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Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Well Stocked Pantry, A Master List..

A well stocked pantry lets you be prepared for any occasion, including meals on the run or drop in guests.   
I love having a pantry but, they can be a lot of work. They have to be cleaned, straighten, rearranged and so on! In the fall, before my holiday baking, I clean out the pantry from top to bottom. This gives me a chance to see what I have or don't have, what I need to buy or purge, etc. I take note of any pans or other items that may need to be replaced. This preparation helps me with holiday planning and baking.  I also do some semi-cleaning in the early spring. Replacing and straightening after the flurry of "helpful hands" that have been in and out of the pantry all winter. 
I rotate and date my food items. As I bring in new items, I write the date on the package or can. I then, place them on the shelf according to "my" expiration date, thus saving on food waste. 
Our daughter, made me a clipboard for Mother's Day a few years ago. I keep it in the pantry, along with a pen or pencil. Whenever I use the last item, I write it down on my clipboard.  It helps make my grocery list easier, since it is almost completed before I start!

Below is a list of suggested items for the pantry.  Not all palate's are alike. Pantry items will vary according to taste, health issues and budgets.


"Master List for the Well Stocked Pantry"


Baking Supplies:
Flour
Sugar
Powder Sugar
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Yeast
Olive, Canola, and/or Vegetable Oil,
Cooking Spray 
Cocoa Powder
Cornstarch
Chocolate Chips
Dry Milk Powder* 
*(great substitution for baking when you're out of fresh milk)
Condensed & Evaporated canned Milk
Crisco
Corn Syrup
Soy Sauce
Vinegar, Red and/or White
Honey
Maple Syrup


Nuts:
Almonds
Pecans
Walnuts
Cashews
Peanuts
Sunflower and/or Pumpkin Seeds
Nut Butters


Spices:
Allspice
Bay Leaf
Basil
Cardamon
Cayenne Pepper
Celery Seed and/or salt
Cinnamon
Chili Powder
Cloves
Cream of Tartar
Cumin
Curry Powder
Dillweed and/or seed
Ginger
Garlic: fresh, salt, pepper and/or powder
Black, Red and White Pepper
Nutmeg
Onion powder and/or minced
Oregano and/or Italian Seasoning
Paprika
Parsley
Sage
Salt
Seasoned Salt
Sesame Seeds
Thyme
*** Most spices have a 2 year shelf life


Condiments:
Mayonnaise
Catsup/Ketchup
Prepared Mustard
Pickles
Salsa
Balsamic Vinegar
Wine Vinegar
Worcestershire Sauce
Marinades
Relish
Capers
Bottled Rosted Red Peppers


Pastas & Grains:
Rolled Oats
Cereals
Rice
Cornmeal
Spaghetti, Lasagna, Elbow, etc.
Couscous
Popcorn
Crackers


Beans (canned & dried):
Black Beans
Navy
Kidney
Pinto
Lentils
Chili
Refried Beans


Soups:
Vegetable
Chicken Noodle
Broth, Beef & Chicken
Cheddar Cheese
Cream of Mushroom
Cream of Celery
Cream of chicken
Tomato
Onions
Peas
Potatoes
Spinach
Peaches
Pears
Oranges
Pineapple
Apple Sauce
Cranberry Sauce


Beverages:
Coffee
Teas
Juices
Bottled Water
Cocoa mix


Canned Goods: Veggies, Fruits & Meats, etc.
Tomato sauces, paste, etc.
Pasta sauces
Green beans
Chilis
Olives


Refrigerator/Freezer:
Cheeses; Parmesan, Cheddar, Jack, etc.
Garlic
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Yeast
Celery
Carrots
Onions
Lettuce
Fruits & Veggies
Tomatoes
Meats
Salad Dressings
{This list is only a guideline. You may choose to add or delete any of these items for your pantry or kitchen.}




Keep a Stylish Pantry...NeeCee Signature





1 comment :

kcklan5casey said...

Love the dates on the cans idea!! Who would have thought it could be that simple.