The Well-Stocked Pantry

I absolutely love pantry cooking!  Whenever I am forced to head to my pantry and figure out what to make for dinner with just the ingredients I have on-hand (no planning) is when the real creative magic happens in The Cottage Kitchen. 

I think a well-stocked pantry is essential for every home.  Have you ever gone to the grocery store with a list for 3-4 dinners you want to cook for the week?  You've got all the ingredients written down and you go to purchase your groceries for the week and BAM!!  You realize that you could have eaten at a five-star restaurant for several meals for the price you just paid for all the ingredients you needed for the week.  Well, I think knowing how to pantry cook and improvise is key to budgeting when it comes to cooking.

I thought I would share with you what I keep on-hand in my home that makes it possible for me to whip together a meal on a moments notice.

The Cottage Home 

Well-Stocked Pantry

Canned Tomatoes - Whole & Crushed

Sun-dried Tomatoes

Pasta - all shapes

Couscous

Rice - Basmati, Jasmine, Arborio, Instant Brown

Dijon Mustard

Canned Beans - Cannellini, Black, Pinto, Chickpeas, Red Kidney

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olives - Green & Black

Green Chilis - diced

Lentils

Enchilada Sauce - Red & Green

Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Cream-based Condensed Soup - Cream of Chicken & Cream of Mushroom

Canned Hominy

Tomato Paste

Tortilla Chips

Vinegars - Balsamic, White Balsamic, Cider, Rice Wine, Red Wine

Sugars - Light & Dark Brown, Granulated, Confectioner's

Chocolate Chips

Baking Soda

Baking Powder

All-Purpose Flour

Nuts - Pine Nuts, Walnuts, Almonds (sliced), Pecans

Chicken Stock

Tea - variety of flavors

Coffee

So there you have it - a glimpse into The Cottage Mama's pantry.  I find by having these ingredients on hand at all times, I have no problem coming up with a delicious meal for my family.  I typically have some type of frozen meat/seafood on hand as well as all types of frozen veggies - mix it up with my pantry ingredients and spices and I can create a meal fit for a king! 

If you have been struggling with coming up with meals for your family, I suggest you look at your pantry first and make sure you are fully stocked and ready to go!  Happy cooking!

Cottage Mama's Note:  If you need any help coming up with creative recipes that include pantry staples, please leave me a comment and I would be happy to post some of my basic pantry recipes for you!