A well stocked pantry lets you be prepared for any occasion, including meals on the run or drop in guests.
I love having a pantry but, they can be a lot of work. They have to be cleaned, straighten, rearranged and so on! In the fall, before my holiday baking, I clean out the pantry from top to bottom. This gives me a chance to see what I have or don't have, what I need to buy or purge, etc. I take note of any pans or other items that may need to be replaced. This preparation helps me with holiday planning and baking. I also do some semi-cleaning in the early spring. Replacing and straightening after the flurry of "helpful hands" that have been in and out of the pantry all winter.
I rotate and date my food items. As I bring in new items, I write the date on the package or can. I then, place them on the shelf according to "my" expiration date, thus saving on food waste.
Our daughter, made me a clipboard for Mother's Day a few years ago. I keep it in the pantry, along with a pen or pencil. Whenever I use the last item, I write it down on my clipboard. It helps make my grocery list easier, since it is almost completed before I start!
Below is a list of suggested items for the pantry. Not all palate's are alike. Pantry items will vary according to taste, health issues and budgets.
Keep a Stylish Pantry...
"Master List for the Well Stocked Pantry"
Baking Supplies:
Flour
Sugar
Powder Sugar
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Yeast
Olive, Canola, and/or Vegetable Oil,
Cooking Spray
Cocoa Powder
Cornstarch
Chocolate Chips
Dry Milk Powder*
*(great substitution for baking when you're out of fresh milk)
Condensed & Evaporated canned Milk
Crisco
Corn Syrup
Soy Sauce
Vinegar, Red and/or White
Honey
Maple Syrup
Nuts:
Almonds
Pecans
Walnuts
Cashews
Peanuts
Sunflower and/or Pumpkin Seeds
Nut Butters
Spices:
Allspice
Bay Leaf
Basil
Cardamon
Cayenne Pepper
Celery Seed and/or salt
Cinnamon
Chili Powder
Cloves
Cream of Tartar
Cumin
Curry Powder
Dillweed and/or seed
Ginger
Garlic: fresh, salt, pepper and/or powder
Black, Red and White Pepper
Nutmeg
Onion powder and/or minced
Oregano and/or Italian Seasoning
Paprika
Parsley
Sage
Salt
Seasoned Salt
Sesame Seeds
Thyme
*** Most spices have a 2 year shelf life
Condiments:
Mayonnaise
Catsup/Ketchup
Prepared Mustard
Pickles
Salsa
Balsamic Vinegar
Wine Vinegar
Worcestershire Sauce
Marinades
Relish
Capers
Bottled Rosted Red Peppers
Pastas & Grains:
Rolled Oats
Cereals
Rice
Cornmeal
Spaghetti, Lasagna, Elbow, etc.
Couscous
Popcorn
Crackers
Beans (canned & dried):
Black Beans
Navy
Kidney
Pinto
Lentils
Chili
Refried Beans
Soups:
Vegetable
Chicken Noodle
Broth, Beef & Chicken
Cheddar Cheese
Cream of Mushroom
Cream of Celery
Cream of chicken
Tomato
Onions
Peas
Potatoes
Spinach
Peaches
Pears
Oranges
Pineapple
Apple Sauce
Cranberry Sauce
Beverages:
Coffee
Teas
Juices
Bottled Water
Cocoa mix
Canned Goods: Veggies, Fruits & Meats, etc.
Tomato sauces, paste, etc.
Pasta sauces
Green beans
Chilis
Olives
Refrigerator/Freezer:
Cheeses; Parmesan, Cheddar, Jack, etc.
Garlic
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Yeast
Celery
Carrots
Onions
Lettuce
Fruits & Veggies
Tomatoes
Meats
Salad Dressings
{This list is only a guideline. You may choose to add or delete any of these items for your pantry or kitchen.}
"Master List for the Well Stocked Pantry"
Baking Supplies:
Flour
Sugar
Powder Sugar
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Yeast
Olive, Canola, and/or Vegetable Oil,
Cooking Spray
Cocoa Powder
Cornstarch
Chocolate Chips
Dry Milk Powder*
*(great substitution for baking when you're out of fresh milk)
Condensed & Evaporated canned Milk
Crisco
Corn Syrup
Soy Sauce
Vinegar, Red and/or White
Honey
Maple Syrup
Nuts:
Almonds
Pecans
Walnuts
Cashews
Peanuts
Sunflower and/or Pumpkin Seeds
Nut Butters
Spices:
Allspice
Bay Leaf
Basil
Cardamon
Cayenne Pepper
Celery Seed and/or salt
Cinnamon
Chili Powder
Cloves
Cream of Tartar
Cumin
Curry Powder
Dillweed and/or seed
Ginger
Garlic: fresh, salt, pepper and/or powder
Black, Red and White Pepper
Nutmeg
Onion powder and/or minced
Oregano and/or Italian Seasoning
Paprika
Parsley
Sage
Salt
Seasoned Salt
Sesame Seeds
Thyme
*** Most spices have a 2 year shelf life
Condiments:
Mayonnaise
Catsup/Ketchup
Prepared Mustard
Pickles
Salsa
Balsamic Vinegar
Wine Vinegar
Worcestershire Sauce
Marinades
Relish
Capers
Bottled Rosted Red Peppers
Pastas & Grains:
Rolled Oats
Cereals
Rice
Cornmeal
Spaghetti, Lasagna, Elbow, etc.
Couscous
Popcorn
Crackers
Beans (canned & dried):
Black Beans
Navy
Kidney
Pinto
Lentils
Chili
Refried Beans
Soups:
Vegetable
Chicken Noodle
Broth, Beef & Chicken
Cheddar Cheese
Cream of Mushroom
Cream of Celery
Cream of chicken
Tomato
Onions
Peas
Potatoes
Spinach
Peaches
Pears
Oranges
Pineapple
Apple Sauce
Cranberry Sauce
Beverages:
Coffee
Teas
Juices
Bottled Water
Cocoa mix
Canned Goods: Veggies, Fruits & Meats, etc.
Tomato sauces, paste, etc.
Pasta sauces
Green beans
Chilis
Olives
Refrigerator/Freezer:
Cheeses; Parmesan, Cheddar, Jack, etc.
Garlic
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Yeast
Celery
Carrots
Onions
Lettuce
Fruits & Veggies
Tomatoes
Meats
Salad Dressings
{This list is only a guideline. You may choose to add or delete any of these items for your pantry or kitchen.}