Meinhardt

I don’t know if the Hydro people would say it’s the Green thing to do or not. But the way I see it, there’s less stuff in my fridge to keep cold, so I’m using less power. Right?

I keep my fridge mostly empty because I like to keep things fresh. I know what’s in the fridge, and I can always plan when I intend to make use of what’s in there. I’ve seen fridges that are so full, it’s almost impossible to close the door. How can you possibly know what’s back there on the third shelf, what the produce may look like, if the cheese is going to make it, if the leftovers can ever be salvaged?

Shopping for food every day is a luxury that I enjoy. At my store. At the market. But doing it means that what I shop for today, I eat today, and ideally, no later than tomorrow. Produce doesn’t improve with age. Neither does most dairy. Neither does beer! Freshness counts, and shopping often for food is fun. The Europeans have been doing it forever.

I keep these things handy at all times. Meinhardt antipasto and olive tapenade—if I have unexpected company I can always open a jar; strawberry jam, lime marmelade, mango chutney, French grainy mustard, horseradish, anchovie paste, lemons, limes, Guinness, Boris beer, and Stewart’s Diet Root Beer.

These are tough times, and no matter what, waste is expensive and unforgiveable. Keep your fridge lean. You’ll enjoy your food more, and save money.