Lynette - yeah, I don’t have to use it all. In part it’s about using what I’ve already bought rather than having that money sitting in the pantry while we’re away. In part it’s about using things up while I’m in the frame of mind and mood to do so. The pureed apple was actually in a jar that had gotten dropped and the lid seal broke so that’s why it particularly needed using.

Dina - Disasters are half the fun I’m sure. LOL.

River - I don’t have to but both of them are things we really haven’t been using so it makes sense to use them. The sprinkles are leftover from a birthday years ago (not the kind we usually eat). I’m not sure why I haven’t been using the custard powder. It’s been a while since I made custard and last time I made it, I made it from scratch anyway so didn’t use custard powder. As for freezing stuff, we’re not leaving a freezer on while we’re away. Our power supply is too unreliable and I’d hate to come home to a freezer that’s been mistakenly off for weeks or months. Those using the house are unlikely to need/use a freezer. As for supplies when we get back, I’ll do a big shop on the way home to stock up I think.

I always follow the recipe the first time I make something new, if it turns out to my liking, I stick with it, but more often I’ll make adjustments. some of these adjustments create disasters. Then I’m cross with myself for wasting ingredients.

I’d rather just experiment–but often I end up with disasters!

Sometimes those made up recipes are the best ones… and they also expose our loved ones to new tastes..

Enjoy!