The Perfect Pantry

What every pantry should have on hand are flavors and ingredients that keep well . What you need to do is take an inventory of what you have in your kitchen pantry. Because Saturday is shopping day you should try and stock up your fridge and cupboards to make your perfect pantry. On Saturday I will give you a shopping list of what you will need to have or buy for your Weekly Monday Menu . Along with a copy and paste shopping list I will give you an app address for those of you with Blackberrys and I-phones. Remember to always check out what you have in your pantry and your fridge so that you do not over buy for the menu when you already have it on hand.

The Bare Minimum

These are the essential ten staples to always have on hand.

Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
All-purpose flour
Granulated Sugar

Brown Sugar

Cooking Spray

Cornstarch

Honey

Canned Goods
Chicken stock or broth
Beef stock or broth
Canned tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Starches and Dry Goods
Plain or Whole Wheat Pasta

Egg noodles
Long-grain white rice
Jasmine or basmati rice
Lentils
Dried bread crumbs

The Root Cellar

Onions and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area--don't keep them in plastic bags or in the refrigerator. Do not put your onions near your potatoes they are what makes your potatoes grow eyes....
Potatoes
Onions
Garlic

Condiments
Vinegars (balsamic, cider, white, and red wine vinegars)
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce

The Spice Rack
Dried basil
Bay leaves
Cayenne or Crushed red pepper flakes
Curry powder
Chili powder
Cumin
Cinnamon
Garlic powder
Oregano
Paprika
Dried parsley

Allspice
Cloves
Nutmeg
Dill
Italian Seasoning
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Steak Seasoning
Lawreys Seasoning Salt

The Almost-Bare Fridge
Eggs
Milk
Butter or margarine
Ketchup
Mustard (yellow, Dijon, whole grain)
Mayonnaise
Parmesan cheese
Other cheeses

The Freezer
Frozen corn
Frozen spinach
Frozen peas
Ground beef
Chicken breasts