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About 10 pm on Friday night, I started reading The Stocked Kitchen, by Sarah Kallio and Stacy Krastins. By midnight, I was finished. Seriously, I read a cookbook cover to cover and was so excited, I couldn’t go to sleep. It seems a little silly to call this just a cookbook. It’s more like “kitchen curriculum”. I’ve been cooking for at least 40 years, and I would venture to say I’m fairly good at it. Yet, I learned so much from The Stocked Kitchen that I had never previously considered. I can’t wait to share it. It is going to take a busy woman’s view of her kitchen, and cooking, and literally turn it upside down. I will venture to say that you have never seen another cookbook like it and though there will probably be many who will try to copy this ingenious concept, you get to hear about the one and only original, right here, on Busy-at-Home. (Enter to win a copy for yourself, at the end of this post!)
The first two “chapters” of the book are made up of a total of only three pages. After reading them, however, I was hooked. I felt a kinship with these women who knew exactly what the challenges are in a busy woman’s kitchen, day-to-day — you know, that 4:30 or 5:00 standing and staring into an open refrigerator or pantry and feeling like you have nothing to make for dinner challenge? They’ve been there, done that, AND they have a solution. The difference between understanding a dilemma, and solving a dilemma, is action. Sarah and Stacy’s actions are going to rock your cooking world! The system and recipes they have developed are going to save you time — they’re going to save you money — and they’re going to give you a confidence in the kitchen that will leave smiles on the faces of your family and guests at every meal. (I’m just a little stoked about this cookbook. 
) Frugal, fast and made from scratch — everything we love at Busy-at-Home!
I have made several recipes from The Stocked Kitchen, already. One of them is their Taco Meat. It's delicious, cheaper than seasoning packets and this is definitely one I would cook in bulk and freeze in 1 lb packages. Taco meat is used as a base for several recipes, like Beef Enchiladas.
The short and sweet of the premise behind this book is one awesomely simple, yet comprehensive grocery list. Keep your fridge, freezer and pantry stocked with these items and you will always have what you need to create ANY of the more than 300 recipes in this book. The grocery list is included in tear-out pages in the back of this wonderful, hard cover cookbook. Stick it to the fridge, check off items as they are used (and train others in your house to do the same), so you know it needs to be replenished and then carry the list to the store with you every 7-10 days to restock your kitchen with the few items you need. You could easily just make copies of the page to have one for each week, or even simpler, visit The Stocked Pantry website and print the list on your printer at home. Do you realize how this will revolutionize the way you shop — how many “extra” things you will not be buying — how much time and money that can save? It boggles the mind.
Have I ever shown you how to roll a nice, tight burrito or enchilada? To make the beef enchiladas from The Stocked Kitchen, roll the taco meat in a flour tortilla. Fold the side edges in first.
So, what’s the secret to this grocery list? What makes it so magical and special? Have you ever seen a recipe online or in a magazine and thought it sounded amazing and decided to make it, only to find you needed some exotic ingredient that you have never purchased in your life, much less have sitting in your pantry? Have you made an extra trip to the store to get that item, and a few others you find along the way, just to bring it home, make the recipe and have the rest of that product sit untouched on your shelves for months or even years? I definitely have. The secret to The Stocked Kitchen grocery list is that all the items are everyday, normal food that you probably keep in your kitchen most of the time. When I first glanced at the list, I thought, “That’s a LOT of groceries!”, but after taking the time to read through it, I already had about 85-90% of those items in my kitchen. The few things that aren’t on your normal list of staples, will quickly become familiar to you, because they are so commonly used in these recipes. You won’t be buying exotic, but you WILL be buying cost-effective, common ingredients that can be used to create delicious, nutritious meals and that will save you money on 1) pre-packaged, processed food and 2) going out to eat at the last minute because you “don’t have anything to cook at home”.
Once the ends are folded in, roll tightly.
These recipes are certainly family-friendly, but they will be equally great for entertaining. There are options for every palate and quite a few vegetarian options, as well. That was actually one of my biggest concerns before reading the book — “Won’t we get tired of having the same old dishes day in and day out? How can there be enough variety, with only one shopping list?” Let me ask you a question. In a 30-day span, are there any of your family’s favorite dishes that you prepare more than once? We sure do and sometimes it’s because we want it, sometimes it’s because I can’t think of anything else to make. The Stocked Kitchen has enough soup, pasta, and meat main dish recipes that you would be able to eat a different dinner (no repeats) every night for more than two months. I know, because I counted. Our family is not huge on seafood, (though I may try incorporating it more often with these recipes), so I counted how many meals I would be able to make if I never used ANY of the seafood recipes. There were over two months worth and that doesn’t count the times we will eat breakfast for supper or have a baked potato bar, etc. This grocery list doesn’t limit you, it uses ingredients you typically keep on hand, anyway, and provides you with the recipes to help you create a delicious, expanded repertoire of meals for your family without needing to run to the store before you cook each night. If you’re like me (and I know you are 
), you’ll immediately recognize how many of your family’s own recipes fit the grocery list, which expands your possibilities even further. I don’t know about you, but that’s exciting to me. What has become a drudgery and a chore – grocery shopping — will become streamlined, simple and quick. Happy, happy mama!
There you have it! This method works well for burritos, enchiladas and chimichangas. This is an enchilada from The Stocked Kitchen. Now, all it needs is a half dozen more and the sauce and cheese. You'll love their recipe! This is the point at which I would take advantage of a simple freezer-cooking technique. You could easily make and roll these in bulk, flash freeze them and then store in gallon Zip-loc bags in the freezer. Pull out the number you need when a "quick fix" dinner or lunch is in order. Put them in the pan with sauce and cheese and bake. All the prep work being done ahead of time makes this a cinch to prepare and the oooohs and aaahs over how good they taste will make you feel like a master chef in your own kitchen!
I also believe there are many recipes in the Stocked Kitchen that would lend themselves well to freezer cooking, another of my favorite time and money savers. The Stocked Kitchen has recipes for main dishes and soups, pasta dishes, appetizers, desserts, pizzas, breakfasts and brunches, salads, breads, beans, potatoes, rice and veggies! Plus, you’ll learn to make your own sauces, salsas, dressings and condiments from ingredients on the list, saving money and space in the fridge. What’s left? What’s not to love? It’s pure genius!
This Cucumber Dressing is another recipe I tried. (See all the yummy minced cucumber and dill flecks? Mmmmm!) It took about 3 minutes to whip up, using ingredients right out of my kitchen. Fabulous! It was great on salad and we are going to try it as a veggie dip and a spread on wraps, as well.
You’ve read a lot of my reviews, so you know I take pretty seriously what I recommend. It’s one thing to be able to like and recommend a product. It’s another to say you need it. We have a pretty clear understanding of the difference between wants and needs in our house. So, understand I am not speaking lightly when I say, “You NEED this book.” I seriously believe it will save you time and money, help your family to eat healthier and take the panic out of mealtime preparation. You will do your job more efficiently, effectively and happily because you have the tools you need to pull it off. I will be giving this book as a wedding or bridal shower gift each time I receive an invitation. If it were the only cookbook a new bride owned, she’d be set. Seriously! Yes, it’s a cookbook, but it’s also a tool, it’s a plan for being successful in the kitchen. It equips you to masterfully prepare tasty meals, from ingredients you already have in your kitchen and enjoy doing it. I wish I had had it years ago. You’re going to love it!
Here’s one recipe, I’ve been given permission to reprint for you. You need to put a batch of this in the oven every time you are going to have company, because your house smells AMAZING while it is baking!
These are DELISH! I had trouble not just eating them, instead of saving them for recipes. They are part of a recipe for Cinnamon Chip Scones, in "The Stocked Kitchen", but I can't wait to add them to a batch of Snickerdoodle Cookies! Yum! Oooh! and biscuits! lol
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. (In my oven, this worked better at 275 degrees)
- Cover a jellyroll pan (cookie sheet with sides) with aluminum foil.
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients with a fork until crumbly and evenly blended.
- Spread onto the jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 30 - 40 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
- Cool completely on the pan.
- Break into small pieces.
THE GIVEAWAY!!! The Stocked Kitchen publisher, Atria Books (a division of Simon & Schuster), has generously sponsored a giveaway of one copy of the book for a Busy-at-Home reader.
GIVEAWAY RULES:
You must be 18 or older and a US resident to enter. Mandatory entry must be completed before any optional entries will be counted. Winner will be selected in a random drawing using random.org. Deadline for entry is midnight (CST), Sunday, August 7, 2011.
…
MANDATORY ENTRY:
In a comment below, share how The Stocked Kitchen would benefit you and your family.
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OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
- Like The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Follow The Stocked Kitchen on Twitter. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Twitter. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Google Friends Connect by clicking the Join Button in the right-hand side bar. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter with this link or in the right-hand sidebar. You will receive an email confirmation with a link that must be clicked to confirm your subscription. Once you click the email link to confirm your subscription, leave me a comment to let me know you’ve done it.
- Tweet this giveaway (maximum of 1x per day, please). Win “The Stocked Kitchen” and revolutionize the way you shop & cook! @busyathome @AtriaBooks @thestockedkitch http://ow.ly/5Qi1i Leave a comment below with a link to your tweet.
- Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. Win “The Stocked Kitchen” and revolutionize the way you shop & cook! @busyathome @AtriaBooks @thestockedkitch http://ow.ly/5Qi1i Leave a comment below with a link to your post.
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I received a copy of The Stocked Kitchen, in order to test recipes and conduct this review. No monetary compensation was received and a positive review was not required. As always at Busy-at-Home, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.
From one overworked mom to another, I think this would be a huge help to my family by making dinner time less stressful. Thank you for the chance to win.
I would love to have this book. This would be a huge help!
I now like Like The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook. Jennifer Nowak Padgett
Following thestockedkitch on Twitter.
5_dollarshake
Also like Busy-at Home.com on Facebook.
Jennifer Nowak Padgett
This looks fantatastic! Thanks for the great review! I would love to win this because with 4 children and a tight budget, I can always use help in the kitchen. Thanks!
I like the Stocked Kitchen on Facebook (Erika B)
I like the Stocked Kitchen on Twitter (Erika105)
I am always looking for cook books to help me learn to cook and to serve my family better. Taco meat is a staple, so this would be a great help for us
I follow you on GFC
I follow you on twitter
I follow the stocked kitchen on twitter
@mommyhead7
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/mommyhead7/status/96913368534884352
OMGosh…well you know I am a kitchen fanatic and a closet gourmet chef…sooooo i really need this for my collection…and i want that cucumber recipe…off to make cinnamon chips!!!
I like you on Facebook (Erika B)
I follow you on Twitter (Erika105)
Google Friend Connect follower
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/Erika105/status/96915306236215296
I would love to win a copy of this cookbook, because I need to be more focused and organized in my cooking.
I liked the Stocked Kitchen on FB!
I like you on FB!
I already like this book.. Our grocery store doesn’t always stock cinnamon chips, so this recipe is sooo appreciated!! THRILLED that I can make my own. Thanks!!
I follow you on Google Friends Connect!
I follow BusyAtHome via Google Friends Connect.
Like B at H on Facebook!
Hello, I did all you asked done to 7 and 8 I did not get those done. I am @MomsReviews and on Facebook Mommies Point of View and GFC Glenda Cates Mommies Point of View and I did subscribe MommiesPointofReview@gmail.com and the book would help me as I live in a very tiny one bedroom aprtment so I might be able to find places for things plus with a picky 3 year old I might find some new food he would actually try like the chips as they look good.
Wow looks like an incredible book!! Looks like it would definitely be a huge help in the kitchen!! Thanks for the chance to win!:)
This book would help me be better organized. I would love to cool regularly, but find that I lack the time or the ingredients in my kitchen.
Good luck, Everyone!!
I am excited to read this book! I’m sure it will be very helpful!
I would love to be able to look in my cupboard and have an idea what I’m going to make!!!
The stocked Kitchen Facebook fan (Nw Homesteader)
The Stocked Kitchen twitter follower (@nwhomesteader)
busy at home facebook fan
busy at home twitter follower
id like to win cause I need to be more focused and organized in my cooking.
It would be such a stress relief and make dinner or any meal so much easier
I Like The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook.
I Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook.
I Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter
Busy at home gfc follower
busy at home newsletter subscriber
the word frugal was mentioned and that caught my eye. I would very much like this book. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway
GFC follower. Thanks
Email subscriber. Thanks
My mom doesn’t usually cook much, so if I want something new or interesting for dinner, it’s hard to decide on something and figure out how to make it, and even then we rarely have all the ingredients in our house. This book sounds like it would be extremely helpful.
Thanks
This book looks incredibly helpful for an area I struggle with daily. Having an easier time figuring out what to cook for meals each night for my family and simply being organized would relieve a whole lot of stress for us all! Thank you for this opportunity.
I like The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook.
I follow The Stocked Kitchen on Twitter. (NelsonKatie)
Follower of Busy at Home on Twitter. (NelsonKatie)
I like Busy at Home on FB.
I follow the busy at home blog! Always such good ideas!
Thank you, Leah! Glad you stopped by!
I do not like to grocery shop so this book sounds like it has lots of tips for keeping my shopping to a minimum.
I subscribe to your blog via email.
I think that the thing our family would benefit from most is learning how to save time in the kitchen while still getting great nutrition:)
I follow you on twitter @manthas24
I like you on FB – Samantha V
I follow you on GFC – manthas24
I registered for your feed
I tweeted this giveaway http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/97136797603201024
I am a nurse on a cardiac unit and I have little time in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I wish I had more time because I love to cook. I think this book will help me prepare wonderful healthy meals for my family with little stress (Lord knows I have enough stress) and let me enjoy a stressfree cooking environment.
Christie, it will be perfect for you!
Thanks for the great giveaway!! I’m always looking for new recipes and ways to save time kitchen without the stress!!
I liked The Stocked Kitchen on FB
I AM NOT A GOOD COOK AND JUST MAYBE THIS WOULD HELP
GFC FOLLOWER
E-MAIL SUBSCRIBER
I am always cooking & love to find new ways to make meals that everyone will enjoy!
liking the stocked kitchen on facebook
liked the stocked kitchen on twitter (hippie_mom)
Because money is tight now I really need to utilize simple, basic pantry items in new and delicious ways. This book seems like it would help make healthy simple use of items I have or that would be inexpensive.
This would benefit me in family meal planning.
I would love to be able to make something out of anything. It would save me many trips to the store.
I think this would be a great read for me that would enable me to be more resourceful in the kitchen!
I follow you on twitter. ID: Lyndadawinda
I LIKE you on Facebook. ID: Lynda Castillo
GFC follower. ID: Lynda Del
I tweeted – http://twitter.com/#!/Lyndadawinda/status/97499734167658497
I shared about this giveaway on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/Lynda.DelCastillo/posts/2275912021721
Right now, we go shopping based on a recipe, but it would be nice to start thinking about how to base recipes on our shopping. It feels like it would be a time saver and a cost saver while giving us more variety.
I’ll actually figure out what to cook when I haven’t got a lot of time!
I Follow The Stocked Kitchen on Twitter.
I Follow Busy-at-Home on Twitter.
I Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook.
I Follow Busy-at-Home on Google Friends Connect.
I Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/ReefBotanicals/status/97659363136765952
Facebooked: http://www.facebook.com/ReefBotanicals/posts/139975019421102
My husband and i take turns cooking dinner based on who gets home first. Couple that with the fact that he is a part time worker now earning less than half of what he use to – this book would be so helpful in helping us eat much better and much more less expensively.
With school and football season about to start I will be scrambling for fast, healthy dinners.
I follow you on twitter via @NolaTricia
I follow The Stocked Kitchen on Twitter via @Nolatricia
I follow via Google Friends Connect
I tweeted @NolaTricia
http://twitter.com/#!/NolaTricia/status/97749053592449024
I am always looking for something to give me guidance at the grocery store.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
I am a follower on GFC as missysweepsalot.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
I like the stockedkitchen on facebook as Kaitlyn Ortega.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
I am following the stocked kitchen on twitter as missysweepsalot.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
I am following busy at home on twitter as missysweepsalot.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
I liked busy at home on facebook as Kaitlyn Ortega.
missysweepsalot at gmail dot com
This would benefit our family by helping us save time and money and provide great tasting recipes at the same time.
I .Follow Busy-at-Home on Twitter. @winsome6
I.Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook.
I Follow Busy-at-Home on Google Friends Connect as nightowl
I.Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter.
This would help me stop me from running to the store at the last minute and overspending and from ordering pizza because I have nothing to make for dinner.
smchester at gmail dot com
I follow you on twitter as ptowngirl.
smchester at gmail dot com
I follow you on GFC as sweetsue.
smchester at gmail dot com
If I don’t win this – I’m def asking for it for Christmas! My husband & I both work full time and have a new son! We’re so busy and having one shopping trip with several recipes out of it would be a great time saver!
I love experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes. And I know oh so well how sometimes THAT ONE ingredient is missing and I have to decide to just go for it (and let it sit on the shelf ) or just skip it
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I like your blog on facebook (Louis Here)
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I like The Stocked Kitchen on facebook (Louis Here)
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
following you on twitter @left_the_stars
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
following @thestockedkitch on twitter @left_the_stars
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I tweeted your giveaway
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I shared on my Face Book
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
This book sounds amazing-I work long hours and need this
Gfc follower danaj
Email subscriber
I’m constantly either out of something or I am at the store and don’t remember if I’m out so I will buy the item only to find out I didn’t need it. I could certainly use an organized shopping list AND the recipes to go with it. I think it would be a big savings both in time and also because I would only be buying what I really need.
Like them on FB, Michelle Sharp
Follow them on Twitter @88MichelleS
Follow you on Twitter @88MichelleS
Like you on FB, Michelle Sharp
Follow on GFC as Michelle S.
Subscribe as buckyandtux at gmail dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/88MichelleS/status/98590073221685249
The Stocked Kitchen would save us time and money by offering a realistic approach to grocery shopping with all the leg-work done. (+1)
I follow Busy-At-Home on FB, Twitter, Google Connect, and email newsletter! (+4)
i like that it has recipes that would be freezer friendly..some recipes are too large for ours to make
nannypanpan at gmail.com
gfc nannypanpan
it would help us use those things in the pantry that we have so much of. plus it seems like it would save a lot of time.
I think it would save time and make life easier.
would give me new ideas
we so rarely have time for home-cooked meals
I am single and work 7pm-7am as a Trauma RN. I don’t always have the energy to come home and cook, so I end up hitting up the Drive-through, not eating anything at all, or a bowl of cereal (usually dry since I don’t always have milk on hand.) I would love to have a cookbook that has healthy, time saving recipes that I can freeze ahead of time and put in the fridge to defrost on my way to work.
It would provide us with new ideas
We need a bit more variety in our menu, without spending a zillion dollars on ingredients that I’d use just once. I think, based on your review, that “The Stocked Kitchen” might be just what I’m looking for. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I liked The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook.
I followed thestockedkitch on Twitter @AsTheNight.
I follow busyathome on Twitter @AsTheNight.
I like Busy-at Home.com on Facebook.
I follow your blog with Google Friend Connect (Deborah).
I think that this book would help immensely with planning and preparation!
I think this book would be very helpful especially in knowing just what are the basic ingredients I need to stock my kitchen and then how to use those ingredients to make fresh, flavorful meals for my family!!
Liked you on Facebook and signed up for the newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win and the terrific review!
It would benefit me because I need help in the kitchen.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
follow gfc as charline
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I’ve been trying some new recipes lately and this book may help this
kgrant77 at gmail.com
tweeted @ http://twitter.com/#!/CullenSalvator/status/100072620782927872
kgrant77 at gmail.com
I try to make new dishes for dinner each night and this could help the tradition going
I would hope that it would help me learn to grocery shop less often and be more creative!
It would benefit my family by giving me recipes that I can actually use with common ingredients. It would make preparing meals easier.
This would help me stretch the items that i do buy into more meals
i like the stocked kitchen on facebook
i follow the stocked kitchen on twitter
@JCoyne1031
i follow you on twitter
@JCoyne1031
i like you on facebook
i’m an email subscriber
i tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/JCoyne1031/status/100407056682586113
i shared this on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/jcoyne1031/posts/158853560855846
I never had to cook before. I have a new job and I am home for supper so now I was to cook. I am just learning how to do it.
This would benefit our family greatly as starting next week our home will included two
additional people. I will need to come up with some new menus and recipes.
Their grocery store list for recipes will be a life saver. The authors wit will help me
in lifting my spirit.
I think this would benefit me because I wouldn’t be wasting my money buying something I will only use once or twice and the remainder wasted.
I like The Stocked Kitchen on Facebook.
I follow The Stocked Kitchen on twitter as willitara.
I follow Busy at Home on twitter as willitara.
I like Busy-at Home.com on Facebook.
I follow with GFC.
I’m already an email subscriber.
Tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/willitara/status/100422922937708544
It sounds like a wonderful book that would help me with shopping for groceries and cooking.
email subscriber
thanks
Chris Ann
It would be helpful to me as I cook and bake often.
I liked them on facebook.(Donna Kozar)
I liked you on facebook.(Donna Kozar)
I follow them on twitter(donnak4)
I follow you on twitter(donnak4)
I follow you on GFC.
I am an email subscriber.