If you’ve been following Teaching Table, you know that one of Chef Laura’s primary objectives is reducing food waste. Combine this with her passion for decluttering and pantry challenges follow. Whether you have caught the Konmari bug, need to dispose of flour and bread products before Passover, are moving to a new apartment, or are simply doing some spring cleaning, this first Pantry Clean-Out Challenge is your literal cup of tea (to bring from your newly cleaned out pantry). Here’s how it will go down:

• In advance of the social event, guests will clean out their own pantries and bring items they’d like to swap or donate (we’ll guide you)

• Teaching Table will provide hors d’oeuvres, wine, cheese and desserts for you to imbibe while mingling

• There will be an organized swap of pantry items (ever been to a clothing swap? like that, except without the nudity and more yummy)

• You will challenge Chef Laura to prepare a purely improvised dish (or 2) using random pantry ingredients

• Chef Laura will facilitate a discussion on tips for pantry organization, using up odds, ends and overflows, and cooking with what you have on hand

• All pantry items not used or swapped will be donated to CAMBA’s food pantry along with cash proceeds raised

Sound fun? RSVP below.

Interested in bringing a guest? GREAT! Please ask your guest to complete the form as well.

$25 suggested donation per person. All proceeds (after expenses) will be donated to CAMBA, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization that provides social services to New Yorkers in need. You can bring cash or check or pay via Venmo.