek yogurt if you've got it.
Get the recipe at The Kitchn.
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If you stocked up on canned beans:
12. Chili
If you have some ground beef in your freezer, great. If not, add more beans. Maybe even two different kinds of beans!
Get the recipe at Saveur.
13. Black Bean Soup
This recipe is partly pureed so it's smooth and classy, but leaving it chunky is a valid option too. If you don't have bell peppers, you can dice other vegetables lying around (carrots, celery, etc) and cook with the onions.
Get the recipe at Smitten Kitchen.
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14. Chickpea Stew
Would be yummy with or without chicken. This is a good base recipe to throw vegetable/meat odds and ends into.
Get the recipe at Bon Appetit.
15. Black Bean Burgers
Go ahead, pretend you're a vegetarian! It'll be fun! Feel free to skip the ever-controversial cilantro.
Get the recipe at Gourmet.
If you have basic baking supplies:
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16. Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
17. Browned Butter Cocoa Brownies
Browned butter is the secret to a more beautiful life. Any kind of nuts will play nice with it.
Get the recipe at Bon Appétit.
And maybe a few old or frozen bananas:
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18. Bourbon Banana Bread
If you don't have at least 3 Tbsp. bourbon around, there's probably something wrong with you.
Get the recipe at Smitten Kitchen.
19. One-Ingredient Ice Cream
One of the most brilliant desserts anywhere, ever. Quick, before the food processor is out of commission!
Get the recipe at Food52.
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