Stocking the Pantry

Giving Life to Your Shelves

The pantry is not just a place for cereal, cookies and crackers. Stocked correctly it can be the cook's secret weapon to stirring up great meals on a whim. No time for shopping? Just check this cupboard. With a little forethought and the right inventory, chances are dinner will still be ready when you are.

Load up on Carbs

Grains, pastas and beans are a must. From main courses to side dishes, this tasty trio offers a lot of substance. Most pastas and grains only take a few minutes to cook from scratch, but beans can take hours. Purchase canned beans to avoid the wait. Also remember, that whole and brown grains are not only delicious, but they are good for you too.

Click here for a list of essential grains, pastas and beans for your pantry.

Pick some Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are great, but canned and jarred ones help you out in a pinch. They add lots of flavor, color and pizzazz to otherwise mundane Monday night meals. Look beyond those cans and jars, and you'll find less obvious but equally compelling products like dried vegetables for cooking and dried fruits for stewing and snacking.

Click here for a list of essential vegetables for your pantry.

Check out your Stock Options

One of the most important elements of a complete pantry is stock or broth. The most versatile is canned or boxed chicken broth. Seek out those with low sodium content, so that you can season your recipes to suit your own taste. If you enjoy the taste of the sea, bottled clam juice is a great fish stock substitute and worthy of a little shelf space as well.

Click here for a list of essential broths, stocks, and soups for your pantry.

Kick up the Flavor

From dried herbs and spices to marinades, oils, vinegars and dressings, the pantry is a world of flavor. Buy an assortment of oils that all serve a different purpose. Go with several varieties from sesame oil for stir fries to olive oil for pasta to extra virgin olive oil for dressings. Keep a variety of vinegars on hand to create great dressings and marinades. Create your own vinaigrettes using aged balsamic or sherry vinegar. Don't forget the marinades and sauces. Beyond mustard, mayonnaise, barbeque and ketchup, ethnic sauces including salsa, pesto, tapenade and chutney give life to some of the simplest fare.

Click here for a list of essential oils, vinegars and seasonings for your pantry.

Make Baking a Necessity

Create some space for the sweet things in life. Many prime baking ingredients are essential for cooking as well. Nuts and crumbs are great for breading, salad toppers and pasta toppers.

Click here for a list of essential baking good for your pantry.