Filling the Pantry

I have made reference to having a well stocked pantry but failed to tell you how or with what it should be filled. Today's post will give you an idea of what you should have on hand at all times, so that you can create awesome meals, without running to the store daily. Remember, the idea is to get your pantry stocked over time to save money. Going out and buying all of this at one time will be expensive. Buy one or two items per shopping trip and in a few months you will be stocked and ready for any recipe. I will categorize the items by Herbs & Spices, Condiments, Canned, Bagged & Boxed Goods, Baking Supplies and Meat. Items can be name brand or store brand in most cases. I will tell you the brands I like best, but you should find the ones you like best.

Herbs & Spices

(McCormick would be my choice of name brand. However, they are very expensive so I usually buy from the Dollar Store.)

Cinnamon

Basil

Oregano

Parsley

Celery Seed

Onion Powder

Nutmeg

Cilantro

Salt

Mint

Black Pepper

Red Pepper

Seasoned Salt

Old Bay

Chili Powder

Paprika

Ginger

Garlic Powder

Bay Leaves

Cloves

Dill Weed

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Italian Seasoning

Vanilla Extract

Almond Extract

This is a very basic list. You will add so many more spices as we go on our cooking journey, but this will get you started on your way.

Condiments

(Some of the brands I like best are Hunt's, Hellman's and Heinz)

Yellow Mustard

Brown Mustard

Ketchup

Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil

Red Cider Vinegar

White Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar

A-1 Steak Sauce

Lawry's Marinades

Salad Dressings

Heavy Mayonnaise

Relishes

Cool Whip

Ice Cream Toppings

Worcestershire Sauce

Prepared Horseradish

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Honey

Syrup

Canned, Bagged and Boxed

(Our fruits and veggies for stocking are limited to canned and frozen products. I prefer frozen to canned. Weekly you should buy the fresh produce to supplement this list. I always use fresh produce versus canned or frozen when I can. Fresh tastes better! )

Green Beans

Corn

Peas

Broccoli

Mixed Veggies

Canned Pineapple

Spaghetti Sauce

Whole Tomatoes

Tomato Paste

Tomato Sauce

Canned Peaches

Spinach & Greens

Sweet Potatoes

Canned Pumpkin
Pie Filling

Rice

Cereals

Oatmeal

Bread Crumbs

Crackers

Soups Creamed and Others

Tuna & Other Canned Meats

Bread Crumbs

Sauerkraut

Pancake Mix

Grits

Cream of Wheat

Meat

(Having a well stocked kitchen includes being prepared with fresh, frozen, boxed and canned foods. You should have a emergency canned meats included above. Listed below are meats you should have in your freezer. )

Hamburger

Ground Turkey

Sausages

Chicken Whole & Pieces

Turkey

Ham

Pork Chops

Pork Roast

Beef Roast

Fish

Shrimp

Crab Meat

Bacon

Breakfast Sausage

Italian Sausages

Ribs

Assorted Steaks

Baking Supplies

(I like Gold Medal or Pillsbury flour, Domino Sugars, Jiffy or Bisquick Mixes, Duncan Hines or Pillsbury cake and brownie mixes and Nestle or Hershey chips. Use what you like and what is cost effective. Making goodies from scratch taste awesome, but time doesn't always allow, so keeping mixes on hand is a wise move )

All Purpose Flour

Self Rising Flour

Sugar

Brown Sugar (Dark & Light)

Baking Soda

Baking Powder

Biscuit Mix

Corn Meal

Corn Bread Mix

Extracts & Spices

Yeast

English Walnuts

Pecans

Black Walnuts

Almonds

Cocoa Powder

Raisins
Coconut

Chocolate Chips

Muffin, Cake & Brownie Mixes

Eggs

Butter

Shortening

Vegetable Oil

Milk

Canned Milk

Sweet Condensed Milk

Powdered Sugar

Karo Syrup

Molasses

This list of pantry items is long, but it is still just a starter list. You will have to buy according to your family's likes and dislikes. You may note that the meat section does not include lamb products or any cuts that are exotic. These meats are best served fresh. If you like them they should be purchased as needed.

Happy Cooking!

Kim