The key to getting a good dinner on the table every night is to have a well-stocked pantry. Having items on-hand will help you resist the temptation to buy convenience foods or to eat out. In short: It tastes better, is healthier and saves you money.
Here is my list of must-haves:
Pasta, a variety of shapes appropriate for the dish you are making
Rice, we like brown
Orzo, yes this is a pasta but it makes a great side dish
Couscous, again a pasta but it cooks in 5 minutes
Canned San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes
Beef, Chicken and Vegetable broth
Tamari
Light Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Red Wine Vinegar
Red Wine
Sherry
White Wine
Honey
Molasses
Organic sugar
Unbleached flours
Cocoa
Aluminum-free Baking powder
Baking Soda
Cornstarch
Vanilla
Confectioner's sugar
garlic
lemon
ginger
basil, fresh if possible
pine nuts
onions
potatoes
tomatoes
shallots
frozen spinach
carrots
celery
Sea salt, coarse, fine, and specialty
Cayenne
Crushed red pepper
Nutmeg
Oregano
Thyme
Basil
Peppercorns, in a peppermill--that you grind!
Eggs
Milk
Cream cheese
Half/Half, or heavy cream
Buttermilk, powdered or regular
sour cream
Cheddar
Parmesan
Romano
Bacon
Pancetta
Any other meat that you or your family prefer, I keep a variety in the freezer.
For vegetables, I just buy whatever our family likes that is fresh and in season.
