How to prepare kitchen for vacation.

It’s vacation season! For you lucky ducks heading out for a week or weekend away, you will no doubt be preparing your home for your absence.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: Unplug small appliances. This includes the toaster and coffee maker. It’s a simple task that can save you a little money.

Inspect the refrigerator. Use up or give away perishable items. Clean shelves and drawers. Stick

an open box of baking soda inside to absorb any odors.

Check your pantry. Put opened items in resealable plastic bags or their contents in plastic containers. Clean the sink: Be sure to flush out the pipe by running water for about 30 seconds. Run the garbage disposal with a mixture of vinegar and water. Check your fire alarms. Re-

place the batteries if necessary. Clean kitchen floor and counters. You don’t want some critters to move in, attracted by an errant crumb.

Think ahead. Stock your pantry or freezer with items for a simple, quick meal when you return. No one likes to come back to real life and grocery shop or spend too much time over a hot stove. Make sure you have cereal or oatmeal along with coffee for breakfast, too.

Frozen shrimp is one of my freezer staples because they’re quick to defrost ( just run cold water over shrimp in a colander). Grab a bag before vacation, and you have some protein to toss into whatever pasta or grain is in your pantry.

I call this concoction “Not Quite Shrimp Scampi” because I never seem to have lemon juice or white wine (I like red) to make the classic recipe.

Don’t be shy. Toss in olives, artichoke hearts or whatever’s delicious from your pantry.

Not Quite Shrimp Scampi

8 ounces pasta (whatever you have on hand) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound frozen medium shrimp, defrosted Salt and black pepper to taste 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic. Once garlic is fragrant, add shrimp. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until pink, stirring once.

3. Add pasta to skillet and stir. Sprinkle salt, pepper and pantry items over top and stir again. Serve.