You know you have (at least) one -- a pantry lurker. There's that bottle of hot sauce you were gifted years ago that's become a dust collector at the back of a shelf, or a jar of pickled onions that you bought on a road trip that's older than the Carter administration.

In the spirit of spring cleaning, AJC food editor Ligaya Figueras hosted a use-it-up party, asking guests to bring a dish that made use of an ingredient that had work out its welcome in their kitchen.

The ideas were inspired -- read more about the party here, and check out some recipes that used up shredded coconut, pickled green tomatoes and frozen meat (in separate dishes, of course).

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC