A well-stocked pantry creates self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The ability to create simple
ingredient meals made with what you have on hand all the time is a very good feeling. Making
simple ingredient meals creates a feeling of resourcefulness. Basic pantry cooking should not
be boring and it should be comforting. There should always be enough ingredients from a wellstocked
pantry to whip up a simple and satisfying meal. Once you have your pantry stocked you should be able to ‘use what you have.’

Pantry ideas:

A wide variety of dried beans and legumes

Pasta; spaghetti, lasagna, egg noodles

Rice; brown, white, wild, Arborio

Grains; oatmeal, whole grains for cereal and side dishes

Flours; whole wheat, unbleached all-purpose white, bread flour, there are many different grain
flours for baking

Baking Essentials; baking powder, baking soda, yeast, cornstarch

Flavorings; vanilla extract, almond extract

Syrups; maple, brown rice, molasses, honey

Dried Fruit; raisins, dates, apricots

Milk; evaporated milk

Vinegar; apple cider, balsamic, red wine, rice vinegar

Tomatoes; canned; diced, tomato paste, sundried

Sugars; white granulated, brown, powdered, vanilla sugar

Chocolate; semi-sweet chips, unsweetened powder, bittersweet

Oil for cooking; olive oil, vegetable oil, vegetable shortening

Misc; olives, tuna, pimentos

Organize your baking ingredients, your canned goods, pasta in groups that are easily found and
make sense while cooking.
In order to keep it fresh, I like to use up what I’ve got then get a fresh replenishment.