Saturday, July 12, 2008

One of the things that has kept me from spending a lot on my groceries lately is that I keep a well stocked pantry. This means that I have every day essentials and rarely have to "run to the store" for something I need for a recipe. As we all know, those "quick" trips can cost you major money! I ran across this article about keeping a well stocked pantry in a group that I am part of. I thought that I would share with any of you who stop by! I don't have every single thing this list has... but I have some things that are not on here. My pantry is something I try to keep stocked. On those weeks when we have NO money for grocery shopping... I can still feed my family well. It also helps with menu planning!

This is just a general guideline to help you get started stocking both your pantry with baking and refrigerated items, then replace them as you run out. You can change the list to meet your families needs. Every household has basic staple items depending on what you cook more, for us, we use a lot of pastas and soups to go into casseroles and such.

Baking & Spices
baking soda
baking powder
cornstarch
yeast
flour
salt
pepper
peppercorns
sugar
confectioner’s sugar
brown sugar
light corn syrup
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
nutmeg
ground cloves
powdered ginger
basil
oregano
chili powder
dry mustard
paprika
thyme
tarragon
dill
bay leaves
poultry seasoning
beef, chicken & vegetable bouillon cubes
cream of tartar
unseasoned bread crumbs
Bisquick or pancake mix
powdered milk
unsweetened cocoa powder
unsweetened baking chocolate
chocolate chips

General & Condiments
rice
pasta
dried onion soup mix
tomato paste
tomato sauce
canned tomatoes
peanut butter
jelly
canned tuna
raisins
chocolate syrup
cereals
chicken or beef stock
canned soups
canned beans
olives
canned pears
canned peaches
applesauce
vegetable oil
olive oil
red wine vinegar
white wine vinegar
vegetable shortening
nonstick cooking spray
mayonnaise
ketchup
mustard
salad dressings
soy sauce
hot pepper sauce
Worcestershire sauce
barbecue sauce
salsa
honey
maple syrup
white wine
red wine

Refrigerator
milk
eggs
butter
cheese
yogurt
cottage cheese
cream cheese
sour cream
meats/fish
deli meats
bacon
juices
carrots
celery
lemon
mushroom
lettuce
peppers

Freezer
orange juice concentrate
corn
green beans
spinach
peas
mixed vegetables
ground beef
chicken breasts
shrimp
dinner rolls or bread
ice cream
pie crust
nuts

Fresh
oranges
apples
bananas
tomatoes
potatoes
garlic
onions
bread

Things You’ll Need:
* A Variety Of Pasta And Grains
* Canned Foods
* Canola Oil
* Capers
* Cheeses
* Condiments
* Eggs And Butter
* Garlic And Onions
* Nuts And Seeds
* Olive (not Virgin) Oil
* Olives
* Vinegar
* Wines
* Herbs
* Baking Supplies

Tips For Creating A Pantry
Step1
Create an herb rack or make cupboard space for spices and herbs. Get started with: salt and pepper, chili powder, basil, oregano, rosemary,thyme, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, cumin, curry powder, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Some shops sell ready-made herb racks with a selection of jarred seasonings.
Step2
Keep baking supplies handy, such as flour, brown and white sugar,baking powder or soda, cornstarch and vanilla extract. In addition to baking, you'll use these for creating and thickening sauces and sweetening beverages.
Step3
Stock your refrigerator and cupboards with condiments. You can always find uses for mayonnaise, ketchup, mustards, jams and other spreads. Good black olives, pickles, capers and other salty, tangy bites can jazz up your meals as well.
Step4
Refrigerate eggs and freeze butter.
Step5
Keep nuts and seeds around. They're great in cookies and cakes, pastas and salads and for snacking and guests.
Step6
Buy a few kinds of good cheese - at least one grating cheese, like parmesan - for instant tasty protein.
Step7
Store dried pastas, rice, cereals, potatoes and other durable grains. Their value is limitless and you'll never go hungry.
Step8
Always, always, always have garlic and onions available. Almost every type of known cuisine calls for these two items.
Step9
Keep oils for frying (canola and olive, at minimum) and salad dressings; store vinegars (red wine, white wine, balsamic, or all three, plus plain) for vinaigrettes and whenever a little acidity is needed.
Step10
Lay in one bottle of dry white wine and one bottle of red wine, for both cooking and drinking.
Step11
Buy canned and jarred staples for when you're in a pinch. Tuna, canned beans and sauces can start off any kitchen creation. Canned tomatoes are indispensable for quick pasta sauces.

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