Stock Bag

My last post was about how we reduce waste in our house. It didn't list everything as I wrote quickly on my phone and some of the things we do deserve their own post.
One of these things is the stock bag. I stated that we have worms, chickens and compost bins and this is where our kitchen scraps go. This is true....but not entirely. I have a large zip loc bag in the freezer and when I peel carrots, onions, garlic, zucchini or use celery, the peels and ends go in here.

So what do I do with a bag full of frozen vegetable scraps you ask? Simple. When I make stock (which is a great way to utilise bones), I grab out a couple of handfuls and through them in the stock pot. This way stock gets great flavour, all the vegetable gets used and at the end the compost still gets it, but I have the base for a delicios soup or stew or sauce. Really easy. If your a vegetarian you can do the same thing but use more of the scraps and no bones. When I make the stock I pour it into large glass jars (leaving room for expansion), then freeze. This way I've always got some on hand and it defrosts really quickly on the counter or by putting the jar in some warmer (not hot - you'll crack it) water.

So now when I buy chicken I don't buy parts, I  buy the whole thing. That way there is a couple of meals plus bones which then leads to a couple of more meals. Easy isn't it?

In other news I'm back working 5 days but have shorter hours for 3 days. Money wise it's great, time wise it's better than 5 full time days and I've got a new challenge. I'm no longer with babies, I'm with 3 - 4 year olds and they are mostly boys. I think having a new room and the challenges that are associated with that are great as it's re-inspired me with my job. Having 3 days off was great but this way I still have afternoons at home, can still have time to prepare meals and can still pick Stella up from school. Also I got to have a few weeks "break" which has helped me recharge my batteries!

What do you guys do with your scraps? Or what new challenges do you have at home or work?