WARNING: The following post contains material that may be upsetting to some culinary-minded individuals. Reader caution is advised.
I have a confession to make.
The shocking photo at left is an un-retouched image of my own pantry, taken just days ago in a moment of quiet desperation. I have grown to know and love you all, dear readers, so when I realized I had a problem, I knew I had to come clean...
Things have been pretty hectic lately. What with work, family in town and about a million other things going on, I've not had a lot of time for planning, shopping or cooking - at least not cooking of the creative variety. We've been eating out a lot, and when we're at home, it's all about grab-and-go.
I guess I didn't understand just how dire the situation had become until I was rooting around to see if I had another jar of jam - to slap together the 900th pb&j of the week - and discovered that, no only didn't I have the jam, but I didn't have much of anything else either. The cupboard was basically bare, save for a few spices, some ancient canned goods and a bag and a half of Fritos (I swear those aren't mine...). Oh, the shame! What self-respecting food and wine enthusiast would have allowed things to reach such a desperate low? How did I manage to continually knock eating well at home so far down my priority list that I wound up scavenging for Smucker's in my very own pantry? I'd laugh if it weren't so sad.
I believe I've taken the first step in my recovery by coming clean to you all today. Now the restocking can begin. But where to start? I'm not keen on those pre-made pantry lists put together by the experts - I'd really like to know what you all always keep around. What pantry items do you find the most useful for quick and tasty meals and snacks? What are you never, ever without? Hopefully, with a few good pointers, my pantry and I can soon return to happy, healthy harmony once again.
C&S
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13 comments:
Pasta. I always keep pasta and a jar of spaghetti sauce in the pantry. Oh, and a box of macaroni and cheese for the hubby.
Great - I'm going to buy five of each today :) Seriously, though, today is pantry-stocking day, and I'm taking no prisoners!
C&S, you can't go wrong with tuna, and you know how healthy it is!!
I am also shameful with my pantry. I was desperate for dinner last night and wasn't about to go back out into the yucky weather. Brinner! I found pancake mix and syrup. Done!
I always stock a couple of cans of beans (black and garbanzo) and several cans of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes...oh, and quinoa and/or brown rice :)
Apparently Momcat failed to teach her kitten the art and science of pantry-stocking!
My staples include Bisquick (to make pancakes, biscuits, dumplings), pastas, sauces, rice, dried beans/peas, various tomato products (Rotel, diced, sauce, paste), canned chicken and tuna, olive and vegetable oils, beef and chicken broth, and Wolf-brand chili (the C-man loves frito pie - I could use those Fritos of yours).
And, of course, there are always some random items. Right now they include canned pineapple, a honey bear and 4 kinds of vinegar.
Have fun deciding what your pantry 'must-haves' will be!
OK - things are getting back to normal! After a marathon trip to the grocery store yesterday (armed with your suggestions), I got all stocked up! My haul included, but was not limited to, pasta, sauce, beans, stock, rice, tuna and, um, lots of Froot Loops - but those aren't for me :)
Thanks for all your input!
Elisabeth! That pantry is shocking. Should we see an after picture, now that you've shopped? I think you're mom's list sounds pretty good.
Hub said he saw you today at the antique sale at Fair Park. I had gone on ahead of him and when I went back to find him he told me he saw you. Did you go? If so, did you see the candy apple guy? His stand looked so pretty!
Margie - that is sooo weird! We were totally there today, and had a *blast* looking through all that stuff. What a small world!
Things I keep on hand: hmmmmmmmm...canned potatoes(sliced, diced, and whole) They're surprisingly good and easy to use for a quick salad, hash or just about anything. Canned beans(all kinds); great for salads and believe it or not omelets. Don't forget the RAMEN.Dehydrated onion, garlic, green onion,ginger, and pepper flakes are a must for dressings and quick soups. Wasabi powder(actually powdered horseradish) is nice to have. A jar of musrooms and a jar of roasted red peppers come in handy. For those of us with access to military rations, do like I do and keep a half dozen or so MRE's around.
Love your site!
I agree with Eddie G - beans are a great "go-to" in the pantry. Cheap protein options are smart... my butcher budget has gone way down. Also, I always make sure I have chicken stock on hand (great for using in soups, rice, or sauteeing veggies).
brown rice, lentils, whole wheat couscous, beans (mostly black), stock/broth, tomatos, chilis (canned & dried), potatos, onions.
very nice thanks for sharing your feelings...............
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Smarry
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