I haven’t actually been to a grocery store in two weeks because I was self-isolating after getting home from a trip. (I’m fine.)

I ordered groceries online and I was surprised that the pick up (via taxi) wasn’t until the next day. Fast forward 10 days: I ordered groceries on Monday and the first available pick-up was Friday. Everyone is stocking up it seems, and let’s face it, some people are buying way more than they need (a.k.a. hoarding).

Because I can’t just dash out to the store when I need an ingredient for a recipe, I’m being more mindful about using what I have on hand.

For instance, I made a lovely stew that had a can of tomatoes, a can of chickpeas, some frozen kale, and since I didn’t have the fennel seeds the recipe called for, I used fresh fennel and diced it finely. That worked well.

I made a lentil soup that was just stellar: coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and lemon, and drizzled with olive oil infused with mint and paprika. It’s my new favourite comfort food.

Tinned baked beans are all fine and well, but homemade are just that much better. I cooked a batch in the Instant Pot with onion, garlic, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, molasses, veggie stock, and smoked paprika. Delicious!

The oat milk I usually buy was sold out, so I’ll have to see what I get with this week’s order. Meantime, I made some from scratch and I will say that it’s a work in progress. I’m determined to find the right recipe because oat milk is pricey to buy, but costs very little to make.

I was making cinnamon bread and the brown sugar had turned into a rock, as it does. Dr. Google said to put it in a covered dish with a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20 seconds or so. I had to scrape and crush it into granules, but it was usable. Dr. Google also suggested simply adding molasses to white sugar. I’ll try that next time.

Stay safe. Stay home. We’re getting through this.