Last night I cleaned out my pantry and freezer. This cleaning frenzy began because while we were eating dinner I noticed that 3 out of the 4 salad dressings on the table (that were already poured on our salad and resting in our stomachs) were expired! After dinner was cleaned up I headed straight to the pantry to check my stockpile of salad dressings and canned goods. There is no point in moving expired food!

I was sad to find several items that were way past their expiration date. One can expired in 2007, which means I have moved it at least 4 times, maybe 5!!!

Now, I am not recommending eating expired salad dressing, but I ate it with no ill effects. What do dates on food really mean, and how long past the date is food safe to eat? I hate throwing food away, but I don’t want to end up sick for a week because of a bad bottle of ranch. While searching the internet looking for information regarding expiration dates, I found a site that will help you figure out whether to keep or toss many of the items in your fridge or pantry.

Some interesting shelf-life information from the site:

• Hershey Bar: Lasts one year from the production date. (As if any Hershey bar lasts that long!)
• Brown Sugar: Lasts forever if stored correctly
• Marshmallows: Unopened 40 weeks, opened 3 months

If you ever wonder whether you should throw out that half empty bottle of ketchup, this list is sure to help you. It even lists household products like toiletries, cleaners and more.

And, as a message from one friend to another, clean out your pantry more frequently than I apparently do. I figured moving every year for 8 years would have been enough, but apparently those tiny cans of evaporated milk were hiding from me all this time!

This giveaway is now closed. Winners will be contacted by Kraft regarding prize fulfillment.

Have I ever told you how much I love cheese? Especially cheese in sandwiches. I seriously could eat sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unfortunately not everyone in my family shares this same love (as I have written about in the past ), but I thought perhaps a Deli Deluxe Panini party might convert some of them. I was right.

I put out all the fixin’s and let the kids (ten of them), plus adults make their own creations. It was fun to see how creative the kids got with their dinner. A few went with a regular old grilled cheese, while others loaded their sandwiches with everything.

My favorite sandwich – ham, turkey and bacon on French bread with Kraft Bacon Cheddar cheese and dijion mustard – then grilled. MMMM good. It tasted like a sandwich from Panera for less than half the price!

One great thing about serving sandwiches at parties is that the guests do all the work for you! We spent about 30 minutes prepping the food and then we were done! Another bonus- no oven! The house stayed nice and cool even though it was 90+ degrees outside. The panini grill doesn’t heat up the kitchen and the best part is that you don’t even need to butter the bread to make grilled cheese. Along with the sandwiches we served fresh fruit, potato salad, and chips. So easy!

Everyone had a great time including my newest nephew. Can you believe he was a preemie??? He’s a year younger than Cora and quickly catching up!

The Deli Deluxe party was a huge success and a great way to end my month long road trip! Kraft would like for some of my readers to be able to have a party t00. Four readers will be chosen randomly to receive their own Party Pack. Each winner will receive:

a Panini grill, four (4) sandwich holders, Deli Deluxe aprons, three (3) Deli Deluxe product coupons : Approximate retail value: $125

To enter leave a comment about cheese.  I have friends that claim that you can put cheese on anything. For a while I disagreed, but I am starting to see the light. Giveaway ends Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Disclaimer: I was one of five bloggers selected by Deli Deluxe to host a “Ultimate Summer Sandwich” party and giveaway. I have been compensated for the materials needed for my “Ultimate Summer Sandwich” party. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. I mean I would write about cheese for free. Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this giveaway at no cost to me.  This giveaway is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Toni Anderson.