
Rather than talk vaguely about what a good pantry should include, I'm going to give you a tour of my own. You may choose to avoid some of the staples that I have and add some that are missing. However, the mix of things should give you a good foundation to build on in your own home. So, without further ado, welcome to my pantry:
- Jams and Jellies: Makes excellent AM spreads, sauce additions and even fillings for desserts and the like.
- low sugar orange marmalade
- black raspberry all fruit
- four fruit preserves
- lemon curd
- apple jelly
- Vegetables & Beans: Handy for adding to soups, casseroles and other dishes needing some healthy touches.
- sliced mushrooms
- diced tomatoes
- pearl onions
- roasted red peppers
- artichoke hearts
- bottled salsa
- black beans
- pinto beans
- red kidney beans
- white beans
- chick peas
- Canned Seafood: Anyone who appreciates the comfort food that is tuna casserole knows this category is a must.
- tuna in spring water
- tuna in vaccum pouches
- lump crabmeat
- chopped clams
- Canned Fruits & "Sauces": I like having a variety of canned fruits on hand for everything from sauces to eating out of the can!
- pineapple in unsweetened juice -- crushed and chunks
- mandarin orange segments
- peaches in light syrup
- pumpkin puree
- whole berry cranberry sauce
- apple pie filling
- peach pie filling
- Soups and Broths: Whether or not you are making soup, condensed canned soups and broths are a must. I use them almost daily.
- low sodium, fat free chicken broth
- low sodium, fat free beef broth
- mushroom soup base
- vegetable soup base
- fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup
- fat free condensed cream of chicken soup
- evaporated skim milk -- I know, not really a soup or broth, but my choice for reducing the fat in cream soups
- Dried Beans and Fruits: These items are great for adding flavor and fiber to a wide range of meals.
- black-eyed peas
- red lentils
- chick peas
- sweetened dried cranberries
- pitted whole dates
- apricots and plums
- raisins
- Grains: Variety is key here -- and I don't think having mixes on hand is a sin either!
- rice -- white, brown and wild
- pasta -- a variety of shapes
- flaxseed and thick-rolled oatmeal
- couscous
- cajun gumbo mix
- Staples: These are those things that don't necessarily fit into any one category, but you'd be lost without them.
- flour -- white and whole wheat
- sugar -- white, brown and powdered
- baking powder and soda
- cornstarch
- oils -- cooking spray, olive, extra-virgin olive, canola, chili-infused and roasted garlic-infused
- vinegars -- red wine, balsamic, rice wine and sherry
- hot, soy and teriyaki sauces
- fat free sweetened condensed milk
- instant pudding mixes
Now, I didn't include the spice rack or refrigerator in the list above 'cause those are other articles! Enjoy the process of organizing your pantry and happy cooking!