These shortages have really been cramping my pupcake baking style.
I live for a Tailget run. Love waking down the aisles at Woof Foods. And, “I Dream in Spice” down the street is my favorite place to find spices for my pupcakes. But it’s frustrating to go to the store to buy a few apples for a pupcake recipe and…there are no apples.
Wait! What? How am I supposed to bake my Evening Fruit Cup Pupcakes without them?
So, I had to get creative. More importantly, I had to be intentional with my grocery shopping. And while I still find joy in wandering the aisles for pupcake inspiration, shopping with intention has put the juice back in my pupcake style. Here are a few techniques that’ve really worked for me.
EARLY MORNING SHOPPING TRIPS
Although I’m not a huge fan of getting up extremely early, I have to admit it. Getting to the store when it first opens has been my go to solution for fully stocked shelves and fresher produce. Plus, the store is almost never crowded, which means I can get in and out quicker. Especially, since I always take a list with me.
“BARK-J’S” ALL THE WAY
For a lot of the standard ingredients and supplies, I like a good wholesale store. I’ve learned that stocking up on items as much as I can limits the number of trips I make to the store. Creating a routine shopping schedule (i.e. biweekly, once a month, etc.) really helps with establishing a budget and planning out my inventory.
SHOP NEIGHBORHOOD STORES
Sometimes the sweetest finds are right in your neighborhood. I’ve found some items I’ve needed just by walking to my corner store or going to the local market. Sometimes they’ll have better produce or even items that are unavailable at some of the bigger stores, which is why “I Dream in Spice” is one of my favorites.
CHECK THE WEBSITE & USE SOCIAL PLATFORMS
I’ve often checked the brand website or social media pages to find items in my local area. It also helps to locate deals and sales on items. I’m also not above doing a quick status update or referral post for recommendations on my social media pages to find out where to go for certain items.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE GROCER
There’s no shame in asking the manager at your favorite store when your favorite products are delivered and stocked. You can plan your shopping trips around the delivery schedule, which can make it easier to plan your time, budget, and storage for your shopping trips. Some managers may even set items aside for you. Shout out to Rye at Wagmans for always looking out.
Ok. Now, it’s your turn to dish.
How are you keeping the shortages and unpredictability at the grocery store from cramping your pupcake baking style?
Please share in the box below.
Speaking of dish. Check out Sugar’s Dish. I’m serving lessons in life, love, and all things pupcakes straight from my kitchen. Plus I’d love to see how your pupcakes turned out. Share your pupcakes on Instagram and tag @pupcakesugar.
