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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Single Serving: A Pantry for One

Here is my list of things that you should always have on hand. They are all multi purpose, inexpensive, and will help you make meals without having to go to the store.

The very basics
Salt and pepper- duh, but go for sea salt and peppercorns in a grinder
Vinegars-balsamic and rice wine
Olive oil
Veg. oil
Garlic powder
Red pepper flakes or cayenne powder
Dried herbs- rosemary and basil to start with
Other spices you like- ginger, paprika, cinnamon etc.
Honey- unless you bake, you can use honey to sweeten everything
Soy sauce or tamari

In your cupboard
Pasta- this should also include some ethnic varieties like soba or rice noodles
Rice- buy in bulk for pennies at an Asian grocery store
Cous cous
Beans- kidney, black and cannellini
Canned tomatoes
Jarred olives
Flour
Cornmeal and/or panko
Onions
Garlic
Potatoes
Crackers

In your freezer
Gnocchi- for when you don't want pasta
Wonton Wrappers
Frozen veggies- more important in the winter
Nuts- unless you're eating them right away, store in the freezer. Peanuts and pine nuts are staples
Tofu- prep first by squeezing the liquid out

In your fridge
Eggs
Lemons
Bread
Cheese
Condiments- a good mustard is a must have

Then fill in with fresh and seasonal ingredients. I'm lucky enough to have farmer's markets I visit every Wednesday and Saturday in addition to my CSA pickups every other Monday. This summer I've realized that my fridge is always brimming with fresh produce, sometimes more than I can eat. I think my pantry items and strategies will change significantly when it gets colder and fresh ingredients are harder to come by. I guess this is why so many people are canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. Anyways, having a well stocked cupboard will make cooking a lot easier. Even if you have to visit several different stores, shop around until you know where to get your pantry items in bulk for cheap.

Are there any items I missed that you always keep on hand?

1 comment:

  1. I keep a lot of "easy Meals" on hand, Lipton Pasta Sides, frozen in a bag meals etc. This way, even if I don't have time/energy to cook a whole meal, I can put that love and energy into a portion of it, veggie, side dish, something. I have a lot of housework to do tonight, but a guest coming for dinner, so frozen lasagna means I can spend my time roasting brussells sprout leaves (tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper) and making garlic bread.

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