Pantry Staples

A well stocked pantry can provide us all with a sense of safety and control which is much needed at the moment. Upon entering the supermarket I was filled with so much anxiety to make sure that I bought the right thing that would not only last more than a few days but help to make meals. Always the question What to buy? I am cooking almost every night now and eating left overs on the second day and I change up my left overs by adding different side dishes.

*** just so you know after seeing my pantry in these photos I am spending some time today cleaning it up and straightening it out– I will post the cleaned up version

Canned Goods–always canned tomatoes for sauces and soups, whole tomatoes. diced tomatoes, etc. corn, beans etc.

Pasta of any kind — some long spaghetti and some short macaroni is always good

Rice of all kinds — especially those Uncle Ben’s 90 second bags– perfect

Stocks and Broths— boxed broths are perfect for stews and soups

Beans— the canned kind and dried beans , canned are more convenient but since we all have lots of time on our hands the dried beans definitely taste better

Cured Meats keep long but I am not a big processed meat person but Bacon is most perfect at these times

Eggs— not only are they a meal in themselves but a perfect addition to anything baked

Frozen Fruits and Veggies— I love fresh as much as the next one but I almost always keep frozen corn, artichokes, kale, spinach and peas on hand. And if you love smoothies frozen berries, peach, mango and cherries are great to have on hand– of course I am still picking up fresh but trying real hard to stay out of the supermarkets as much as possible

Canned Fish— Tuna, Anchovies, Sardines and Salmon — Tuna being our go-to

Peanut Butter or any Nut Butter will last long and great on fruit, sandwiches etc. Not to mention my fav snack–apples with peanut butter

Parmesan and Hard Cheese— These should last a very long time in the fridge which is what we all want right now

Olive Oil, Lemons, and Vinegar — necessary for cooking I also like to have a mayonnaise on hand and dijon mustard for quick salad dressings. My go to vinegars are Apple Cider, Champagne , Balsamic and Red Wine Vinegar

Nuts and Dried Fruit— perfect for snacking and will last for a very long time

Flour and Sugar— If you intend on baking

Butter— I always keep a box in the freezer so I never run out

Garlic, Onions and Shallots

Root Vegetables— think Potatoes here, beets, carrots , parsnips, turnips and radishes

Spices — always

and I’m adding Ice Cream because we all need a little indulgence in these troubled times– I like Ben and Jerry’s and I always have pops of some sort in my freezer