We all have one. The shelf in the basement where all the canned goods which were questionably purchased have been banished. A bottle of salad dressing that sounded good in the store but has never made it to a salad; that half a case of green beans you bought when you needed 1 can for a recipe; those Campbell Soup cans that accumulate because you bought 2 more not remembering if you had any; All of which have questionable dates of purchase that are commonly ignored.

Back when we had kids in the house, we shopped at Sam’s Club because we could purchase stuff cheaper in larger quantities. All the extras were stored in the basement on the “Sam’s Shelf” You know, all the extras from the huge bundles of toilet paper, paper towels & kleenex that don’t fit under the vanity. Years later, although its purpose has changed, the shelf still exists and the name stuck.

Fast forward to current times where mealtime for us has changed, Suzanne’s routine is uneventful and mine is challenging. I’m used to having my loving wife prepare lavish and flavorful meals that stimulated our taste buds. Now, freezer sandwiches and Air Fry french fries were quickly becoming the norm.

Enter The Sam’s Shelf, a virtual smorgasbord of unusual consistencies, flavors, and nationalities. Typically chosen by their expiration dates, my dining experience has expanded exponentially. Sometimes, I find a meat in the freezer and pair it with a vintage 2017 creamed corn; or a hard to find 2018 Hormell Chilli (no beans) over spaghetti; And one of the best so far, a 2016 southern collard greens simmered with smoked sausage and a 2015 can of baby potatoes.

It’s now become part of our evening conversation. Suzanne asks, “what are you eating tonight?” To which I reply “2017, 2018, and a 2020”. “So was there any particular vintage that was better?” she askes. Yes, I reply “the 2018 Red Cabbage was exceptionally good.

Eating actually has been kind of fun lately with these surprise menu options. There is only one problem I’m facing now, where do I buy more vintage foods to re-stock The Sam’s Shelf?

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Isaiah 55:2