Stocking your Pantry

Now that you have your pantry organized you need to make sure you have it stocked. The key here is efficiency. You want to make sure you have certain items always on hand so that you can create basic meals without having to make a run to the store. My idea of the Perfect Pantry is one that even when it’s at it’s lowest you have a few things that will allow you to whip up a quick meal. Trust me, there is no such thing as overstocking when it comes to pasta noodles and diced tomatoes! ;-)

It took me awhile to figure out the best way to format this section. I didn’t want to just create a grocery list of items for you. I wanted you to have some context as to WHY you should have those items. That got to be a really LARGE entry so I decided to whittle it down a bit. Basically, I’m going to list a bunch of things I have in my pantry and you can use that as a basis for stocking your own. Everyone has preferences and certain allergies or eating preferences so just ignore anything that offends your palette. Remember, make this your own. This is just a jumping off point. There’s no need to get everything all at once. I like to wait for sales when I’m adding to my essentials. Those cans of tuna will be on sale next week and getting 5 for $3.00 is so much more appealing than 99 cents each.

Of course, there are a few things you should always have in your pantry for Emergencies, and I don’t mean last minute guests here. My mum was always fanatical about having her Emergency Kit in the pantry. She chose a cooler as storage and that seemed to work well. You want to fill it with non=perishable items as well as supplies like flashlights and batteries. The idea here is you just grab it and go. Make sure you choose non-perishables you LIKE. There would be nothing worse than being stuck inside during a huge storm, no electricity, and nothing to eat but Vienna Sausages. That would be hell for me but perhaps you’d love it, if you like Vienna Sausages that is. HEH.

EMERGENCY KIT
• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
• High energy foods (nuts and dried fruits)
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods (cookies, snack cakes etc)
• TONS of bottled water


Speaking of non-perishables how can you tell what spoils and what doesn’t? I’d always thought that an unopened box of Saltine crackers was everlasting but let me tell you – they are not. ICK. One of the hazards of stocking up on items is that you can sometimes forget you have them and by the time you need them, they’ve gone off. Periodically check your items for expiration dates and signs of age. If in doubt – toss it!

Below is a link to a document I’ve made with my “essentials.” It isn’t just confined to the pantry, it also lists some things I like to have on hand in the fridge as well as the Bar. Hey, a gal’s got to have fun and that includes some impromptu cocktail parties!

Housewifery List of Essentials