Stocking a Pantry!

I was asked by some readers to blog about a stocked pantry, as I'm always able to whip something up in a pinch. So today I thought about what makes my pantry "stocked". And I realized it's a number of things! My pantry was not stocked up in one outing to the grocery store. What I've done is build it over the years, based on what we use the most.

• The most important thing to remember is that there is no magical list of what to have in your pantry. It has to be based on your family's habits and tastes. You need to have things YOU use in your pantry, not what some magazine article (OR BLOG!) tells you. I would suggest you sit down with 7-10 of your family's favorite go-to recipes.  From those recipes, create a master list of ingredients needed on hand, along with some other basics, and you have your master list! 
• Once your master list is done, keep a copy in your purse. Take it with you shopping,  and watch for those basics on sale. Stocking up on your basics when they are on sale will save you a lot of money in the long run. I also keep a copy on my kitchen counter when I'm cooking. If I use the last of something, I immediately add it to the weekly shopping list so I don't forget! 
• Find one or two special spice blends that your family likes. Spices that are versatile, that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be life (and time) savers in the kitchen! I have two go-to spice blends. One is Tastefully Simple's Onion Onion. It is a great all-around seasoning, especially in soups and on roasts or other meat. Another is Slap Your Mama cajun seasoning, which we use on roasted potatoes (regular and sweet), on veggies, in dips and soups.... We could put it on everything. 

Ok, so all this said - I will outline for you what I think a stocked pantry might include. This is to give you an idea of what I am talking about. And honestly, this is not at all what my pantry looks like. Because I cook mostly from scratch, I have shelves of multiple flours, various types of rices and pastas, dried grains, beans, and veggies, and an extensive spice rack, items that most of you would not need. And that's OK. Because it's your pantry, not mine!. But here are some suggestions:

Spices: garlic salt, powder, and pepper (all good general seasonings); parlsey, basil, oregano (Italian cooking); cumin, cilantro (Mexican cooking), and your chosen specialty blends. 

Refrigerator: eggs, milk, butter and margarine, cream cheese, hard cheeses (parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella), bottled Italian dressing (amazing marinade and pasta salad dressing!), canned crescent rolls (great in a pinch for breakfast OR dinner), jarred minced garlic, tortillas, and condiments (vinegar, lemon juice, worcesheshire sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayo, and salad dressing.)

Produce: apples and bananas (great for breakfast or desserts), potatoes (I always have both regular and sweet), garlic (yes, I have multiple forms of garlic in my kitchen!), onions, carrots, and celery.

Dry goods: Canned tomatoes (petite diced, sauce, and paste), canned beans (great for soups, mexican dishes, and chili!), canned veggies, dry pasta (spaghetti type, elbow macaroni, and a specialty like penne) and rice, taco and ranch seasonings, jarred spaghetti sauce, a cake mix or two, a couple of pudding mixes, cream soups, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and some canned stock or bouillon (both chicken and beef). 

Freezer: ground meat, italian sausage, chicken breasts, and shredded cheeses. 

Staples: flour, sugars (brown, powdered, and regular), dry milk powder (again - great to have in a pinch), salt and pepper, and seasoned salt.  

This pantry sets you up to whip up spaghetti pie, any Mexican specialty (enchiladas, burritos, etc.), various soups - chicken noodle, chili, taco, minestrone, or lasagna, easy desserts, and a whole lot in between. It has the ingredients needed for some quick meals, including easy crock pot recipes in a variety of tastes. But these may not be your tastes. That's why it's important to create your own master list. And remember it's a list that will continue to change. Good luck!