This time of year, I take an inventory of my pantry. It's a good time to do this because it's my busy season with catering and the holidays and with the snowy months upon us when we might get stuck inside (love when snow keeps us hunkered in!) it's helpful to have the basics stocked. Also, a well-stocked pantry makes menu planning easier, satisfying and fun. Here is a list I complied from the contents of what's generally in my pantry -- definitely not everything! This is just a guide, your pantry is your very own resource for the foods that you depend on to make great tasting meals, so be sure to stock your kitchen pantry based on the items you frequently use.
FOR BAKING
A variety of flour, all-purpose, wheat, corn flour
Yeast
White sugar
Brown sugar
Confectioner’s sugar
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Pure vanilla extract
OILS, VINEGARS,
WINES AND CONDIMENTS
Olive oil
Neutral oil
Sesame oil
Rice vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar
Red wine
vinegar
Balsamic
vinegar
Cooking
sherry
White wine
Red wine
Port
Cognac
Ketchup
Dijon
mustard
Mayonnaise
Honey
Maple syrup
Tamari or
soy sauce
Worcestershire
sauce
Tabasco
sauce
Chicken
broth
Horseradish
Molasses
Jams and
preserves
CANNED GOODS
A variety of
canned tomatoes – chopped, whole, paste and sauce
A variety of
canned beans
Canned tuna
Coconut milk
Chicken,
vegetable and beef broth
STARCHES
A variety of
rice
A variety of
pasta
A variety of
grains
Breadcrumbs
Oatmeal
MISCELLANEOUS
A variety of
crackers
A variety of
nuts and seeds
Vegetable bouillon
cubes
A variety of
dried fruits
DRIED HERBS
A variety of
salts
Black
pepper, ground and whole
Basil
Dried
mustard
Granulated
garlic
Oregano
Paprika
Red pepper
flakes
Marjoram
Tarragon
Turmeric
Thyme
Cayenne
pepper
Celery seeds
Chili powder
Curry powder
Cumin,
ground
Ground
coriander
SPICES
Cinnamon (ground & whole
sticks)
Cloves (ground & whole)
Ground allspice
Ground cardamon
Ground ginger
Ground mace
Ground nutmeg
Cloves (ground & whole)
Ground allspice
Ground cardamon
Ground ginger
Ground mace
Ground nutmeg
