Brittany's PantryChanges
Brittany wrote this on 15 November 2017
Hello friends!
As I am sure you have noticed, Brittany’s Pantry has been pretty quiet lately! After the holidays last year, I took an unplanned hiatus from the blog. It was due, in part, to my hectic schedule, a few health issues, and a lot of creative burnout. Over the summer, as I reevaluated my priorities, I realized that while this blog had been personally fulfilling when I needed it most, I was moving beyond that point in my life. I would never want to write and create content here just because I felt I had to, but because I wanted to. When that desire waned, I stopped.
I will keep this site active, if anything, for the very reason that I can’t live without it! I use this site for my own personal use to cook for my family every. single. day. Will I start blogging again? I like to think so. But I don’t know for sure. My husband and I are currently in the middle of selling our dream home and moving from South Carolina to Tennessee; an unplanned life change that has been stressful, sad, scary, and rather hard on my personal faith. As our family works through this (and moves…again) I am focused on my husband and kids. When my youngest started school this year, I decided to add a part-time job as a consultant for Rodan + Fields and that has proven to be a huge blessing in my life right now. Beyond those few things, I am uncertain what my future holds, but am trusting in Him who leads me!
Thank you to everyone who has messaged and asked after me and the fate of my little corner of the internet. I will pop in occasionally to check comments, etc, and I will continue to be active on BP social media. Thank you again, readers! I couldn’t have done any of this without you.
Brittany
P.S. If you are curious about my new endeavors, here is the link to my R + F site! 🙂
Culinary Adventures: A Food Tour!
Brittany wrote this on 22 May 2017
Greetings!
Have I mentioned that I have a new obsession? Big surprise, its food related.
FOOD TOURS! Not long after I moved into the Columbia area, I heard about the famous food tour here. I have had the opportunity to do it TWICE, at two different times of the year, and I cannot recommend it enough!
Columbia Food Tours is exactly what it sounds like! A tour of local restaurants in the city that perfectly represent the culinary atmosphere here in the South Carolina Midlands. We visited places big and small, fancy and simple. But ALL of them were wonderfully delicious. 
The food tour follows downtown Main Street, a gorgeous walking tour that spans several blocks, starting at the historical South Carolina State House. Our guide Brian, was great and touched on local architecture and history as we strolled through the city. Regardless of the time of year you book a tour, the walk is mostly shaded and absolutely beautiful! This IS South Carolina after all, and the year round mild weather make it a comfortable outing no matter when you go. Leisurely and relaxed, it is a pretty fantastic way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. I did the tour with my husband and we both highly recommend it as a date idea. That said, I have also been planning future tours when out of town friends and family come to visit! What better way to show them our awesome city than with a FOOD tour?!
Ducking in and out of establishments, we worked our way up and down Main St, stopping here and there. Food and drink samples were JUST enough to give you a great idea about what each restaurant was all about, and definitely left us wanting to come back again! At each location we got to chat with the proprietors and ask questions about everything from the history of the building, to how they acquire their ingredients. It is true Southern hospitality at its finest and I have already returned to several of the restaurants because I just couldn’t stay away!
The places on the tour vary, but you can expect 5-7 different locations. The great thing is that many of the menu offerings change with the seasonal times of the year and it never seems to be the same thing twice! A great variety and definitely a great value for the price of the tour. Not only was it a fun way to learn about this new area my family and I now live, but we love to recommend it to anyone who loves to support local businesses. And loves food.
You can check the Columbia Food Tours website to learn about the different restaurant options! The site makes it incredibly easy to book a tour and the fantastic owners are prompt about any questions you may have. Another great way to see what they are all about is to check them out on social media! They have a Facebook page, Instagram account, and they are also on Twitter!
Have YOU ever been on a local food tour?
Disclaimer: The author received a free food tour in preparation for this post. As always, all words and opinions are strictly my own.Â
Slowcooker Meatball Subs
Brittany wrote this on 18 January 2017 balsamic vinegar, cheese, tomatoes
Messaging below is intended for ages 21+ and is intended to be enjoyed responsibly, in moderation: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeersAndBuns #CollectiveBias
It is officially that time of year when sports are at the top of everyone’s list. I have partnered with Pepperidge Farm® and Kroger to bring you a great new recipe that is perfect for those game day get togethers with family and friends!
Meatball subs are definitely a crowd pleaser and as much as I love them, I wanted to avoid the overly sauced, too salty and too sweet versions that seem to be everywhere. So I created these simple meatballs that are virtually hands free! A few ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker and voila! Done! These are wonderfully saucy without being a mess and the flavor is definitely family friendly; not too spicy or too strong. Served on Pepperidge Farm Sweet & Soft buns, they are positively irresistible. 
I shopped for all my ingredients at Kroger and everything was easy to find. The bread aisle carries all kinds of Pepperidge Farm® products, including Bakery Classics Sweet & Soft Slider Buns. I can think of a million different uses for them, whether I’m tailgating or headed on a picnic. But for this recipe, I used the Top Sliced Sweet & Soft Hot Dog Buns. They come already sliced (lifesaver!) and are absolutely perfect for holding meatballs and a layer of melted cheese! The buns are prepared by bakers, done the right way, and you can taste the difference!
Did you know that Kroger carries an extensive selection of import beers? True story! I grabbed a pack of Warsteiner to go with my subs and you can be sure you’ll find whatever suits your taste. Â In addition Kroger has a website full of Game Day Greats, a collection of tips and ideas to pair up food and drinks with sports fans. It also carries coupons for the products mentioned here so be sure to click on the link and check it out!
Slowcooker Meatball Subs
Fans of all ages will be asking for these year round!
2 bags (14 oz each) plain or Italian frozen meatballs
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 c brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 tsp red pepper flakes
sliced provolone cheese
Pepperidge Farm Bakery Classics Sweet & Soft Top Sliced Hot Dog Buns
In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine all ingredients except cheese and buns. Cover and heat on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours. The heating time will vary depending on your brand of meatballs. Stir them occasionally and they are done when hot and bubbly! Carefully spoon meatballs onto the buns (four meatballs fit perfectly!) and place on a lined sheet pan. Top with sliced cheese to your preference and if desired, broil in the oven to melt and toast! This isn’t necessary, but it IS really good! Watch so it doesn’t burn! Remove and enjoy
Love a Good Recipe?
Then you’ve come to the right place! I’m Brittany, and I share tested, trusted recipes you’ll love. I prepare & photograph food, obsess over the perfect recipe, and enjoy grins of delight when I serve up something awesome. Enjoy!
